We had babies... Chicks that is!

Great googly moogly! Wee balls of fuzz invaded Godsbreath Farm! Both from a new incubator and we duck sat for JV. 

We bought a new incubator. Our Brinsea Mini decided it didn't want to work anymore. So we made the big choice to snag a new one from our local TSC. 

I didn't check reviews of this, Harris Farms Nurture Right 360- ($135.00)  but we love it! We choose the one that holds 22 eggs, it has a self-turner, a built-in candler, thermometer, counts down to hatch time, external water pot for easy adding, and auto stop for hatching 3 days before! 

I don't get kickbacks from this but if you are looking for to hatch your own consider this incubator. :) I plan to hatch out some ducks and another batch of chicks starting next week to send to the animal auction. We may keep some of the ducks and send our older crew to the pot. It's not engraved in stone but it's a possibility for the Fall. 


JV's Motley Crew will be going back to her homestead. I may ask if I can keep a few. Our guests are Pekin, Khaki Campbell, and Rouen ducks. They are so cute, but the old battalion is having a hard time adjusting to them. Our male Pekin keeps picking on her and they seem messier than our four. I would still love to find some Indian Runners. I think those would complete our duck adventure! 

We found these last week- 

The is technical name for it and the shorter a name,"Stinkhorn" mushroom. There are other nicknames for it too.

The brown slime on the top attracts all kinds of ants, flying insects, and the like. I haven't smelled them, but I have read that they are smelly like rotting meat. EW, right?! I found them in our mulch. It's not that uncommon. If you handle them you are to wash your hands right away. I'm not planning on doing so or frying them up. (They aren't poisonous.)

My second hive is doing well. WHEW! I was worried after the first one died after a week. The place where we got them called me back after I told them what happened and I never heard back. I do have to try to reach out to them again next week to figure out what the heck happened. 

Our garden is growing well. I attempted to give it a boost by making some compost tea. The results are still out on this one. The darned Japanese Beetles are back, but this time we have the traps out sooner. We feed the bugs to the chickens and ducks... Free food!

 Now before you ask about the statues. I have no idea what came over my fascination with religious statues. I have no clue! No, I haven't turned away from Christianity or joined a different religion. They just tickle me. No worshipping these are necessary. Don't ask for more because there is no more. (BIG GRIN!)

What else is new? I began a book tour for my memoir, "Call me Master" and how I healed, "Rising from the Ashes". I also wrote a short guidebook, "Old Stuff & Dusty Treasures, for someone that wanted to jump into the world of antiques. I was tickled to find someone in Great Britain bought one! So now I'm an International Author! YAY!

Sharing my story has brought a whirlwind of wonderful opportunities for me to inspire someone that is trapped in an abusive situation or perhaps that just left. 

More about that on my other blog- Hope when there was none, you can also find information on where I'll be next on my book tour, speaking engagements, podcasts, and more!

So, let's talk about health. If you're new here, I have been battling Lyme dis-ease for well over 12+ years. I was infected by one Spider in 2007, another Spider in 2015, and once more in 2017 by a Mosquito. Yep, I'm fun to have around! 

You may be scratching your head about this because you have been told you can only get Lyme from Ticks or they aren't in Indiana or I am mistaken since Tick Nymphs are so teeny. 

Well, my Friend, Spider one- I found that the next morning after I rolled on it in the night and it tried to defend itself by biting my hip. I had the Lyme Flu the next day. Spider two was memorable because I felt the bite on my thigh. And within hours I had the Lyme Flu.

The mosquito bite? Yes, on my hip AGAIN but in a different area. Within hours it developed a funky look but I didn't get the Flu that time. 

Why didn't I go to the ER? With my first bite, I did. I was reassured that I was having a negative reaction to that type of spider and I would be okay. They gave me some Benadryl and Cortisone and sent me on my way. For subsequent episodes, I figured the same. SIGH!

I have been feeling all weird again. Irregular heartbeat, Air hunger, Vertigo, increasing Migraines, feeling hungry all the time even after eating, I gained weight (Despite trying Keto, Juicing, No whites and just laying off the carbs), and I was exhausted again. I was beginning to sleep all the time. There were more symptoms creeping back.

I was planning out my last moments again. Yes, it was getting "that bad". I didn't want to put it all out there. I smile. I try not to complain too much.  Jessica, my eldest was begging me to stop talking about my funeral on several occasions. The rest of my family was doing the same. 

Since the great knee incident, I feel as though I wanted to seclude myself. In some ways, I was feeling sorry for myself and like a burden to my family. Trust me I was praying, doing my affirmations, and vision board. My health is nowhere as poor as many chronic Lyme Warriors, but there are negative thoughts that pass through your mind. Luckily, we met Amber and Matt. She raises chickens, ducks, and goats. Mr. Awesome answered an ad about some rare breeds and we had the chance to buy new wee babies. Amber and I struck up a conversation and found out that we had Lyme in common. She alerted me about changes in the laws for Indiana. Mr. Awesome said to get my butt in to see if our favorite doctor can help. I am forever grateful for that meeting!

I went earlier this week. We discussed the possibility that my thyroid was burning green wood rather then seasoned wood. There's more to that but you get the jist. He ordered blood work, and a neato test to find out what medications and such will work for my body. He received the results yesterday and as suspected I was burning green wood. What this meant was a 45 day trial of a medication to give me a boost. He called in the prescription and within a half hour I was on my way to pick it up. I popped one and I gotta tell you, Mr. Awesome and I noticed a difference within an hour!

Today has been amazing! I slept through the night well. I haven't felt the need to take nap. I have more energy and feel good. It's been so long that I admit I'm waiting to see what happens tomorrow. In this short period of time I have chatted with another Lyme Warrior and she has been a wealth of information about Parasites! 

Tomorrow I do have a book signing at Somethin's Brewin Coffee

 Shop & Cafe at ReChic Unique Boutique in Demotte, IN from 1:00 P. M. to 3:00 P. M. I can't wait!


I am feeling blessed at this positive change in my body. I'll keep you updated. 

What's next? If my health continues then that bike across America may be in the works. 

Whatever your journey, I hope that it is blessed and wonderful! Have a great weekend! Talk to you soon!

Much love and BIG HUGS,
Mel

P.S.- If you know someone that is being abused or you suspect they may be. Contact your local law enforcement or shelter. You can also find a great deal of information here-www.thehotline.org

Someone I think you should know- Tammy Szostek

I run into the most courageous people. They don't realize what an impact they have made upon me. Every single one of them! Some I have met once, others I've known for years, and many I have yet to meet. 

Everyone has a struggle, big dreams or a goal they are going for. Sadly, Tammy's story is like the many other stories I have heard from those suffering from chronic illness. 

We met at a Lyme Dis-ease meeting. I admired her moxie to keep going even though you could tell she was clearly hurting. She finds time to volunteer in the community, spend time with family, and still keep a smile on her face.  

I hope you see the fierce light that I first saw in Tammy through this post. 

****************************

Hi Tammy! Can you tell me about when you noticed something was not quite right with your health?

Tammy says, "I noticed about 12 years ago! I seemed to be always sick and weird things started happening. I started having seizures out of the blue. My one kidney just stopped working and Dr's couldn't figure it out."

So, at what point did you decide, "Ok, I'm really sick and just not getting any better by the advice of my doctor and need to try something different."

She shares, "I guess when I had my first stroke I knew something was wrong. The Dr's once again couldn't figure any of this out. I was starting to have worse seizures. But I was faking it all according to the Dr's"

I asked her how has her health challenges impacted daily life/work/activities. Not hesitating, Tammy confides, "It has stopped me from living! I can't drive with uncontrolled seizures. I never feel well enough to go out. I have turned into a hermit. My husband has to force me out of the house. I can't work because I can't drive there and people don't like to hire epileptics although they wouldn't say that's the reason."

Can you tell me about how your views on how current medical treatments and medication changed?

She answers emotionally, "I have given up on treatment. My body has stopped absorbing everything medications and vitamins. So, the Dr tells me there is no point in taking it. I'm basically just being monitored at this point. They say, I'll be lucky if I'm still alive 7 years from now."

When asked at what point has she become frustrated with the medical community, she answered, "I'm frustrated everyday that I am suffering everyday as well as, many others because we can't get proper diagnosis and proper treatment."

So, Tammy was there a moment when you had to step back and laugh for a change otherwise you would cry?

She said that on most days she does.

When asked if what kind of support or feedback during her journey she says, "Mostly positive I have a very supportive husband and sister. Some don't understand. Like one day I can walk just fine another day I need assistance. I've heard the whispers and nasty comments."

Personally, I have heard many interesting and wacky remedies, what is the most interesting or memorable remedy you tried in hopes of healing and did it work or fail for you? 

She recalls, "I ordered something from England. I can't remember what it was called. But, it didn't work. There was a wacky diet where I could basically eat nothing and I still gained 130 lbs. I have since lost that weight. In a year and a half I've lost 160 lbs. Again, no one can figure out why."

When she needs strength she turns to God.

She continues to share that the dynamic in her home has changed since her health challenges began. "It makes me feel like a bad wife at times. My husband comes home from working hard long hours and I don't have dinner cooked or house the cleaned. I feel horrible because he deserves so much better."

Tammy, if you could change one thing in the medical community in regard to the challenges of being a patient what would that be? 

She responds, "Fair treatment and make them believe in Lyme"

Looking back on your health journey what advice would you give to someone just beginning to look for answers on their path? Tammy urges others to, "Don't let Dr's bully you. Fight for treatment with all you have! Don't take no for an answer."

A favorite quote or motto she has is, "I still got a lot of fight in me. Or from, Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

If you have questions or just want to send a virtual hug to Tammy, she can be reached by tamtamleigh@gmail.com or phone 219-895-1334.
email 

Someone I think you should know- Taylor Schwabe

In 2015 I received the most joyous news... I had Lyme Dis-ease. Why was there joy? That diagnosis opened the doorway for years of unanswered questions I had about my health. I shared my woes and such on social media such as I do with my abuse survival story. 



I was excited to have LymeLight Stories reach out to me to do an interview about my story! After my story ran I connected with the courageous leader, Taylor Schwabe. Seeing her as a Hero for spreading awareness as well as her own personal battle led me to find out what 'Her' story is. 

She is kindly opening up to share an intimate peek into her life with overcoming Lyme. I hope you glean wisdom and know you are not alone in 'your' journey.


Hi Taylor! So, tell me about when you noticed something was not quite right with your health.

"The most severe symptoms began in 2014 while I was in college (although looking back now, I was bitten by several ticks at a young age and had minor symptoms throughout the years). After finishing class one day, I started experiencing a sharp, stabbing sensation in my chest. It was very painful, like a knife, whenever I took an inhale - and no matter how I positioned myself, it didn’t subside. At urgent care, they could not find anything wrong based on a chest x-ray and EKG. 

More symptoms continued to pile on in the following weeks: I started to get neuropathy in different parts of my body (like tingling & pins-and-needles). My hearing started to decrease and the GI issues, fatigue, and joint pain worsened...the sharp chest pain persisted with every inhale - Along with this, I developed the sensation of being unable to catch a full breath (called “air hunger”). Every day since then, I have been struggling with these symptoms and working hard to heal. "

At what point did you decide, "Ok, I'm really sick and just not getting any better by the advice of my

doctor and need to try something different."

Taylor recalls, "After things took a turn for the worse, I saw many different health providers (MDs, naturopaths, alternative health practitioners) over the course of a year... No one was able to give me a concrete diagnosis nor did I experience any relief from their therapies. Like many in the chronic illness community, I was told that my symptoms were due to being "over-stressed" and that they were "in my head."  

After nearly a year with no explanation and no end in sight for these terrible symptoms, I was feeling pretty hopeless. This was when two friends (separately) suggested that I look into chronic Lyme Disease. After researching the symptoms of chronic Lyme and discovering that false negatives are common with conventional testing, I decided to see a Lyme specialist, which was when I was diagnosed with chronic Lyme, Babesiosis, and Bartonella."

Taylor, I know there are so many remedies and wacky treatments out in the world. What is the weirdest you tried and did it work?

She says, "Some of the treatments I’ve tried are pretty "out there". Over the past few years I’ve experimented with a wide variety of therapies - everything from antibiotics to shamans, from placing giant magnets over my organs to being zapped with lasers and electromagnetic machines, from western modalities to eastern modalities, and everything in between... One of the weirder treatments I received was when a practitioner rebalanced my Yin & Yang energies by waving an antenna (with green/red lasers) over several of my chakra points...I can't say I noticed a benefit from that one!"

When asked if she could change "1" thing in the medical community in regard to the challenges of being a patient she answered, "I left many appointments feeling vulnerable, alone, and unheard. There have been many times where I felt that my visits were rushed - I didn't have time to ask questions because there was pressure for the provider to hurry into the next room for a different patient. I wish that all providers genuinely wanted to do medicine in order to help people heal - and that healing would be more of a lifestyle for those who choose health professions, instead of merely a way to make a living. I feel fortunate to have found a few providers who truly live to heal others as best they can - when you’re with them, you feel hopeful and you know you are heard...wish there were more like this!"

Taylor is super excited that she is beginning to see with a Lyme-savvy neurologist and this has made her hopeful about future treatments... She happily adds that she is also moving soon - back to a place that she loves!

I asked if there was a ritual, object or tool can she not live without or that she must use everyday even it isn't health related. 

She responded, "Meditation (at one of my outdoor "hideout" spots) has been an important ritual for recovery. Also, going for a drive with some of my favorite albums turned up really loud has been a good release. 😄"

How has the dynamic at home and or work changed since you have had your health challenges?

"I’ve had to decline several professional opportunities due to my health... which has been frustrating, especially considering my age (23). This is a time when I want to be focusing my energy on building a career and having fun, not trying to recover from disease. During the past few years, there have been periods that I was able to work full-time, periods when I could only handle part-time work, and periods when I could not work at all because the symptoms became too debilitating.

I am lucky that my immediate family has been supportive, as well as many close friends. Even with an amazing support system, it can still be very isolating - No one else knows exactly how much pain you might be experiencing at any given time, and you don't always want to explain how it feels to others, especially because it might make them feel bad. We can't expect family and friends to understand what it feels like to live with these symptoms day in and day out but, it makes a huge difference to surround yourself with people who appreciate the seriousness of this condition and who want to walk through this challenge with you." 

Taylor, could you tell me how the idea for LymeLight Stories come about? 

She replied, "LymeLight Stories" has been a fun, small side-project that came about because I was starting to connect with so many other Lyme patients. I was amazed by the similarities of our stories, particularly with the challenging and long diagnostic process. I thought that having a platform where I could share other Lyme patients' experiences would build awareness of the fact that late-stage Lyme can mimic many other conditions and that receiving a diagnosis can be extremely difficult."

When asked about a favorite quote or motto she has, she says her favorite quote is: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”  ~ Viktor Frankl

I asked her what hobbies she enjoys, she says, "Anything outdoors...especially hiking & skiing when I can. Music, too - piano, guitar, mostly."

Taylor, looking back on your health journey what advice would you give to someone just beginning to look for answers on their path?

"Recovering from chronic illness is complex, multi-layered, and very unique to each person. What works for one person may not work for the next. Antibiotics may help some people with chronic Lyme, and they may not be the right path for others. People are quick to give you their opinion on the best treatment to do. There is not a lot of gentleness when people talk about “miracle cures” and what worked to get them to “remission.” It’s great to talk with other patients and learn about all of the different treatments, but bear in mind that the same thing that worked for “Bobby Sue” may not work the same for you!

Just as people love to tell you what to do, people are also quick to tell you what NOT to do. There will be advocates and naysayers for any direction you choose. I’ve had people tell me that antibiotics are a bad idea and others tell me that alternative therapies wouldn’t work - ultimately, it may be a lot of trial-and-error until you find what works best for you. One cool thing about all of this is that you will likely build a communication with your body. You'll be able to better tune into what causes you to feel different, for better or worse, whether it’s a medication, supplement, or food. This awareness can be a useful guide to help navigate treatment. 

It would be great if there were one silver bullet for everyone - but everyone has a different set of puzzle pieces to work with. Besides the tick/vector-borne infections, you may also have to address other factors - like heavy metal/environmental toxicity, mold toxins, parasites, yeast, viruses, other pathogens, immune/hormonal imbalances, among other things...

I wish I had taken detox methods more seriously at the beginning of my journey - I didn't appreciate how important it is to get the toxins out to best support your body as it fights off all of the infections. There is a lot of good information online about different ways to detox for chronic illness. Also, talking to others with chronic illness and chronic Lyme (whether that's in a support group, online, at your doctor's office, or any other way) can be very rewarding - sometimes the best therapy is connecting with people who really "get it." 

As difficult as it is to be fighting for your health and getting through the days with debilitating symptoms, illness brings a lot of lessons and ways to grow. Lessons of awareness, of finding balance and self-compassion, of disengaging from the ego, and of letting go. Healing is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, too.

Something that helps me get through the hardest days is reminding myself that there is meaning in the suffering - Pain can be turned into purpose, as we can use this experience to relate to and help others going through their own challenges." 

For more information or to just give a little virtual hug to Taylor reach her at-schwabe24@gmail.com. LymeLight Stories for inspirational stories. 

Happy birthday to me! Guess what I finished my book!

I really wish I could tell you that I wrote this amazing Sci-Fi or Romance novel.

It's not...

I opened up even more than I do on my other blog- Hope when there was none .

Sharing some of the many deepest secrets I have was quite a healing journey for me.

I am a Survivor of Domestic Violence. I've posted ramblings on here from time to time about my struggles.

My book is called, "Call me Master", it contains adult content so it is not kids. It is available on Amazon for Kindle for $4.99. The paperback is due out later this month as well find me here- Author Central- Melinda Kunst

I'm hoping to donate copies to shelters, churches and more.

It's not just my story about escaping abuse. I have shared many things and tools I learned that helped me stay safe. Even if you don't think this is for you, perhaps you do not know what abuse looks like. Abuse is not just physical. It is mental, sexual, emotional and financial.

You may not realize the pattern when you are in the thick of this type of relationship. Also, abuse has no prejudice, you can find abuse in every generation, sex, and age. There is also abuse between co-workers!

Learn what abuse is and what steps you can take to get out.

I'm also in the process of writing a follow-up book called, "Rising from the Ashes". In this you will find more tactics I used to help me "after" I left my situation. With these I was able to kick PTSD in the butt! This will be available in early 2018.

So, sorry there hasn't been too many pictures or updates on the farm. I've been a bit busy with the holidays and writing.


We celebrated 3 birthdays for November! We celebrated my eldest Son via FB.

 We explored Willow Slough and met JV, Mike and the kids for a walk about.

 Did I mention Mr. Awesome turned 60?! Jess, Don, and Short Stack came down to celebrate. I appreciate those that sent cards! That meant a lot! It was a fun day.

 I celebrated my 47th year on this beautiful planet! I also had the gift of an awful migraine, courtesy of Lyme Dis-ease.

I want to ride across the US on a bicycle! I know crazy right? But, if you know me this isn't far fetched. I started training last week and I'm doing a cleanse right now. Getting back into fitness is hard.  I started with cycling on a stationary bike last week. 3 days on and a 4th day for Yoga or Ski machine. I did walk a wee bit funny last week.
The bike needs a new seat in a bad way. Or maybe it's just me.  My better half suggested taking things really slow, such as starting to travel to the next town over and than biking to other surrounding town. After that, bike through the county, state and so on.

This actually sounds do-able. I keep talking myself out of it, I'm still healing from Lyme, tired all the time, there's the expense of a new bike, helmet, shoes, and other equipment. I then think maybe it's not a good idea after all. I know where's my positivity?

Mr. Awesome will be my chase car. I will keep praying on this and I'll keep you posted on this. The ride won't be until or after my 50th birthday so I have time to figure out a route and such.

I dusted off my Vision Boards! I haven't done one since last year, SHAME ON ME! I miss doing them and sharing how to do them. I had planned a few workshops this month, but it's terrible timing. I do have one scheduled in Brook, IN for a Singles group.  I'm pretty excited about that and hope to do more venue's.

The garden and Bees are buckled down. Many of my plans for this year were pushed back or restructured. Mr. Awesome started work a few month ago, making him a weekend Warrior. I also, just wasn't feeling good.

We did lose one of our Buck-eye hens a few weeks back. She just upped left or maybe she was taken by a Hawk or Raccoon. I was pretty sadden about that.

If I don't blog again for a bit please, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!

BIG HUGS!
Mel

  

What's going on with this place?!

Mr Awesome has been keeping busy with various projects around the house and garden.

He staked out a pie shape for me to work on a Potager style garden! Worked on some electrical issues, put up trim in the kids rooms, worked on our mowers, took off the roosts from the old chicken coop, some plumbing fixes, moved several furniture pieces around the house and to the 
  barn and put up with me.

We had a visitor digging down under the front stairs so Mr. Awesome also threw more dirt down, added slate and I threw down some mulch in hopes of  deterring our visitor. We'll see if this helps!

We have an outlet outside! Hooray! All of these things are small projects to him but they add up in the grand scheme of things.

I did plant a few of my cool weather plants in, herbs, sowed flowers and more veggies! I have been busy working on more Dreamcatchers to bring to the upcoming Fleamarket! I did have 2 women offer to buy them all but they never followed through.

My Duck egg hatched is a dud! My incubator decided it's not going to work and gave itself up to ghost. So no chicks but a journey to the farm auction is a maybe. Mr. Awesome meant to go but things just keep popping up. 

I have been very off kilter, blame it on the moon or my cycle. I'm a mess! I felt like giving up the other day in regard to my health. I guess feeling a bit of despair and sorry for myself. I told Terry I feel just useless as a Wife and Mom right now. His reply is always tear jerking, super awesome, God I love this Man, sappiness and gushy.  

My memory is flaking out, my parts are hurting, I feel awfully tired, my visits to nap time are coming more frequent again, I am stumbling often and dare I say I'm fearful of being bedridden again.

I wrote a email to my family advising of some final wishes. Now I have no intentions of going anywhere soon but the feeling darkness was strong the last few weeks. I'm normally a happy-go-lucky Lady but something is not quite right.

I've went dark on some of my visits to Social Media land. Opting instead for something less news worthy... Instagram and Pinterest! I haven't chatted with anyone or visited anyone for a LONG TIME. While I feel a deep need to reconnect with my family, I am just too exhausted. Too tired to talk sometimes and how does that make sense? Even eating requires effort. Well not that much if you have seen me.  

I have opened some books I've been meaning to reed and started reading my Bible again. I need to journal and ground myself again, but felt it was a dire time to do some smudging. It's gotten to the point where I had to tell Mr. Awesome that he hasn't been so awesome (He's been a bit grumpier lately) and needs to find a job or something he can get out of the house to do. He is a stay-at-home Dad, unable to find work in his chosen profession and he considers his age, 59 years young to be a contributor of why he hasn't been able to find a position.

My job is fine. It is not rocket science. I meet wonderful people and it pays the bills. Though I managed to ask for a raise. I really don't want to go through the process of finding a new job or I may have to find another part-time one. But the hours are awesome! My side dream businesses are on the slow side leaving me to question my path/what I want to be when I grow up. 

With my brain fog I forgot to pay a few bills so now we are a bit behind. Our tax return has been in process for more then 6 weeks, despite it being electronically deposited. Grrface!

In all this I am reminded that I need to be grateful. I had a hug out of the blue from a co-worker, a compliment from a guest that came out of nowhere to serve a reminder to me that there are many folks in this world that are suffering, had a loss, unemployed, in poor health or without the joys I have right now. I feel selfish for my feelings. So smudging seemed appropriate to break the tension in CasaMel's. I did a YouTube of a few basic information, also the prayer I used, links to other negativity busting ideas and my Bible info! Find it here- Go Smudge yourself! Dang full moon...

I am picking myself up, dusting myself off, lift my eyes upward and a quit my whining. Well, at least for this month...