Native Astrology

"Salmon People Birth Dates
July 22nd - August 21

Earth Influence: The Ripening Time
Totem: Mouse
Direction: South
Influencing Wind: The South Winds
Element: Fire with Water
Elemental: Hawk (fire) Clan
Function: To do
Birth & Animal Totem: Salmon
Plant Totem: Raspberry
Stone Totem: Carnelian
Polarity Totem: Otter
Affinity Color: Red
Musical Vibration: F Sharp
Personality: Proud, energetic, confident & enthusiastic
Feelings: Passionate & intense
Nature: Demanding
Intention: Rulership
Positive Traits: Generous, magnanimous, creative
Negative Traits: Domineering, arrogant, dogmatic & intolerant
Sex Drive: Insatiable
Compatibility's: Owls and Falcons
Conscious Aim: To Rule
Subconscious Desire: Emotional Stability
Life Path: To find purpose
Spiritual Alchemy: Yang Predominates
Should Cultivate: Tolerance, Sound Judgment & Emotional Stability
Should Avoid: Arrogance, egotism, indolence & pomposity"

My sign is under Hawk Clan:

"Keywords: Independent, Trailblazing, Courageous, Impetuous

Hawk Clan individuals are born with the drive to Initiate. They are the trailblazers of the Clans with the Group Consciousness to Discover All that is New. As a result, their function within the greater tribe of Humanity, is to be the Clan that broadens boundaries which might otherwise limit the progression of Humanity within the ~physical~ plane. They are not on the ~Good Red Road~ to build or to harvest, they are the Clan that forges the way ahead in preparation of the planting and harvesting that is to be done by the other Clans. And here-in lies the challenge of this Clan . . . to learn the gift of Patience, for to utilize our gifts to their fullest potential, we need also to have true understanding of that which would appear to be our polar opposite.

Think of the Hawk soaring high, held aloft on the invisible hands of the Four Winds. His eyes scan all below and before him with a perception that is without equal, and yet his true desire is not to know what lies below, his true yearning is to rejoin with ~Grandfather Sky.~

As such, Hawk Clan souls are always looking for Higher Union of Spirit, and will be restless and anxious until they learn that true union comes first in the form of the union between Personality, Emotion, Mind and Soul, or that which is referred to in esoteric astrology as ~integration.~ When the union has become complete, when the Hawk Clan member has flown in each of the Four Winds and learned the lessons unique to each, then the union with Grandfather Sky will be attained. "

"The birth totem embodies the innate characteristics of the Dominant forces operating in nature at the time of one's birth."

Mine is salmon or sturgeon

"The sturgeon is known as the king of fishes. A primitive fish that has probably existed on the earth since around the time the dinosaurs disappeared ... . Sturgeons were considered the royalty of fishes among the Native people who lived in the Great Lakes area. In the Ojibwa nation there is a Sturgeon clan that is one of the teaching clans. To the Ojibwa people the sturgeon represents depth and strength. ... Working with the sturgeon can teach you about your determination, perseverance, depth, knowledge, generosity, strength, and sexuality."

"Birth Totem Salmon is an individual whose outer personality is driven by the need to Create and have dominion over his/her environment. The desire to create is motivated by Birth Totem Salmons desire to leave a lasting impression. Depending upon what level of personality the Salmon individual is choosing to operate from, this may manifest itself as either the desire to inspire others through their own example, and thus be as a lantern in the night, or they may be operating from the desire to bring acknowledgment for the achievements they have made to assuage the feelings of self doubt which may harry them until they learn the lesson of Self acceptance. ... Life’s emotional currents may run deep, and at times tumultuous, yet as the Salmon will forge its way upstream against seemingly impossible odds so that they may propagate their species, Birth Totem Salmon will become truly Whole when he/she has conquered the currents that roil within their own hearts. ... Only once he/she has learned that the Destination is not the End, and that life’s currents are not always an upstream battle, when the realization is made that one must delve within for the Answers they desperately seek, may they find the insight which is the Birth Right of this Totem. Then, as they swim in the deep clear waters of Awareness and Understanding, they will realize that the doorway to Home has always been WithIn."

"The Directional totem aligns or brings one into harmony with his or her inner Senses."

My direction is south.

"The elemental totems describe instinctive behaviours, those Behaviours which are natural as opposed to learned or enforced. The tree, Stone and colour associated with each totem have the power to convey Strength during times of challenge, stress or testing."

My plant totem is the raspberry (my sign is under the ripe berries moon).

"The raspberry itself is a delicacy, and the leaves and root of the plant have medicinal properties. The berries not only delight but also cleanse the system. They can aid in breaking up and expelling gallstones and kidney stones and stimulate the action of the urinary tract. The root is an astringent and has some antibiotic and healing properties. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats. The tea as a compress has been applied to wounds and cuts to slow bleeding. A tea from the leaves can be used to cure diarrhea, cankers, uterine problems, and menstrual issues. Raspberry leaf tea is one of the belt herbal teas for pregnant women, acting as a tonic. A tea from the twigs is good for colds, flues, difficulty in breathing, and for balancing blood sugar levels. Raspberry plants can teach you to find the sweetness within the thorns of life."

My minerals are the garnet and iron (and/or carnelian):

"Garnet and iron are the minerals associated with the Ripe Berries Moon. Garnet can help to balance your sexual energies. It is associated with the heart and blood and can stimulate the free flow of emotion in its wearer.

Garnet can help to strengthen those who carry it, can warn of danger, and can help you to lead a good and honorable life. It can also help you penetrate to the heart of any matter.

Iron is good for the blood and heart. It can remind you of the necessity of being tempered by life's experiences. It can encourage you to have a discriminating hardness that will allow you to know when no is the answer that will promote the highest good for all that are involved."

Sources/More Info:

http://www.pathwalkers.net/interactive/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=788&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

http://www.geocities.com/freespirits_kindredspirits/zodiac.html

http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/birthtotmain.html

http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/birthtotemsalmon.html

http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/clanhawk.html

http://www.wolfcreekarts.com/sturgeon.htm

Crow Stuff

Did you know "Cuervo" means crow in Spanish??

Does that mean Jose Cuervo means Joe Crow?

Crow Trivia

• American Crows congregate in large numbers in winter to sleep in communal roosts. These roosts can be of a few hundred, several thousand, or even up to two million crows. Some roosts have been forming in the same general area for well over 100 years. In the last few decades some of these roosts have moved into urban areas where the noise and mess cause conflicts with people. [Maybe this is what we saw when we saw all the crows gathering the other day??]



• Young American Crows do not breed until they are at least two years old, and most do not breed until they are four or more. In most, but not all, populations the young stay with their parents and help them raise young in subsequent years. Families may include up to 15 individuals and contain young from five different years.



• The American Crow appears to be the biggest victim of West Nile virus, a disease recently introduced to North America. Crows die within one week of infection, and few seem able to survive exposure. No other North American bird is dying at the same rate from the disease, and the loss of crows in some areas has been severe.



• In some areas, the American Crow has a double life. It maintains a territory year-round in which all members of its extended family live and forage together. But during much of the year, individual crows leave the home territory periodically. They join large flocks foraging at dumps and agricultural fields, and sleep in large roosts in winter. Family members go together to the flocks, but do not stay together in the crowd. A crow may spend part of the day at home with its family in town and the rest with a flock feeding on waste grain out in the country.



• Despite being a common exploiter of roadkill, the American Crow is not specialized to be a scavenger, and carrion is only a very small part of its diet. Its stout bill is not strong enough to break through the skin of even a gray squirrel. It must wait for something else to open a carcass or for the carcass to decompose and become tender enough to eat.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Crow.html

Lots more crow info:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/crowfaq.htm

Squirrel Nests

When we got home I was looking up in the trees and noticed a nest in the top of a tall oak tree across the road. I was wondering if it was a crow's nest, but then I saw a squirrel up there and it looked like it went in.

I never knew they built nests like that! The outside is interwoven twigs, and they build up the inside with softer things like leaves and bark and fur. (We should give them all the Stubby fur we collect in this house).

Anyway, I thought they just lived in holes of trees. Apparently that is the preferred location but they will build these kind when the holes are scarce.

This is a very interesting article about tree squirrels and their habits:

http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/magazine/archive/04Winter/clumps_of_leaves.shtm

Big Foot in WV??

You may already know of my fear of UFO's (which I've had since I was like 10 years old) and alien abductions (which I developed later when I would read everything I could get my hands on about UFO's). (Aside: speaking of which, I may have to stop watching UFO Hunters. They had the abduction story of Betty & Barney Hill last week and had footage from the movie about them and "re-creation" type stuff and now I can't get those images of one of the aliens touching her on the shoulder and she turns around to see him standing there out of my head).

My other childhood based fear is Big Foot, thanks to that Boggy Creek movie which for some unknown reason I saw as a child and scared the crap out of me. Now, I'm not afraid of Big Foot like I am of UFO's (because of course aliens can get you wherever you are; Big Foot is at least only found in the woods). But I do believe some kind of creature like this exists. I never thought he was in West Virginia though. Until today!!

"CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Some call it Sasquatch or Bigfoot. In other parts of the world, it’s known as the Yeti or the Abominable Snowman.

Believers in this mysterious apelike creature are coming to West Virginia in April to try to find proof of its existence.

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, considered the nation’s authority on the search for Sasquatch, has been in the Mountain State before. In 2006, the organization led a mission over two consecutive weekends in Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties.

Founded in 1995 by California attorney Matthew Moneymaker, the group has dozens of volunteer investigators. In their spare time, these volunteers meet with people who claim to have had a Bigfoot encounter and decide the validity of those reports.
Two of the group’s official investigators have ties to the state.

Stephen Willis is a native of Webster County. He lived in West Virginia until a couple of years ago, when he retired from the U.S. Army and opened up an industrial business near Wytheville, Va.

Pam Lovins of Kenova works in health care administration in Huntington.

In the past couple of years, Willis and Lovins have investigated dozens of reported Bigfoot sightings in West Virginia.

Both are well respected in their fields and have a lot of friends. But they acknowledge their hobby — searching for Bigfoot — can be difficult for some people to understand.
Willis will be heading up the April four-day expedition, the exact location of which hasn’t been disclosed.

“We can’t tell people exactly where we’re going before we do this because we don’t want people coming in with guns blazing,” Willis said. “There are a lot of people who’d like to kill one.”

The search group will be looking for footprints and any physical evidence that Bigfoot resides in the state. And as on any expedition like this, the searchers will be hoping for a close encounter with the creature.

Willis says he has no doubt the creature is out there.

Growing up, he would listen to his grandfathers talking about weird noises and howls, and of running into things in the wild they couldn’t explain.

“They would talk about unknown creatures in the woods that would make these holy whooping kinds of sounds,” Willis said. “A lot of it was from the early 1900s, when my grandfather was a little kid. They attributed some of the noises to mountain lions, but it always sounded to me like something else.”

The closest Willis says he’s ever gotten to one of the animals was during an expedition last year in California. He was using a thermal imaging system and says he clearly saw one of the creatures lit up in infrared.

He also has photographs of footprints he found in Texas that he says are unmistakably the tracks of a large Sasquatch and its offspring.

Lovins has never seen one but says she believes she’s heard them.

“When you are out in the woods or on the side of a mountain and you hear this, there’s no mistaking it,” she said. “It’s not a bear or an owl or a coyote unless they weight 400 pounds. You know immediately when you hear it what it is and what it isn’t.”

Officials with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization estimate there are anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 of the creatures living in the United States and Canada.

But skeptics cite the lack of physical evidence that Sasquatch does exist and point out that no bodies have ever been found."

Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization plans expedition in W.Va.

A quick Google search brings up some recent sightings. This oen has a picture taken in Audra State Park, near Elkins where we used to live (and we visited this park once)

http://ourbigfoot.com/west_virginia_bigfoot.html

Now this is not good - sightings in the area where we vacation!!

http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=20159

http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=20101

More recent reports:

http://www.bfro.net/GDB/state_listing.asp?state=wv

I guess I won't be taking any walks in the woods anytime soon.

I hope there aren't any up on Spruce Mountain!!

A Visit to Stonewall Resort

This weekend we stayed at Stonewall Resort, a lovely lakeside resort in North Central West Virginia. My husband had to attend a business retreat ("summit"), and I was able to go along.

Historical note: Stonewall Resort sits on Stonewall Jackson lake. Civil War General Stonewall Jackson grew up nearby, in Jackson's Mill.

We had a nice king room with a sofa and armoire and computer desk, and a lake view.

Views from our room Friday evening:





Friday night, we had dinner with the rest of his company people. There were supposed to be at least 2 or 3 other spouses but I was the only one there. Just me and the guys. We had a wonderful buffet dinner (the restaurant, Stillwaters, apparently always has a buffet and it was VERY good). We splurged on red meat by having a slice of the prime rib, which was excellent. Everything I had was wonderful. Salad, mushroom risotto, and penne pasta with sun dried tomatoes and pesto. We did manage to skip the dessert table at least. After dinner, the men went into a meeting and I went back to the room. Later, we went to the hotel bar for awhile with the rest of the group. There was one more spouse there but I never got a chance to meet her because it was crowded.

Saturday morning Dave had to leave at 7:00 for breakfast. I went to breakfast by myself later and had a leisurely meal while enjoying the Charleson newspaper left on our doorstep.



Afterward, I finished reading the paper out to the lobby, where I sat in this leather chair.





I went back to the room and then went out for a walk. There is a nice walking path around the lodge, except it doesn't go all the way around because there is a pool in the way in the back. That was kind of annoying. I walked around one side and saw a deer. Then walked around back. It was still pretty cool (30's) out but sunny. Then I went out front, where there are some beautiful large trees. I don't know what kind. I love trees.



This is my favorite tree. I really loved this tree.




After visiting the trees, I walked down the hill on the path which led to a little picnic area and a footbridge. In the distance you can kind of see the resort's cottages.



The bridge had steps leading down to a dock.



I sat there on the steps for awhile just enjoying the sun and the peacefulness. Watched some bluebirds. There was still frost on the rails of the wooden bridge but it was warm enough in the sun as long as I kept my hands in my coat pockets.

After awhile, I walked on around the other side of the lodge on the foot path.



At the end of the path was a bench, so I sat there.



Across the lake there were some deer having breakfast.



I also watched some grackles. I think that's a juvenile on the left. There was just one when I first heard them, and it was making soft chirping noises. I looked back up a little while later and noticed there were three of them.



I had to walk back the way I came.



I went back into the lodge and did a little shopping. Later, I joined Dave and his group for lunch at the restaurant. We took a little walk after, until he had to go back in. We also checked out the library just off the lobby. Very nice, with big comfy furniture and a fireplace and books you can borrow.

After Dave went back into his meetings, I went back to the room and tried to decide what to do. I didn't have a whole lot of options. There was a spa, but I wasn't sure I could get an appointment this late and couldn't decide what I wanted to do anyway, or if I wanted to spend the money. Even a manicure was $40 and it wasn't even the deluxe manicure. There was a pool but I didn't bring a suit. And a fitness center, but I didn't want to work out by myself. There were hiking trails down the road, but I didn't want to walk in the woods by myself.

I decided since it was so beautiful out I wanted to be outside, so I took a book and headed back out. I ended up back at the little park by the footbridge.



There was a picnic table and what I called a fire circle, with logs cut for chairs. I really felt drawn to the circle. All day I had been watching for a special rock to take home with me, or a feather of some kind. I thought maybe I would find something there. I sat there for awhile and meditated. I heard a crow in the distance and wanted him to come and visit me. I sat there visualizing him landing on one of the other seats. I did see the bluebird again but that was about it.

It wasn't a comfortable place to sit so I went over to the picnic table to read. After awhile I heard a loud cawing and the crow had flown to the tree behind me! I turned to watch him but didn't take the camera out for fear of scaring him off and sat there quietly. He looked at me briefly but wasn't really interested in me. He cawed to another crow in the distance a couple of times, and fluffed his feathers and then took off again. I was so glad he visited me. I decided to head back to the lodge and when I got back to the foot path I found a small downy feather! I have it in the "medicine bag" I carry in my purse, which also contains some specials rocks.

Native Americans believe that when an animal crosses our path, it has a message for us. They call it "animal medicine". ("medicine" referring to the healing aspects the animal brings to our consciousness, relating to the spirit rather than the physical body). We can learn the lesson they have for us by observing their habits and characteristics. All birds are considered messengers from the Great Spirit. Crows are supposed to be very spiritual. They can bring messages of change, creativity, intelligence, law/justice, spirituality, intuition, etc. I think maybe it represents spiritual change for me right now. I have been very interested in crows and have been wanting a crow feather for awhile. I actually had one a few years ago, but I left it outside because the cats were having so much fun playing with it. I wish I'd kept it now.

I also saw a bluebird and some grackles. Bluebirds can represent joy, happiness, love, contentment and confidence. I was feeling very happy and content both times I saw them. Grackles can represent overcoming excess and dealing with emotions. Maybe it was reminding me not to go too far with the food this weekend.

After I found the feather I also noticed the moon was showing up. I wonder if that means anything.



I was going to go back to the lodge but decided to visit my tree one more time. While I was there I noticed two crows up in another tree.



I watched them and took pictures. At first, I thought one was a juvenile. But then I realized it appeared to be courting the other one. It was preening and ruffling its feathers up. It moved closer to her. And it was making a noise I've never heard a crow make before. The male is the one on the right.



The only way I could think to describe the sounds was like a woodpecker, but not really. I confirmed that I was indeed witnessing courting:

During the breeding season, that in the south can extend from early spring into the fall, and may include two broods, American crow courtship can be rather vigorous. Males pursue females in flight and among the trees or on the ground where they often fluff their body feathers, spread their tail, and bows several times to their lady while uttering rattling call notes. They will then perch together, preen one another and touch bills

http://texasnature.blogspot.com/2006/10/american-crows-are-too-often-taken-for.html

I went back to the room for awhile and eventually joined Dave for dinner. The group ate in a conference room. After eating, we sat in there for a long time talking with people. Some other folks started a poker game in there and we went on to the bar for one drink before turning in.

Sunday the meetings didn't last long and we were able to be home by early afternoon. It was a very nice trip and I would definitely recommend the resort. Although what I did while there sounds pretty boring, I enjoyed it so much. It was so relaxing and peaceful. The room was very quiet and comfortable. The weather was perfect for walking and enjoying the sunshine. It was a nice place to just sit and "be". I'm only sorry Dave had to work the whole time we were there.

"Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prays for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

From the movie: Evan Almighty
Written by Steve Oedekerk

via www.inspirationpeak.com

moar humorous pics

Happy Valentine's Day to me

 

from The Husband :)

Pay up, Rich!

Stop whining, be a man and keep your word, Rich Rodriguez!

http://www.payuprich.com/

Small Steps To Big Change

"February 13, 2008
Small Steps To Big Change
Making Big Change Easier

When we decide that it's time for big changes in our lives, it is wise to ease into them by starting small. Small changes allow us to grow into a new habit and make it a permanent part of our lives, whereas sudden changes may cause a sense of failure that makes it difficult to go on, and we are more likely to revert to our old ways. Even if we have gone that route and find ourselves contemplating the choice to start over again, we can decide to take it slowly this time, and move forward.

Sometimes the goals we set for ourselves are merely indicators of the need for change and are useful in getting us moving in the right direction. But it is possible that once we try out what seemed so ideal, we may find that it doesn’t actually suit us, or make us feel the way we had hoped. By embarking on the path slowly, we have the chance to look around and consider other options as we learn and grow. We have time to examine the underlying values of the desire for change and find ways to manifest those feelings, whether it looks exactly like our initial goal or not. Taking small steps forward gives us time to adjust and find secure footing on our new path.

Life doesn't always give us the opportunity to anticipate or prepare for a big change, and we may find ourselves overwhelmed by what is in front of us. By choosing one thing to work on at a time, we focus our attention on something manageable, and eventually we will look up to see that we have accomplished quite a bit. Forcing change is, in essence, a sign that we do not trust the universe’s wisdom. Instead, we can listen to our inner guidance and make changes at a pace that is right for us, ensuring that we do so in alignment with the rhythm of the universe."

www.dailyom.com

Book Meme

Tagged by Mountain Laurel

Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the closest book of 123 pages or more
(No cheating.)
2. Find page 123
3. Find the first five sentences
4. Post the next three sentences

"When you maintain a peaceful inner posture, even in the midst of chaos, you change your life. (new paragraph) The wisdom of this verse of the Tao Te Ching prompts you to know that you have a choice. Do you want to be in a state of confusion or to have a tranquil inner landscape?"

Change Your Thoughts -- Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Does my vote even count?

This delegate stuff is infuriating. I think it's high time we moved past this system. Recently the Republicans in this state got together and decided who got what delegates.

And we haven't even had the primary. If you're a Republican, why would you even bother to vote? And reading this, why should I as a Democrat vote?? I thought this year my vote would actually make a difference. Our primary is so late that by the time it gets here the race is usually decided.

And I didn't even know anything about these "super delegates". I hate politics and don't stay involved because it's just a huge game, nothing about what is best for us or for our country, just what is best for the politicians. This just confirms what I already know.

"The elite party insiders will likely determine the Democratic presidential candidate. But should they vote as their constituencies did? Go with their own preferences? Or throw in with whoever leads?
...
With victories Tuesday in three more elections, Barack Obama has now won 23 of the 35 sanctioned Democratic primaries and caucuses so far. But he has not yet solved his problem with Mannie Rodriguez.

Rodriguez supports Hillary Rodham Clinton -- and his vote matters more than most. He is a "super delegate," one of the 796 Democratic Party insiders who will break the tie if neither Obama nor Clinton emerges from the primary balloting with a clear victory, a strong possibility even after Obama's wins Tuesday.

Obama's task Tuesday was not only to carry Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. -- which he did in dominating fashion -- but to win the argument now emerging among the super delegates over whether and how to use their strength.

And that contest is far from producing a winner.

Rodriguez, a party official from Colorado, reserves the right to back Clinton, no matter that Colorado and a majority of other states have so far chosen Obama.

"I do not go with the candidate who is always winning. I go with the candidate I believe in," he wrote recently to a voter who asked how he could side against the Democratic voters in his own state.

Dan Parker, chairman of the state party in Indiana and a super delegate, feels just as strongly -- even though his state will not vote until May.

"I have made my decision, and I am supporting Sen. Clinton, and that is not going to change," Parker said.

Even as the primary schedule rolls on -- Wisconsin and Hawaii vote next Tuesday -- the campaigns are devoting a huge amount of energy to gaining the upper hand in the private conversation among the super delegates, most of whom are members of Congress or party officials.

Clinton has won pledges from just over 200 super delegates so far, and Obama from about 150, according to unscientific media tallies. The super delegates can change their allegiance at any time."

More here: "Debate intensifies over role of super delegates in Clinton-Obama race"

Nick turns 15 today

"Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them." - Leo Tolstoy

Cumulus Clouds (cell phone pic)

What's Your Political Philosophy? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Old School Democrat Old school Democrats emphasize economic justice and opportunity. The Democratic ideal is best summarized by the Four Freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Old School Democrat 100% New Democrat 95% Green 85% Libertarian 75% Foreign Policy Hawk 40% Pro Business Republican 35% Socially Conservative Republican 10%

Different paths to the same destination

"All mystics speak the same language, for they come from the same country.
– Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin

What we are all looking for, even though we are searching in the most improbable places, is infinite wisdom, infinite joy, infinite love. In other words, we are trying to discover our real nature. At the very core of our being is a spark of purity, of perfection, of divinity. When we learn to identify less and less with that which is subject to change and more and more with this core of perfection, we are gradually moving closer to this supreme goal.

Though different religions call it by different names, the goal is always the same. It is nirvana to the Buddhist, moksha to the Hindu; Jesus calls it “entering the kingdom of heaven within.” To the Sufis it is union with the Beloved; to Jewish mystics it is the return to the Promised Land. No matter what they call it, all the great religions point to the same supreme goal. "

Eknath Easwaran’s Thought for the Day

Oprah and "A New Earth"

Louise Hay was on Oprah this week. She is an incredible, inspirational woman who has touched so many lives. I admire her greatly and just adore her. It was so wonderful to see her on the show. Oprah was talking about The Secret, one year later, and had Louise Hay and two other women on the show. It was an excellent show.

http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200802/tows_past_20080206.jhtml?promocode=HP11

During the show, Oprah also revealed that she is having a free 10 week course related to her new book club pick, Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life Purpose. I have never heard of it. But if Oprah feels so strongly about it that she is doing this for FREE, then it's good. And I feel like it is really important.

I hope Oprah doesn't break the internet.

Anyway, here's the stuff from the website and the link:

"Are You Ready to Be Awakened?
For the first time ever, you can join Oprah and Eckhart Tolle, the best-selling author of The Power of Now, as they teach A New Earth in Oprah's worldwide classroom live Monday nights on Oprah.com.

By reserving your seat for this 10-week interactive webinar, you'll be able to:

* Watch and participate in the live classroom webcasts
* Ask Oprah and Eckhart Tolle questions before and during class
* Connect with others who are seeking to become more aware of themselves—and the world around them
* Download and save your thoughts in an exclusive workbook
* Access the classroom video archives…and more!

How to Reserve Your Seat:
You’ll need to be a member of Oprah.com and Oprah’s Book Club.

If you're not already a member of Oprah.com, you'll need to join now. During the registration process, you'll have the opportunity to become a part of Oprah's Book Club. Click on the "join oprah.com" button to get going!"

http://www.oprah.com/obc_classic/webevent_registration.jsp

About the book:

"Best-selling author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle has been inspiring readers since his first book, The Power of Now. In A New Earth, Eckhart provides practical teachings for waking up to a new, enlightened mind-set. If you're seeking a more loving self and a more loving planet, this is the book for you. Join Oprah and Eckhart Tolle Monday nights live in Oprah's classroom! Reserve your seat today and find out how you can be part of the live webcasts."

(also from oprah.com)

"Eckhart Tolle first inspired us with the timeless and uncomplicated clarity of the ancient spiritual masters in his groundbreaking bestseller, The Power of Now. Continuing the journey to self-discovery, Tolle, a contemporary world-class teacher, offers all faiths a simple message of hope: “There is a way out of suffering and into peace.”

A New Earth looks at the fractured world around us and our need for a gentler, safer, more loving environment. With a supportive voice, Tolle explains this can be accomplished through a shift in consciousness, but we must first understand how the “egoic” mind works and then recognize the need for awakening. Using a variety of religious principles and historical examples, he asks us to consider:
• Is humanity ready for a transformation of consciousness?
• Can human beings be open to such change?
• If everything I think, say, or do leaves me feeling disconnected from other people, what kind of world do I create?

Tolle teaches us how to discover who we are by letting go of preconceived notions. “When you fully accept that you don’t know, you actually enter a state of peace and clarity.”"

from Onespirit.com

I can do it

I have lost 17 pounds since we started our diet.

For the first time in a long time, I am actually starting to believe I can do this! It's like I'm scared to believe I can, because of the repeated failures in the past. But the past doesn't exist any more. Now is all there is. I have to cut the ties to the past. Like Louise Hay said, you have to move past that and let it go and release it.

So today, I release my past in regard to dieting. It isn't important any more. It doesn't define me. It has nothing to do with my chances of failure or success. I am changing my life, not dieting.

And I love myself, just the way I am.

"You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you."

Harold B. Lee, 1899-1973
American Teacher and Clergyman

Pizza & Pepsi Day

So once a week I allow myself to have real, good pizza w/o worrying about the calories & fat. Today I also decided since I hadn't had any Pepsi for a week, I would also let myself have Pepsi. I went to Graziano's (Capitol St, the best pizza ever) and had one slice with sausage and mushrooms and one with just mushrooms, then took some of the sausage from one and put it on the other.

I think next week I'll only have one piece of pizza because two actually made me feel too full! And the Pepsi tasted TOO SWEET. That really surprised me.

I have been surprised also that I haven't craved or missed Pepsi really. I haven't had much difficulty just drinking water and tea and occasionally juice. That is a very good sign for me.

Fridays USED to be Tudor's day :(. I don't see me having any Tudor's in the near future.

I'm doing very well with food. Now I need to get back to walking. Definitely next week.

Winter in the Country

My first painting on canvas, done in acrylics, and inspired by a photo in West Virginia magazine

Reiki

I have been attracted to reiki but never experienced it. I was signing up for a class but had to cancel because it was just after Husband had his heart attack. I made an appointment for a treatment next month and am excited to experience it.

" Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life."

http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/WhatIsReiki.html

"Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies based on the premise of a human energy field, Reiki seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy has become unbalanced.

Reiki energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of healing universal life energy, and increases the vibrational frequency of the body.

The laying of hands is used in Reiki therapy also as in spiritual healing. There is a difference though. In spiritual healing, a person with a strong energy field places his or her hands above a particular part of the recipient's body in order to release energy into it. So, here the healer is the one who is sending out the energy. In Reiki, however, the healer places the hands above the recipient; however, it is the recipient that draws the energy as needed. Thus, in this case, the individual being healed takes an active part in the healing process as opposed to having a passive part in spiritual healing. The individual takes responsibility for his or her healing. The recipient identifies the needs and cater to them by drawing energy as needed.

Although there are a few positions in which the practitioner is in contact with the patient (such as cradling the head), most Reiki treatments do not involve actual touching. The practitioner holds his or her hands a few inches or farther away from the patient's body and manipulates the energy field from there"

http://www.holisticonline.com/Reiki/hol_reiki_what-is-reiki.htm

More:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki

http://healing.about.com/cs/reiki/a/reikiFAQ.htm

UFO Hunters on the History Channel debuts tonight

"The new HD series is a spin-off from the network's hit program "UFO HUNTERS" which premiered in 2005. UFO HUNTERS premieres Tonight at 10PM/9C on The History Channel®.
The team's access to UFO evidence is unparalleled and their expertise allows them to quickly identify bogus claims of UFOs. Together, they use eyewitness accounts, scientific experimentation, documents recently released through the Freedom of Information Act and footage that has never been seen before on television to piece together compelling — and at times chilling — evidence of UFO phenomena. Join UFO Hunters Bill Birnes, Pat Uskert, Dr. Ted Acworth, and Jeff Tomlinson as they separate fact from fallacy."

http://www.history.com/minisites/ufohunters/

" If you follow no other truth, follow the truth that within your being is called joy. If you follow that, you're always going to be right where you need to be, and you will always have life within your being." - Sheradon Bryce

Rate Your Life

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.7
Mind:	8.1
Body:	5
Spirit:	9.6
Friends/Family:	6.9
Love:	7.3
Finance:	7.5
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

John Rich's House and Fontanel

That house wasn't John Rich's house.

It's the Plowboy Mansion, former known as Fontanel, is or was the at one time the largest long home in America. Barbara Mandrell built it. According to one article, "It's become the place for Big & Rich and their pals to party, play music, hang out and have target practice."

Hmmm..... I just googled "Fontanel", and apparently a fontanel is the soft spot on a baby's head. So why did they name that huge house fontanel I wonder???

And according to this real estate listing:

http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/ProfileSE.aspx?LID=15180102&linkcode=10850&sourcecode=1lww2t006a00001

It's for sale for $14 million. 27,000 square feet on 136 acres.

I'll tell you one thing, I almost cried last night when I saw the indoor pool and the wall of glass in front of it. Amazing.

Anyway, this article says a developers bought a majority interest in it from Big & Rich's managers, who bought it in 2002 at auction for $2.1 million!! Barbara spent $6 million building it and tried to sell it for $7 million but ended up auctioning it off. The developers are planning to sell it.

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=58634

Oh Fontanel has its own website - I see, the developers are selling off the subdivided lots and creating a "private rural community". Very interesting.

http://www.trailsatfontanel.com/

John Rich's house is horribly ugly - very "modern" I guess.

http://intownnashville.com/intownreport/2007/01/09/no-love-on-love-circle/

Okay I know beauty is subjective. I love log homes so that's why I like Fontanel. Those who like modern may think John's real house is beautiful.

That's not even a real picture of it, it's an artist's rendering. I don't even know if he ever finished building it.

Gone Country

John Rich's new celebreality show, Gone Country, premiered last night. And OF COURSE I'll watch it. I heart celebreality AND John Rich!

Basically, John Rich takes several (has-been) celebrities: Dee Snyder of Twisted Sister; Carnie Wilson; Sisqó; Bobby Brown; Maureen McCormick; Julio Iglesias Jr; and Diana DeGarmo (American Idle), lets them live in his (incredible) house, and tries to turn them into country music stars. Sort of.

"Gone Country uproots these seven musical celebrities and moves them into a Nashville mansion together to embark on a two-week adventure, hosted by singer-songwriter John Rich. Each celebrity will be paired up with some of Nashville's finest songwriters in an attempt to prepare them for a career in country music. In each episode, the cast competes against each other in challenges that will test them musically and physically to adapt to a country music lifestyle, both on and off the stage. At the end of the two weeks, the artist who is most prepared to impress a country audience, as determined by Rich, will record and release a song."

John arrived on a helicopter after they had settled in the house. I don't know if his coat was real or faux fur. He recently made news when PETA emailed him after he wore a fox coat on the CMA awards. He said he would be glad to wear faux fur if any of the designers PETA referred him to wanted to send him a coat and he would tell everyone it was faux. I don't now if that ever happened.

I like his style. Country pimpin'. LOL. John does love his bling!!

HDL, Triglycerides and the wonders of Omega-3

HDL AND TRIGLYCERIDES

Two of the things my doctor told me to focus on was increasing my HDL (the good cholesterol), which is too low, and lowering my triglycerides. She recommended olive oil, almonds, fish oil supplements and exercise for the HDL, and watching carbs for the triglycerides.

I never understood the different between HDL and LDL until I got Dr. Weil's Healthy Heart Kit. The HDL carries the excess LDL back to the liver, so you need a lot of it. Women should have an HDL level of at least 50, and mine was only 35.

Along with exercising and losing weight, ways of increasing HDL include taking niacin, quitting smoking, avoiding trans-fat (reduces HDL!), having 1-2 drinks of alcohol per day, adding more fiber to your diet, taking fish oil supplements, reducing stress,

Triglycerides store fat and are used by the body to create energy and serve as building blocks for cells. Triglycerides come from the fats in food but also are made in the liver from carbohydrates and proteins. High levels of triglycerides in the blood can be a serious health problem and a risk factor for heart disease. For most people, a normal level of triglycerides would be under 150. I think mine was 155. Looking at that number along with my other numbers, lifestyle and family history, puts me at high risk of diabetes and heart disease.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

The AHA recommends eating fish twice a week for omega-3 fatty acids. They recommend eating tofu and other forms of soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and their oils. These contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body. They recommend fish oil supplements for people with heart disease or who need to lower triglycerides.

Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids -- eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Benefits attributed to omega 3 include: reduces risk of heart attack, stimulates blood circulation, lowers blood pressure (I am also borderline there), significantly reduces triglycerides, reduces risk of stroke and raises HDL at least slightly. I think those things are pretty well agreed on. But in addition, omega 3's may also relieve or improve depression, anxiety, back pain, arthritis, inflammation, joint pain, ADHD, asthma, ecxema, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, painful menstruation, reduce body fat and prevent cancer and eye disease.

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS

I was already taking a fish oil supplement, but only one a day. And I wondered what the difference was between my Rite Aid brand fish oil and Husband's prescription fish oil.

The main thing to look for in fish oil supplements is the amount of EPA and DHA, and making sure it is refined to remove toxins and such. One of the best brands of OTC appears to be Dr. Sears' Zone Omega Rx. I would like to take the Zone one, but it's $50 a month and I am not sure whether it is worth that. That's not right. I do think it's worth that. But I'm not sure I can justify spending that. So I'm taking the $9 health food store brand. I just compared the Omega Rx to the prescription Lovaza fish oil and it has the same amount of EPA/DHA.

The IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) has a voluntary program where they will test fish oil and rate it and they have a list of who has received their 5-star ratings. his category is specifically for ultra-refined super concentrate fish oils with a minimum 60 per cent combined EPA/DHA concentration and is based on Nutrasource's 5 Star Rating Program. A Star is awarded for each of five areas:

Star 1 - Product Passes All CRN/WHO Testing Categories
Star 2 - Product Tests Show Minimum 60 per cent EPA plus DHA combined concentration
Star 3 - Oxidation Level Less Than 75 per cent of CRN Standard
Star 4 - PCB Levels Less Than 50 per cent of CRN Standard
Star 5 - Dioxin and Furan Levels Less Than 50 per cent of WHO Standard

The Zone's Omega Rx is one of the brands that has a 5-star rating. Dr. Andrew Weil also sells fish oil supplements and his have the same rating.

This page has a list of brands that have received the 5-star rating:

http://www.metabolismadvice.com/omega_3_fish_oil/

PLEASE NOTE taking fish oil in very high doses (over 3 grams i.e. 3000 mg.) can be harmful.

More Info/Sources:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=183

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/93/102167.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid#Health_benefits

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_density_lipoprotein

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00685/high-cholesterol

http://www.zonediet.com/tabid/130/itemid/546/Dr-Sears-study-on-ADHD-published.aspx

http://www.zonediet.com/tabid/130/itemid/520/Fish-oil-plus-exercise-may-banish-body-fat.aspx

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=873

Embracing midlife

Yesterday I received in the mail a package from OneSpirit. Another book I forgot to tell them not to send me! But when this happens, I always take into consideration that it might be something I need to read. This has been true many, many times over the years with various book clubs. I truly believe that when you are ready, the teacher will come. And teachers come in many forms, including books.

I actually thought it was going to be the Dr. Weil Healthy Heart Kit, which I got from Amazon. But I was surprised and pleased to see it was actually The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife by Marianne Williamson! Along with a meditation CD!! I love her work, and she has touched me deeply in the past.

I just saw this book mentioned somewhere - I don't even recall where - and thought of getting it. And here it is, delivered straight to my door. And I happen to be entering (or in) midlife. So.... I guess it is for me! Although it would make a GREAT gift too. But I have a feeling I'll be keeping it.

Anyway, here's the blurb about the book:

"The need for change as we get older—an emotional pressure for one phase of our lives to transition into another—is a human phenomenon, neither male nor female. There simply comes a time in our lives—not fundamentally different from the way puberty separates childhood from adulthood—when it’s time for one part of ourselves to die and for something new to be born.

The purpose of this book by best-selling author and lecturer Marianne Williamson is to psychologically and spiritually reframe this transition so that it leads to a wonderful sense of joy and awakening.

In our ability to rethink our lives lies our greatest power to change them. What we have called “middle age” need not be seen as a turning point toward death. It can be viewed as a magical turning point toward life as we’ve never known it, if we allow ourselves the power of an independent imagination—thought-forms that don’t flow in a perfunctory manner from ancient assumptions merely handed down to us, but rather flower into new archetypal images of a humanity just getting started at 45 or 50.

What we’ve learned by that time, from both our failures as well as our successes, tends to have humbled us into purity. When we were young, we had energy but we were clueless about what to do with it. Today, we have less energy, perhaps, but we have far more understanding of what each breath of life is for. And now at last, we have a destiny to fulfill—not a destiny of a life that’s simply over, but rather a destiny of a life that is finally truly lived.

Midlife is not a crisis; it’s a time of rebirth. It’s not a time to accept your death; it’s a time to accept your life—and to finally, truly live it, as you and you alone know deep in your heart it was meant to be lived."

The meditation CD (2-CD set) is Meditations for a Miraculous Life:

"Jump-start your spiritual progress and experience an abiding sense of peace by listening to this 2-CD program by best-selling author and lecturer Marianne Williamson. Honor your need to cultivate quiet and become grounded in deeper serenity by practicing these customized meditations for different aspects of your daily life: work, finances, health, relationships, and more. When you start and end your day with positive energy and spiritual reflection, you’ll find that your life will truly change for the better.

Marianne guides and inspires you to bring your healing spirit to bear as you release stress, anger, and pain; find fulfillment through your work and forgiveness in your relationships; and feel the deep, enduring love that is your birthright. The more you practice these empowering meditations, the more you’ll become attuned to your inner self. From there, the possibilities for self-growth and a uniquely miraculous life are infinite."

Awesomeness!!

Herbal remedies for menopause

The vitamin I take is Rite Aid's Whole Source for Women. It includes several herbs, including black cohosh, ginkgo and dong quai. You should discuss all supplements with a doctor before taking them, as they can interact with prescriptions you are taking (for ex., you are not supposed to take St. John's Wart if you are on an antidepressant)

"Alternatives to Hormone Therapy
Herbal Products

Black cohosh
One of the most common herbs found in over-the-counter menopause supplements, black cohosh appears to relieve hot flashes and improve mood in some women. This Native American herb is also sold as Remifemin. Black cohosh doesn’t appear to have estrogenic effects, although some controversy persists about this. It does not cause vaginal bleeding the way combined hormone therapy does. Side effects include stomach upset, low blood pressure, or reduced effectiveness of estrogen therapy if the two are taken together. Several incidents of serious liver toxicity have been reported, possibly as a response to contamination or to the herb itself. No long-term studies have been done.

Red clover
Also known as Trifolium pratense, red clover is a medicinal herb originally used by Native Americans to treat whooping cough, gout, and cancer. It’s also taken as a cancer treatment in many other parts of the world, and it’s found in herbal preparations for skin irritation. Red clover extract has been promoted for relief of menopausal symptoms, namely hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Proponents claim that its effectiveness comes from its estrogenic effects. But research results have been disappointing. Two studies published in the journal Menopause found red clover to be no better than a placebo for treating hot flashes or vaginal dryness. Red clover is on the FDA’s GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list, but its long-term use has never been studied.

St. John’s wort
For many years, St. John’s wort has been used to treat mild to moderate depression. In studies, it has been shown to be more effective than placebo when used on a short-term basis — two months or less. A long-awaited study reported that St. John’s wort is no more effective than placebo in treating major depression. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems and sun sensitivity. In addition, it can diminish or over-enhance the effects of prescription medications such as indinavir (Crixivan), warfarin (Coumadin), digoxin (Lanoxin), theophylline (Uniphyl, Theo-24, others), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), and oral contraceptives.

Ginkgo biloba
Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba may produce limited improvements in memory and social interactions in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts believe it may be useful for women with perimenopausal or postmenopausal memory problems, but there is no conclusive evidence to support such use. Ginkgo may cause stomach upset, headache, skin reactions, and prolonged bleeding. Caution is urged if it’s used with anticoagulant medication. Ginkgo has been linked with bleeding in the brain when used with the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Experts also recommend that it not be used for two weeks before surgery because of the increased bleeding risk.

Valerian
Used as a sedative for centuries, valerian may help some women bothered by menopause-related sleep problems. It has been shown to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep. It may cause headaches, excitability, and heartbeat irregularities. Valerian should not be used with other sedatives, and its odor has been compared to that of old socks.

Kava
Studies have shown that kava is more effective than placebo in relieving anxiety, but the scientific strength of these studies has been called into question. Kava has been linked with liver failure and cirrhosis in reports from Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. It has been banned in several European countries and Canada but is still available in the United States. Additional side effects include gastrointestinal upset, headache, and agitation or sleepiness. It may enhance the effects of other central nervous system depressants and anticoagulants.

Ginseng
Despite its prominent place in traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng has not been found effective in treating hot flashes or any other symptoms associated with menopause. It comes with a list of side effects: insomnia, high blood pressure, prolonged bleeding time, and low blood sugar reactions if used with insulin.

Dong quai
Another common component of traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai has been used to treat a number of gynecological conditions. In one placebo-controlled study, it was not proved effective in relieving hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms, but critics of this study point out that Chinese herbs are not usually administered alone as in this study, and beneficial effects may result only from a combination of herbs as used by Chinese practitioners.

Source

"Forget mistakes. Forget failure. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it. Today is your lucky day." - Will Durant, 1885-1981 (American Philosopher, Historian and Author)

My niece is 12 today

 

moar funny pictures

UFO over Texas

"STEPHENVILLE, Texas - In this farming community where nightfall usually brings clear, starry skies, residents are abuzz over reported sightings of what many believe is a UFO.

Several dozen people — including a pilot, county constable and business owners — insist they have seen a large silent object with bright lights flying low and fast. Some reported seeing fighter jets chasing it.

"People wonder what in the world it is because this is the Bible Belt, and everyone is afraid it's the end of times," said Steve Allen, a freight company owner and pilot who said the object he saw last week was a mile long and half a mile wide. "It was positively, absolutely nothing from these parts."

While federal officials insist there's a logical explanation, locals swear that it was larger, quieter, faster and lower to the ground than an airplane. They also said the object's lights changed configuration, unlike those of a plane. People in several towns who reported seeing it over several weeks have offered similar descriptions of the object."

More here: Dozens in Texas town report seeing UFO

"Everything in life is most fundamentally a gift. And you receive it best and you live it best by holding it with very open hands." - Leo O'Donovan, Jesuit Priest and Professor

Olive Oil

I am going to start substituting olive oil for a lot of things - it looks like good stuff!

"Choose Olive Oil as a Healthy Alternative
Cook as the Mediterraneans Do
-- By Laura Bofinger, Staff Writer

Would you be surprised to learn that you CAN feel good about fat in your food? Here’s a refresher on one source of fat – olive oil – the healthier oil of all oils and the natural juice of the olive fruit. Its most talked about benefit may be its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease by controlling LDLs (the bad cholesterol) and raising HDLs (the good cholesterol). But the list of benefits continues, and it just may prompt you to replace your use of margarine, butter, and vegetable oils with the favorite flavor of the Mediterranean.

The people of the Mediterranean have enjoyed the benefits of olive oil in their diets for thousands of years. Today, researchers have found evidence to support many of the healing claims assumed since ancient times. In addition to preventing heart disease (due to cholesterol control), olive oil is tolerated well by the stomach and has a positive effect on constipation. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones and lowers the incidence of gallstones. It may be linked to reducing the risk of colon cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as with lowering high blood pressure.

Olive oil is also rich in essential vitamins such as vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E, and K, as well as iron. Its high content of antioxidant substances not only discourages artery clogging and chronic disease, it also prevents damage to blood vessels and cells by attacking free radicals. This effect may also play a role in slowing down the aging process of cells and tissue. The “beauty oil,” as it’s been called, can also claim to soften and firm skin tissue, giving it more luster.

There are so many types of oils, even among the olive variety. What is the difference? Oil from animal fat contains saturated fatty acids, which increase blood cholesterol levels. Oil from plants, seeds, nuts, and vegetables contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which lower both LDLs and HDLs in the blood. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids that control LDL levels while raising HDL (the good cholesterol) levels.

When it comes to the breakdown of olive oils specifically, here is what you should know. Extra virgin is touted as the best of olive oils because it is the least processed. It comes from the first pressing of the olives. Virgin olive oil adds a second pressing of the olives; pure olive oil is more processed through filtering and refining; and extra light olive oil is the most processed with only a mild olive flavor. Anything called light olive oil may contain other vegetable oils.

If you think you might be an olive oil convert, congratulations! But a few words of caution are in order. Always keep your bottle of oil out of light and away from heat to prevent it from becoming rancid. Perhaps more importantly, remember that although olive oil can be a healthy ingredient, it is still a fat containing 9 calories/gram. So as with all fats, watch your intake."

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=123

Schick Intuition Plus Razor

You know those razors that have the shaving lotion built in? I would never have thought those would be any good and never would have bought one. But I got a sample in the mail and now I'm hooked!! The Schick Intuition Plus razor is GREAT. I can shave my legs in about half the time. I really loved my Venus Divine, but this is good enough to make me give it up.

Clearing Clutter

I am constantly bombarded with messages about clutter. I really want to get mine under control!! If I'd get off this computer maybe I could!!!!

"It wasn't always clutter.

Once upon a time (maybe just last year?) it seemed like good stuff. It may have been fun to dream about, shop for, or receive as a gift. It may have been delightful to use, lovely to look at, or both. But that was then.

Now it's all just...too...much.

Clutter is like guests that become pests: overstaying their welcome, taking up room in your life while contributing nothing but complications and chaos. But the objects clogging your home aren't clutter's only manifestations, just the most visible ones. There are also the clutter intangibles: stuff that overwhelms your mind, weighs down your heart, and suffocates your spirit.

If you've been yearning to lighten your load, here are some simple steps to get you started--and keep you going.

Start With Your Heart
...
You don't have to be clinically depressed or grief-stricken to experience a malaise born of sadness, stress, or sensitivity to the suffering of others. When you're weighed down by a heavy heart, moving forward can seem like a colossal effort.
...
So, how can you leave behind the heaviness while keeping the fullness of feeling? That is the challenge. A few ideas to help lighten your heart:

Don't set unrealistic goals. Eliminate one source of guilt: for example, if you have a habit of breaking your new year's resolutions, either don't make any new ones or "only make resolutions consisting of a small step or steps towards your goal," suggests Dr. Gottlieb. Otherwise you may be setting yourself up for failure.

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and giving. A grateful and generous heart has space for peace. By making a conscious effort to count your blessings on a daily basis and to help others, you may feel your heart lifting as the weight of last year's heartbreak slips away.

If you can't forgive, at least forget. The conventional wisdom is that forgiveness is necessary for inner peace. But that's not always true. If you are weighed down by a burden of anger that flares up when you think of forgiving its source, perhaps it's time to learn "forgetness" instead. This isn't to say you should completely forget--after all, "those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it"; it just means you can choose not to let grudges and grievances color your outlook or intrude on your thoughts.

A Load Off Your Mind
...
When your mind is overloaded, overwhelm becomes a chronic condition. There are two main contributors to mental clutter: stuff to remember (to-do's and information) and stuff to forget (worries and annoyances). ... .

You don't have to take up meditation (or medication) to achieve an uncluttered mind. One of the simplest ways to clear your muddled head is to download your thoughts onto a page. Stuff to remember belongs on lists (to-do's) or in systems (information); stuff to forget can be safely jettisoned by way of journals or less structured repositories, such as scrap paper.

Writing things down is not only a method for managing mental clutter--it's also a healthy habit. Studies have shown that "cathartic writing" can lower blood pressure and increase the level of disease-fighting lymphocytes in the bloodstream.
...
From Clutter to Clarity
...
Wouldn't it be nice if you could simply wave farewell to your clutter guests and watch them vanish? Good-bye, piles of paper! Adios, stacks of videos and books! Ciao, mounds of useless gifts and mountains of memorabilia!

Unfortunately, letting go of clutter usually isn't so painless. But it can be less painful--and even exhilarating--if you:

1. Recognize clutter for what it is. Tangible clutter is anything that currently creates stress for you because of its appearance, condition, location, arrangement, and/or quantity. Having too much of a good thing can create just as much clutter as keeping lots of not-so-good things.


2. Remind yourself that most things are replaceable, but time isn't. In most cases, once you've let go of something you won't miss it--contrary to the popular belief that "as soon as I get rid of something I'll need it." If you do end up regretting getting rid of anything, don't worry--you'll likely get over it. However, if you often find yourself grieving over the loss of something that was never alive to begin with, seek counseling.


3. Deal with paper clutter and non-paper clutter separately. Going through piles of paper often requires more focus than what's needed for dealing with other kinds of clutter. (Note: The IRS offers guidelines on how long certain records must be kept. Visit www.irs.gov or call 1-703-487-4608 and request Publication 552. ) Group similar items together (e.g., paid bills, receipts, and statements; toys and games; office supplies and stationery, etc.) to help you see how much of each type you've accumulated; then tackle each category separately.


4. Make it easy to discard or donate. Before you start plowing through your stuff, get some roomy boxes to use for donations and discards (be sure to label them). It’s easier--and quicker--to toss stuff into boxes than to struggle with floppy bags or tiny wastebaskets.


5. Deadline it. Clutter will usually stay put until one of two things occurs: you're finally ready to deal with it because you just can't stand it anymore, or you have a real deadline--houseguests; a party; moving. Generally speaking, a deadline is more likely to generate action than anything else.

Uncluttering your life goes beyond just getting rid of excess stuff. It's really about letting go of whatever is weighing you down and keeping you from soaring towards your dreams. If you let go of what you can do without, you may be amazed at what you can find within."

Copyright © 2002 Harriet Schechter. All Rights Reserved.

Full article here: From Chaos to Comfort: Unclutter Your Home, Your Head and Your Heart

Healthy Heart Kit

Coincidentally (or not, since I don't believe in coincidence when it's something like this), my selection of the month on One Spirit Book Club is a "Healthy Heart Kit". It's cheaper on Amazon so I'm going to get it there instead.

"It's a given that diet and lifestyle affect heart health. But recent studies show that your emotions as well as Mindbody practices such as guided imagery and meditation have an equally powerful influence. Now, building on the success of his earlier interactive kits, Dr. Andrew Weil presents a comprehensive approach to heart health, with The Healthy Heart Kit. Featuring medical experts Stephen Devries, M.D. (a pioneering preventive cardiologist specializing in integrative approaches to heart health), Erin Olivo, Ph.D. (clinical psychologist and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at Columbia University), and Martin L. Rossman, M.D. (founder of The Healing Mind and a leader in the therapeutic use of guided imagery), The Healthy Heart Kit offers a truly comprehensive action plan for lifelong wellness that includes: * Dr. Weil's Anti-inflammatory diet, emphasizing omega 3-rich foods, healthy carbohydrate choices, and delicious variety * New advances for heart health by Dr. Devries, integrating the latest science with an emphasis on natural approaches * Dr. Olivo's best exercises for optimizing the nervous system--mindfulness, stress release, and lovingkindness * Guided imagery--proven medically effective in study after study--in a 30-minute healing session with Dr. Rossman Combining all these strategies in one convenient program, including a 56-page workbook and thirty-five useful cards, provides an excellent way to begin a lifelong regimen for heart health."

http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Heart-Kit-Andrew-Weil/dp/159179790X

I believe that we draw things to us that we need. I can't help but think I'm supposed to have ethis. And I love Dr. Weil anyway.

Garlic & Herb Baked Chicken

New recipe added to my recipe blog:

http://jamiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/01/garlic-herb-baked-chicken.html

Inspiration

I love my Flavia desk calendar. Today's message:

Inspiration is another kind
of love. It is life reaching out
to you and inviting you to dance.

Escape Horses

On the way home yesterday it was dark and as I was driving through Pinch and I saw something in the road coming toward me that didn't look like a car. At first I thought it was a horse-drawn carriage and wondered if there was a parade (they have parades in this little town sometimes). Finally I was able to tell it was two riderless horses just trotting through the middle of town, with two men chasing after them. They looked like they were enjoying themselves (the horses, not the men). There are at least two barns in the area I think, and another recently burned down. My boss keeps her horses at one of them but they didn't look like hers.

25 Resolutions for Happiness

"The anniversary theme of Life Lessons created an excuse to write down the lessons I have learned, but sometimes forget to use. I’m pledging to renew my commitment to living them, and offer them in the hopes they might help you, or they might inspire you to remember your greatest life lessons."

1. I will make happiness a worthy goal, for achieving it is entirely within my power.


2. I will use my feelings to tell me when things aren’t working for me.


3. I will let go of what I cannot change: other people, the past, the future.


4. I will focus on what I can change--my thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and behavior, which will change how I feel.


5. I will appreciate the moment.


6. I will focus on what I have so that I experience abundance, remembering that unhappy people focus on what they want, and they feel deprived.


7. I will be grateful.


8. I will believe that all people are equally valuable and worthy by virtue of being human, and that makes me valuable and worthy.


9. I will accept others as they are: valuable, loveable, unique and worthwhile.


10. I will stop assuming I know what others think and feel.


11. I will not judge others (or myself) because it is harsh and destructive.


12. I will let go of my Shoulds.


13. I will remember that other people’s actions are almost always about them, not about me.


14. I will communicate, ask questions and listen.


15. I will be curious.


16. I will lower my expectations.


17. I will remember that “being human” means being imperfect and making mistakes.


18. I will take chances.


19. I will live my values.


20. I will remind myself that “I don’t know” is a good answer.


21. I will listen to my body.


22. I will remember to breathe.


23. I will get enough sleep.


24. I will remember that if I ask for what I want and accept what I receive, I will get what I need.


25. “Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace within the storm.” I will live by this motto.

Expounded on here: 25 Resolutions for Happiness: What I’ve Learned…So Far, by Molly Stranahan, Psy.D.

© Copyright 2006 Molly L. Stranahan. All Rights Reserved.

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Heart Healthy Food Links

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet (calculate the amount of fat and calories you should be eating, learn how much of each food group to eat, neat "create a diet" activity that can help you make food choices and plan meals, tips for eating out, etc.): http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd/lifestyles.htm

Heart Healthy Recipes:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/syah/index.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-healthy-recipes/RE00098

http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_hl_low_cholesterol/0,2495,FOOD_19756,00.html

http://www.rd.com/health/cholesterol/heart-healthy-recipes

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections/heart_healthy_diet.html

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Healthy-Living/Low-Cholesterol/Main.aspx

Heart to Heart

Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. I took my 49 year old husband to the emergency room with chest pains radiating into his arm. I was in denial all day, but so were the doctors. Every time they ran a test they said "we don't think it's his heart but we are doing this just in case" and most of them came back okay. But they kept him for observation. I got home around 7:30 pm and was talking to him on the phone at 8:00 p.m. when he saw a cardiologist for the first time. He came to tell him the last set of enzyme tests was high and they thought he'd had a mild heart attack. I found this out at 8:30 pm, home alone, and of course my husband was alone in the hospital with all night to let it soak in. It was a shock to both of us.

On Friday evening he had a heart catheterization and Dr. Gharib found a small artery that was 99% blocked. They cleaned it out and inserted a stent. I got to bring him home today, which is Sunday.

It was stressful and scary and a huge wake up call for both of us. I guess these bodies aren't going to just take the abuse we have heaped on them over the last 40+ years. We were very lucky it was a minor heart attack and it caused only minor damage to the heart.

We are committed to living a healthier lifestyle. We don't want to go through anything like this again.

Happy New Year

Wow it's a brand new year! Hard to believe it already 2007 seemed to just fly by. Overall, 2007 was a good year for us. We didn't have too many difficulties.

I worked at the same place all year :). Changed positions briefly but by the end of the year was back in the same position I started in. I enjoyed my job for the most part. I got a nice raise in the summer, and a fun bonus at Christmas time.

I enjoyed walking in the springtime, until I hurt my knee. I never got back to my walking regime after my knee surgery, which I had in September. The surgery was unpleasant, but I enjoyed the brief time off work afterward.

My relationship with my husband stayed strong.

My friendship with my 3 closest friends in "real life" deepened, and I also became closer with some of my "online" friends. One of my friends became a grandmother.

We took a trip to Boone, North Carolina, and our regular vacation trip to the Potomac Highlands. We visited Harrisonburg, Virginia, for a family reunion and along the way went to my favorite place of the year, the drive-thru safari in Virginia. My Mom and Sister and I went to Pipestem for our annual Mother's Day trip.

I stopped making jewelry and closed my jewelry/web design business halfway through the year.

I took up painting.

I spent a lot of time on my spirituality. I meditated on a regular basis. Got my friends interested in spiritual growth again. Through Hay House Radio discovered some wonderful people like Denise Linn and John Holland that taught and inspired me. Made a step toward my desire to create a women's circle with my close friends, although it's still not exactly what I wanted, it is a step in that direction.

My brother moved away but moved back on the last day of the year. My nephew Ely was born, and I got a new "niece" in my sister's dog Franki ;). My nephew Nick entered high school, and my niece Maddie entered middle school. I learned more about my father's side of the family and our connection to the coal wars of West Virginia, and saw the place where he grew up for the first time.

The number of cats remained the same until the end of the year, when Eb (short for Ebony), a black stub-tailed cat, decided he wanted to live on the back porch too. He's not a full-time resident. We're trying to socialize him and would like to find him a home, but I am not sure that is realistic.

We hit a deer and had to say goodbye to our 2003 CRV, and with the insurance money purchased a new 2007 CRV. Two of my girlfriends got new CRV's at the same time.

Overall, I think it was a good year. I don't generally make resolutions. But in 2008 I would like to:

• work on making better food choices and start walking again;


• work on decluttering, cleaning and beautifying my home;


• spend more time with my aging parents and in-laws, as well as my niece and nephew;


• take a trip to Florida to see Aunt B;


• continue in my spiritual growth and learning, starting with taking a reiki class; and


• spend more time in nature, even if it's just getting back to gardening.

Here's to a great 2008!