Happy Friday! This has been an intense week on many levels. So, let’s talk about it!
In Dale Rogerson’s blog post this week, she talked about the quality and purity of our food supply. If you want to see what she had to say, take a look HERE.
And, I want to preface this discussion by saying I believe the food supply in this part of the world to be some of the safest and best across the globe. And yet, even when making every effort to purchase organic fruits and vegetables, are we really getting anything pure?
In a CNN Health article, it is reported that the FDA confirms PFAS Chemicals have made their way into the US food supply. PFAS Chemicals are referred to as the “forever” chemicals in that once they enter the body, they never leave. In the body, PFAS chemicals primarily settle into the blood, kidney, and liver. A study from 2007 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that PFAS chemicals could be detected in the blood of 98% of the US population.
Wow! 98% is a pretty big number.
As Dale discussed on her blog post, buying organic is the best way to avoid the heavy chemicals found in other produce. But can we trust the organic labels? And organic produce costs at least double compared to other regularly grown produce. For example, I was in the Whole Foods store the other day and the cost of a single red bell pepper was $5. That’s a lot, based on my food-buying budget.
So, what can we do to ensure we get the best and cleanest food we can? Someone suggested buying from local farmer’s markets and while that is the freshest produce around, it isn’t always grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
The answer? Grow you own, if you can. Even at that, you have to consider the location and the possibilities of chemicals leaching into the ground. I live on the fourth floor in an apartment building in the middle of a huge city. That’s not an option for me. So I will continue to purchase what is labeled as organic when I can afford it. I do wish we could trust the labeling and that has recently come under scrutiny as well. The FDA does not regulate the use of the term “organic” on food labels. On top of that, there is a whole plethora of accepted labels that may indicate certain levels or percentages of organic food. It can be confusing and expensive for the consumers.
On the health front, I wound up in the Emergency Room on Tuesday evening after another violent and debilitating dizzy spell. I was sitting on the floor backstage with my 8-year-old granddaughter, playing Uno while waiting for her to do her tap dance recital. It hit me just like the other one did, hard and fast with no warning. The room was spinning. I gripped the floor to stay upright. My two daughters came back after a phone call to see how things were going, and they called an ambulance. I still don’t know what’s causing these. They did a CT scan of the brain in the hospital and didn’t find anything significant that would cause these symptoms, but they did find a spot on my brain that shouldn’t be there. I have an appointment next week for a Vertigo evaluation. All I know is that I need to find a solution and fast! The thought of traveling outside the country and having to deal with an episode like this is frightening, to say the least. So, I will see a neurologist, get an MRI, and go to the Vertigo evaluation next Tuesday. I will take all the good juju you want to send my way!
Last but certainly not least is a bit of good news! We did it!!! Thank you SO much for all of your votes! Saddled Hearts is a finalist in the 2023 RONE Awards!
This is the next step in the process, so keep your fingers crossed for SADDLED HEARTS!
The finalists will then be read by a group of industry professionals consisting of editors, writers, professors etc., and be judged on one to five scales from a specific list of requirements such as characterization, overall arc, editing, etc. Those scores will then be tallied by a professional company unrelated to InD’tale or its employees to determine the winner of the coveted RONE award, along with the honorable mentions.
That’s it from me for today. I look forward to your comments!
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This is such a vital share Jan and glad to know you are finding the triggers❣️
Thank you, Cindy!
You’re so welcome Jan ?❤️?
We try to eat organic too, Jan, but it’s very expensive, especially when the cost of everything is going up. I’m lucky I can garden, and at least for the summer, I can eat pure food. And I’m glad you’re home and doing okay now. Those dizzy spells sound frightening. And finally, congrats on being a finalist in the RONE Awards! Best of luck to you for a win!
Thank you for chiming in, Diana. You are very lucky that you can garden and at least know what you’re putting on the food you grow. I’m making progress in getting to the root of the dizziness. Visualizing a full and complete recovery. Thanks for the congrats and the same can be said back to you!
That’s good to know that you’re learning about the cause of your dizziness. I hope the solution is a quick easy fix (eat more carrots or something like that. 🙂 ) Take care, my friend.
Jan, before you even got to your appointment part here, I was thinking Vertigo. Of course I’m keeping you in my prayer circle of light. <3 Oh, and I believe it's hard even for organics because the soils are are contimated by blowing seeds and runoffs into soils. This surely isn't the world we grew up in. 🙂 Oh, and btw, I'm hooked on your latest read, Answering the Call. 🙂 xx
Thank you, Debby. I am so grateful for you keeping me in your prayer circle of light. I am working with the Angelic realm, seeking guidance and praying that they guide the doctors in the right way. And you are so right about even the soil being contaminated, making it harder to grow nutritious food. I’m so glad you are enjoying Answering The Call. I could relate to so much of it, as I am sure you can. Hugs!
Thanks on all counts Jan. But yes, I can relate to soooooo much in this addictive read. <3
Sending good vibes your way that they find a solution for the dizzy spells, Jan. Stay safe. Congratulations on the being a finalist. Keeping my fingers crossed for both.
Thanks a million, Mark!
Feel better soon.
Sorry to hear of you dizzy spell. If it’s vertigo, that’s a strange thing that my wife had once, There are these particles in the inner ear that can fall out of place. When they do, vertigo can result. Laying on a table and tilting the head can both test for and resolve the problem. Look up BPPV and canalith.
Good luck on Saddled Hearts!
I am convinced the dizziness I am experiencing is caused by those little crystals in the inner ear that are out of place. I have an appointment on Tuesday to address that issue and am praying they can put them back in place pronto! I’m glad it worked for your wife, and thank you for the good luck wishes! I appreciate your comment.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Shoot–that’s awful about the vertigo. Lots of positive juju from me to you. Congrats on Saddled Hearts. It is well deserved.
Thank you, Jacqui. I will find a solution to the vertigo! I’m determined.
Congratulations on being a RONE Award finalist. It’s very well deserved, Jan.
I hope you get to the bottom of your health situation. Vertigo is no joke; I’m sure it’s getting in the way of your normal activities.
Thank you, Pete. I appreciate the congratulations! I agree 100% that Vertigo is no joke. I feel I am being led to the right answers. I appreciate you stopping by!
A big congrats on the award, Jan! But not so good with your dizzy spells. I’m glad you’re being evaluated before you travel. A friend of mine experiences vertigo episodes occasionally, but she’s had therapy and now knows how to deal with them. It can be scary.
Thanks for your comment, Teri. Yes, the dizziness can be quite unnerving for sure. So glad your friend had therapy and knows how to deal with them. Thanks for the congrats! Happy weekend!
Jan, sending you well wishes and positive vibes as you battle your health issues. I feel it’s worse when the reasons are unknown. Here’s hoping for a solution in the coming week. <3
It's quite unnerving to think about the food we consume and what may or may not be entering our bodies. And you're right, the organic options are significantly more expensive, if you can even find them. I grew up with grandparents (on both sides!) having gardens filled with veggies. I only wish I had their same talent.
Congratulations on entering this final round with your book. More positive vibes coming your way!
Back in our grandparents’ days, a garden was a necessity. There wasn’t a grocery store on every corner, and people grew their own food. That was a special time. Thank you for the positive vibes and good wishes! Have a great weekend, and thank you for stopping by!
I’m glad you’re doing better with the dizziness, Jan. Years back, I had an inner ear problem, and I was so dizzy that I could not stand up. My niece is a physical therapist and she had me lie down and then made an adjustment. I’ve never had the problem again. I’m hoping that result for you. ?
That is exactly what I am praying for, Gwen. I just need that adjustment to put the ear crystals back in their place. Thank you for chiming in and I pray I have the same result you did. Hugs!
I am so sorry you are dealing with dizzy spells. I went through a period of vertigo and it was unnerving, besides uncomfortable. Mine mostly hit when my head was flat and I turned a certain way. After seeing docs it was confirmed it came from a damaged ear. So I do my best to keep pressure off it! I hope they find an answer that helps you too. Plus, getting my neck/jaw adjusted seemed to help too. Sending you healing hugs and praying the doctors are guided to help you. Xo
Thank you for the encouragement, Denise. I am convinced it is coming from the inner ear and am anxious for my Tuesday appointment. I appreciate the healing hugs and prayers for the doctors to be guided to the right solution. Hugs back and I wish you a good weekend!
I pray you find a fast and easy answer soon, Jan. And congratulations on being a finalist!
Thank you, Staci! Hugs!
I am really sorry to read about your dizzy spells, Jan. My Dad was treated for vertigo with special exercises. Congratulations on your book award ❤️
Thank you, Robbie. I am hoping my appointment on Tuesday will provide the solution I need for the vertigo episodes. I’m glad to hear it worked well for your dad. Have a good weekend!
You too, Jan, and good luck for Tuesday ?
Congratulations on becoming a finalist, Jan! That’s awesome! I also eat as much organic as I can. I know that there is a skepticism growing about whether it is truly organic, but I can only hope it is better than the non-organic foods out there. I’m sorry you are considering to deal with the dizzy spells. It sounds like your doctors are being thorough. I hope they find the cause and can treat it quickly so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Sending healing energy your way!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette. I am receptive to healing energy and appreciate it greatly. I, too, try to eat as organic as possible, and as you say, we can only hope they are better for our bodies than non-organic foods. Thank you for the congrats! Have a great weekend! Hugs!
Goodness, Jan! I pray they find out what is causing these health issues/episodes. Wrapping you in healing prayers and hugs! And CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a RONE finalist! Woohoo! So well deserved! Take care, my friend! xo
Thank you so much, Mary. I appreciate your congratulations AND your prayers immensely! Have a good weekend!
I’m sorry to hear about another episode with vertigo, Jan. That can be so scary, particularly when you’re in a public place. My father has had similar experiences due to inner ear crystals that come loose. He’s done PT where they do manipulations with his neck and then then he’s fine. I’ll keep you in my prayers that you get to the root of the issue. Keep us posted. On a happier note, congratulations! I’m thrilled for you and the success of Sattled Hearts! Take care of yourself. xo
I have the Vertigo evaluation this coming week, and I am hoping they can do whatever is needed to get the inner ear crystals back in place and attached with super glue so they’ll stay!! Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. And thank you for the congrats! Hugs and happy weekend!
Forgot to add my congrats on your book reaching the finals.
John and I had a container garden when we lived in an apartment (we used whiskey barrels). Now that we live on 16 acres, we don’t have a garden! Go figure. It’s a lot of work to till up the ground and keep it weed-free. We have thought of a small container garden, but haven’t gotten around to it.
Hoping you get answers soon.
Lol, Joan. I would love to do some container gardening, but I live on the fourth floor, and lugging everything up is a deterrent. You are blessed to live in the country and to have land around you. Never take it for granted. And thanks for the congrats and good wishes!
How to comment? Major congratulations and major bummer at the same time??? Excited about your looming award, and concerned about your health.
And that’s why I call it Friday Free For All, Craig. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I am hoping for some health answers this coming week. Have a good weekend!
Angels attend
Your comment brought tears to my eyes, Annette. I spent the early morning communing with the Angelic realm and asking them for a sign. I got it through you. Hugs, sweet friend!
Good luck with the award process, but extra heavy-duty good luck on the medical front. I hope they figure this out and find an easy way to deal with it.
Thanks so much, Dan. I am hoping for a solution and soon!
Nice add-on to mine, Jan. Do you have a balcony? It’s surprising how much you can grow in containers. Course, not all apartments have them… Otherwise, as you said, we do what we can and hope for the best.
As for your dizzy spells, that is scary! I hope they find and can fix your situation! Sending you some good vibes.
Congrats to you on your book making the finals! That is so exciting. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Dale. I do have a balcony and have considered trying to grow in containers, but lugging everything up to the fourth floor is a deterrent. Still, it’s a thought. I hope they find the reason for and solution to the dizziness, too. And soon! Thanks for the good vibes and the congrats! Have a great weekend!
True. You’d need to borrow a shopping cart or something. (Or just go piece by piece as you’re inspired instead of all at once. I think it’s worth a try!)
And yes, please find a reason but mostly a solution!
Thanks! You too.