Going Back To What I Know

As I sat here at the computer the other day while being logged into a chat site room, it finally occurred to me to ask the website owner about the Amazon Associate program and how it works with the widget he had displayed.  It really got me thinking about what I can possibly do to make an income during such a hard time for me now that I'm three years in the running with no job.

First of all, it's so disheartening to look at all these job opportunities and as I read the details I find something in the qualifications or experience they are looking for that I just don't have.  However, when I look at these positions, I can tell that I can do the rest of the job.  Yet, they want that specific qualification and/or experience.  I find it extremely unfair as it throws me out of the ball park to be in the running.

I began to really think about all this time I spend on the Internet and how it feels like I'm wasting my time and life away.  I love  the Internet, I really do but when what you know doesn't seem to even help you get anywhere it's time to re-evaluate what it is you really want.

The thoughts about the Amazon Associate program have been actually haunting me for longer than what I mention now.  Back in 2004 I used to be an Amazon Seller and those show up listed under the "Used & New" section for products you see on the site.  I was working back then and I had a regular job.  I started going to GoodWill stores and would peruse vigorously the book and music sections.  The results were surprisingly nice.  What began as a tentative look into online income became a secondary job as a business owner entrepreneurship.  I was successful in my venture for three years before I closed the business.

Facing newer possibilities this week put everything in a new light for me.  I have made a new resolve to give an online business venture another opportunity by going back to my roots of what I knew before but with the latest in technology and business options.  Yes, I am indeed going back to what I know.  This time, I will be coupling my past experience with what I have learned in the past five years.  Everything is much more advanced now but I am confident that I can make this work.

I may be ending the year 2013 with a lot of regrets and disappointments, but I am looking forward to bring in the new year of 2014 with new possibilities coupled with everything that I know.

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved

Thru Libby Eyes, ©

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution.

Sunday Is The Best

Henry looked once more across the lake from where he sat in the boat at his cabin.  The sun was beginning to disappear in the horizon behind it.  By the time he finishes skinning this last fish and brings in the boat to the dock, which sits right at the edge of his cabin, it will be almost completely dark.  Right now, the sky already has dark orange hues just behind his home indicating that he has about about 30 minutes left to tie down the small boat and go in to start a fire on the hearth.

The day was perfect just like every other for the past few months.  He enjoyed these moments alone during the summer but, as he glanced up at the trees noticing that the leaves weren't as bright green anymore, it would remind him that come autumn the loneliness of being a widower would be there again.  Amy Lynn, his wife, had passed away 10 years ago come next month but that pain always return.

Shaking his head briskly to forget the thought to avoid the burning tears, he began to bring in the boat.  Once he reaches the dock and he ties it down, his faithful spotted brown and white English springer spaniel of 13 years will start barking to greet him with a wagging tail.  Henry always enters through the back door and Luke knows this.  It's been his pattern for the past 11 years and Luke knows that Henry won't let him down.  Dinner time is just 15 minutes after Henry walks in.

"You know the drill, old boy.  I have to wash up.  You don't want to have the smell of fish on your food, do you now?  Calm down and I will get to you." Henry says with a laugh and he scratches Luke behind his left ear.  Luke has been a great dog to him since Amy Lynn died.  His five children are grown up and all live spread out in different ends of the state of Vermont.  Henry, however, stayed true to his commitment and still remains in Killingworth, Connecticut.  It  was there that he had proposed to Amy Lynn over 40 years ago.

Luke being fed, he prepared the fish for his own dinner to go with the fresh vegetables he grew in the garden behind the cabin.  The fish bit good today so he cooked two of them and covered the other three in foil.  After dinner today, he intends to finish the last two chapters of the history book his son, Charles, gave him for his birthday three weeks ago.  Charles always did know history is what he enjoyed the most and in particular those from before the 1700's to mid 1800's.  Henry always had a keen interest for that period.  It didn't matter where on the world the events occurred during that time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Before he even opens his eyes, Henry knows it's 7:30 a.m. as he lays in bed.  Luke always comes in at 7:15 a.m.  and plops down next to him nestling his nose at his shoulder.  He could never figure out why the darn dog always liked that exact position but never questioned it.  

Poking one eye open to look at Luke, he sees that the dog isn't even asleep.  He smiles and gently laughs. "Okay Luke, old boy.  Let's get you outside before you whimper at me, ya old sack of bones." Luke raises his head at the laughter and begins to wag his tail.  Once more he got his way early in the morning.

While the dog walks around, Henry thinks about the plans for today.  It's Sunday and he knows that Beth, his youngest child, will be there at 2:00 p.m. with the kids and Bill.  He promised her a date because she was on her way to Essex to visit with Bill's parents for an anniversary.  Beth will only be able to stay long enough for lunch and he would need to go into town within the next two hours in order to be back in time and get a gift for Lee Ann.  She was turning seven on Tuesday and he had procrastinated far too much to be able to send something in the mail.  Lee Ann enjoys reading and he favors her for that.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Boy those kids have a good set of lungs, Henry thinks as he rolls eyes but smiles.  He doesn't get to see them as often as he would wish.  However, it was Beth's job that kept them in Vermont.  Before he could even open the door, the kids rush through it first and piled around him. "Grandpa! Grandpa!" Arms are reaching up to him and he peers at them with one eye closed. "Hold on there, where's Lee Ann? I don't see Lee Ann." She's the one with  shortest arms but right in front of his body frame. "Grandpa, I'm right here. See!  See!"

"No; no Lee Ann.  I guess she stayed at home." 

"GRANDPA!" She bellows even louder.  He laughs  and picks her up. "Where's my gift?  I want my gift." 

"Beth, when are you going to teach these kids some manners?" She just walked in the door and gives him a look. "Dad, don't start.  I had enough trouble as it is with them on the road."

A 12 year old Jeremy is still tugging at the hem of Henry's shirt. "Who's that?" Henry says. "Come on, grandpa.  I want my hug." His almond shaped grey eyes look up at the tall frame he adores. "Please, Jeremy.  We say please." He puts down Lee Ann and waits for the reply from his grandson. "Please, grandpa.  Mom said you have to." A startled Beth is heard dropping a glass in the kitchen.  Bill breaks into laughter. "Eh? Mom said so?" Henry looks at Bill.  "What's so funny?" 

"It was actually my idea that he has to get a hug.  I didn't expect him to blame Beth." Henry is confused and looks at Jeremy with a raised eyebrow. "You all have the oddest kids but since they are my grandchildren I suppose he gets that from Beth." At that moment, Beth had just walked into the living room. "What?" She says.

Everyone just laughs.  This is going to be a great Sunday lunch full of finger pointing and blaming for the next couple of hours.  

"Can I have my birthday gift now, grandpa?" Henry laughs. "Sure thing, pumpkin.  Right after we eat lunch." Lee Ann gives him a miffed look of being snubbed but Henry pokes her making her laugh. "I love you, grandpa." She says as she plants a kiss on his nose. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution.

Welcome Home

With each passing day, she finds herself dying a little more than the day before.  Slowly and steady, she withdraws from the rest of the world.  The tears never roll down her face but she can always feel them stinging in her eyes.  She's tougher than she's willing to admit but deep inside she is merely like a child scared and alone.  She knows that a change will come soon and there is nothing she can do about it to make it better.

The more she wants to rest her eyes, they are less likely to close.  It hurts to try to keep them shut for they are too alert at this time.  A sadness clearly stained in her vision mirrors the turmoil of her thoughts.

She sits still in the corner of the sofa blanketed in the warmth of the sun coming through and sprawling across the room creating shadows darkening the living room.  Her stare is void and blank as she looks ahead, but not focusing on anything in particular.  Her sight is set on something inward within her thoughts as she hangs onto her memories; lethargic and reminiscent of what should have been in contrast to what is.

Sleep escapes her but now is when she wants it the most.

The sadness that engulfs her is more than she can bear and the sleep would stop the pain.  Feelings of loneliness would dissipate if she could sleep.  It would be the only time she can dream and in those dreams she would fine that solace and peace she seeks in the waking hours.

The more she blinks, her eye lids eventually begin to feel heavier.  Intervals become shorter of them being open and her breathing shallow as it slows to a bare whisper of her breath.  She welcomes the moment quietly as she feels the beating of her heart pounding against her chest.

"No more.." She whispers. "I don't want to feel any more."

Her head drops against the soft cushion of the sofa as her energy is depleted.  All thought processes completely obliterated, her slumber will last until the body feels replenished.  Nothing will wake her from the deep sleep as the world around her continues to move on.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The jingling of keys are barely audible as the fingers holding them search for the one that will fit the door lock.  Big burlesque hands gently push the door open as the tall figure stands in the entryway.  Dropping the toolbox by the door, he shuts out the cold and turns to see her on the sofa.  A small smile forms creating gentle wrinkles to form around his blue eyes.  He walks over to the hearth and picks at the remaining logs from the last fire the night before.

Looking up at her once more, he decides to start another fire.  As he begins to walk past her, he stops for a brief moment and with one finger slowly pulls back her hair from her eyes, and in doing so she slightly moves her head toward him as if she can feel his coolness from the tip of his finger.  Not wanting to wake her, he continues to the back room for a couple of logs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Slowly, she becomes aware that it feels warm; real warm in fact.  Not wanting to open her eyes, she stretches her legs as she pushes back the blanket revealing the thin and pale silk camisole and shorts.  They were a gift to her last Christmas and it's her favorite because of the soft feel it has.

It doesn't take more than a minute before she realizes she isn't alone.  She can hear the crackling of the fire on the wood and knows who it is.  She slowly smiles but still doesn't want to open her eyes for fear that it's not real.  She had been waiting for so long; was so used to being alone.

The scent of coffee reaches her senses a few minutes later and she's tempted to open her eyes, but still holds back.  Then she hears it; footsteps coming in her direction from the kitchen.  Eyes closed, she raises her left brow as she wonders, "It can't be." She thinks.  Hearing the soft thud of the cup being placed on the table she can barely wait anymore to open her soft brown eyes, yet she still refuses, even though that table is directly in front of her meaning that he is standing there.

"Lily." He whispers as her name easily rolls gently from his voice.  "Lily." He repeats once more.   Finally, a big smile breaks across her expression as she slowly opens her eyes to see him.  She blinks several times to bring his face into focus.  He's kneeling before her, one leg propped up to hold his arm that is resting.  Afraid to speak first, she simply just looks at him as she etches his features into her memory.  He's changed just a bit.

She can tell that he's freshly cleaned up from a shower because he's wearing the red turtle neck she bought him that was hanging in their closet.  She had not packed that one for his trip.

Slowly pulling herself up to  a sitting position, she feels a slight pain in her neck from the position she had slept in.  He sees the pain cross her eyes for a fleeting moment and reaches out cupping her right side of the neck.  As he massages it, he feels her molding herself into his hand even more.

Bringing her face to his to look directly into his blue eyes, she traces the wrinkles along the edge of his left eye with her fingertip.  "Welcome home, baby.  You made it just in time."

His eyes slowly brim a gentle storm of tears. "I know. " He gathered her then in his arms and carried her back upstairs to their king size bed.  As he placed her down gently, he could feel that she was ready.

Picking up the phone next to the bed, he called the doctor knowing he would answer. "Hello?" "Doctor, this is the Richards home.  It's time.  She won't make it to the hospital." There was a slight pause and then the doctor said he was coming right away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He couldn't bring himself for some reason to be in the room with the doctor and the nurse.  Instead, he kept pacing back and forth in the living room.  The coffee he had made was all gone and a second one began.  At this moment, he wished he was a drinker to calm down his nerves.

Being on that business trip proved to be beneficial but the distance it created between him and Lily was almost unbearable.  He had been away before but not for six months.  The call she made to him was done during a conference and the deal wasn't signed yet.  At least now he knew it would create extra income he was going to need from this point forward.

Mark kept listening for what he expected but it seemed to take so long.  He almost wanted to get over his nerves and go in there, but he knew that Lily had a habit of biting his head off. "No, I'll just be in the way." He reasoned with himself.

"Wa... Was that what I think it was?" He suddenly exclaimed.  Halfway up the stairs he almost tripped as the nurse greeted him on her way down.  She smiled at him. "You can come in now, silly man.  You should have stayed." He ran past her and stopped at the door when he saw what the doctor was holding. "Well there young man, don't just stand there.  Come here."

Mark slowly walked up to look into the face of the future.  Extending his arms, the doctor placed the baby in Mark's. He nearly choked on his next words. "Welcome home, baby."

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution.

Defining My Personality Type

Do you ever wonder how you may have changed over the years based on your actions and perceptions to events in your life?

When I was 24, I took the Myers Briggs Personality Test.  This test is very extensive and uses many different factors in determining who you are based on your answers to questions such as:

You believe the best decision is one that can be easily changed.
You prefer to act immediately rather than speculate about various options.

Those are just a couple of examples.  Your personal results will fall into one of several types.  I decided to take a new test to see where I am at and here are my results.

Humanmetrics Jung Typology Test™
Your Type: INFJ

Introvert(67%)  iNtuitive(12%)  Feeling(38%)  Judging(56%)
You have distinctive preference of Introversion over Extraversion (67%)
You have slight preference of Intuition over Sensing (12%)
You have moderate preference of Feeling over Thinking (38%)
You have moderate preference of Judging over Perceiving (56%)

Where have I changed compared to where I was before?

I have a need to protect my innermost self more than I used to.  This means I have a need to have an outward personality at times.  My Introversion is lower than it used to be but still distinctive.  It used to be an alarming 87%.

Intuition over Sensing has not changed.  I've always been balanced on this so I thought.  In reality, the test is accurate.  I prefer to follow my intuition before approaching anything I want to do.  I am surprised that it's only 12% because as I said I thought I was balanced on this.

A great man once told me I think too much and the more I allowed him to get to know me, I began to reshape the balance in my thought process.  This makes the current preference towards feeling as opposed to thinking very different from what it used to be.  I still think about this and my perception has changed of how I view myself.  I am still changing though so the moderate 38% is actually going to continue to increase over time.

Judging as opposed to the perception has changed but only slightly.  It's still accurate on my personality type.  When I previously took the Myers Briggs it was 67%.

Where does this leave me now?  Let's look at what this personality type is like in detail.

INFJs have an introverted "exterior" but have deep convictions and feel strongly about the things that matter the most in life.  This personality type is not easily led like a lamb either to the slaughterhouse.  It goes against the grain every step of the way and you can't easily fool them either.  This perfectly describes me as I am a no nonsense and straightforward person.  In other words, I don't believe  anything I hear or listen.

INFJs, also, are very selective in the friends they have and are few; which may well be only one to two friends they can truly trust and depend on.  They may well have five friends but out of the five only one person may have their true trust and friendship making the bond symbiotic transcending it with just a few select words.  These are more special than most friendships.

Apparently, INFJs have a natural ability to write, be fluent in language and language arts and ease in communication.  This makes sense to me because although I don't like dealing with the general public, so to speak, I do have a natural ability to use excellent verbiage in English when communicating with others in writing and in speech.  What I don't agree upon is that INFJs are most comfortable in public speaking and politics.  I personally turn away from these two.  We are also found in counseling but I find this hard to accept as well because I have a tendency to put up a shield in this way.

Points in Functional Analysis:

Introverted Intuition

• Enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins
• Readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect
• Ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others
• Act with insight and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.

Extroverted Feeling

• Vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies
• Aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals

Introverted Thinking

• Thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject

Note: Introverted thinking may have qualities of being aloof.  This is associated with their attempts to be deeply focused on their subject at hand.  Everything around them becomes distant and any interruptions they receive could irritate them from being deterred.  This takes a lot of energy.

Personally, I do get irritated when I am interrupted but I often find myself closing my mind to the rest of world.  It would take a large sound; an emergency or something similar to break my concentration.  It can easily break my train of thought and I forget what I am about to say or do.  Sometimes, though, I am attempting to multi-task and this can be disastrous making me painfully aware of all the sounds around me resulting in a breakdown and get burnt out.

Extroverted Sensing

• Twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external
• Possess inner vision (Unconscious)
• External sensing perception (Hold of worldly objects)

Note: Sensing is the weakest and most vulnerable arsenal.  They become so absorbed in their intuitive perception that they become oblivious to physical reality.  Refer to personal note in Introverted Thinking.

I began my self diagnosis of personality, as I stated before, at age 24 and to this day I continue to delve into personal life and growth of my personality type.  My career choices have been automatic and clearly are well chosen.  Since my personality type does well in language and communication, it makes sense that the personality types fall into the following:

• Social Work
• Education
• Law
• Librarian
• Arts
• Humanities

Those are just a few and the possibilities within each field are plenty.  I am at my most comfortable within administrative and clerical positions.

Marina Margaret Heiss, formerly of the University of Virginia, wrote "INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers."  It is perfectly clear to me that she understands my personality type.  I didn't discover until recently that I do seem to stem from idealistic views but what she doesn't note is that I also have a bit of realist in me.  It is true that my need for completing a task is a preference.  I don't give up on any given task until I succeed in my final achievement.  When I set goals, I am able to complete them.  It is very rare for me to give up.

I believe that we all have the capability to fully learn about ourselves and am glad that it is a continual process that never ends.  The older I get, the more defined I see my personality becomes.  There is always room for more personal growth within ourselves.

Note: The test I used online comes from the findings of Carl Gustav Jung in Analytical Psychology

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©
May 11, 2013

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution.

Sources:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/you/careerchoices.aspx?EI=-67&SN=-12&TF=-38&JP=56
http://typelogic.com/infj.html

The Precise Moment

The sun has just begun to break on horizon but he was already up by two hours preparing for this moment.  His piercing green eyes looked up for a moment to see the slight edge of the sun making its mark amongst the darkness of the looming mounds and will soon see its own reflection.  He had been waiting for this very precise moment and the look of determination he has is unwavering.  There was nothing in his way and should anything interfere he would not have another chance.  He furrowed his brown brows in a frown for a brief second, took in a deep breath of the morning air and slowly exhaled as he began to bend down to look into his 30 year old green duffel bag to look for the soft blue-green rag that he knew was there.

He was in the perfect spot and knew it as he had been eyeing the area for the past few months.  Very quietly and gently he picked up his piece that was resting up against the tree as he began to wipe it down lightly from one end to the other.  In the left breast pocket of the tan and green windbreaker he is wearing sits the one and only silver tipped copper he would have at achieving his determined goal.  Failure is not an option as he has been preparing for this the past month.  

Living in the surrounding area for over 45 years, he has adapted and blended in extremely well.  The ability to wake up in the mornings without an alarm to see the sun rise brings complacent expressions to his face every day and today's only exception is the mission at hand.  As he listens intently to the sounds around him, he closes his eyes briefly to determine from which direction each one is coming from.  An occasional bird can be heard as it greets the early morning.  The left corner of his mouth raises slightly as he crinkles his eyes a bit and thinks to himself it's almost time.  Mischief dances in the light of his eyes as he reaches for the chair and without a sound moves it closer to the trees that will strategically obscure his position without blocking his vision of the intended target when it appears.  Nestling into the chair, he takes out of his breast pocket the silver tipped copper piece to drop it into the open action of the blue 22 inch steel.  Normally, he brings his black, long haired companion but not today.  Drawing up his left foot, he lets his ankle rest on his right knee as he places across his lap the seven pound piece.  

While watching the sun begin to crest just above the peak of the mountain tops it begins to drop a reflection of itself across the tranquility of the valley.  It is at this precise moment that his wait is just about done.  He sits up straighter in the seat as his eyes scan across the water and his grip tightens above the stock into the trigger guard while pivoting the muzzle to point towards the bank on the other side of the riverbed.

Slowly, a brown figure brushes the trees enough to capture his attention.  In slow motion, he rises as he eases off gently the safety while beginning to deftly point the barrel towards the figure as it starts to come out to the bank for a drink.  Slipping his finger into the trigger, he positions himself as he watches her ears twitching for unusual sounds.  Finally, as she brings her head down and her tongue becomes wet, he gently squeezes all the way ejecting the silver tipped copper piece to travel down the barrel towards the muzzle at its intended aimed target; the deer.

© Libby Baez, All Rights ReservedThru Libby's Eyes, ©July 17, 2013

This content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution. 

Respect Yourself First - It Goes A Long Way

"I can't respect anyone who doesn't respect themselves first. If you can't respect yourself enough to take care of you first, then you have no business trying to gain the respect of another person and their trust."

I made that statement today and I believe every last word I uttered.  It leads me to state as follows:

• If I can't respect you, you will never gain my trust.
• If you can't respect me, I won't respect you.
• If you can't respect yourself, don't expect a pity party.  You put yourself into the predicament you have.

How to respect yourself:

• Stop dwelling on the past
• Stop being negative
• Wake up every day with a positive outlook on the day
• Take care of your health
• Stay out of bed during the day if you don't work
• Keep yourself busy with activity that will give you a better rest at night
• Help yourself first so that you can be more useful to others
• Be yourself - Don't try to be what you are not
• Get involved with organizations in your community that you support
• Meditate once a day

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved

Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Photo Credit: © Libby Baez

Image and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution. 

Autumn Around My Home

I've recently started using the android phone at a whole new level as a tool.  It's actually easier for me to use it for video as opposed to my actual camera.  My camera offers more options, obviously, and better stability; but the thing is that the camera on the android phone allows me to do instant uploads to YouTube and Facebook.  I can't do that with my regular camera.

I have stated before that autumn is my favorite time of year and it's the only time in the year when I truly come alive to be outside enjoying the season.  Since this is the case with my personality, I have decided to feature my home and it's surroundings bringing you into my world a little bit more than what I am used to.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Bedroom View of Autumn

- Parking Lot View behind my building with trees in full autumn bloom.

View at http://youtu.be/lcAieEft1x8

...

Front & Side of Property in Autumn 

- Parking Lot Tree from north end from front view

- Pine Trees directly in front of apartment

- Entrance of Apartments

- Trees in full autumn bloom from entrance view

View at http://youtu.be/HvpZ335ejvs

I really enjoy doing these videos and sharing this part of world with everyone else.  You will see with time my personality shining through what I share.

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Photo Credits: © Libby Baez

Video Credits: © Libby Baez

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution. 

Cooking with Rigatoni

Cooking with rigatoni is something different that I don't normally cook with.  It takes me more time to decide the type of meal I want to create as it does not go with just anything.  I decided to make a double dish entree and the results were scrumptious.

Rigatoni in Chili with Beans

Ingredients: 

- 1/2 pound Rigatoni Pasta Noodles

- 1/2 cup of French Green Beans

- 1 can of Chili with Beans 

- 1/3 cup of chopped White Onion (Yellow onions are okay.)

- 1/3 cup of sliced Carrots

- 1/4 cup of chopped Green Onions

- 1 clove of Garlic, diced

- 1/2 of a medium Tomato, sliced and diced

- 1 cup of Tomato Sauce with Basil and Garlic

- 1/2 teaspoon of Oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon of Basil

- 1/2 teaspoon of Thyme

- 1/2 teaspoon of Seasoned Salt (Morton's is used.)

- 1/2 teaspoon of Olive Oil

Personal Instructions: 

- Boil and drain rigatoni pasta noodles

- Stir fry the onion, green onions, tomato in olive oil

- Once the onions, green onions and tomato soften, add the chili with beans 1/4 at a time to blend.

- Add the oregano, basil, thyme and seasoned salt

- Add the carrots and tomato sauce

- Bring to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer.  Leave covered for 20 minutes.

- After the 20 minutes, bring to lowest flame/heat and wait an additional 10 minutes

- Turn off and leave covered for 5 minutes before serving

Note: You can use chili without beans, if preferred.

Side Dishes: Serve with a Garden Salad 

Rigatoni with French Green Beans and Spinach in Cream of Mushroom

Ingredients:

- 1/2 pound Rigatoni Pasta Noodles

- 1/2 cup of French Green Beans

- 1/2 cup of Soy Milk

- One 12 oz can of Cream of Mushroom

- 1/3 cup of shredded fresh Spinach

- 1/2 teaspoon of Thyme

- 1 slice of Provolone Cheese cut into strips

Personal Instructions:

- Boil and drain rigatoni pasta noodles, and set aside

- Bring to a boil the cream of mushroom with the soy milk and thyme.  Lower the heat to medium-low once well blended

- Add the provolone to the cream of mushroom and stir until it's melted completely

- Add the rigatoni a little at a time and mix well until all pasta is covered in the sauce; continue to simmer 

- Add the green beans and spinach and blend until all is well mixed 

- Cover and leave on low heat for an additional 10 minutes

- Turn off and leave covered for 5 minutes before serving

Note: You can add croutons in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Side Dishes: Serve with a Garden Salad or Tomato Soup

* Both of these dishes done at the same time take no more than 30 minutes to prepare and serve.  

Dinner was served with a small glass of chardonnay wine.  

Dessert: One serving of Triple Chocolate

© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Photo Credits: © Libby Baez

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Should I Disappear

... know that I loved you well

Should I disappear, rest assured that whereever I go, you are with me.  Should I disappear, and I left no forwarding address, don't worry about it for I know where I am going.  Should I disappear, don't think for a moment that it was about you.

Should haves have become a regular thought a process as of late.  I should have done this.  I should have done that.  This never should have happened.  That never should have happened.

What holds you back?  What are all the "if only" but regrets upon looking back?  Should I disappear?

You are surrounded by people that pass you by and, as you look into their faces, you only see through them like a glass to see the other side seeing nothing; but yet you do.  You are looking dead ahead without turning your head; without connecting with their eyes.  You believe that the minute you allow yourself that moment, they will know what you are hiding.  Should I disappear?

The people who know you never call.  You don't wonder why and yet don't even bother to call them to see how they are doing.  You wonder if they even care and the desire to call is even lesser.  The ones you know then become as strangers as they forget who you are, how you are and what you like.  Should I disappear?

The thought of disappearing continues to show up and, the more it appears, it lingers longer every time.  Is it an escape?  Is it an avoidance?  Is it even rational?  In the mind's eye of the person who is processing these thoughts, they believe that it is rational.  It's not conventional but to them it is.  Everyone defines differently where the line is drawn and to the person thinking of disappearing has lost the location of that boundary.  The main focus goes directly to that same thought; to disappear.

The behavior analysis of such shows clearly that the person, you, is reaching that breaking point; a nervous breakdown.  It can lead to psychotic behavior.  The person becomes withdrawn and depressive.  If the person, you, is already an introvert then the damage is harder to detect and studying the behavior becomes more intent.  It would take a person thinking out of the box who knows you and is not involved to see the difference.


© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution.

Bridging The Timeline Of Trust

Trust is the one thing that takes time to build between any two people.  That trust can be between a family member, a co-worker, a friend, an acquaintance and even your landlord.  When we hand over our trust it is something that we should not carry in our hands to where it can fall and break like glass.  That leads to too much heart break because it is not protected.

Once you bridge the gap of time and realize you do give your trust to someone you know, you should be able to look back and notice a timeline.  If that timeline isn't there, then you really haven't accomplished you thought that was there.  This is why in today's society people don't easily open up to others very much.  As much as we all as human beings want to share with others, we keep ourselves guarded and, thus, that heart is no longer unprotected.  It is kept behind thick brick wall.

The timeline is truly important and I will tell you why.  You can't possibly be able to absolutely trust anyone within a few weeks time.  Bridging the gap of trust is in actuality a continual process in our life span.  At any given time, the persons that we love can fail us and the trail of broken glass can be a long road.

Think long and hard about that timeline because it is always going to critical over a lengthy period whether or not that trust is truly there.



© Libby Baez, All Rights Reserved
Thru Libby's Eyes, ©

Images and content may not be reproduced, in part or as a whole, for the purposes of selling or redistribution.