Kathiey's World

 I am always looking for fun things to do in the area.  I thought I would take it a bit further and see what events are occurring in North Carolina in a specific month.  Let's take a look at just a few things happening in August 2024 in NC that you may enjoy. I live in the Raleigh/Durham area, so I looked for exciting events to attend in August that are within driving distance.  I would love to attend them all! The Links to Each Event... (Be sure and verify event times and locations before attending.   You may need a ticket depending on the event) Things to do in August 2024  in the Triangle Area August 2-3 is the Beer Bourbon and BBQ Festival in Cary NC August 8-11 is Cirque de Soleil In Raleigh NC August 10 is All Things Groovy Hippie Festival in Raleigh NC August 23 Barn Dance in Saxapahaw North Carolina August 24-25 is Cary Lazy Daze in Cary NC A Few Things to do In NC that are not so local to the Triangle Area. August 1st is the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival in Nags Hea

The stress levels that we experience can directly affect our physical, emotional, and mental health.  Divorce is listed as one of the most stressful events in a person's life.  Having experienced the pain and stress of divorce, I decided I would look for some ways to decrease the effects of stress in my life.  Here is one suggested way. Enjoy some time in the Sun.   I came across a site that said if you want to achieve some level of stress relief in your life that you should give sitting in the sun a try.  I know what you are thinking, I may get sunburned, the sun is not really good for my skin,  I may get hot and sweaty, and I too have to worry about skin cancer. Yes, all of those are legitimate worries but I believe that most things done in moderation can be a good thing. The Pain Relief Center says that the sun gives you healthier skin, encourages your brain to release chemicals that help you feel better, and reduces stress. A positive effect of sunlight is the production of se

As you know, I have written two books. I started writing when my ex walked out after a 37-year marriage. I was devastated and completely lost in my newfound reality. My first book is all about the initial pain and confusion. My second book is filled with logistics on how to proceed through the divorce process, and my third will be about Joy. I remember that even in my deep depression during the early separation and divorce days, I was seeking joy.  I am not really sure if I realized it at the time, but I was.  My goal, other than just breathing during this most difficult time in my life, was to seek God's beauty even in the pain.  In seeking and finding God's beauty, the byproduct would be joy.    Here is a poem I wrote early in the painful process... I think in finding God's beauty and finding joy you find hope.  I believe they all go hand in hand.  If we search past the pain to seek hope, then we can have joy in our lives. As I begin to write about joy, I will share what

 I enjoy a good Chardonnay.  Why, you ask?  Well, because it tastes good.  That's about as much description I can give. Let's get a few details about Chardonnay from Google. For the most part, I enjoy a good Chardonnay.  Once in a while, I will encounter one I am not fond of.  I have found that some Chardonnays have little flavor, and I shy away from those, and some are a bit too citrusy for me.  I will try to understand the difference between the types of Chardonnays to make an educated decision when purchasing one.  Here is what Wine Magazine says about Chardonnay "Chardonnay can taste different, depending on where it grows and how it's made. But typically, Chardonnay is a dry, medium- to full-bodied wine with moderate acidity and alcohol. Its flavors range from apple and lemon to papaya and pineapple, and it also shows notes of vanilla when it's aged with oak" I realize I will not like all Chardonnays as I look at that definition.  I love the apple, papaya

  Even in the painful moments in life, don't forget to look for all the good that surrounds you.  "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." Dr. Seuss I remember this evening so well.  A chance to hold my grandchildren. Even in the confusion of life, my heart was full of such love and joy that day. Thank You God! Don't forget, even in your pain, to look for joy.   Some days you may have to look very hard to find it, but it is there. God Bless You On Your Journey! KathieyV

  I have tried several new recipes this week. I am always looking for recipes to put in a family cookbook I am making, and only two made the cut this week. One was a muffin recipe, and the other a fresh lemonade recipe. Here we sit in the middle of a hot summer, so what a great time to make a refreshing beverage.  This is an easy homemade lemonade recipe. Lemonade should be a summer staple, but it seems I just don't make it often, but I want to change that. All it takes is fresh lemons, ice cubes, simple syrup, and cold water. The recipe calls for 1 cup of lemon juice. You can use bottled juice or fresh lemon juice. I decided to use fresh lemon juice. I looked up how many lemons it takes to produce a cup of lemon juice, and the range varies based on the size of the lemons. Some sites say 3-4 large lemons, and some say 6-8 lemons. I bought 8 average-sized lemons and used 7 lemons for the desired amount. I used the remaining lemon for garnish. The tool I use to juice the lemons

This was written last year, and since then, a few things have changed.  They have built a new bridge into Harkers Island.  The bridge is very nice, but I am worried that our little fishing pier will be gone.  I am headed down this week to check things out.  But this post shows how it used to be:-) Lately, I have found myself in an area of NC that I did not even know existed.   It is a small island on the NC coast called Harkers Island. This is located in the Southern Outer Banks of NC. One day, when visiting Harkers Island, Rocky and I decided it was high time we went fishing.    This is what North Carolina Sportsman has to say... "Where to fish on Harkers Island? Fishermen can use the small pier on the island side of the bridge or fish from the rocks on the mainland side — or from a boat." We did not have a boat, so we decided to go to the fishing pier beside the bridge that takes you into Harkers Island. Before we could do that, I had to get my very first fishing license. H

Tell Your Story Through Journaling Journaling, I have found to be an invaluable tool.  Journaling is not only a way to relieve stress and help us process things it is also a way to tell our story. My career goal as a child was pure, idealistic, and full of hope. I recall so clearly my desire to be a Catholic Sister. I would daydream about following God and serving others through the sisterhood. The problem was that I was not Catholic. Where did this desire to be a Catholic Sister develop? Thinking back, I believe it came from several different places. My brother Bruce had Down's Syndrome. Bruce was a Student at the Benedictine School in Maryland, and that is where I first encountered the Sisters. They seemed to be so lovely and caring, and I admired that.  There was a movie that made an impact on my thinking in my younger years. The movie title was The Song Of Bernadette. In this movie, a young girl saw the Virgin Mary when no one else could see her, and the young girl followed Mar

 Bringing A Movie To Life- Private Benjamin I was reading an article the other day on Nancy Meyers's Movies.  I don't think I have heard of Nancy Meyers, but I thought I would take a look at her work.  First off, who is Nancy Meyers?  Here is a comment from Wikipedia...  "Nancy Meyers is an American filmmaker. She has written, produced, and directed many critically and commercially successful films." I thought it would be fun to watch all of her movies and attempt to bring them to life.  How do I bring books and movies to life, you ask?  I watch the movie and decide how to take aspects of the movie into my world.  Such as if they go to a bar, I may go to a bar, if they have a pretty item in the production I may see if I can find that item on Amazon.   I found the movie Private Benjamin on Amazon.  It was, I think, $3.99 for the rental. Here is the description of the movie I found on Rotten Tomatoes A Jewish-American princess, Judy Benjamin (Goldie Hawn), is devastated

What is a Chardonel Wine? A friend of mine and I had the pleasure of visiting a local winery, Fireclay Cellars, in Siler City, NC.  One of the wines on their wine menu is Chardonel. Here is how they describe their Chardonel wine. "Our dry Chardonel produces a seamless balance of golden apple, honey, and lemon flavors.  Along with a soft refreshing minerality, it has a clean, bright finish." I went online to get a description of what a Chardonel wine is, and here are a few facts I found.   Chardonel is pronounced-shar-dun-el The parents of Chardonel are Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc.   This wine is described as amber in color, fruity, and full-bodied.  Here is what Wikipedia has to say about Chardonel wine... "Chardonel is a late-ripening white wine hybrid grape which can produce a high quality wine with varietal character. It is a result of a cross made by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station of the popular French American hybrid Seyval and the classic vitis

 I started a series several years ago called Stress Relief and Self-Care. I want to include self-care in this series because, by taking care of ourselves, we can decrease our stress, at least for a moment. There are many times in our lives when we need stress relief. Divorce ranks high on the stress meter. Let's begin a monthly series to help us find ways to not only care for ourselves but, in the process, decrease our stress. Here is a quote that I found... "The Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale indicates that divorce is the second highest stressor  for humans, second only to the death of a spouse."    I disagree because divorce is like a death, only it is intentional, whereas death is usually not. So, I believe divorce can be an intent to harm, so it is more painful than death with no intent to harm. Knowing that stress can make you sick in both mind and body, I will explore stress relief techniques and self-care ideas that can help us lead a more calm and stress-free life.   I

 I just returned from a fantastic mini Disney vacation.  It was so much fun to spend 3 exciting days with my daughter and my grandkids at this magical kingdom.  Having spent some time there, I can now recommend a few things that would make a day at the park even more comfortable.  Let's head over to Amazon and find a few items for a day at the Park in Disney in Orlando Fla. (I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you buy anything using one of my links I will get a percent of the sale with no added cost to you.  Thanks:-) 1- Fanny Packs For Women & Men Waist Pack Hip Bum Bag with Multi-Pockets Large Capacity Waterproof Casual Bum Bag for Disney Traveling Casual Cycling Running Hiking .   I did buy this, and it was great.  It was large enough to carry many things but not large enough for water bottles and other items.  Next time, I would use this, but I would add another type of bag to the mix, especially when you have kids with you. They always need help carrying things. 2- MOSISO Sling B

I love to travel. I can't always hop on a plane to visit far-away destinations, but I can take a road trip to area locations. I enjoy visiting small towns because I love the small-town charm. With that in mind, I knew where to go Apex, NC. Apex is a short drive from where I live, so I thought It would be an excellent place to explore. So here are a few things to do if you find yourself in Apex, NC. There are links throughout this post on my Apex Experience and some direct links to the businesses. The first thing I would do is find the perfect place to stay. I have always enjoyed the welcome feel of a Bed and Breakfast, so that is where I began my search. I found the ideal place. Located less than 5 miles from downtown Apex is a lovely B&B called B&B's Country Garden Inn . I did not stay because I live so close to Apex, but I visited and got the grand tour, and I was impressed by the owner's welcoming attitude and friendliness. My next stop is always the visitor cent

Because of you, God, I will sing in the shadow of your wings! Thank you, Lord, for the shadow of your wings.  Thank you that I find protection, fatherly encouragement, direction for my path, and your endless, unfailing love that can be found in the shadow of your wings. Thank you because you uphold me in all things, and because of this, I have the strength to sing:-) God Bless You On Your Journey! KathieyV:-)