Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Twyla on Tuesday


Hello dear friends!
This is a mixed media collage picture I
did recently.  I was inspired by the words of the
old song, 'Wings of a Dove'.


I first painted the background and the fountain
and cut pictures of doves from images I found online.
I then glued them down to the canvas and painted over them.
I then wrote in the words and sealed it.
This kind of artwork is so enjoyable and satisfying.
It takes me away better than Calgon!


I have not talked about it very much on our blog, but I've had a
lifelong struggle with my weight.  I lost 100 lbs. 15 years ago!
Keeping it off has been my goal ever since!



There was even a before and after picture of me in the
newspaper at the time (1997).  It is embarrassing to share this with
you now, but we're all friends, right?



I try to eat healthy and thought I would show you
what I've been eating.
My son tells me that I eat like a bear.  He says that salmon
and berries are what bears eat. 
I eat it because it is good for me.
I also have a goal to live to be 100!
Are you health conscious?
Do you have health foods you like?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and goals too!
Have a nice Tuesday!
Love, Twyla




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21 comments:

ImagiMeri said...

Hi Ladies,

Twyla, this is so serene, I can almost hear the water falling. I love keeping an eye out for your creative pieces.

Hugs,
Meri

Cindy said...

You are such an inspiration to those of us who are trying to lose weight! I am struggling with my sugar addiction. I have about 60 lbs. to lose. Wish me luck and any tips you can send my way!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I am always inspired by you and your creative side but I'm glad you shared this! I weigh every day of my life. I lost 26 pounds almost 2 years ago and I don't want to gain it back. I think the hardest part for me is snacking. I eat a few almonds in the afternoon with fruit or yogurt. And popcorn in the evenings sometimes. I try not to eat too many carbs and I can't eat sugar at all so that helps keep the weight off. It looks like you're doing great, my friend! I'm proud of you! Well....I've made an announcement on my blog. Hope you can stop by soon and let me know what you think! Hugs! ♥

Lorlore said...

Great work on the picture, love it!! Struggling with weight here also, we are all on WW, it is a good program, I like to track on my new iphone! What do you do with the chia seeds? Where do you buy the large bags of blueberries? I have the problem that I am addicted to the frozen yogurt at the yogurt place I work at, but now I limit myself and track it!! Take care!!!!

Simply Shelley said...

Oh my,Twyla...I need some of your willpower....I too lost 100 lbs about 15 years ago....unfortunately,it did not stay away....Came back with a vengeance....plus some! I love your art piece...its beautiful...and a beautiful old song that I sing often.
Congratulations on being able to keep the extra weight away...I know it has made a huge difference in your health. On the other end..I am a prime testimony of what damage can be done to a body by so much added weight on a small frame....I am only 5'2. I desire your prayers for wisdom to take better care of myself and the will too :)
Blessings dear friend.

Alexandra MacVean said...

Wow! Your mixed media piece is absolutely beautiful!! :)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hello Twyla,
Your newest piece is awesome!
You are doing wonderful with your weight. Us "women" sure struggle with it. Don't know if I could stick to your plan...even tho it would be so good for me!
Warmly,
deb

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Twyla, I can't even believe that is you in that first picture. You shouldn't be embarrassed, just proud. I lost about 25 lbs 7 years ago and have kept it off. Right now I am not as toned as I used to be, but haven't been able to do any hardcore walking since spraining my ankle in November. It still gives me problems. I do eat healthy and even stopped eating meat almost 4 years ago. I totally changed my eating habits, started reading labels and definitely look at food differently. Every day I take to school things like a banana, apple, walnuts, lowfat yogurt, soymilk, and a peanut butter sandwich ... and I eat it all. If I go too long without food, I start to feel nauseous. I don't believe in diets or following a program. I don't do fast food or packaged foods and don't fry anything anymore. And I will only eat dessert if it is homemade (or a special occasion and really worth it :)

Your collage piece is beautiful. Wishing you a great rest of the week. Tammy

Gloria said...

Your dove mixed-media painting is beautiful!!

I just recently started a diet, if you want to call eating healthy a diet. My sister-in-law did this 17-day accelerated diet recently I was so impressed with the way her face looked. She really was glowing. Her diet she was following really is just eating a healthy diet. For the first 17 days you don't eat any carbs, and no sugar. I never have had much of a problem with weight, but with menopause I have started to put on a couple of extra pounds. This diet sounded just plain sensible. A lot of vegetables, lean meat & protein, fresh fruit (regular exercise). JUST healthy! I am giving it a go, trying to cut back on the sweets which I DO love so! :) Thanks for sharing your story.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo...Gloria

Becky Green said...

I've read everyone's issues with weight---I am someone who NEVER had a weight problem! I could eat ANYTHING!!!!!! IF I "dieted" I could shed 5lbs. EASILY!!!!!!! NOW, is another story! I'm 52 & Menopause... need I say more???? The weight is STICKING & I feel I look HORRIBLE!!!!!! A small frame, with about 40lbs. too much weight! I got it all off about a year ago, but it all came back. :( It's SOOO HARD to get it off & KEEP IT OFF!!!!!! I feel I have to eat like a squirrel & a rabbit!!!!!! (NOT exactly fun!) YES, ANY encouragement for your readers in this area is NEEDED!!!!!!!!! Be PROUD of yourself for your DILIGENCE!!!!!!!! :)

BEAUTIFUL WORK on your collage!!!!!!!!! :) I ENJOY your blog so much!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Becky Green said...

JUST looking again at what you eat! MAYBE, some of your recipes would be good... to know HOW to use the salmon....etc...! I LOVE to cook too! That can be a problem of someone who can't eat ANYTHING anymore! :)

Becky Green said...

I SHOULD share I guess MY HEALTH foods: SALAD!!! with Olive Oil & Vinegar dressing!1T.each (The vinegar- Colavita White Balsamic Vinegar.You can find it at Walmart, usually on the top shelf.) This is THE BEST tasting Vinegar I've found! I tend to COUNT CALORIES! I've found the Diabetic Diet is the best as it keeps the blood sugars level all day! Breakfast, snack-a fruit, Lunch, snack-a carb., Dinner, snack before bed-usually,plain cherrios. Limiting myself to 1200 calories a day. Within those 1200 calories- nuts, carbs-VERY LITTLE, Rosemary Triscuits are FANTASTIC with the salad!Breakfast is usually 1 toast w/1 1/2 t. Margarine, 1 boiled egg white, 1/3 c. yogurt w/ blueberries & cinnemon, coffee or tea, maybe a slice of Turkey Bacon.I'm NOT Diabetic but know the importance of keeping the sugar level! :)I just divide those calories up throughout the day & keep a log! :)

Yvonne said...

Twyla, Congratulations to you for attaining your weight goal for 15 years!! You are so lovely. I think weight is an issue for everyone! For me it's a question of keeping weight and not losing it. You don't hear about that so much but it's a problem for skinny people just as much as for those wanting to lose. In any event, be proud of how lovely you are at any weight.

Nan said...

Oh my I can't believe it and I am so proud of you keeping this off as many cannot. When we retired in Alaska I started to put on some weight going through menopause and the fact everyone gains 10 pounds when they come here it's just a given. I thought not me but it did happen. From reading my blog you must know in Aug 2010 we started eating the Paleo/Primal way. All real food and no refined carbs or sugar, nothing that comes in a box. I stick to this closely and it works for me, plus I've had a lifetime of exercise to help me stay in shape and burn the calories off so I never have to count them. Nan

Becca said...

I have been eating chia seeds for years. I put them in my oatmeal. This year my goal is to drink more water and eat more veggies.

EllenaElizabeth said...

Thanks for sharing your weight loss story. Yes I am health conscious. I am more or less house bound due to multiple back problems and 12 months found out I could have a huge back op so decided on the spot to lose weight. Your brain has to be ready or it will not happen. In 12 months I have lost 2 stone and hope to lose maybe one more. I DO NOT calorie count. I use only full fat products. They must be as close to natural as possible. I eat about 4-7 pieces fruit a day. Heaps of vegies, good oils like coconut and ricebran for cooking and EVOO only for salads etc. I get next to no exercise and still am able to lose weight, albeit it slowly but it's still happening.

Anonymous said...

No need to be embassed, Twyla! be proud of your hard work!

I've gained 8 pounds since November. I knew I'd gain over Christmas because of the candy and cookies but now I'm gaining because I'm not as active. I'm more active this winter than any other but still not like I was. It's hard but with the coming of spring, I know I'll get it off again! Looking good is just too fun! Plus I get my legs fixed this spring and will be able to wear shorter skirts and shorts for the first time in yeeeeears. Who wants a fat belly for that? Not me! I tell myself these things. :)

I don't know if I ever told you that I was really into healthy eating when all my boys were still at home. I grinded my own wheat, made my own bread and I bought buckets full of grains and honey from the food co-op. I had a big garden, milked goats and raised our own meat and eggs. "Simple living" was a lot of hard work- even if the boys did most of it.

I really was a health food tyrant and Bobby and the boys hated it! It's funny now though because my married son and his family eat healthier than we do now! Ha-ha! The grands often are not allowed to have any sugar when they come over! :)

I'd say that I still eat healthier than the average American but nothing like I used too. I eat raw veggies every day, eat whole wheat bread and I don't drink pop. But- I love my sugary creamer in my very strong coffee and I have deserts every week end.

Micah and I plan on having chickens and a little garden in the spring and that will be enough for me. Once spring comes, all Micah can think about is fishing! Winter is the only time he really wants farm animals and that's the worse time to try and care for them!

Well now that my book has ended, you have a great week end, okay? ♥

Anonymous said...

No need to be embassed, Twyla! be proud of your hard work!

I've gained 8 pounds since November. I knew I'd gain over Christmas because of the candy and cookies but now I'm gaining because I'm not as active. I'm more active this winter than any other but still not like I was. It's hard but with the coming of spring, I know I'll get it off again! Looking good is just too fun! Plus I get my legs fixed this spring and will be able to wear shorter skirts and shorts for the first time in yeeeeears. Who wants a fat belly for that? Not me! I tell myself these things. :)

I don't know if I ever told you that I was really into healthy eating when all my boys were still at home. I grinded my own wheat, made my own bread and I bought buckets full of grains and honey from the food co-op. I had a big garden, milked goats and raised our own meat and eggs. "Simple living" was a lot of hard work- even if the boys did most of it.

I really was a health food tyrant and Bobby and the boys hated it! It's funny now though because my married son and his family eat healthier than we do now! Ha-ha! The grands often are not allowed to have any sugar when they come over! :)

I'd say that I still eat healthier than the average American but nothing like I used too. I eat raw veggies every day, eat whole wheat bread and I don't drink pop. But- I love my sugary creamer in my very strong coffee and I have deserts every week end.

Micah and I plan on having chickens and a little garden in the spring and that will be enough for me. Once spring comes, all Micah can think about is fishing! Winter is the only time he really wants farm animals and that's the worse time to try and care for them!

Well now that my book has ended, you have a great week end, okay? ♥

Signs and Salvage said...

Your post is so sweet & inspiring! So hard the weight battle!! I LOVE your son's bear comment:):)I find if I drink a protein milkshake every morning with a banana & berries and maybe a scoop of yogurt...non fat milk & scoop of protein powder...it sets me right for the whole day! But oh is that sourdough toast calling my name!!

Have a beautiful week!!

xo Kristin

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