Motivational Monday~ Fortitude

For·ti·tude

 noun

mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty,

 adversity, danger, or temptation courageously

Synonyms:

backbone, boldness, braveness, bravery, constancy, courage, courageousness, dauntlessness, determination, endurance, fearlessness, firmness, grit, gutsiness, hardihood, heart, intrepidity, mettle, moxie, nerve, patience, perseverance, pith, pluck, resoluteness, resolution, spine, spirit, spunk, stamina, starch, staying power, stick-to-itiveness, stomach, stoutheartedness, tenacity, true grit, valiancy, valor, 

valorousness, what it takes

The word of the day:

There are many types of fortitude that can be shown.

Some show it in their actions, others in words and some in deeds.

We never know where we will need to have or show it, but it 

is a very useful tool to have.

Just when you think you can't, 
you find the stregnth to go on.

Some of us need it for our jobs, relationships or health.

However you find that you need to exercise your fortitude,

know that it is not for the faint of heart.

It will just about take all you can muster to do.

It may only be needed for a short time

&

other times you will need to dig in for the long haul.

Whatever the case may be,

we all have it.

We need to learn how to harness it and use it 

when it is needed most.
Some days will be harder than others,
but with just the little bit of fortitude...
You will get through what ever adversity
lies ahead.
Don't give up!
XoXo 

Ohhh, What I Wouldn't Give~

Have you ever had a day when you would like to spend it in 

( See Picture Above )...

Yes, that is where I would love to be today...

Relaxing and taking in the scenery.

Instead I will be working.

Providing security for Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw...

I know that I will enjoy the music,

just not sure how it will go with the fans.

Looks like it will be beautiful weather 

so that should be a plus 

( in my favor ).

So, as I am doing 

         ( This... See Below Picture )

I would still opt for the first picture today... 

Well, off to get ready for my day.

I hope that today you can find some time

to relax and enjoy...

~<3~

One last thought,

as my fellow 3-Dayers 

finish up their 60 Miles today in Boston.

 I hope that they have a feeling of extreme accomplishment

&

 know that every step they took,

is bringing us closer to a cure!

Big Hugs & Lots of Love 

to you all...

XoXo

Savvy Saturday~ 3-Day Donate

Last Call!

This time tomorrow we will have 
Two Winners!
You still have time to buy tickets!
All you have to do is donate to 
the link below and then send 
a message to my Hotmail
account.
 Tell me what gun you 
want tickets for and your phone #
so I can call you if you win...
I can send you the ticket stubs if 
you want they will just get to you 
after the drawing is over...
So, buy one $20.00 or buy 3 for $50.00.
Tell your friends!
Help me walk in Tampa this year...
Click the link below & donate today!
Tampa 3-Day
XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Friday~Chicken and Shiitake Marsala

Marsala, a fortified Italian wine recognized for its golden brown color and sweet, nutty flavor, is used in both sweet and savory dishes. Along with the smoky mushrooms in this recipe, the wine creates a rich, aromatic sauce. Dry sherry is a good substitute for Marsala. Made this recipe and it was delicious! There was not enough sauce. I increased to 2 cups of Marsala and 1 stick of butter. Probably increases the calories but it's definitely worth it!  Also, you can change out the mushrooms and use baby portabella mushrooms.

Sautéing brings out the shiitake mushrooms' strong smoky flavor. Doing so in Marsala, a nutty and sweet fortified wine, creates a surprisingly complex flavor profile with just a few ingredients.

Pantry Checklist:

• Chicken breasts (4)
• Fresh shiitake mushrooms
• Marsala wine (or dry sherry)
• Green onions

Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 14 minutes

Ingredients

• Preparation
• 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (3 1/2-ounce) packages shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup) and divided 
• 2 tablespoons butter

1. 1. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet.
2. 2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan. Cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken and drippings from pan; set aside, and keep warm.
3. 3. Heat pan over medium-high heat; coat pan with cooking spray. Add mushrooms. Coat mushrooms with cooking spray; cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add wine and 3 tablespoons onions. Cook 30 seconds over high heat. Reduce heat; add butter, stirring until butter melts.
4. 4. Add chicken and drippings to pan, stirring gently. Place chicken on platter. Spoon mushroom sauce over chicken; sprinkle with remaining onions.

Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast, Oxmoor House 
2009

Tidal Wave~

Have you ever felt like you were being consumed by your feelings?

Like they were no longer gentility washing over you,

but instead knocking you over.

Time and Time again...

Making you feel like you were caught in a tidal wave...  

Just as you make your way to the surface to recover,

you are getting taken down again.

Swirling thoughts, the questions,

thinking of every variable...

You finally get washed ashore.

Feeling beaten, bruised and trying to catch your breath...

You lay there as is if it was only a dream,

but knowing the reality...

Do you brave going in again?

Or 

Do you stick to the shore line where 

it is safe...

These are questions only you can answer...

XoXo

Getting over it~

Some weeks are harder than others...

When all you want is to hear...

"It's Friday"!

This would be such a week.

This Friday will officially kick off

the 2012

Susan G. Komen 

3-Day 

events...

Sending Lots of Love to Boston 

as they start out the season for us.

Though I will not be there in body,

I will be there in spirit...

I hope everyone that is participating 

has an Amazing time!

XoXo

Lost in~

Randomness
Be still my friend and quiet the mind
Breathe deeply in and you will find
A piece of mind as you let go
of all your worries cares and woes


Breathe deeply in and slowly out
concentrate within, block all else out
All the answers you wish to find
will come to you all in good time


Everything has a reason to be
we must be still and listen, you see
The greater vision in life will be
revealed when you are ready to see....  


Here is hoping that today you can find 
peace,
love 
&
 answers for the questions that linger in 
your mind...
Breathe deep & let go of anything 
that is holding you back...
You deserve only the best this 
world has to offer...

Never be willing to settle for less...

<3

Motivational Monday~ Perseverance

There are days that we all feel like giving up.  

When it would be easier to throw in the towel and not bother.

  The feeling of... 

This isn't worth it, it is too hard 

and

 it would just be easier to let go.  

Those are the days you need to dig your heels in, 

stay the course 

&

not let those feelings consume you.  

Life is full of challenges...

Are you going to run from them or face them head on?

Life will constantly throw things at you.  

It will force you to change.  

Some of these changes will make you stronger, 

others will teach you a lesson.  

It is part of growing.  

Not all of it will be pleasant, 

some of it,

 is down right painful. 

You have to believe...

Have faith and know that you may not see the big picture as you are in the throws of it, but when you achieve what you are working for...

 You will be able to look back,

 with a sense of accomplishment.  

As we go through life our experiences change us.

Thinking back to High School, 

people would always ask,

 where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?  

Looking back... 

My life has gone through so many chapters and changes.

Who I was in High School is not who I was in College, 

or in the Marine Corps or even today.

I have constantly changed and adapted over the years.  

One thing has always remained the same, 

my desire to see the beauty in the world.  

I have never allowed the darkness to consume me,

 no matter how dark the day may seem in that moment.  

I challenge you...

Dig Deep, 

Hold On 

&

Don't Let Go... 

No one said it would be easy, 

they just said that in the end it would be worth it. 

I believe that with my whole heart...

XoXo

Life is a Miracle...

Embrace the day...
Give Thanks
& 
Believe...
Every day we are alive,
we witness 
the miracles of Life...
XoXo

Savvy Saturday~ Proud VET Leather ~ Follow up

Have you ever had a shopping experience that is so over the top that you just have to tell someone?

I have had that, with Proud VET Leather.

  Working with Steve, I have now had 3 items made that are just for me, and they are exceptional.  

A beautiful belt, that turned out better than I had ever expected.

  A stool that is so simple in design, but yet captures something that is so dear to me.

  Then a gun holster that was made specifically to fit my weapon, and has a matching symbol that will go with my belt that Steve made.  

All exquisitely crafted and made with real leather.  

Not made by a big, faceless company or off of an assembly line, made for just anyone.

  Steve listened to what I wanted, gave me some of his advice and then hand crafted these items for me.  When he was done, he followed up with me to make sure that everything was, as I wanted. 

 Did he have to do that? 

 No... 

He cared enough to.  

Making the experience that much more meaningful to me.

  In a world where that kind of craftsmanship, care and dedication are so rarely seen anymore, it really impressed me.  

So today, if you are looking for something made from leather, I would encourage you to look to Proud VET Leather & Steve.  

Not only will you have what you were looking for, but you will be helping an up and coming small business that deserves your business to help it succeed.

  We need to support our Vets and our small businesses in this country.

  This is just one of the reasons why I created Savvy Saturdays.

  I love to share with you the different shops that are out there and the things that they have to offer.

  I hope that you will embrace some of these featured businesses and shops.

  They could use your support, and if it is not something you need right now, maybe you could pass the information along to someone that could.  

"Made in America" is a brand that will only continue to grow, but we have to support it and those that struggle to bring it to us. 

Here is the way you can contact Steve at Proud VET Leather.

Proud VET Leather ( Facebook Page )

The shop is located at:

166 Henry Martin Trail

Love Valley, NC 

( 704 ) 252- 9918

Front of Belt

Back of Belt

Stool ( Ready to Carry )

Top of Stool

Stool all set up

Holster for Weapon

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Chicken Saltimbocca

Here is a recipe that takes a little bit of work, but it is worth the end result.

It can be paired with a healthy side dish or light salad.

Ingredients

• 6 (3-ounce) chicken cutlets, pounded to evenly flatten
• freshly ground black pepper
• 6 paper-thin slices prosciutto
• 1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 (14-ounce) can low-salt chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

Place the chicken cutlets flat on the work surface. Sprinkle the chicken with pepper. Lay 1 slice of prosciutto atop each chicken cutlet.

Squeeze the frozen spinach to remove the excess water. Season the spinach with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, toss the spinach with 1 tablespoon of oil to coat.

Arrange an even, thin layer of spinach atop the prosciutto slices. Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over each. Beginning at the short tapered end, roll up each chicken cutlet as for a jellyroll. Secure with a toothpick.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook just until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Simmer the cooking liquid over high heat until it is reduced to about 2/3 cup, about 5 minutes. Season the cooking liquid with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove toothpicks from the chicken. Drizzle the reduced cooking liquid over the chicken and serve immediately.

Per Serving: Calories: 227; Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 2g); Protein: 27g; Carbohydrates: 4g; Sugar: 1g; Fiber 0g; Cholesterol: 63mg; Sodium: 700mg

We all Need a Friend~

"Let It Be Me"

There comes a time, a time in everyones life

Where nothin seems to go your way 

Where nothing seems to turn out right

There may come a time, you just cant seem to find your place

For every door you open, seems like you get two slammed in your face

Thats when you need someone, someone that you can call. 

And when all your faith is gone

Feels like you cant go on

Let it be me

Let it be me

If its a friend that you need

Let it be me

Let it be me 

Feels like you always commin up last

Pockets full of nothin, ain't got no cash

No matter where you turn, you aint got no place to stand

You reach out for something and they slap your hand

Now i remember all to well

Just how it feels to be all alone

You feel like you'd give anything

For just a little place you can call your own

Thats when you need someone, someone that you can call 

And when all your faith is gone

Feels like you cant go on

Let it be me

Let it be me

If its a friend you need

Let it be me

Let it be me

There are days when you feel like nothing is going right.

When every door that you have tried is locked, 

&
every prayer that you have prayed for on bended

knee has not been heard.

That is when you need to reach out to a friend.

When the water is swirling around you

and you feel like you are drowning,

that is when you need to call your friend.

There is never a time when they will not 

be there for you, 

even if it is to just to listen to you.

Every day we face challenges,

sometimes,

we just need that person

to help us see things in a different light.

Where all you see is dark clouds on the horizon,

they will show you the silver lining.

Sometimes, they will just comfort you.

Other times they will hug you tight.

You just need to be willing to reach out 

for that friend.

When things aren't going right...

Tonight, I say Thank you to all of my 

friends that have been that for me.

I hope that in your time of need 

you will look towards me...

I am here, I care,

I am your Friend.

I Love You...

XoXo