Sending Out Iridescent Breaths

       The film Fresh is a 2009 documentary about America’s food system. It focuses on agriculture and the sustainability of our current production structure.       Watching the film, I witnessed horrendous living conditions for chickens, cows, and pigs. In the movie, a couple running a manufacturing farm for chickens is partnered with “The Company.” The actual name of this company is never released. During the interview, the couple states they have no idea what is in the grain the chickens are being fed. They also state how the chickens have their beaks and claws removed to prevent injuries.            While watching in horror, I see this couple refer to their partner, “The Company,” often stating that if the business is not run to “The Companies” liking, they will be cut off even though they had recently renewed a seven-year contract. The businesswoman is very matter-of-fact when describing how the goal...

       It feels surreal that here we are approaching yet another holiday. Easter will be here in just over a fortnight, and it seems like Christmas was just yesterday. Easter is not only sentimental to me for religious reasons, but it also fills me with a sense of magic for the children. I love being able to create a world of enchantment and wonder for the kids. Each holiday brings something special to treasure; a unique memory made and filed into the rolodex of our lives.            Easter in my house is full of buttery soft, melt in your mouth, decadent chocolates hidden away inside a rainbow of pastel plastic eggs, scattered throughout, indoors and outdoors, waiting to be found. Although our daughter is sixteen now, I still adhere to the traditions I began so many years ago. If it were possible to turn back the clock's hands, reliving the toddler years of our darling princess, I would grab that opportunity faster than a hu...

     Watching a middle-aged man roll around in an attic with greasy black make-up encircling his eyes, wearing a crisp black suit, and shredding the insulation is one of my favorite Allstate Mayhem Commercials. I giggle every time I hear him say in a monotone voice, straight-faced, “I’ve already had like four babies.”       The video starts rolling inside an attic void of light. The “Raccoon” is spotlighted as he smugly informs you throughout the short clip that he’s enjoying doing whatever he wants.       Allstate does a great job with their Mayhem Commercials bringing comedy to the tragic events that can affect our lives. The Raccoon Mayhem Advertisement is aimed towards all homeowners and their need for Homeowners Insurance. They bring to life the devastation pests can cause for property owners. Watching “Mayhem” tear the dingy yellow insulation foam to shreds and then panning out to him lounging about, snacking on the...

              The mornings have had a nice brisk bite to them lately, but by lunch, the temperature has warmed up just enough to peel off the layers to reveal my grim, pale legs and shoulders in desperate need of sunshine. Looking out my window and seeing the hummingbirds flitting around the yard, splashing in the fountain, and sucking out the nectar on my deep burgundy rose blooms, I have an urgent need to be productive while celebrating the new beginnings of Spring.       Glancing across the kitchen, my eyes stop on the aluminum pressure cooker, covered in a thin layer of dust and hiding on the top back corner of the refrigerator. On a whim, I purchased the intimidating contraption almost a decade ago. Sadly, I have only used it once a year when it gets filled with saltwater and stuffed with spicy red onions, garden-fresh sticky rosemary, halved whole garlic cloves, and all the citrus varieties I can find with a twelv...

            Holding the firm puck of a container in my hand, I give it a shake and listen to the rumble of hardened treats bouncing back and forth.  Pondering whether to enjoy just one or maybe a few as I pop open both lids flanking the top.                                            One or many….?                                                                                  Perhaps I should play it safe this time.           Clicking the lid as it glides open on the hinge, I gently flip the container over....

          Now that the weather is finally warming up I am determined to make a bucket list to keep me busy while residing here in the beautiful state of Arizona. Living semi-quarantined over the last year, missing out on so many events that were cancelled, has left me feeling stir crazy and ready to spread my wings. If the sun is shining and the wind isn’t blowing my go to destination for peace is on the lake in my kayak. I love fishing while seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Even though I can’t wait to get back out on the water without freezing I also would like to broaden my horizons and visit new or memorable places that are close enough for a day or weekend trip.       The Lava River Cave in Flagstaff, AZ is one of the most beautiful and surreal hikes. You park in a large clearing of pine trees that also offer a gorgeous setting for picnicking. The hardest part of the hike is entering the cave and having to climb down ...

              Before starting this venture of online blogging I was still under the impression that all blogs were an online diary where people posted to share their life with friends and family. The last time I looked at a blog, that I am aware of, was probably around 2005 when I was a stay at home mom searching for ways to occupy my time productively and connect with others in my geographical area. Every site I came across consisted of DIY’s, arts and crafts, recipes, and cleaning hacks. Now coming back around to see the changes in 2021 I realize how wrong my opinion was. Blogs can cover every subject imaginable from sports and fashion to news and biographies, supplying every member of society insurmountable amounts of knowledge. While scanning and researching through handfuls of blogs I was surprised to come across so many from companies that I had priorly considered just a normal website. It hadn’t dawned on me that these sites were...