Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Rain, Wind, Eyes, and Faces

After torrential rain, strong wind, and even some snow yesterday, and into the night, it's a chilly, but sunshiney morning here on the tallgrass prairie of southwest Missouri.

Carnations From My Daughter

I had my one-week-out follow-up appointment following the second eye surgery yesterday morning and was released to resume normal activity (except for rubbing my eyes...can't do that for a month!). No more eye sheild at night and only two more days of eye drops. (YEAH!!!) New glasses and being able to see up close as well as far away are still a few weeks away. 

I told my eye doctor that I started selling Mary Kay and asked her long it would be before I could start using eye makeup. She said I could do it now...just don't rub!!! 

Now, keep in mind, I've not worn makeup for years...decades even! ...and, not only am I completely out of practice, but am, also I think, lost in the 70's forever. LOL! I feel like a 13-year-old just starting out! Ha-ha!

Here are this morning's before and after face shots...

 
Before                                      After

As you can see...I need a LOT of practice!!! My eyeliner is all over the place! 😆 

Speaking of faces, I am looking for 30 faces to help me earn my Seasonal Color Analysis certification. If you are willing to spend 5 to 10 minutes on facetime with me and be one of my faces just email or message me on Facebook Messenger (Rebecca Brown Knox). I will ask you a few questions and try to correctly determine which "season" of color families work best on you. Thanks in advance to those that are willing! 💗

Have a beautiful day and I'll be with you again soon!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24)

Until then...
~Rebecca

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Monday, March 3, 2025

Embracing The Journey



You've probably noticed that I've not posted much on here lately. There's been a lot going on on my end the past month or so, including having two eye surgeries and starting my own business.

What I have shared in recent months hasn't amounted to much. I've not felt that I've really had too much TO share since my husband's death. The first couple of years found me lost in a blur of long days and dark nights. I was just trying to survive.

When John passed away, in July of 2021, I was at the highest weight I ever remember weighing and, to be honest, I didn't care. Eventually, I did start caring, but it seemed so hopeless. At 62 years of age it felt too late...for everything. I didn't even know where to begin.

Then, I came across a Bible verse that, in the past, had been very familiar to me (I Thessalonians 5:23) but, this time, coupled with the verse that immediately followed it, something transfixed itself deep within my spirit. I knew that God was, not only calling me to do something, but empowering me to do it. I still don't understand it all, but, one small step at a time I AM doing it.

Instead of fighting against everything and making excuses as to why I can't do something, I am trying my best to be obedient in, and faithful to, the little things. 

I still have a long way to go, but since June 10, 2024 I have lost 65 pounds and have gone from a tight size 28 to a comfortable size 18.

I've noticed that since losing weight my face and body are getting saggy. I know that a lot of that will straighten out in time, but, that's one of the reasons that I signed up with Mary Kay. It's time to do something with this face! 😧 

I haven't worn makeup for decades and, unfortunately, I can't do a lot with my eyes right now (eyeshadow, mascara, etc.), but, as soon as they heal, that will change. In the meantime, I will focus on skincare

It's also time to be honest with myself and everyone else, too. The bottom line is...I want to be the best 'me' that I can be...a woman that glorifies God in spirit, soul, and body...and a woman that helps other women to be the best that they can be, too...spiritually, mentally, physically, financially. 

I've come to the conclusion that it's not too late. My days are in the Lord's hands and, as long as I'm here, I want to serve Him in whatever way He allows me to do so. I've decided that I want to embrace the journey that I'm on and I look forward to whatever is next.

In the days ahead I hope to be much more transparent with my journey. If I can be of service to you somewhere along the way, please, don't hesitate to reach out. 

In the meantime, know that my thoughts and prayers are with each and every person that has found their way into this site tonight. I praise the Lord for bringing me through one of the darkest times (if not THE darkest time) of my life and I look forward to the next chapter with absolute delight!


"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (I Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Kickin' Off My Mary Kay Business




Hey, Y'all! I am excited to announce that I'm starting my very own Mary Kay business! In fact, my online "kick-off" party is being held right now and I would love for you to come be a part of it! To join in the fun just click the link below! I can't wait to see you there!

Monday, January 20, 2025

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - January 20, 2025



It's a frigid cold afternoon here on the tallgrass prairie of southwest Missouri, but all is warm and cozy inside as I enjoy watching all the festivities surrounding the inauguration of America's 45th and 47th president, President Donald J. Trump!



What an great day for America and, praise God! We have much to be thankful for! 💓🤍💙

I'm happy to say that, even though it took me all week to do it, I finally got the kitchen deep-cleaned and finished! It looks and feels so much better!



And, yes, I still have Christmas lights up. I leave a few strands up year-round anyway just to brighten things up and ward off depression...especially in the winter. Monday night grandson, Silas, came over and helped me hang strands up along the entire perimeter of the kitchen ceiling. The lights make me very happy!



This week's to-do list...

- Clean house
- Do laundry
- Watch today's presidential inauguration
- Deep clean the sunroom
- Deep-clean the livingroom
- Work on a couple of craft projects
- Answer a few letters 
- Work

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! 💓


This week's menu plan...

Monday - Turkey Italian sausage with potato, onion, and green pepper
Tuesday - Turkey pot pie
Wednesday - Salisbury steak with green beans
Thursday - Broiled salmon with baked potato and oven-roasted carrots
Friday - Homemade pizza
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Leftovers


That's all for today! I hope your Monday is going well and that your week is off to a great start!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Monday, January 13, 2025

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - January 13, 2025

It's Monday afternoon and I am finally finding time to sit down and chat a spell. I hope your day is going well and that your week is off to a great start!

 White Spruce in the Front Yard


There is much on my heart and mind as of late, one of which is this blog. I do hope to make some changes in 2025, including getting back to posting more often and sharing things of greater substance and of more use to my readers. 

White-crowned Sparrows


While wildfires rage out of control in California, here in the Midwest we've been battling ice and snow. We've had two winter storms in the past week and, even though there's still plenty of snow on the ground, temperatures have warmed up to above freezing and the sun is shining. Winter used to be one of my favorite seasons, but since my husband's passing, I find that I enjoy winter less and less. I, for one, am greatly looking forward to spring! 

Garage and Back Yard


Speaking of the California wildfires, please join me in lifting up all those that have lost homes, businesses, and loved ones in these horrific fires. It's a terrible tragedy and one that might have been avoided (in some cases anyway) had there been water in their reservoir and in their fire hydrants. Unbelievable!



Let's get on with today's post and take a look at the week ahead...shall we?

My Friend, Amanda's, Horses


This week's to-do list...

I am happy to say that I actually did make it though deep-cleaning my bedroom, bathroom, and hallway last week, and BOY! Did it ever feel good!!! My plan is to continue with deep-cleaning the kitchen this week!

- Clean house
- Do laundry
- Sit in on a 4-H meeting where granddaughter has been invited to teach an art class
- Attend city council meeting
- Figure mid-month budget and bills
- Deep clean kitchen
- Inventory food on-hand and make a plan to use it up
- Work

Some of My Favorite Books


This week's menu plan...

This is a tentative menu plan and may change after I get into doing the food inventory.

Monday - Broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole with cheeseburger
Tuesday - Taco salad
Wednesday - Broiled salmon, baked sweet potato, and green beans
Thursday - Italian sausage stuffed banana peppers with sauce, pasta, peas, and Italian bread
Friday - Turkey burger with potatoes, onion, and green pepper
Saturday - Homemade pizza
Sunday - Chili and cornbread



That's all for today! You have a great rest of the day and a beautiful and blessed week ahead!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Monday, January 6, 2025

Master To Do List and Menu Plan Monday - January 6, 2025

We didn't get the copious amounts of ice and snow that those to our north and east did, but we did get some some...first rain, then freezing rain, then snow. 

Sunshine and Shadow on Snow and Ice

After that temperatures took a tumble and now we're in the deep-freeze...12 degrees right now with a windchill of 0; the high is expected to get up to around 20. 

Sun Shining Through Ice in Backyard Treetops

Three birthdays were celebrated in the family last week. In a unique, first-of-it's-kind decision, grandson, Silas, opted for donuts instead of birthday cake this year. His mom had a great time hitting all the donut shops in an effort to come up with a great variety of donuts. It was a fun change and definitely something different!

Birthday Donuts

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening sorting through and organizing dresser drawers in the bedroom. In doing so I removed an entire trash bag full of stuff to take to the thrift store. It always feels good to get little jobs like that done!

Winter Wildflowers - River Oats

It's time to take a look at the week ahead. Let's get started...shall we?

Bison At Work

This week's master to-do list...

- Clean house
- Do laundry
- Deep clean bedroom
- Deep clean bathroom and hallway
- Take an inventory of household cleaners and supplies
- Grocery shop
- Celebrate family birthdays
- Watch President Carter's funeral service
- Work

Tallgrass Prairie Sunset

This week's menu plan...

Monday - Taco salad
Tuesday - Turkey Italian sausage with potatoes, onions, and peppers
Wednesday - Broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole
Thursday - Fish sandwich and oven fries
Friday - Oven-roasted chicken, baked potato, and corn-on-the-cob
Saturday - Homemade pizza
Sunday - Out



That's it for today! I hope your Monday is going well and that your week is off to a great start and, being as it's the first Monday of 2025 I want to wish you and yours an absolutely blessed and wonderful New Year! 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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