Thursday, June 4, 2026

 There's a feeling you've been carrying for years...

It shows up in the car after drop-off. In the quiet after everyone's asleep. On days that are supposed to be good.

No event. No story. No reason you could point to. It arrives without warning, and it leaves without explaining itself.

You've filed it under tired. Under hormones. Under "I have a good life, I shouldn't feel this." You've explained it away so many times you've gotten good at it.

Here's what I want you to know: it is not random. It has a name. 

And it isn't the one you think.

Friday, May 15, 2026

11 Coping Skills Therapists Use to Deal With Their (Really Hard) Jobs

I work in the legal field of the wellness arena. 

Day in and day out, I hear things that affect people in traumatic ways.  

Vicarious Trauma is a thing. 

So I was relieved to stumble upon this article and am glad to see that I employ some of the very things that therapists use to cope.

(link to article below)

~ May is Mental Health Awareness Month ~

1. Fill your own cup first in the morning (literally and/or figuratively).

2. Find a playful yet soothing hobby.

3. Try to keep a schedule with hard start and stop times.

4. Practice the opposite emotion of what you’re feeling.

5. Get better at saying no—especially when it means saying yes to something more fulfilling.

6. Designate time that’s specifically for winding down. 

7. Turn to your support system (even if it’s virtual). 

8. Move your body in whatever ways bring you joy. 

9. Practice being present throughout your day. 

10. Get lost in someone else’s words.

11. Give in to the power of music.

https://www.self.com/story/therapist-coping-skills?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=self&utm_mailing=SLF_Daily_070321&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5c957c9d2ddf9c5f6f18cdd2&cndid=15929674&hasha=7cf384559dc7ec881b92f4f752932c74&hashb=d5227772201889cfa456f19147f6e5cec400688c&hashc=3ccd4b75dec6fef781b3a15bfa1c306cffb76e1e94a4843fdf0f44986785c423&esrc=&utm_content=A&utm_term=SLF_Daily_GenericOpens

Be well.
xoxo
D


Thursday, May 7, 2026

 

The Woman You Find Most Attractive in This Picture Reveals Something Surprising About Your Personality

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At first glance, the picture looks simple. Five women are standing side by side in a quiet art gallery, each one labeled from one to five. But the small question written beneath the image turns this into something far more interesting than a simple beauty contest.

The question asks which of the five women you find the most attractive. The answer is not really about how someone looks. It is about how we see the world, how we connect with others, and what our own personality quietly reveals when we are not paying attention. This kind of personality test has become one of the most popular self discovery tools online, especially among readers who enjoy lifestyle content, relationship insights, and fun ways to learn more about themselves.

The truth is, attraction is deeply personal. Two people can look at the very same picture and feel pulled toward two completely different faces. What catches your eye often says far more about you than it does about the person you are looking at.

So let us slow down and explore what your choice might reveal about your mindset, your values, and the kind of energy you bring into your daily relationships. Whether you are using this as a fun conversation starter at a family gathering or simply enjoying a quiet moment to reflect on yourself, there is something here worth thinking about.

Why a Simple Picture Can Tell Us So Much

Before we look at each woman individually, it helps to understand why these kinds of pictures are so popular among readers of all ages. Our brains are wired to make quick judgments based on tiny visual details. We notice posture, color, expression, clothing style, and body language all at once.

When you choose the woman who appeals to you the most, your mind is actually pulling from a lifetime of experiences and feelings. You are gently revealing what you value in friendships, in marriage, and in the people you choose to keep close to your heart.

This is not a scientific test. It is more like a soft mirror that gives you a chance to see yourself a little clearer. With that in mind, let us walk through each of the five women and what your choice might say about your personality, your values, and your approach to life.

Woman Number One. Confidence and Bold Self Expression

If your eyes were drawn to the first woman in the bright red dress, you likely admire people who carry themselves with confidence. Her outfit is striking, stylish, and unapologetically bold. She is the kind of person who walks into a room and quietly changes the energy in it.

Choosing her often means you respect those who are not afraid to be seen. You probably value independence, charisma, and the courage to stand out from a crowd. You may admire people who take risks, follow their dreams, and refuse to shrink themselves to make others comfortable.

You may also have a daring side that you do not always reveal. Even if you live a calm and steady life, there is a part of you that loves bold colors, strong opinions, and the kind of friends who light up every room. You are likely the person others lean on when they need a confidence boost or a little encouragement to take a leap.

In your relationships, you are drawn to passion and energy. You enjoy people who challenge you to grow and who are not afraid to dream out loud.

Woman Number Two. Simplicity, Comfort, and Authenticity

If you chose the second woman, dressed casually in a soft pink top and comfortable denim shorts, you likely value authenticity over appearance. You are someone who prefers things to feel natural and real rather than polished and performed.

This choice often reflects a person who appreciates the small joys in everyday life. You enjoy long conversations on the front porch. You find peace in quiet mornings with a warm cup of coffee. You believe that the best relationships are built on honesty, comfort, and trust.

You are usually drawn to people who are easy to talk to and grounded in who they are. Flashiness does not impress you. What you truly value is realness. You can spot someone who is being fake from a mile away, and you have very little patience for that kind of behavior.

This choice also tends to reflect a practical mindset. You prefer stability over drama. You like a clear plan, a tidy home, and relationships that feel safe and steady. In friendships, you are the loyal one. The kind of friend who shows up with a casserole when someone is having a hard week.

Woman Number Three. Elegance, Harmony, and Classic Charm

If your attention went straight to the third woman in the lovely polka dot dress, you are someone who admires balance and timeless beauty. Her style is feminine, refined, and gracefully classic. She represents a kind of elegance that never goes out of fashion.

This choice often reflects someone who appreciates harmony in every part of life. You enjoy a peaceful home, thoughtful friendships, and conversations filled with kindness rather than conflict. You may have a deep love for tradition, family rituals, and the small details that make a house feel like a true home.

You are likely emotionally intelligent and gentle in the way you communicate. You have a gift for reading the room. You sense when someone is hurting before they say a word. You know how to comfort others without making a fuss about it.

You are not drawn to extremes. You prefer people who feel just right. Not too loud, not too quiet. Not too flashy, not too plain. You are likely the peacemaker in your family and the kind of friend others trust with their most personal feelings.

Woman Number Four. Sophistication and Inner Strength

The fourth woman, wearing a sleek and form fitting dress, represents elegance combined with quiet strength. If you chose her, you may be drawn to ambition, discipline, and graceful confidence.

This choice usually reflects someone who admires inner resilience. You respect people who have walked through difficult seasons and come out steadier on the other side. You value maturity, wisdom, and the kind of dignity that does not need to be loud to be noticed.

You likely have high personal standards. You expect a lot from yourself, and you appreciate the same drive in others. You may be someone who works hard, plans ahead, and takes pride in the life you have built. You probably enjoy reading books that challenge your thinking and conversations that go deeper than small talk.

In your relationships, you are drawn to people who know who they are. You are not interested in shallow connections. You want partners and friends who can hold a real conversation, who respect your time, and who carry themselves with quiet self respect.

You believe that strength is not about being loud. It is about being steady. And that is the kind of energy that draws you in every time.

Woman Number Five. Mystery, Depth, and Individuality

If the fifth woman caught your attention, you are likely someone who values uniqueness and emotional depth. Her relaxed outfit and slightly withdrawn posture give off a quiet sense of mystery. She is not trying to be the center of attention. She is simply being herself.

This choice suggests that you are intrigued by people who do not show everything all at once. You enjoy slowly discovering someone’s layers. You like the way a deep friendship reveals new things over months and years, like a book that keeps surprising you with every chapter.

You may be naturally introspective. You probably enjoy quiet evenings, long walks, journaling, or simply sitting on the porch and watching the world go by. You think deeply about life, relationships, and the meaning behind everyday moments.

You value individuality over fitting in. You appreciate people who march to their own rhythm and who refuse to follow the crowd. In your circle, you likely have a few very close friends rather than a large group of acquaintances. You believe that real connection takes time, and you are happy to be patient.

You are often the listener in your family. The one who notices what others miss. The one who senses the deeper meaning behind a sigh or a long pause.

What Your Choice Really Means

While it is fun to read meanings into each choice, it helps to remember something important. Attraction is layered, complex, and often shaped by what you are going through in your own life right now.

Your mood matters. Your recent experiences matter. The season of life you are in matters. A woman who appeals to you today might not be the same one who would have caught your eye ten years ago, or even ten months ago.

That is part of the beauty of a simple test like this one. It is not about judging the women in the picture. It is about gently understanding yourself a little better. It is about noticing what you value, what you long for, and what kind of energy feels comforting to you in this current chapter of your life.

This is also why these kinds of personality reflections are so popular among readers who enjoy self improvement, mindfulness practices, and gentle ways to slow down in a busy world.

A Soft Reminder About Beauty

Here is something worth sitting with for a moment. There is no right answer in this picture. There is no wrong answer either. Each of the five women represents a different kind of beauty, a different kind of personality, and a different kind of energy.

The first woman shines with bold confidence. The second woman glows with warm authenticity. The third woman carries graceful balance. The fourth woman holds strong sophistication. The fifth woman wraps herself in quiet mystery.

All five are beautiful in their own right. And all five exist somewhere inside us as well. We have moments when we feel bold. Moments when we feel simple and grounded. Moments when we crave harmony, strength, or quiet reflection.

The most interesting part of this little exercise is not really who you chose. It is why you chose them. What did her posture say to you? What did her clothing remind you of? What part of your own story did you see reflected in her face?

A Gentle Final Thought

Tests like this one are not meant to define you. They are simply a soft invitation to look inward. They remind us that we are always projecting our own values, desires, and beliefs onto the world around us.

If you found yourself drawn to one woman more than the others, take a moment to think about what that might be telling you. Maybe it is a reminder of who you used to be. Maybe it is a clue about who you are becoming. Maybe it is simply a reflection of the kind of peace, energy, or strength you are craving in this season of your life.

The next time you sit down with friends or family, you might enjoy showing them this picture. Ask them which woman they choose, and listen closely to their answer. You might discover something new about people you have known for decades. You might even start a meaningful conversation about beauty, identity, and personal growth.

So, which woman did you choose? And more importantly, what do you think your answer says about the wonderful, complicated, beautifully unique person you are today?

Take a moment with that. There is no rush. The most rewarding kind of self discovery is the kind that unfolds slowly, gently, and at exactly the right pace for you.

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Things That Will Change Your Life

 

Things That Will Change Your Life

•    Invest in a skill that brings you income – or side income.  Always bet on yourself.
•    Get dressed as soon as you wake up and watch how you’ll feel ready to take on the day.
•    Get morning sunlight instead of a morning scroll. Step outside for 10 minutes or use 10,000 lux light if you wake before sunrise (or live in a sun-deficient region)
•    Eat protein and fat before any carbs to balance blood sugar. Avoid naked carbs.
•    Swap “I have to” with “I get to”. Gratitude shifts your entire energy.
•    Start meal planning to avoid an overwhelming “what shall I make for dinner” loop that helps you to actually stick to healthy eating.
•    Front load your water intake in the mooring before your day gets busy.
•    Go to bed at the same time for 14 nights straight and watch your energy levels reset.
•    If you struggle with insomnia, drink tart cherry juice 2 hours before bed. Do this every day to build a solid sleep routine.
•    Contrast breathing 2x/week to reset your nervous system.
•    Do the “hard” thing before mid-day.
•    Launch the thing you’ve been sitting on. Done is ALWAYS better than perfect. (or “to-do”)
•    Track your screen time. Measure it to manage it.
•    Do one thing a week that intimidates you to expand your comfort zone.
•    Spend 20-30 minutes every day learning something you’ve been avoiding.
•    Unfollow people who make you compare yourself.
•    Set a recurring “CEO Session” every Sunday to steer your week with intention.
•    Build a 3-step system to calm yourself when triggered.
•    Stop chasing closure. Give it a rest and gift yourself peace.
•    Ask “What is this emotion really telling me?” Self-awareness is free therapy.
•    Try 7 days alcohol free and rate your clarity.
•    Make decisions faster. Overthinking drains more energy than failure with action ever will.
•    Move daily – even 15 minutes counts.
•    Create more than you consume. For every hour of mindless scrolling, do 2 hours of deep work (whatever that means to you)

May is Mental Health Month

 

Mental Health Counseling is for people navigating life.

 

 

Monday, March 2, 2026

smashy chicken burger taco thingy #cookingwithD



Messing in the kitchen one day, I decided to try a smash-up recipe to indulge in my love of burgers AND tacos. This one features a gluten free flour tortilla and is made with ground chicken, but any combo of your liking will work. The possibilities are endless! Taco seasoning on the burger and taco toppings, chicken Caesar salad toppings, mushroom and Swiss (or grilled onion) burger, pizza toppings, Big Mac-ish, bacon burger, Cali burger, Cuban sammie - and so on and so on and so on...

What would you create?

                                          Delish!



Friday, February 13, 2026

Where has D been?

 good golly miss molly! 

It's been a m i n u t e since I've seen this space!

Well, well, well.

I'm baaaaaaaack!

dang, I'm disappointed for not using this page 

ALL

THESE 

YEARS

no use crying over spilled milk - or unspilled tea for that matter. 

hold on tight, there WILL  be content here - probably more than you'd like :)

D


Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Southern Fried Shrimp



Who doesn't love a crispy fried snack from the sea?

These delicious golden nuggets are so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.  

All you’ll need is flour (either regular wheat flour or your favorite gluten free mix), cornmeal, Cajun or Creole seasoning, shrimp (raw peeled and deveined, medium or large), eggs, canola oil, and whatever your dipping sauce heart desires (tartar, seafood / cocktail or pepper jelly)

You can even change the seasoning if you’d like. Cajun and Creole seasonings are a spicy mix of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
They taste slightly different than Old Bay, which has celery salt (salt, celery seed), red pepper, black pepper and paprika, but any of these would work in this recipe.

It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish if you fry the shrimp right after you bread them. For added crunch and to ensure the breading sticks to the shrimp, I recommend refrigerating the breaded shrimp on a wax paper-lined tray for 30 minutes before frying.

These crispy delights go great with hushpuppies, grits, coleslaw or red beans and rice.
Or pile them on oblong French rolls with zesty rémoulade sauce, crunchy shredded lettuce, pickles, and sliced tomatoes to create classic po' boys.

1/4 C flour
1/4 C cornmeal
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 pound raw peeled and deveined medium or large shrimp
2 beaten eggs
canola oil 

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning.
Dip raw shrimp into a bowl of beaten eggs, then coat in the cornmeal mixture.
In a skillet, cook the shrimp in 1/2 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until golden and brown, 4 minutes total flipping once after 2 minutes.

Work in batches that allow the shrimp plenty of room in your skillet - don’t overcrowd the skillet or the shrimp will steam more than fry. Transfer cooked shrimp to paper towel-line or paper bag-lined plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Serve with tartar sauce and seafood cocktail sauce if desired.  Makes 4 servings.

These little lovelies can be cooked in an air fryer if desired. Preheat air fryer at 400* for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray basket with cooking spray. Add about half the shrimp. You want them in one layer and not crowded. Spray shrimp with cooking spray.
Air fry for about 5 to 7 minutes. Repeat with remaining shrimp.

Bonus Recipe!

Zesty Rémoulade Sauce

3/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C minced dill pickles
2 T drained prepared horseradish
1 T hot sauce
1 T Dijon mustard
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Friday, June 7, 2019

Zucchini & Corn Tacos


Super easy. Super Quick. Super Delicious.  These tacos are the perfect solution for a simple and fast Meatless Monday dinner (or any day of the week!) These would also be excellent to take to work for a Not Sad Desk Lunch.

All you need to do is::

Add about 1 C diced fresh zucchini to frozen “fiesta corn mix” 
(corn, black beans, onions, peppers – such as Birdseye C&W Ultimate Southwest Blend) 


Heat and stir in a hot skillet with a little oil or butter for about 5 minutes until heated through. Top warmed corn tortillas with the mixture. Top as desired (Jack cheese, tomato, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, etc.)
Ole' & Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Simply Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup

It's getting a bit chilly outside and that means it's time for soup for dinner (and for lunch and possibly even breakfast!)
I created this simple, satisfying and ultra-cheesy broccoli soup to warm me up.

4 C chicken or vegetable broth
4 C chopped fresh broccoli florets
1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 tsp olive, canola or other light tasting oil
2 T butter
2 T flour
1 (15 oz.) can evaporated milk
4 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese (*see note below)
1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder OR 1 clove garlic, pressed
a few generous pinches of Old Bay or Cajun seasoning

In a large pot, cook diced onion in olive or canola oil over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add the butter and melt over medium high heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined.
Add the chicken broth and stir until combined. Add the broccoli and heat over medium high heat until it comes to a low boil.
Reduce heat to medium and continue simmering for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Stir in the evaporated milk and continue cooking for 3 minutes, returning to a simmer.
At this point, you can mash the broccoli with a potato masher, if desired. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.



* I used 2 cups of Tillamook Medium Cheddar AND 2 cups of Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar (Farm Style Cut). Some brands of shredded cheese melt more easily than others. I recommend buying a block of cheddar and shredding it yourself and adding it to the hot soup, off the heat and stir until melted, to avoid curdling the cheese.
The Farm Style Cut Sharp White Cheddar really punched up the flavor of this soup.  If you prefer a less sharp result, use cheddar only.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Caramel Apple Squares


A memory came up this morning that made me think of Fall desserts.


So now I am craving this ooey, gooey, sweet piece of Heaven.  The Gluten Free cookie mix is on my list for my next shopping trip. Or, perhaps I have a box if it in my Jenga-esque pantry : )

This is simple to prepare, delicious and satisfying and can be made with traditional or gluten free cookie mix. 
 
Caramel Apple Squares

1 Hodgson Mills GF cookies mix
1 stick butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 C oats
3 small to medium granny Smith apples
1 jar Mrs. Richardson's butterscotch caramel sauce

Line a 9" baking pan with foil or parchment paper. Grease well.
Mix all ingredients except apples and caramel.
Press half dough into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel and chop apples; mix with the caramel sauce.
Spread over partially baked crust.
Put the remaining crust dough on top, breaking into pieces and covering apples well. Bake 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a cooling rack. Cut into squares.


Delicious topped with vanilla or vanilla-cinnamon ice cream, or whipped cream.



Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Let's Talk About Mental Health – Day Four

When it comes to actually being mentally well, there's no shortage of self-care strategies out there, but not everyone has the time and money to spend on a wellness retreat or horse therapy or crystals that may or may not chill you out.
Continuing the series of ideas that can help keep your mind, body and soul feeling good. (or at least less stressed)
Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.
(This is from a self.com article)
Day Four: Take Five (Minutes to Meditate)
Meditation seems like a thing that only yoga teachers do, but it doesn't need to be a whole thing to be effective. Don't worry about accomplishing anything or reaching some sort of enlightenment when you do it; just the fact that you're taking a few minutes to calm down and focus on your breathing is huge. If you don't know where to start, just sit quietly and focus on breathing in and out, slowly, for two minutes. Then work up to five minutes the next time you do it.
You’ll be doing yourself a favor by just doing nothing but breathe for a little while and
it feels good to be mindful and present in the moment.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Let's Talk About Mental Health – Day Three



When it comes to actually being mentally well, there's no shortage of self-care strategies out there, but not everyone has the time and money to spend on a wellness retreat or horse therapy or crystals that may or may not chill you out.
Today I'll continue a series of ideas that you can do to help keep your mind, body and soul feeling good. (or at least less stressed)
Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.
(This is from a self.com article)
Day Three: Borrow Things from Vacation
Think about things you only enjoy on vacation. Then inject a little of that into your daily life.
We tend to have a more chill outlook on everything when we're on vacation. You replace the gym with swimming and walking, dinner consists of potlucks with new friends or dining at a quaint little bistro, and your email (hopefully) has an out-of-office reply. What if we took just a little bit of that mentality and made it the rule - rather than the exception? Maybe that means skipping the gym to go for a simple run in the park, turning your phone on Do Not Disturb between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. or simply reading outside for a little while.  Obviously it won't make you feel like you're on vacation, but it might help you reclaim your time.