Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food


31 January 2009

How to Effect Positive Life Change



How to Effect Positive Life Change: "If you're unhappy with your life, change can seem overwhelming, but changing your life for the better can be as easy enough as using behavior modification techniques to break those bad habits that lower your self-esteem and increase the positive behaviors you would like to increase."

By Maddie Ruud
Photo by Peter Kaminski @ flickr

30 January 2009

Poem: Rush Hour


Life rushing by...
Originally uploaded by .craig
Rush Hour
by Mark Gamble

Red cages crammed through the streets
Carrying suited stereotypes
To official offices at which the officiate
Cheery Children chirping in uniformed banter
Monotone motors ripping the air.

Subterranean caskets fly through tunnels
Managerial morons fighting for carriage
Halting and pushing, Ranting and raving
Muted mimes play at their act in silent pretence
Empowered electric's lighting the dark

Iron Horses flashing by houses
Bringing Business back to its heart
Slicing through towns, commuters on its back
Lovers lounging quietly in there own sweet sentiment
Wild whistling waking the day

Little coloured ants crawling the roads
Conveying the family furiously slow
Rolling on cautiously, coughing and spitting
Buskers play their tunes in lonesome laments
A brilliant ballet entertaining the sky.

Poem: Bittersweet Memories of Love



Bittersweet Memories of Love - Long after a relationship is ended the memories can linger until we have fully processed the whys. This is a lovely acrostic poem for Valentines Day, far different than the usual writing on this highly celebrated holiday.


By G-Ma Johnson
Photo by tanakawho @ flickr

29 January 2009

Seven Illustrated Quotes: Art and Writing



Seven Illustrated Quotes: Art and Writing - Quotations excite the mind and inspire the heart! Why not pair art photos with your favorite quotations for an exercise in writing beauty?

By Denny Lyon
Photo by alicepopkorn @ flickr

Pros and Cons of Being a Writer




Pros and Cons of Being a Writer: "Writing is a disease. Unless you check it in its early stages, it gets a hold of you like a pit bull and just won't let go. The good news? It's pretty fun."

This article is rocking good fun - and it's all true! A real must read!

By Tom Rubenoff
Photo by marfis 75 @ flickr

soul on a sunbeam


soul on a sunbeam
Originally uploaded by sapaho
...I pick the prettiest part of the sky and I melt into the wing and then into the air, till I'm just soul on a sunbeam. ~ Richard Bach

28 January 2009

Word Puzzles to Work Your Mind



Word Puzzles to Work Your Mind - Here's a short article with some great links for all you crossword and other word puzzle enthusiasts! Great for keeping the mind nimble and refreshed as a break from writing.

By Whitney05
Photo by incurable_hippie @ flickr

The Artist Soul




"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."

- Henry Ward Beecher

Photo by Henry Ward Beecher

Poem: Hope


Hope
Originally uploaded by h.koppdelaney



Be brave

Hate is slavery
In slavery the heart awakes
Love is the end of slavery

HKD

27 January 2009

Poem: tonight


tonight
Originally uploaded by alicepopkorn
Tonight
is the night.
It's the creation of that land of eternity.
It's not an ordinary night,
it's a wedding of those who seek Love.
Tonight, the bride and groom
speak in one tongue.
Tonight, the bridal chamber
is looking particularly bright.

Rumi

7 Easy Tips to Help You Get Organized Fast




7 easy tips to help you get organized fast. The topics covered are the top 7 problems most people have trying to get organized.

By Elle Dixey

A place for everything and everything in its place. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? Then why are so many of us disorganized? Where does all the clutter come from? And what do we do with it? In this article, we will give you 7 easy tips to getting yourself organized.

First, here’s a brief overview of how organization works. Everything in your home or office, even your car, should have a home. A place where any particular item can be kept. Now it makes sense that something you use each day and possibly several times a day should be easily accessible. For example, whether you have a home office or an office out of the home, or both, perhaps you might use paper clips every day. These should be right on your desk, within easy reach. Maybe you only use the stapler once or twice a week. This doesn’t have to be front and center, You don’t mind reaching into a drawer or a cabinet to get the stapler once or twice a week, do you? Now, here’s the beauty of being organized. You get to choose. Do you mind reaching into the drawer for the stapler. Then let’s put it right out there within your reach. Suppose it’s kept on the right hand side of your desk. That’s the place you have designated for your stapler. But, you pick it up, use it, and put it down absentmindedly on the left side of your desk.

Now multiply this behavior by 20 or 30 times a day. You pick something up from where it is always kept, and set it down somewhere else. If you do this with 20 or 30 items every day in your office, what do you have when it’s quitting time? That’s right. A disorganized mess on your desk, However, don’t despair, there’s just one rule you have to follow. All you have to do is make an effort to put things back where they belong. Put that stapler back on the right side of your desk! This rule applies to just about everything, whether you are at home, in your office or in your car. As we said before, it sounds easy, and it is; once you get used to doing it. Go ahead, try it and watch what happens. The 7 tips below will get you started.

1. Paper Clutter - This might be the number one organizational problem people complain about, so if it’s yours, you are definitely not alone. As you probably know, the mail can pile up very fast. Sort your mail as soon as you get it. Send the junk mail to a shredder, recycling or the trash basket, unopened, right away. Separate your bills and personal mail. If don’t you have a place for these categories, get two baskets, two folders or two of any type of storage container. Put bills in one and personal mail in the other, But you knew that already, didn’t you?

2. Plan Ahead - It’s very easy to feel disorganized when you are rushed. If you have a lot to do in the morning, try to get a jump on things the night before, even if it just making a list of what you have to do, in the order they need to get done. Decide what you are going to wear the next day and set it out, so there’s one less thing to think about the next morning. If you drink coffee, get that ready the night before. Don’t worry if you don’t have a coffee pot with a timer. Just measure the coffee into the filter, fill the reservoir with water and you’ll be all set. Coffee doesn’t take that long to brew. When you get up the next day, pop into the kitchen and push the brew button on the coffee maker. It will be done before you know it.

3. Keep All The Same Things Together - How many times have you gone through the house looking for stamps, an envelope and a pen, just to send something off in the mail? When we say keep all the same things together, this is a good example. You know you will need at least these three items if you want to mail something. So why not keep them all together? Get a nice basket or any other container you like and store anything that has to do with sending mail in it. This could include different size envelopes, paper, note cards or whatever. Do you print out emails, then lose them? Make a folder for all emails you have printed. In your kitchen, keep all your measuring supplies together in a drawer or a cabinet. Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, large spoons and your mixer. Paying bills? You already know where your stamps, pen and envelopes are. Make a bill-paying folder just for bills to pay. You will be surprised how many things you can group together once you start thinking about it.

4. Save Time By Multi-tasking - Do you have to go to the Dentist’s office? Take a book you’ve been wanting to read and haven’t had time to do. Walking your dog? Make an effort to take him or her out more often and go for a brisk walk each time. Jog or run if you can. You will be getting some exercise and so will your dog. What’s more fun, walking or running with your dog or mindlessly pacing on a treadmill? Paying bills but want to watch your favorite TV show? Gather up all your bill paying needs and settle down in your living room; watch TV and pay your bills at the same time. Trying to learn a new language? Get the lessons on CD and play them when you are driving.

5. Plan Your Meals For the Week - You can’t imagine how beneficial this is. Knowing exactly what you are going to make for dinner each night will definitely ease stress. Make a list of each meal and post it on your fridge. It will also save you money when you go to the market. With your list of meals in front of you, it is a lot easier to only buy what you need.

6. Put Things Away - It only takes a minute or two to put things away. But how many of us come in the house and toss our jackets on the back of a chair, rather than hanging it up in the closet or even on a coat hook? Enlist the other members of your family to put their things away when they are finished using them. If all else fails, make a set time for everyone to go through the house once a day, pick up their things and put them away. Allot 10 or 15 minutes for this activity. Once this activity interrupts other things your family would rather be doing, you may find they are a lot better at putting things where they belong right away.

7. Add Space To Your Home - Add some shelves to a closet that is a catch-all. You will be able to store a lot more in there with shelves and everything will be easier to find. Buy modular cubes that can be stacked on top of, and next to each other. Many of these can be purchased with storage baskets that fit right into the openings, giving even more versatility. Do you have an half-empty bureau or chest of drawers? Store little used items in those drawers.

Now that you know how easy it really is to get yourself organized, come on over to our site http://www.thebeautifulhome.net to get our Free Report - 50 Ways To Get Organized and more organizational and time-saving tips and also decorating ideas. When you get there click on "Organization" See You There!

Photo by marklarson @ flickr

26 January 2009

A Treasure Hidden in Her Eyes



A Treasure Hidden in Her Eyes - A poem of beauty from a young mother observing the creative growth of her poet child. A new author on HubPages that you will enjoy as her positive attitude is contagious and her kindness is reassuring to all!

24 January 2009

Poem: My Life's Story




My Lifes Story - a beautiful poem of a grieving heart and the struggle to contain and live with it.

By CJ Beige
Photo by muha... @ flickr

23 January 2009

Poem: It Isnt In Me



Poem: It Isnt In Me - Updated this poem with an essay.

Pivotal moment can prompt you to write. Love is how we all win!

"At the beginning of every New Year we all often take a look at who we are and where we believe we are going. Sometimes, they are goals about material things like career and money. In my mind, I take assessment of the inner self figuring the rest will follow in its perfect timing."

Poem by Denny Lyon
Photo by left-hand @ flickr

Poetry: Healing through poetry and other thoughts...



Poetry: Healing through poetry and other thoughts... - Found another gifted poet on HubPages you will enjoy, especially if you like the subject of dreaming.

Poem by whytshawll
Photo by Krikit @ flickr

20 January 2009

Obama is now the 44th President!



Just finished watching Obama's speech and other news coverage - what an historic time, what emotion for millions around the world. There must be millions of people crowded together on the Washington Mall. It reminds me of when the Pope in Rome, Italy celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Square and a million strong gather.

Interesting is that the ceremony ran a little long and by so doing Obama became the 44th President exactly at noon BEFORE he took the oath of office four minutes later. How many of you knew that bit of trivia?

Congrats Mr. President! May you be successful in all endeavors.

Denny

A new day is here!
Photo by stephentrepreneur @ flickr

Prayer for Obama



Prayer for Obama - Here is a wonderful heartfelt prayer for Obama as he is the first African-American sworn in as President. It comes all the way from Indonesia!

A new day is dawning!
Photo by muha... @ flickr

19 January 2009

400 Alternative words for said



400 Alternative words for said - This guy has it nailed on how to appropriately use the word "said" in a way that can make your writing sing instead of stink. Useful for those just learning the writing craft. Nonjudgmental, lots of alternative words to consider that really are useable.

Photo by JewJ24 @ flickr

Poem: For John Travolta and Family



Poem for John Travolta and Family - From a man who knows deep inner pain comes a poem to offer solace to the celebrity Travolta family on the loss of their son Jett.

Poem by CJ Beige
Photo by muha... @ flickr

How To Memorize A Poem



How To Memorize A Poem - Trying to remember that poem from whenever? Want to learn a new one to impress others at gatherings? This basic and simple method really works; this is how I always studied as a kid. This is the first time I've seen anyone actually write down the process like an easy simple recipe.

Photo by lipar @ flickr

18 January 2009

Poem: Poetry about Divine Life Companionship



Poetry about Divine Life Companionship - what a positive message this is! This poem just zips along at a rapid pace, so full of joy. You won't be disappointed - from a poetess in the United Kingdom.

Poem by pricelessway
Photo by Letting Go of Control @ flickr

Poem: Dreaming Words




Poem: Dreaming Words - Creativity warrior angel as muse inspired this essay and following poem. Author describes writing process.

Poem by Denny Lyon
Copyright 22 June 2008
Pastel drawing by Denny Lyon

17 January 2009

So, You Want to Write a Poem?




So, You Want to Write a Poem? - Found this gem of an article on HubPages and thought many of you might enjoy it's inspiration for your own process of writing! nonjudgmental helpful advice too.

Photo by muha... @ flickr

16 January 2009

Tips for Saving on Groceries and Food Leftovers Ideas



Photo by muha... @ flickr in the Maldives islands



Tips for Saving on Groceries and Food Leftovers Ideas - Now here's a fabulous beach for day dreaming and writing to your heart's content. Everyone living in a winter climate right about now would love to catch the first plane to this paradise!

Second choice? Well, in a downturn economy we might as well learn how to make the most with what we do have. There is a great video in this article of a woman from Washington state who saves 80% of her food budget.

She has a plan and tells all. She is a savvy shopper and without much effort you can be too. Certainly takes the stress out of life when you can easily cut your expenses.

Give a try and then journal or write a poem about your experience! Life is full of experiences and new awarenesses to write! We all know that food and writing go hand in hand.

11 January 2009

Recipe: Dennys Valentines Day Chocolate Crepes with Sweet Ricotta Cheese













Dennys Valentines Day Chocolate Crepes with Sweet Ricotta Cheese - Here’s a romantic idea for Valentine’s Day to serve your sweetheart. Maybe you will just make these easy decadent yet light calorie crepes all for yourself! These crepes are made with healthy whole wheat flour. You can use regular flour if you like as is done traditionally.

The beauty of this dessert is that it is also a protein sweet so it doesn't play roller coaster with your blood sugar like most sweets.

Video included to show you just how easy it is to make your own crepes. Also, Valentines Day cocktail made from Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Expresso!

Note: For many more recipes visit my other fun blogs - Romancing The Chocolate and
Comfort Food From Louisiana

09 January 2009

The Pet Chronicles: Curty & His Couch














The Pet Chronicles: Curty and His Couch - POEM. This little story is simple in form and the telling but long on the message: Pets know when we are stressed and take measures to balance us. That, and you know you are really in trouble when your pet cat lays dibs on owning the couch. So, what's his password? Read on.

Poem by Denny Lyon
Photo of Curty's glamorous Hollywood closeup
by Denny Lyon

07 January 2009

Recipe: Smoky Chicken Chili









During the winter months many of us like to turn to serving up bowls of hot chili. Sometimes the beef version is far too spicy and heavy and we want a change of pace.

How about using that rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or a smoked chicken from your favorite deli to make that lighter version of your favorite chili?

Instead of the usual heavier red kidney beans why not try a change of pace with earthy black beans and nutty white beans to compliment a lighter meat like chicken?

Remember: to cut the spicy heat stir in some sour cream as dairy products are stellar at standing in for the local fire department, instantly dousing that fiery heat!



Smoky Chicken Chili


Yield:
Makes 9 cups

Preparation time: 15 minutes to assemble plus 1 hour 15 minutes cooking time

From: Southern Living magazine



Ingredients:


2 poblano chile peppers, chopped

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium-sized onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 (14 ½ oz.) cans zesty chili-style diced tomatoes
(Del Monte brand)

1 (16 oz.) can navy beans (in Louisiana use Camellia brand
cream-style white beans)

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (12 oz.) can beer OR 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (1.25 oz.) envelope white chicken chili seasoning mix
(McCormick brand)

Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, baby corn, sliced black olives, chopped red onion, tortilla chips


Directions: Sauté first 4 ingredients in hot oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in diced tomatoes and next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour. Serve with desired toppings.

Note: For other recipes visit my other fun blogs –
Romancing The Chocolate & Comfort Food From Louisiana
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