Contact Michael at: michael@boomercoffeehouse.com

About the Household
» Green friendly, Non-smoker, respectful GLBT friendly household in quite historic Westborough neighborhood seeks non-smoker to share space offering lots of privacy.

» Walking distance to downtown, Boston Sports Club, Roche Brothers grocery store
2 miles to train station

The House
» Recently updated bedroom w/ new carpet
» Outdoor patio space with tables, great for company
» Easy access to gas grill, charcoal grill and smoker grill
» Organic gardening space included
» Fenced in yard
» Plenty of safe off street parking

Utilities:
» Electric – included
» Heat – included
» Wireless cable – included (excluding random downtime)
» W/D in Kitchen

Asking $735
Available May 1st 2009, with possibly of moving some things in sooner

This story is in progress as of August 2, 2008.  I will be finishing th story this week.

Do you ever yearn for that crisp taste of a cold refreshing summer drink but don’t want it filled with preservatives, corn syrup and other not very nice ingredients?  I had pretty much given up on any foods with corn syrup.  Rather, I’m using more natural sweetners such as Agave nectar, Stevia, cane juice, brown sugars or honey.  This I found out meant that most sodas were off limits except for the very expensive ones found in niche markets or the ‘health food’ section of the local mega-mart.

So when I found this recipe for Ginger Beer naturally carbondated with wild fermentation, I thought I’d give it a try. The way I make this, there is very little, if any, noticeable alcohol content.

There are 3 main processes to creating this deliciously crisp Ginger Beer.

1. Set up your sugar jar to capture wild yeast.
2. Make your soda base and fill your soda bottles
3. Let your bottles ferment (4 days to 2 weeks depending on air temperature)

So let’s take a close look at each step.

Set Up Your Sugar Jar to Capture Wild Yeast

Get a mason jar and fill it with a cup of water and sugar will is the food for the wild yeast you’re trying to attract.  Then cut a piece of cheesecloth, and put that on top of the jar to keep the flies out.  Using the Mason jar ring, screw it onto the jar so it holds the cheesecloth in place. 

Now wait a few days to a week or two for sold wild yeast to find your jar and make their home there. You will know the fermentation has started when you see bubbles coming from the bottom of the jar.

Maintaining your yeast: Now every couple of days, add a tablespoon of yeast food (sugar) to your water. This will keep them happy until you’re ready to use them.

Variations: For sugar, I have successfully used evaporated cane juice, brown sugar and Moscavato sugar.  Traditionally processed white sugar is used.

Make your soda base and fill your soda bottles

Bottles
The first thing you need to have is a bottle designed to take the pressure that’s going to build up in your bottle during the fermentation process.  In these bottles over the next few days or weeks, the fermentation process will create natural carbonation and pressure in the bottle as the yeast eat the sugar and belch out gas into the soda.

http://www.boomercoffeehouse.com/i/cookingorganic/gingerbottles.jpg

If you’re Active! : Local Activities, Site Seeing, Tours
Not only is West Sonoma Inn & Spa located in the heart of Russian River Valley, on over 6 acres of redwood grown grounds, they are also positioned perfectly for exploring spectacular wineries and beautiful drives up and down the Pacific coast.  Incredibly, Russian River Valley is located only 69 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge! 

This was my very first experience to the West coast and drove inland from San Francisco. 
I decided to drive up the coast following the path of route 1 from route 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Wow! What a windy road that was!  A perfect drive for a virgin, Californian. 

As I pulled into Guerneville and entered West Sonoma Inn & Spa I collected handfuls of activity information available to me in the lobby, fully decorated with artisan tables and comfy chairs surrounding a glowing fireplace.  I learned that Guerneville has lots to offer including beach horseback riding on Chancellor Ranch, near Bodega Bay, educational, environmental programs provided by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, bike riding with bike rentals nearby and a unique golf challenge all its own, provided by Northwood Golf Course and is open year round.

Unfortunately I only had the option of spending two days at the Inn, so I opted for a beautiful 3 mile hike into Armstrong Woods State Park, a unique grove of coastal redwoods only two miles away.  There I saw a 2,000 year old redwood amongst the other 250-feet tall trees.  Definitely an experience of a lifetime!  Armstrong Woods State Park is wheelchair accessible and has many trails that are either challenging or beginner-like for energetic personalities.

Gone Green! Eco-Friendly Adopted Practices

West Sonoma Inn & Spa is one of the thirty certified energy-conserving businesses who were presented with a green business certificate recognizing them for “environmental performance through conserving energy and water, preventing pollution and minimizing waste,” said Eco Ring’s President, Toni Tacoma.

The EcoRing is the first of its kind. A project that took shape two years ago with the help of a grant from the Russian River Redevelopment Project and the unanimous vote for eco-friendly tourism and community initiative. “It is the mission of the EcoRing to ignite a vibrant eco-tourism community with the participation of residents, businesses, and visitors in the Russian River area. EcoRing facilitates the development of eco-friendly tours, events, lodging, dining, farm products, and appropriate transportation while educating and aiding businesses, residents and visitors to act responsibly towards the environment.”

It's Not Easy Being Green!

During my tour of Guerneville and West Sonoma Inn & Spa, and after leaning about this wonderful and wildly extensive program called the EcoRing, I began to realize how difficult it actually is to become a Green Business and what exactly is involved. I praise them for their unique efforts in the community and for creating a crucially needed train affect that will grow on forever. Every little bit counts and in this case its every more! EcoRing is a worthwhile organization whose conscientious efforts for cleaning up the environment will leave a larger footprint on the earth.

Please take notice of this Pollution Prevention Checklist provided by EcoRing and all that West Sonoma Inn & Spa has done to improve the health & well being of our mother earth!

• Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling: Providing recycling containers, paper waste reduction & recycled content or used products.
• Energy Conservation: Lighting, Heating, Ventilation, & Cooling.
• Water Conservation: Kitchens & Landscapes.
• Pollution Prevention: Practicing good housekeeping in all areas indoors & outdoors, Chemical reduction & vehicle emissions reduction.

You too can be an eco-hero! Look for the Eco-Ring union logo when you plan your next trip.

Green Travel Accommodation:

West Sonoma Inn & Spa

Location:

14100 Brookside Lane, Guerneville, CA 95446
Travel down winding roads through ancient groves of redwood forestry and golden rays of sunlight as you enter the heart of Russian River Valley into the quaint town of Guerneville, California. 

Here you will find West Sonoma Inn & Spa where you can enjoy warm sunny days cooled by breezes from the Pacific Ocean as you indulge in an array of spectacular views, top notch amenities, and relaxing rooms for every occasion.  Green Certified by EcoRing; a community outreach program designed to educate and aid businesses, residents and visitors to act responsibly toward the environment, West Sonoma Inn & Spa helps pave the path for positive change. 

*Reservations: 707.869.2874 or Toll Free: 1.800.551.1881

Rooms & Rates:

West Sonoma Inn & Spa has fantastic views of surrounding vineyards paired with Heavenly spots to lay your head!

36 rooms and suites varying in size and character spread evenly throughout the property.  All rooms include a choice of 1 king size bed or 2 queen size beds covered with pure white linen, colorful pillows and have modern decoratives splashed with contemporary furniture and fixtures. 

During my stay, I had the pleasure of bunking up in a newly remodeled room with a plush queen size bed, a private bath with a shower/tub and a kitchenette equipped with cups, plates and forks.  I enjoyed cable TV and organic coffee service along with some spectacular views from a small balcony overlooking a neighboring Vineyard and Valley.

Weekly, corporate and group rates are available.  Prices range according to season.  Please inquire at www.westsonomainn.com for additional information.

Majestic View & Great Scenery:

Quietly placed in Guerneville, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and off the beaten path wine tasters, West Sonoma Inn & Spa sits back on richly landscaped grounds maintained by a small family of staff who tends to your every need as a guest.  Whether sitting on the porch or at the pool, you can soak up the atmosphere, reflect, and meditate as you bathe in shafts of sunlight and look up to some of the oldest, most majestic trees ever grown. Just check it out for yourself!!

Amenities & Activities for Everyone:

My stay at the West Sonoma Inn & Spa happened to be the end of June until the first week of July and the weather was a bit cool, even for a girl from New England.  However, the view from the outside pool is spectacular and I’m sure the nicely filtered water could have been a beautiful swim.  Also available are picnic facilities for family and friends to get together and throw a frisbee or two.  But, not to be missed is their incredible SPA where they have certified male & female therapists who practice the art of massage, facials & special treatments.
*Soon to come is a sun deck with an eight person jacuzzi and a wine bar.

Peaceful Places for Rejuvenation:

For those of you who love the charm of colorful little towns and/or who seek out destinations that are popular for outdoors, as well as a calm, rejuvenating place to stay, West Sonoma Inn & Spa in Guerneville, CA has got what your looking for!  It offers a quiet Main Street that gets busier as the weekend arrives as well as peaceful places to get lost and find yourself a new self. 

Overall Rating:

Highly Recommended Five Frog Rating!!

Contact Info:

For more information on either topic of this article please contact the sources below.
Please email us and tell us your experience!  We love feedback and appreciate your input.

Tiffany Ferrecchia, Writer & Critic eternalbalanceliving@yahoo.com
West Sonoma Inn & Spa, Owners: Naveed or Karen stay@westsonomainn.com
EcoRing, www.ecoring.com

*Information provided by West Sonoma Inn & Spa and EcoRing, Casa Panama- Hotels/Motels
http://www.russianrivertravel.com/media/ecoring082106.htm

I guess it was thirty years ago when I made the decision to become a nurse and chose the field of operating room nursing, knowing it would be both physically and emotionally challenges. But most important, I also felt it would be rewarding personally and give me the solid income I would need as a single parent.

Recently, I turned sixty, and saw retirement approaching. This meant that the time constraints and financial responsibilities of raising a family were behind me, my children now grown and busy
with their own lives. I realized that this was now a time to give back to myself some of the things I had put on hold all these years...The big question was, what would I change now that I was approaching this new phase in life?

A Time for Self Expression

In searching for answers, I knew that it was now time for me to look to the future as a time to do something personally satisfying, a time for self expression you might say. This was not the situation with my nursing job.  Although it offered much to be desired, the field of nursing did not place self expression high on the list of professional requirements.  In fact, an operating room nurse is valued much more for following policies and procedures, the ability to juggle a hectic day’s work, and the willingness put in the long hours when needed.

To help me decide what I might like to do, I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about those things I liked most about my present work as an operating room nurse--friendships, challenges, being part of a community, and, of course, a comfortable income. These elements I knew would have to remain a piece of my future plan. Then I thought about what brings me happiness--helping people, time outdoors, beauty, nature...and a touch of freedom. This soul searching took a little time, but was easier than you might imagine. Once I started, the pieces just came together, and it wasn’t too long before I remembered a dream I had put on hold some ten years earlier, at a time in my life when it was not realistic to make such a move.  With the soul searching, however, the possibilities opened up and I started asking, “Why not open a small and unique back yard bird shop that caters to backyard bird enthusiasts like myself?” The more I entertained this possibility, the more real it became. 

This back yard venture I knew would fit my criteria on several levels — I could enjoy a camaraderie with nearby shop owners, promoting and selling a product not only that I love, but one that would also bring joy to many peoples’ lives. It could be stimulating and challenging and, hopefully, generate some income over time.

Bank for International Settlements warns of Great Depression dangers from credit spree

The Bank for International Settlements, the world’s most prestigious financial body, has warned that years of loose monetary policy has fuelled a dangerous credit bubble, leaving the global economy more vulnerable to another 1930s-style slump than generally understood.

“Virtually nobody foresaw the Great Depression of the 1930s, or the crises which affected Japan and Southeast Asia in the early and late 1990s. In fact, each downturn was preceded by a period of non-inflationary growth exuberant enough to lead many commentators to suggest that a ‘new era’ had arrived”, said the bank.

The Bank for International Settlements, the ultimate bank of central bankers, pointed to a confluence a worrying signs, citing mass issuance of new-fangled credit instruments, soaring levels of household debt, extreme appetite for risk shown by investors, and entrenched imbalances in the world currency system.

I’m a ginger lover. I cook with it, infuse honey with it, drink it as tea, get it in ice-cream, eat it as candy. Ginger has digestive health benefits as well as being delicious and zingy. I also enjoy ginger ale and ginger beer from time to time, but like candied ginger, i tend to limit my use of them these days because of the high sugar content.

Another treat Ginger Ale, is too sugary and often not available with organic ingredients. So I was delighted recently to learn how to make my own low sugar ginger ale.

This is a naturally fermented beverage. It has a gentle fizz rather than big bubbles that explode out of the bottle were you to shake it. And it’s simpler to make than a regular carbonated beverage.

Empty today. Sad, worried, lonely, achy, anxious, immobile.  Let just a little light in through the pain.

Change always happens. In the center is the paradox of carrying hope and crying. Grieving is real. We just aren’t use to paradoxes. Words like, both are true, and this is also how I feel, aren’t communicated very often.

We weren’t taught to have a range of feelings and to honor all of them as value.  All of the feelings build our heart muscles and add wonderment to life.

Each experience, if you look back in your life, has added something for you to toss, re-evaluate, honor, and forgive.

Oh how human we are! But we long for the peace and good times as a constant. But when have the world, weather, and people, ever been constant?

I am enjoying the empty nest, but I know the journey isn’t over. My daughter graduated college last year. I have a nephew who is entering his sophomore year in college, a niece just off to college in August, and three nephews who are traveling the working world after being in school for decades.

Our children come home and fill our lives and space, again.  We shift gears because we love them. It is no effort, most of the time.

We remind ourselves to lower our expectations. Be present with ourselves and them. Stay in the moment.

I know, too, that it isn’t easy to not hear from them or feel the same closeness. Trust.  They do love and care for you.  They just aren’t the same age as you! Their behavior is different.

It isn’t easy not knowing what to choose for yourself in the free time.  Trial and error. 

Make one plan for the week and weekend that will lift your spirits.

Drop into a quiet place inside yourself and listen there.  You can do this sitting or taking a walk.

Breathing has saved me. Push those stomach muscles out.  Do ten slowly.

FOR NOW, is the phrase of summer.  For now you don’t have what you want. You feel lost, sad, and anxious. You are grieving the disappointments.  This is all normal in adulthood. 

Children leave, parents are ill, we become care takers, again, deaths pull us under, relationships are challenging, jobs aren’t fulfilling, friends don’t call you, finances are stretched and you are aging.

I hear these stories across the country. I, too, relate to cycles of life.  But I do believe, change will come in a positive way.  We just weren’t educated that sorrow, loss, difficulties are part of the buffet. We can’t click our heels twice and be in happiness.  But we do lean into that wind that will carry us there.

Some days are just lousy.  Seems like everything is leaving. On the same block is all that is staying and good.  We just forget to look at both in a day. Paradoxes.

For now, may you receive tenderness and let a little light in on those sorrowful days. 

Try saying to yourself, “THIS IS HOW IT IS FOR NOW.”

Take good care,
Natalie
Natalie Caine, M.A.

I have been racking my brain trying to come up with some sensational piece for the month of June. So much has happened in the last month that I have been more than distracted from my own business. For some of you that may not know our son, Corey, was in an avalanche in Haines, Alaska almost four weeks ago. For me, staying focused with the business was not an option. Corey came first; he was my first priority. The business could wait. My husband and I met him in Wyoming and then Colorado.

He is an expert out of bounds alpine skier who was being filmed by Rage Films for their movie this fall. Wearing all the safety devices, carrying all the items necessary, never protects you from what Mother Nature will throw at you. When I received the call from Corey, “NOW MOM, DON’T FREEK OUT.” My heart skipped, I took a deep breathe and knew one thing was for certain, whatever happened he was alive. I did not know of his physical being…was he paralyzed or not…but I did know he was talking directly and clearly to me. Long story short Corey “swam” to the surface and is alive, safe and escaped with only an ACL tear.

I guess there are two parts of this June article: the first being WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES? The second, GRATITUDE.

“Priorities: importance, first, essential, irreplaceable”… those are some of the descriptions in the dictionary. Babyboomers what are yours?

So what are your priorities? Is it business or family first? So many times I hear the two being jostled around like a football in the backyard from clients.

Think for a moment, what are the items that can be replaced. Look around your office, in your home, in your file cabinets, on the walls… do they hold you? Are you cemented to them and would be heartbroken if they were to disappear? Think again.

Now look at your family, grandchildren or friends. Maybe you are not getting along with one or another, but think what it might be like if they were no longer in your life. Think hard. Harder. People are not replaceable, items are!

If there is someone that you have not connected with for a while, why not write him or her an email, letter of pick up the phone and tell him or her what they mean to you. You might be surprised at the response. Open up your heart. So as the summer months bring on the warmer weather, embrace your family with YOUR TIME. Have more cookouts, picnics, camping trips, bike rides, canoe trips, swims at the lake or ocean, walks… the list is endless…. being together is PRICELESS.

This is a packed month with celebrations for those graduates, fathers, new borns, weddings etc... There are all sorts of things to be thankful for. This is a time for gratitude. What are you thankful for?

Here is an idea I would like you all to consider. This is a gift I have given many times. Get a box; 4x4 inches and 2 inches tall is a good size (can be made of fabric, Lucite, metal, china, leather whatever you gravitate towards). Now cut up pieces of 3x3 inch colored paper. Write the answers to these BELOW (telling what you most love/like about them). The point is to share your thoughts in a way that shows how much they mean to you.

I guarantee you will bring smiles and laughter to their faces. So you give them a gift that they will always have. A “treasure” box where each day they could dip in and pick out a card; only to read the thanks from a friend or relative for their being alive.

It is never too late to say how much someone has influenced or made your life better just for being in it.

Step out of the box.

An absolutely amazing book given to me at the Green Earth Expo in Orlando, FL 2008 www.greenearthalliance.com , Living Green, a Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability, by Greg Horn and Jordan Rubin, is worth every cent as it is your basic, everyday guide to living smart and implementing simple ideas toward a healthy lifestyle on our planet.

Greg Horn, Author and a “leader in the health and wellness industry for more than two decades has a commitment to a lifestyle of health and sustainability that has powered him to succeed as an executive for some of the top companies in the history of the natural product business.” Grab a copy and highlight his chapters on Health, Home & Future!

Start Here with these Helpful Healthy Hints:

1. Eat organic to avoid consuming pesticides & herbicides.
2. Recycle to cut the waste stream.
3. Avoid disposables to keep plastics from entering your food and also our waste stream.
4. Use natural or organic personal care to keep toxic chemicals off your body and out of the environment.
5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep them out of our bodies and out of the water supply.
6. Use natural lawn care; keep away from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
7. Filter your tap water to remove unwanted chemicals, pesticides, medicine...
8. Increase energy efficiency and dramitically reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave or have pitched a tent out in the woods somewhere in the last year, I’m sure you’ve seen, heard and read more on “Green” than ever before.  “Green Living, Living Green, The Green Movement and so on is hitting every publication, advertisement and book out there, but here’s the question…do you know what it means to Live Green? And, if so what are you doing about it??

Understanding the philosophy and background behind the “New Green Movement” is to grasp the big factors that play like, global weather change, high gas prices, Species Extinction, and the Organic Boom.

The first step we can take to making a difference is to focus on self-reliance. It is up to us to recognize that our enormous population is using up irreplaceable resources at an alarming rate while poisoning the environment and we must take responsibility for our habits of humanity.

We at boomercoffeehouse.com are committed to providing you with the tools and information of what it takes to have a healthy well being and a whole planet.
Our Living Green Section is part of that circle, so tune in to read the latest on Healthy Homes, Organic Products, Green Travel, Eco-Tourism and recommended Books, Guides or Informational Tools to help you take the next steps towards this New Way of Life.

Over and over I am reminded that what gets us through painful times is a friend.

We know that, but when we are hurting we isolate. We don’t pick up the phone and ask a friend for help.  We want to be the strong one. 

So I suggest you make a list of who you feel uplifted around? Who are you yourself with? Who is cheering for your happiness?

Most of us play the role of supporter. We feel vulnerable when we reveal ourselves.  Surprise is, we become closer to the friend who we speak our pain to. Being vulnerable and even sharing a “secret,” bonds us.

Here’s my take.  We are already feeling horrible so what is there to lose if we say everything that is crowding our head and heart?  A friend is just like you…a person who listens and honestly wants the best for you, neither jealous nor self centered, a person who is able to be present and not putting their agenda on you.  They know you are not them. You have shown them you can be trusted.

If you don’t have a friend near by, use email or the phone.  Don’t wait all day for the pain to pass, reach out early.  Don’t let the part of you win, that says, it will pass, get over it, or whatever sabotage enters your room.  Being vulnerable, awkward, is actually normal.

We have forgotten how to put our needs first and receive the compassion and nurturing we deserve.  Sounds trite, but over and over, I hear this to be true.

 What we know in out heads, we forget to bring to our hearts. Believe it or not, we think to much rather than reaching for a hand.  Just reach and call out to someone.
Kleenex wouldn’t exist without us and Kleenex is a good thing.

• Focus on you.
• Value your life.
• Give yourself time to be in the new role.
• Give your children time to be in their new role.
• Get outside.
• Take 10 breaths to shift into a better feeling.
• Baby steps, in the initial stage of this major change.
• Give back when you have given nurturing to yourself first.

Take care,

Natalie

pop corn and 4 phones, power hour, microwave radation. thepowermall.com

That is a question that is being bantered about a lot these days. In the wake of high gas prices, rising food costs and salaries that don't keep up with inflation, many health-seeking shoppers take one look at the organic items in their supermarket and decide they can't afford to eat 'healthy' food.

While it's true that many food costs double when they are sold as their organic versions in grocery stores, you really just need to know where to look and then develop a systematic approach to buying the best food for the best price.

Fortunately, we're entering the summer season. That means fresh peaches, tomatoes, corn, peppers, watermelon and many other fresh whole foods can be found in your local farmer's markets. Whether you are a city dweller or live out in the countryside, farmer's markets are everywhere — just look online under localharvest.com. Many of the farmers are growing their produce organically, but haven't been able to cover the expense of being certified organic, so you can simply ask them whether or not they use pesticides on their crops. Next, keep in mind the following information on pesticides in produce from the Environmental Working Group:

Highest in Pesticides Peaches Apples Sweet Bell Peppers Celery Nectarines Strawberries Cherries Pears Grapes (imported) Spinach Lettuce Potatoes

Lowest in Pesticides Onions Avocadoes Sweet Corn (frozen) Pineapples Mangoes Asparagus Sweet Peas (frozen) Kiwi Fruit Bananas Cabbage Broccoli Papayas

If you do purchase 'conventional' produce, you can make a non-toxic spray to make sure your fruits and vegetables are clean, although you will never get rid of the pesticides completely. Below is Sophie Uliano's Veggie Cleaner Spray from Oprah's Earth Day Event:

As the Summer Season climbs and we approach the month of June, look out for ways to boost your energy when either vacationing or spending more time outdoors. Your diet plays an important role in your body’s energy efficiency!  Avoid zapping your energy reserves and consider eating small, but regular meals to sustain energy levels and keep you blood sugar levels steady. 

A fabulous recipe that I tried for dinner this month is what I like to call “Garlicky-Gingered Wild Grouper, topped with Fresh Corn, Mango, Capsicum & Cilantro”.  It is the perfect recipe for a hot day’s work and is incredibly easy.  It is a clean cut filet of Wild Grouper touched off with a bit of Honey, Olive Oil, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper.  Broil it on high to crisp the top and serve it over a bed of sautéed Kale or Baby Spinach.  Sounds yummy?!  Just wait until you read the next recipe for the Fresh Corn, Mango & Capsicum topper!  Try it out and enjoy this succulent summer recipe.  And as always I appreciate careful criticism and fun-filled feedback!

Foodie Facts:

Wild Grouper, which happens to be in-season, is firm in texture with white large flakes and a mild flavor.  It is extremely delicious and can almost be called a perfect food; nutritiously in it’s uncooked state it contains only 110 Calories, 2 grams of fat (none of which is Saturated) and only 55 grams of Cholesterol, 23 grams of Protein and an added benefit of Calcium and Iron. 

This extra lean fish is one of the best seafood choices for it can be used for almost any seafood recipe.  Its unique flavor comes out beautifully with a touch of mild seasoning and fresh herbs.  In this case Cilantro highlights the rest of the special ingredients. 

When purchasing Fish, always remember, Wild fish tends to be much leaner and less fatty. Farm raised fish is much fattier and is injected with pesticides, colored dyes, and antibiotics.  Be sure to ask your local seafood market or grocer because if does not say wild, it is farm raised.

Click Here to Download your free recipe for “Garlicky-Gingered Wild Grouper, topped with Fresh Corn, Mango, Capsicum & Cilantro”

Are you like me and read all the lables on your food? I find myself reading between the lines of many of these phrases. Is grass fed the same as never fed grain? Does 'fed an all organic diet' mean the grain used was not genetically modified? Does free range chickens mean these are happy chicken fed an organic diet. When I look at what options there are for real, organic and non genetically modified food, I feel like I am loosing ground here. So, I've taken a baby step and embarked on a journey to raise my own chickens.

The journey was not a quick one. Four years ago, I moved to an old farming town just 30 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts. I thought to my self, great...now I can get my chickens. I went to the town hall, and when I asked to have a couple of laying hens, I was met by the town's Building Inspector responsible for overseeing chicken approvals. He was very nice about the whole thing, but strongly suggested that I'd be better off just getting someone elses organic eggs. Aparently having chickens has had a history of causing some differences among neighbors and it was suggested to me that it would just be better not to go down this chicken trail.

Two weeks ago, you read an article ASKING FOR HELP, well here is the second half of that article.

Have you heard this phrase? “I don’t want to ask for help.”

What do you do when you first read it…I would say it’s a knee-jerk reaction for most. What is the assumption here?

The assumption is if I help, I am then indebted to that person. Or even better….she/he will resent me for asking for their help. Or even worse…this puts me in a very vulnerable position to get hurt. Especially if they say “NO.”

Generally, I doubt that any particular group can lay claim to living a more stressful life than another. Babyboomers are reeling from a sort of time compression, feeling like they have no control over their time—no free time, demands from parents and children, expanding job pressures and an ever-expanding connection to their jobs through email, cell phones and internet. Our children face their own stresses of increasing scholastic competition, overscheduled days, junk food, and safety issues like gang violence and bullying. And Generations X and Y are facing a slumping economy as they graduate and begin looking for work.

Before we go any further down the pathways to stress, let’s discuss the physiological reactions of this “fight or flight” syndrome. The adrenal glands, walnut-sized glands on top of the kidney, control many of the body’s hormones. When you are in “fight or flight” mode, they increase the production of adrenaline, corticosterone and epinephrine, which increases your heart rate, releases urgently needed energy, slows your digestion and sharpens your senses. Meanwhile, you feel sweaty palms, a pounding heart, and tense muscles. Even your blood clots more easily, which is helpful when faced with an attacking bear, but not so great when you are in an office and the computers go down.

The main problem with stress is that today it is often prolonged, leading to adrenal burnout and an impaired thyroid gland. This causes a further decline in energy level and mood, and an increasing likelihood of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Warning signs of too much stress might be fatigue, insomnia, irritability, weight gain or depression. The cortisol released to convert proteins into energy under stress is essential in the short-term, but destructive long-term. It gradually wears down your body by destroying healthy bones and muscles, weakening your immune system, slowing down cell regeneration and healing, and interfering with metabolism and mental functioning.

When stress becomes an every day event, the brain loses its ability to evaluate whether a stress response is warranted and it becomes less able to regulate the response, according to Bruce McEwen, PhD, of the Rockefeller Institute. You may experience anxiety, stomachaches, headaches, diarrhea, unexplained crying spells or angry outbursts, and nightmares or insomnia.

I just returned from a wonderful walk by the beach. Early spring is here: buds are popping out; tiny, tender shoots are emerging from the soil; last years’ leaves shelter new growth; birds are building nests; life continues. The light is bright, warm, welcoming, shimmering, luminous.

I’ve been spending a great deal of time tending to my mother these last couple of months. After 3 hospitalizations and her third rehab, she’s working on gaining her strength so she can return to life in her own home. Seeing her so vulnerable has been difficult, and the pain of my own helplessness in her aging process has given surrender new meaning.

As I’ve been with this experience I’ve come to a realization that has helped me find new meaning in the cycle of life. It has to do with luminosity. As infants our being is pure, innocent, clear. Our luminous souls are present and visible. As we grow, that light becomes dimmed, our maturing process distorting it as a means of self protection. Our essential nature gets dampened down and suppressed by cultural and self imposed beliefs, values and behaviors. We live behind this cloud of distortions.

Most of us live our lives unaware of the radiant luminosity that is our True Nature and that exists as the essence of all creation. Yet, when someone smiles the light is visible; we can see it in their eyes and faces.

While my Mom’s 84 year old body is not cooperating with her intentions and wishes (I’m sure those of us over 50 can relate) I’ve been struck by the light in her eyes. Her luminosity is increasing even while her body’s capacities diminish. I see this in some of the other residents’ eyes as well, even one or two of the Alzheimer patients who live in a world all their own. Still, many of these beautiful elders eyes are dulled by life’s hardships, barely reflecting the light of their spirits. I wonder about their families and how often they receive visitors.

I count my blessings that I am fortunate to be able to be in service to my mom in a process that reflects the perfect cycle of life. I can tend to her body, mind and, hopefully, spirit as she tended to me as an infant and child. She welcomed me into this world as I witness and, hopefully, help tender her way to the next. Both are journeys we must make alone in the grace of our luminous soul’s path.

What a strange life this is, yet beautiful, poignant.

As we approach Mothers’ Day, savor what it means to live, love and to be part of this cycle of luminous life that fills and connects us. Take a moment to remember the blessing it is to be alive and cherish the woman who bore you into this world. Where would we be without our Moms?

Blessings to you,
Monique

Why is it we are tongue tied when it comes to asking for help? When we were younger it was common for us to ask for help when we needed an extra hand, but as we grew older society said we needed to become independent. For women, it became risky.

So how do we change?

When working with my clients, so many have a harder time than others in this particular arena. One is a single baby boomer and finds herself wearing the proverbial armor complete with the crest “I CAN DO IT ALL” emblazoned on the front. “ALL”, I wonder.

What is she missing? She spoke to me of wanting to ask but fearing that her independence would be tarnished. I asked her, what would she gain by asking. She sat back and pondered this question. With a brighter look in her eye she replied, she would gain a companion to help her with something she wanted to complete. She would be able to finish that which she could not do herself alone.

Every exit is…an entrance someplace else.

—Tom Stoppard, playwright

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

— Arthur Ashe, athlete

Isn’t it great that we, as empty nesters, don’t have to ask permission anymore?

And isn’t it great that we learned to be thoughtful and think before we act?

I wonder if our children feel that newness of deciding and thinking away from home.

Paul S. Mamakos, Founder of Everything Raw™, is such a believer of the healthy benefits of a raw diet that he has exclusively eaten raw foods since 2005. Paul actually began his “raw” journey when he opened up a raw food kitchen in January 2007 in Charlottesville, Virginia, home to the University of Virginia.

He offered his ever-increasing line of patrons a variety of raw energy bars, raw pizzas and even raw gourmet meals. Paul’s customers were stating to him what he had discovered himself after switching exclusively to a raw diet — eating food in its natural raw state helps to promote balanced energy throughout the day. So, with the success of the energy bars in his community, Paul decided to launch a variety of energy bars so that people all around the country could begin to enjoy the benefits of raw superfood bars.

Everything Raw is available in the following flavors - Raw Decadence®, which contains dark cacao chocolate, dates, pistachios, pecans, cashews, cinnamon, coconut oil, and vanilla bean and Yoga BarTM, a royal white chocolate that contains cacao butter, dates, pistachios, cashews and honey. Both bars are 100% gluten free, Fair Trade, source verified and CCOF Certified Organic.

It’s April and what does that ponder up for people? TAX TIME!

Well, baby boomers, got some tips for you on what to save and what to toss.
Here is the second of two articles this month:

What to Toss:

1. Junk mail, recycle it


2. Expired coupons


3. Outdated schedules


4. Old greeting cards, unless you want to recycle the parts not written on for gift tags


5. Old grocery receipts


6. Invitations to past events


7. Expired warranties and service contracts


8. Instructions for items you no longer own


9. Expired insurance policies


10. Unread magazines


11. Old catalogs, keep only current ONE


12. Investment and banking brochures you never used


13. Canceled checks, unless needed for tax purposes


14. Checkbooks, if they’re more than 6 years old, or the account has been canceled


15. Receipts for non-tax-deductible items


16. Business cards from people whose names you don’t recognize


17. Old tourist brochures, these make great wrapping paper


18. Old road maps, again make great wrapping paper and a conversation piece


19. Solicitations from charities you don’t intend to give to.


20. Recipes you haven’t tried in 5 years


21. Bad-quality photos or ones you simply don’t like


22. Articles or clippings you haven’t reread in more than 5 years”

If you enjoyed this article, check out ”How to Win the Battle of the Paper Mountain.”

So now that you decluttered….won’t you feel freer?
Let me know.
Sallie

Finally a book has been published on the subject of diabetes and the accompanying syndromes of metabolic disorder and pre-diabetes, that covers the subjects of diet, exercise, and the resources of the medical establishment.  Dr. Steven Joyal’s book: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Diabetes — An Innovative Program to Prevent, Treat, and Beat This Controllable Disease is a complete package product filled with the latest research and knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of this increasingly common disease.

Dr. Joyal relays all of this information in language that is easily understood by the lay person, but lacks nothing in technical depth. He covers treatment and prevention options ranging from the holistic approach, the dietary approach, supplements and vitamins, to cutting edge prescription medicine options.

As a fitness professional, I have encountered clients who are pre-diabetic, diabetic, or suffering from what could be diagnosed as metabolic disorder. I have found Dr. Joyal to be a great professional resource through both my years as a power-lifter, and a personal trainer. He has helped me to fashion diet, lifestyle, and exercise programs for clients who suffer with these afflictions, and the results have been incredible. I have witnessed great changes in body composition, blood sugar, and over-all health in many of my clients using the cumulative treatment strategies contained in this book. I recommend Dr. Joyal’s book to everyone, regardless of their health.

Coming of age in the 60s I sometimes wonder how some of the cultural icons of the time—especially my favorite musicians, actors, and entertainers—would relate to events taking place today. One such icon (and role model) for me as a teenager was John Lennon—the “thinking Beatle” —who broke rank with his mates to protest a war, and eventually left the band to pursue his own commitments, political and otherwise. With the US again involved in a far-flung war and another divisive presidential campaign I’ve been asking myself lately, “How would John vote?” After all, Lennon had finally become a US citizenship a few years before his death in 1980. (The fact that Lennon was able to gain citizenship was an amazing story in its own right, given the comical attempts years earlier by the Nixon administration, FBI, CIa, and INS to get him deported because of the apparently grave threat he posed to the US government!)

I admit the following is a highly speculative exercise, reflecting my own biases as I try to predict the actions of such a quixotic and paradoxical figure as John Lennon.  But just for the fun of it, let’s “imagine” how Lennon would assess these presidential candidates, starting with the three “electable” ones still running national campaigns.

John McCain?

Lennon would probably appreciate John McCain’s contrariness and outspokenness—qualities JWL would certainly identify with. My guess is he would also have cheered on McCain’s attempts in 2000 to challenge George Bush and the “agents of intolerance” (as he described them) of the Religious Right—given Lennon’s disdain of religiosity, especially the self-righteous variety. Yet he would have an issue with McCain’s recent pirouettes on many socially moderate views he held in the past, from gay marriage to immigration, which Lennon would likely support. But McCain’s continued support for the Iraq War would be the deal-breaker for the “Give Peace a Chance” musician. From his Bealtemania days when Lennon surprised the world at a Fab Four press conference in 1966 with his opposition to Vietnam (“War is wrong” ) to the time he was gunned down 14 years later, Lennon remained an opponent of war as foreign policy, if not a full-fledged pacifist.

Hillary?

Lennon would likely applaud a variety of Hillary Clinton’s positions, from her universal health care stance to her sometimes-ridiculed “it-takes-a-village” approach to education, which were entirely consistent with Lennon’s liberal worldview. One wild card: how would the 8-year Bill Clinton presidency have played in John’s thinking? How he viewed that presidency (and I suspect he would have had mixed feelings about it) might have carried over to Senator Clinton’s cause, one way or the other. But Clinton’s vote to authorize the use of force against Iraq would certainly have diminished Lennon’s enthusiasm for her candidacy, not to mention her other tilt-to-the-right maneuvers (including her introduction of a bill to make flag-burning a crime).

Obama?

Lennon would presumably find much to admire about Barack Obama’s views as well—many of which overlap Senator Clinton’s, from health care accessibility to green energy investment—along with an appreciation of Senator Obama’s global perspective and eloquent optimism. But Obama’s stance against the Iraq war from the beginning would be the clincher for Lennon. For that reason alone I believe Lennon would support Barack Obama for US President.

A Republican Maybe?

That being said, Lennon would undoubtedly lament Dennis Kucinich’s withdrawal, the most outspoken peace advocate of the original Democratic candidates and who lined up closest to Lennon’s 1970’s values.  Of the two other major party candidates who are technically still in the race, Republicans alan Keyes and Ron Paul, I believe Lennon would have resonated with some aspects of the latter’s libertarian philosophy and aversion to an interventionist foreign policy. I could imagine John Lennon’s amusement at Ron Paul’s controversial statement on Meet the Press, quoting Sinclair Lewis: “When fascism comes to america it will be draped in a flag, carrying a cross.” (Of course Lennon was a spiritual seeker, with great respect for Jesus’s message, but Lennon shared the concern of many of us that the delivery systems for that message have distorted it over time.)

I admit to an assumption that opposition to the Iraq war would be the dominant criterion in John Lennon’s presidential choice in 2008. But who really knows how his values would have developed had he lived another twenty-seven years and four months? and would he even vote? after all, the self-described “dreamer” questioned the value of nation states to begin with—and certainly the american dream itself. Yet we shouldn’t forget how desparetely he wanted to become a US citizen. He was, in that sense, the quintessential american immigrant.

Story written by Prue Osborne

"Solita?"

It was the question most asked Marianne Du Toit on her 21-month journey from Argentina to New York. Was she alone? Always the answer was, "Non, con dos caballos!"

Marianne Du Toit and her two equine companions walked, trotted and galloped through both the spectacular beauty and the perils of South, Central and North America in 2002 and 2003.

Marianne's spirit of adventure, courage and unimaginable inner drive brought her to the notion to try the ride Aime Tschiffely successfully completed in 1925. Marianne spoke no Spanish, knew no one in the Americas, hardly knew how to ride and knew next to nothing about horse care, equipment or what lay ahead of her when she trotted off from San Diego, Argentina. She said it was better that way — knowing more might have scared her off. "Fear," Marianne Du Toit said, "is an emotion that takes up too much packing space." The unknown, she acknowledged, frightens some people, but not her. She doesn't let herself think that way. She just knows things have a way of working out fine in the end.

A History of Adventure

It wasn't Marianne's first solo adventure. Marianne Du Toit grew up in South Africa, went to university there, then worked and travelled in Europe for three years. In 1991 Du Toit cycled alone around Europe for three months, covering 2,000 kilometres. A burning desire to see a famous bottlenose dolphin in Ireland took her there where she stayed until her quest for adventure could not be denied.

Marianne Du Toit said she had always been inspired by the stories of adventurous women who put aside the expectations for a husband, home and family and set off exploring the wilds. She was at a time and place in her when she could do that. Once she read Tschiffely there was no going back; that was the journey she had to make.

Never Give up
No matter what is going on
Never Give up
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country
Is spent developing the mind
Instead of the heart
Be compassionate
Not just to your friends but to everyone
Be compassionate
Work for peace in your heart and in the world
Work for peace
and I Say again Never Give up
No matter what is happening
No matter what is going on around you
Never Give up

—H.H. the XIV Dalai

We all know the day is coming, whether that day is the beginning of empty nest or the day our adult children are home for a visit and then leave.

Is there prevention for sorrow? I believe from all the experiences I have with change and tears, that the answer is to practice being with what is.

It’s April and what does that ponder up for people? TAX TIME!

Well, baby boomers, got some tips for you on what to save and what to toss.
Here is the first of two articles this month:

Save:

The big question I hear is what to I save and what do I toss. The first thing I say to all is talk to your accountant and/or lawyer before throwing out any financial or legal papers. They know your individual situation.

Here is a guide from Barbara Hemphill’s, Taming The Paper Tiger:

Whew!!! Now in two weeks…I’ll show you what can be TOSSED, shredded or recycled.

Sallie
 

We think of them as vegetables but mushrooms fall into a completely different classification — they are fungus (fungi is the plural). And because of that, they are nutritionally different than vegetables and other plant foods in some fascinating ways.

Mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of fungi (in the same way that tomatoes are the fruiting body of the tomato plant), are unique in that they are not animal, vegetable or mineral. Mushrooms contain some compounds such as chitin (pronounced ki-tin), beta glucans, which is a complex sugar molecule (also found abundantly in oats and is the compound responsible for their cholesterol lowering effect), and glycoproteins that are not readily available elsewhere. These substances may account for some of the health-producing properties of mushrooms and their positive nutrition profile: low in calories, higher in protein than most vegetables, sufficient fiber, a wide array of minerals and plenty of B vitamins.

The fiber chitin is also found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans (which nobody eats, we hope). A few years ago there was a product on the market called Chitosan, which supposedly helped block the absorption of the fat that you ate. I don’t know if it worked but mushrooms do help fill you up and provide a wealth of culinary possibilities.

Most importantly for me, the taste, and often texture, of mushrooms make them incredibly appealing. (My husband would disagree, and that’s OK because there are more for me.) The most common mushroom is the white button (agaricus bisporus) mushroom which does not have much flavor but does add body to vegetarian foods. The crimini or brown mushroom contains less water than the white and therefore has better flavor. The portabella is just a bigger crimini and it makes a great “burger” when marinated and baked or grilled. There are also other cultivated “wild”mushrooms such as oyster, shiitake and maitake, to name just a few. 

It’s The Whole Dish, restaurant reviews are written to inform and educate you about healthy eateries that recognize the use of Organic, Natural ingredients and who prepare foods without the use of preservatives, artificial flavors, and if at all possible, the purchase of meat and dairy containing growth hormones or animal bi-products. The restaurants are hand chosen based on their menu quality and order options for vegans, vegetarians, diabetics, raw foodists, and people with a gluten sensitivity.

Restaurant: Queen of Sheba
Where: 3636 Henderson Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
Website: www.ethiopianrestauranttampa.com
Cuisine Served: Ethiopian
Parking: Plenty ! A lot is available to the left of the restaurant.

A family style operation owned and cared for by a women whose name brushes the surface of each tabletop, Sebel; meaning “all that’s fresh from the harvest”. Originally from Ethiopia and its region of Kaffa, Sebel and her handful of helpers cook and serve to us traditional Ethiopian cuisine prepared using a rich array of cooking oils, clarified butter, organic grains, beans, and the highest quality meats available. Naturally prepared without the use of preservatives and fillers, each dish screams of spices like Fenugreek, Cumin, Basil, Coriander, Ginger, Saffron, Mustard, Cardamom, and more.

Atmosphere: This perfect traditional setting brings calm energy throughout as you forget about your day behind or your night ahead. Lights are dim and the walls are stucco painted with hints of yellow-rust. Small table tops are covered in burgundy cloth and spread throughout the dinning floor. A comfortable space to join hands with one another and relax.

Welcome Service: I arrived with a friend on a Wednesday night to be greeted by Sebel and a quaint table for two. She began service with a menu presentation and drink and appetizer suggestions. 

Mollie Katzen of Moosewood cookbook fame has just released a new cookbook, The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without. Mollie and I recently spoke and what follows comes from our interview.

Mollie Katzen and I spoke about the book.  She tells me that she’s very pleased with the book. “It’s storybook-sized which is 8 ½ by 11 inches. I did all the hand lettering and the fonts. It took me 1 ½ years.” She said that she felt the need to get back to something closer to the Moosewood style of a hand written and illustrated book. The bright green cover and colorful vegetable illustrations give away what’s inside the book.

The 90-something recipes in the book are organized alphabetically using a wide range of vegetables from artichokes to zucchini, covering most of them including frisee and parsnips (but alas no kohlrabi). Katzen says that the vegetables are most important part of the book and here she pairs them with various pantry ingredients such as roasted nut oils and really good olive oils. “The recipes are not too long and not too involved,” she states emphatically.

Katzen says that she doesn’t mention seasonality in the book but uses the various vegetables that she likes. “The book is about vegetables and doesn’t have any meat but it’s not about being vegetarian,” she says. We talk more about the recipes and Katzen tells me that most of the recipes are very vegan friendly. “There’s some optional butter and eggs and some cheese but that’s in less than 10 percent of the recipes,” she states. (A review of the recipes indicates that Katzen is correct in her assertion.)

Mollie says that she can’t choose her favorite recipes because all of these made her “favorite” list but she mentions how much she likes Brussels sprouts. (In my cookbook, I say that they are the vegetable “we love to say we hate” but many people do seem to like them, judging from how quickly they disappear in my classes.)

Now that the Toy Closet has been cleaned out. Let’s now go to the Bathroom and the Medicine Cabinet.

Bathroom:
The trick here is to make sure that everything you need is in close proximity to where it is needed. For example, the toilet paper should be stored under the sink nearest the toilet and not down the hall in a closet. That sure isn’t convenient when you need it!

I have a mounted shelf over my sink, which limits the clutter.  It keeps the clean look I want. All my bathroom supplies are in an old “antique gym locker” that I found at an antique store years ago. It was only last year that I really changed its function and brought it upstairs to the bathroom. We cut out the back part of the locker so it would fit into the corner. It has a very primitive look and works beautifully in our small bathroom.
So think outside the box and reuse, recycle, refit, and refurbish.

Short on space? How about using a deep crown molding on the wall about two feet from the ceiling. This is such a simple and great way to store other smaller items.

How about using pieces of furniture to do double duty. If you have an old table, cut the center and place a sink bowl into it. Now you have a larger vanity surface. If you have an old chair without a seat…how about putting a planter into it and decorate your porch or terrace with the new design.

Need more storage? If you have 7 inches of unused/dead space between the wall and the tub or shower…build built-in shelves to accommodate both towels and toiletries.

Hint: measure the width of the towels, that way they will JUST fit perfectly into the shelf.

Tip: use glass jars or containers to put q-tips, soaps, cotton balls and other small items
Baskets are a great way to hold rolled up bath towels.

Medicine Cabinet:
Take everything out of the medicine cabinet:

Throw away/flush any old expired prescription into the toilet and flush it!
Discard any toiletries that you are no longer using.
Remove any duplicates: soaps, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. Especially the travel sizes (those that have been unopened can be donated to women’s shelters or homeless centers)
Keep first aid items together

Before putting things back, wipe clean each of the shelves…make it sparkle, you will feel better. When putting things back, put like items together…this keeps things organized.

Have you been listening to the news lateley?  I’ve even heard CNN using the “D” word — Financial Depression that is. 

Have you ever wondered where our money comes from and wondered how could we be faced with a financial depression? 

I wondered such a thing a few years ago.  This question lead me on a journey to discover a most fascinating history of money — who creates it, and the power behind its creation. 

I recently found this series of easy-to-watch videos that give a great history lesson on the topic.  Each video is about ten minutes long.  There is another series on the topic called The Money Masters at http://www.themoneymasters.com/.  It’s got lots of details too, and is about 3 hours long.  It’s very educational if you have the time.

These clips are from http://zeitgeistmovie.com/main.htm at 1 hour, 14 minutes and 39 seconds into the move.

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In the glow of the dawn,
Welcome a new day,
Greet the golden sunlight or rain,
Nature in all its subtlety.
Whip of the wind,
Earth unfolds,
Softly falling rain,
Growing plants and buds blossoming.
Visions of the earth, with glories of nature,
Beauty of the daffodils,
Sunshine and rain from a rainbow,
Awe! Nature in full bloom

- Blanche Black, Springtime

Nature’s abundance springs forth in April, as we shake off the lethargy of burrowing inward from winter’s cold. It’s time to cleanse, take brisk walks in the fresh air, and enjoy the green sprouts and herbs of spring. As Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods, notes, “This is a time for contacting your true nature and giving attention to self-awareness and self-expression.”

Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that human beings are part of nature, and eating according to the seasons is one way we align with the natural world. A time for growth and renewal, in spring we tend to eat less and may wish to fast to cleanse the body of the fats and heavy foods of winter. We no longer desire the heavy stews, fatty meats, salty food or warm winter squashes that were so comforting in the cold weather.

Now is a time for tender young plants, sprouts, fresh greens and immature wheat or other cereal grasses. Fresh asparagus is one of the first vegetables of spring and is delicious simply roasted with olive oil, black pepper, sea salt and a dash of lemon added before serving. Other spring vegetables you may want to try include pea shoots and chives.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

— Marcel Proust

During our third phone consultation, my client, Kate talked about how she was managing her free time as an empty nester.  She is 56 and single, with two kids living thousands of miles away.

Kate wanted to figure out how to raise chickens on her property, but she didn’t know what to do with all the eggs if she did have chickens.  Long story short… she connected with a neighbor that she never knew before, which led to chicks, eggs, and making egg salad sandwiches for teachers.

And to add more fun…she delivers the lunches and extra eggs in her pajamas.  Why? Because it is playful and she is exploring making one of a kind pajamas.

Woman to woman…empty nester to empty nester …spring is in full bloom.

Starting over involves ongoing changes in the empty nest. Kids come to visit or they don’t. They move back in for awhile right when you think you’ve finally found your rhythm. Your adult kids aren’t the same as when they left and you aren’t either.  It takes holding paradoxes, negotiating, seeing the bigger picture of life, and keeping your life vibrant.

Our voyage is complex for our kids and for us.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge.

Martin Luther King Jr.

SPRING:

Ask yourself:  What surprise is headed my way that would engage me and enliven me?  Write down what you hear after you ask yourself that question.

If you don’t hear an answer today, it’s okay.  You can simply say, “I don’t know what the future may hold, but I am still open to a positive surprise.”

We, too, have been thrown out of a familiar nest. Empty nesters are going through an initiation called being in the unknown and the uncertain.
You have left the coziness of what you have always done and needed.

New perception…”I won’t be left behind, dissatisfied or lonely. When I do experience those feelings I can carry myself through them. I am in a new cycle of life, so of course I feel different than before.  I don’t have to have it all figured it. I will treat myself as I would treat others and advise myself as I would advise my best friend.

Diane, whose kids are married and off to college said, during our time together, “I am so sick of whining, feeling lethargic, and being irritable with my husband.  I am like a hamster on a wheel telling the same complaining story. I have had it.  Enough. I can’t stand myself.” She is so adorable and real.  We have all had that voice in us, so we know how to help each other with this voyage.  What would you tell Diane?

May spring gently bring you to a garden of wonderment.

Middle Class May Be Subject To Food Rations, Warns UN
Quote

The UN is warning of a food shortage crisis and drawing up plans for food rations which will hit even middle-class suburban populations as inflation and economic uncertainty causes the prices of staple food commodities to skyrocket.

The United Nation’s World Food Programme cautions today that if it doesn’t receive more funding, it will have to halt food aid to developing countries like Mexico and China.

“The WFP crisis talks come as the body sees the emergence of a “new area of hunger” in developing countries where even middle-class, urban people are being “priced out of the food market” because of rising food prices,” reports the Financial Times.
The warning coincides with a speech by William Lapp, of US-based consultancy Advanced Economic Solutions, who cautioned that rising agricultural raw material prices would translate this year into sharply higher food inflation.

It also parallels a prediction by Don Coxe, a Chicago-based global portfolio strategist for BMO Financial Group who correctly forecast the fall of the dollar and the rise in price of gold and oil years in advance, who last week spoke of a “global food crisis” which will cause the world to enter into, “A period of food shortages and swiftly rising prices,” leading to government embargoes.

With the U.S. on the verge of a recession and, as many analysts have warned, a potential second great depression, those long scoffed at for hoarding vast quantities of storable food may unfortunately be able to say “I told you so” if the dollar continues to deteriorate and people begin to be priced out of the food market.

Global food prices have skyrocketed by as much as 60 per cent in the past year, while UN officials warn of the likelihood of food riots.

“If prices continue to rise, I would not be surprised if we began to see food riots,” said Jacques Diouf, director-general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, last October.

Many see the food shortages, whether real or manufactured, as simply another pretext for the implementation of martial law and the introduction of foreign troops to patrol major U.S. cities.

A recent announcement by Northcom confirmed that U.S. and Canadian troops will be allowed to patrol each other’s countries in the event of a national emergency.

“U.S. Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Canadian Air Force Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, commander of Canada Command, have signed a Civil Assistance Plan that allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency,” reads a Northcom press release.
[link to www.prisonplanet.com]
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/february2008/022508_food_rations.htm

Spring is here!  Time to pack up the winter clothes! Imagine being able to pull out your summer clothes and have them still fit and feel great!  While this may seem like an impossible goal, it is do-able — one day at a time.  It starts with intention!

So, what do I mean by intention?  Well, how many times have you said, “Ok, I’m going to go to the gym 5 days a week and start eating right on Monday”?  You might do pretty well for a while (New Year’s Resolutions last about 21 days) then cold and rainy Monday comes. You don’t feel like getting out of bed so you decide, “I’ll go tomorrow!” You might go tomorrow but the next day you don’t.  Before long you’ve missed several days.  You get discouraged, feel badly about yourself and even beat yourself up.  Then you give up entirely thinking, “What’s the use?”

An empowering way to approach exercise, health and your whole life is to set an intention.  An intention is an energetic state created by directing your thoughts, feelings, energy and attention.  Unlike a goal it focuses you on a state of being instead of a specific outcome with a defined expectation.  Goals can box us into thinking we have to do “it” a particular way. We often fail to follow through when things don’t go our way. Intentions create a feeling, an energy that actually attracts the outcome to us.  They are powerful because they call forth our thoughts, feelings, energy and attention — the secret to successful long-term change.

For example, at the beginning of the year I was contemplating joining the gym.  In the past I had set myself up for failure by pressuring myself into making exercising a chore and a source of guilt and obsession.  This time I decided to do it differently.  I set the intention to “pay attention to and be gentle with my body, mind and spirit, making choices daily that nurture and challenge me.”

As a result I walk three to four times a week, swim when I can, steam at the Finnish Steam Baths twice a month and take horseback riding lessons weather permitting.  I also joined a choral group and sing — healing practices for my body, soul and spirit!  The best part is I’m doing this with ease, a nurturing attitude, peace and gratitude for my health and body. This has helped me have fun, and take good care of myself guilt and obsession-free.

So, here are some simple steps to help you set an intention.

• Think of an area of your life or an issue you want to work on.


• Now, take a deep breath and imagine how it feels to already be there! Spend a couple of minutes here.  Indulge! As Lynn Grabhorn says in her book, Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting, “feeeeeeel” your way into it!


• Now create a statement that captures this state and issue. Here are some examples of intentions my clients have created to help them move forward.

  My intention is to:

  Honor my body and its needs with gentleness and consideration.
  Take actions every day that create health in all aspects of my being.
  Be open and receptive to new people and experiences in my life.
  Live as the millionaire I am!

• Make a list of 10 ways you can honor your intention.


• Share your intention and list with someone who will support and motivate you.


• Take action!  Do something every day to honor your intention.  Visualize a positive outcome and enjoy the journey!

This is the first in our series of articles about the children of the baby boomer generation, beginning with Adam Shepard, author of the new social narrative, Scratch Beginnings, and one very daring youth of twenty-five who felt the strength of his own freedom as he came of age, took responsibility, and broadened the context of his life.  In setting out with little money and taking what was for him a big a step away from the comfort and safety of his hometown, Adam Shepard traveled to a place he barely knew existed, those unfamiliar streets of another America —

I am going to start Ᾱ almost literally from scratch Ᾱ with one 8’ x 10’ tarp, a sleeping bag, an empty gym bag, $25, and the clothes on my back. Via train, I will be dropped at a random place somewhere in the southeastern United States that is not in my home state of North Carolina. I have 365 days to become free of the realities of homelessness and become a “regular” member of society. After one year, for my project to be considered successful, I have to possess an operable automobile, live in a furnished apartment (alone or with a roommate), have $2500 in cash, and, most importantly, I have to be in a position in which I can continue to improve my circumstances by either going to school or starting my own business. Adam Shepard, www.scratchbeginnings.com

In following through with his plan, Adam Shepard has taken a turn on the road that many of us take in our youth.  And, like many of us when we first leave home to find out for ourselves what is out there, whether out on a limb completely or stretching the umbilical cord, for Adam the choice is clear: He has adopted both an attitude and a purpose in life that is at the same time personal as it is beyond the merely personal, a decision to take a calculated risk and find out first hand about other Americans, about how they live, and why. 

In reading about Adam Shepard, I went on to explore his website, his book, and, in a personal interview, this young man’s mind and heart.  I spoke also with his father, George Shepard, someone I perceived to be a thoughtful man who, when asked what he taught Adam growing up and going off to school, said that he always encouraged both of his sons to do well in the classroom--"Have fun, pay attention, and do your best,” he said.  As I tracked Adam down on the web, I learned about his sentiments regarding another more established and older writer--Barbara Ehrenreich, an author whose own social commentary in Nickel and Dimed inspired Adam to say “No, I don’t agree.” Taking his own stand to disagree with this one woman’s particular magnum opus, Adam has embarked on his own quest, initiating yet another American Odyssey christened in the spirit of refusing to give up—on himself, his friends, and his fellow Americans, especially those trapped by circumstance and social injustices.

I am frequently asked what kind of energetic interaction happens when we speak on the phone.  Many people have reported that they get tired by being on the phone for long periods of time. 

Speaking on the phone gives you a false sense of energetic security.  Because the other person is literally far away, you get lulled into feeling that you do not need to do anything special to secure your boundaries.  In fact, by placing the phone receiver close to your body, you are bringing them into your energetic space, and letting them in way past the boundary – in other words, much closer then you would ordinarily do.  Depending on the nature of your relationship with the person, and the emotional state both of you are in, the effect of this energetic intrusion can be quite overwhelming.  For example, you may be in a conflict with someone, and do everything to avoid running into them. You know that if you had to actually meet with them, you would prepare yourself internally to carefully guard your space and energy. But you may think that you are protected on the phone with them. This assumption makes the situation problematic because now you do not realize what exactly drained or disturbed you.  People employed in telemarketing, billing offices, secretaries, real estate agents – anyone who has to come in energetic contact with a multitude of people on the phone, needs to pay close attention to the effect this has on their energetic space.

You can learn to control the effects of the energy flow in your conversation.  This is not much different than detaching or “tuning out” during conversations, when the person on another line becomes overwhelming energetically or emotionally.  When you do it, you instinctually create a space between you and the person on the phone.  The following exercise will help you create this space explicitly by controlling energy in phone conversations.

You can also always readjust after you started the conversation, if there is a need.

“My sister talks a lot.  She has a lot of troubles, so when she starts talking about it, after a while it becomes too much for me to handle.  It feels like her problems start bearing down on me. So after a while I start feeling that I have to make a space for myself.  Sometimes, I even have to put the phone down and take a walk away from her.  Now, I push the energy around the phone away, so that she is outside of my space as I talk to her, and I do not have to physically walk away any longer.”

Being aware of your energetic interactions on the phone is particularly important in this age of cell phones, when you potentially can be accessed anywhere and anytime. Next time when you receive a phone call, remember that the person on the line is not automatically far away, so get prepared by closing yourself in your energy field before you bring the receiver into your space. Luckily, with caller IDs on most phones, you often know when you need special preparation.

Gaining Information
Being aware of another person’s energetic space gives us the advantage of receiving more information about them that we may not have otherwise gathered so that we can respond appropriately.  On one of Montel William’s shows, a victim of kidnapping and rape shared that on her way to her car, she passed her assailant, who was standing under a lamp post. She had an intense jarring sensation of something being very wrong about him.  The information about him was held in his energetic space and available to her, but she did not act on it.  You can use energetic information and the awareness of your energetic boundary to guide your behavior – it can keep you safer and healthier.

Read all the Articles in the Energetic Boundary Series

1. February 6, 2008: Taking Care of Your Energetic Boundary
2. February 15, 2008: How Far Out Does Your Energy Field Expand?
3. February 20, 2008: Energetic Boundary Crossing
4. February 27, 2008: Protecting Your Personal Boundary in Social Situations
5. March 5, 2008: Protecting Your Boundary During Phone Conversations

Excerpted from “Energetic Boundaries: Healing Without Effort” by Yuliya Cohen.

If you’ve never seen a pressure cooker, they are a curiosity. If you have, you might conjure up frightening images of hissing pots and food on the ceiling, or worse. I saw the aftermath of my mother’s pressure cooker and vowed never to use one of those. And I don’t.

My new, second generation, pressure cooker is safe, quiet and produces healthy food in a fraction of the time of conventional cooking methods, keeping me cool while cooking in the summer and making hot food really hot in the winter.

Introduced from Europe to the U. S. in the 1980s, the new pressure cookers are an improved version of mother’s. They have at least three safety release valves. Instead of a jiggler on top, they use a spring valve that rises with pressure. They cannot be opened until the pressure subsides. You have more chance of blowing the engine on your car than blowing the lid off one of these cookers.

Cooking under pressure relieves the pressure in your life. Come dinnertime, you can have a meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. How does 17-minute chili, 15-minute lentil soup, 5-minute black beans or quinoa sound? Once you lock on the lid and bring your cooker to high pressure, almost all you need to do is set a timer.

As the host of Culinary Vacations, a cooking school with five locations in Europe: Spain, France and Italy, I live in Europe five months out of the year, experiencing the European way of life first hand.  Europeans have a very a different lifestyle, often spending as much as three hours for lunch or dinner.  It’s a laid back and enjoyable way to soak in continental atmosphere and each other’s company.

Having said this, I must admit I do appreciate the States for at the very least the convenience of going to the grocery store at 11:00 at night to indulge any craving--ice cream, fruit, pizza.  In Europe, however, most stores close at 8:00 p.m. and you can’t even buy gas if you go out on a Sunday.  In countries like Spain, France, or Italy, I must remember that most stores close in the middle of the day for siesta. In fact, Spain takes the longest siesta in Europe, with everything shutting down between 12:00 and 4:00.  After awhile, one gets used to this slower pace and learns to plan ahead.

A few years ago in Italy, friends called me and asked me to go for a walk with them on one bright and clear Saturday afternoon.  When they arrived to collect me for the walk, they carried with them many cloth bags.  I asked them what the bags were for.  They told me that they were for chestnut season and that we were going to walk in an area up in the hills with a very large grove of chestnut trees with ripe chestnuts scattered all over the ground.  That day we gathered so many chestnuts we didn’t know what to do with them all. Happily, they keep well and you and can be eaten in weeks to come.

If you have never seen a fresh chestnut, you are in for a big surprise.  As they grow on the trees ,each nut is in a round sac-like ball covered with spikes and green in color.  As they mature, the nuts fall from the tree, hitting the ground and bursting open to reveal the dark brown nut on the inside.  Long before the holiday season, people often gather these nuts before they mature, then split them open and spray these spiked globes with gold paint and use them for Christmas tree ornaments. 

In my previous article I discussed with you the life quality benefits that can be realized through the application of a regimen of regular exercise in your lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss recent studies that delve deeper into the system wide changes wrought by regular exercise, and show that exercise actually mimics gene expression associated with caloric restriction.

In a myriad of species, (spiders, rats, Fish) calorie restriction has been shown to increase longevity. (1) The mechanisms that produce this increase of life span in these creatures are thought to be the accumulated effects of a wide array of genes that are turned on by the environmental stressor of calorie restriction. However, the benefits of calorie restriction lose their luster when applied to humans. It is thought (though it has never been studied scientifically) that the same array of gene expression will be evinced in humans that partake of a calorie restricted diet, but the sacrifices attendant with a calorie restricted diet appear unacceptable when measured against the meager lifespan gain. (1)

Miranda Hitti writes:
“It’s long been known that rats live much longer than normal on extremely low-calorie diets.” You can practically double their lifespan,” says researcher John Phelan, PhD, in a news release.

”The same result has been found in fish, spiders, and many other species,” he continues. ”If it works for them, some thought, it should work for us; I’m here to tell you it doesn’t.”

Phelan is an evolutionary biologist at UCLA. He and his colleagues crunched numbers from rat and human longevity studies.

Their bottom line: Severely cutting calories might extend human life a little bit, but not much, and the sacrifice likely wouldn’t be worth it. The report appears in Ageing Research Reviews.

Not Your Average Diet
The researchers aren’t writing about cutting out a bonbon here or there or making diets a bit leaner. Instead, rats in longevity studies got so few calories that they could no longer reproduce. The rats simply didn’t have enough energy to breed and rear the next generation. That saved the rats a lot of effort. Without the wear and tear of parenting, their bodies got a break, and they lived longer. But people are different. They don’t give birth to litters of babies per pregnancy or reproduce as often as rats. So even if someone starved themselves enough to shut down fertility—and stayed that way throughout adulthood—they wouldn’t live much longer than their well-fed peers, Phelan’s team reasoned.

Researcher: ‘Payoffs Are Not Worth It’
”To undergo decades of calorie restriction, suffering chronically reduced fertility and increased hunger, for the sake of a much smaller proportionate increase in longevity than is seen in rodents seems unappealing and ill-advised,” write the researchers. “¹

Although, for the sake of practicality (not to mention comfort), calorie restriction is not a viable approach to longevity and quality of life, exercise is. The biological methods that are utilized through caloric restriction, namely gene expression and the cascading effects of these newly activated genes on the body are in large part mimicked by long term, sustained physical activity (exercise). ² For instance, SREBP gene expression (genes responsible for insulin resistance and the bio synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids) is activated through both exercise and calorie restriction. ²

The SREBP series of gene expression is just one of a myriad of duplicate gene expressions shared by caloric restriction and regular (at least 3 times a week) exercise. Given the extreme stress of living within the calorie restriction lifestyle, the relatively easy to live with regimen of regular exercise is an easy choice to achieve both quality of life and longevity associated with beneficent results through exercise.

---

Sources:
¹Extremely Low-Calorie Diet Won’t Extend Life
Researchers Say Severely Cutting Calories Helps Rats Live Longer, but Not Humans
By Miranda Hitti / WebMD Medical News.

²Exercise training and calorie restriction increase SREBP-1 expression and intramuscular triglyceride in skeletal muscle

Kristen J. Nadeau,1 Lindsay B. Ehlers,1 Lina E. Aguirre,2 Russell L. Moore,3 Korinne N. Jew,3 Heidi K. Ortmeyer,4,5 Barbara C. Hansen,6 Jane E. B. Reusch,2,7 and Boris Draznin2,7
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; 2Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver; 3Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado; 4Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Health Care Center; 5Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; 6Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; and 7Veterans Affairs Research Service, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado

Submitted 9 November 2005; accepted in final form 26 January 2006.

Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) is an ancient food that is becoming well known in North America. This powerful seed offers a nutty taste solution for Vegetarians and Diabetics with a balanced Amino Acid source of high quality Protein and a low rating of 35 on the Glycemic Index. Cultivated in South America since 3000 B.C. by millions of native inhabitants this staple food is known as the “mother grain”. It’s nutritious seeds are used to prepare a wide range of soups and bread, while the fruit of the plant, when extracted, can make a medicinal decoction to apply to sores and bruises. Since the 1980’s, Quinoa has been grown outside South America and produced in the U.S after two entrepreneurs learned of its existence. In 1985 test plots were developed in the high arid fields of the Colorado Rockies and soon after its production, test marketing took place. Now, Quinoa can be found in almost every natural food store in America!!

When prepared, Quinoa is fluffy, has a nutty taste and is often confused with Couscous because of it’s size and texture. It is substituted for grains because of it’s cooking characteristics, though technically it is not a true grain, it is a seed. Quinoa seeds are found in large clusters within the flower heads of the succulent like plant called the Goosefoot plant whose height reaches 4-6 ft high. These powerful seeds contain high amounts of protien, calcium, iron and are a good source of vitamin E and several B vitamins. It also contains a perfect balance of all eight amino acids needed for tissue development and is very high in Lysine, Cystine, and Methionine-Amino Acids which are typically low in other grains. These exceptional seeds also provide a flavorful alternative for those with a gluten sensitivity, for they are gluten-free but, nevertheless are a worthy addition to most everyone’s diet.

I have found that cooking Quinoa is excellent in hot casseroles, soups, stews, stir-fries and cold salads. The seeds cook very quickly, about 15 minutes, and sprout very well in a rice cooker. They are a great substitute for barley or rice with any dish and may be dry roasted before sprouted to enjoy a toasted flavor. Adding Quinoa to cold salads is a quick fix for better nutrition and tastes great when mixed with beans or chopped vegetables. Quinoa flour can be found in most health food stores and can be used to make pasta and baked goods such as pancakes, muffins, crackers and bread. Sprouting Quinoa seeds as live food for snacks in salads or sandwiches is another way to enjoy it’s nutrition benefits and is very suitable for a raw foodist. When purchased, the seeds are best stored in glass jars in the refrigerator due to the relatively high oil and fat content and are good up to a years time.

No matter which brand of pressure cooker you choose, remember that the pot can only be one-half to two thirds full, depending upon the contents. I suggest choosing the largest cooker, 6-quart or more, that your budget and cabinetry will allow. Avoid aluminum and choose stainless steel. Look for a little button that pops up as opposed to any mechanism that will jiggle or hiss. This newer version is called a spring-valve pressure cooker.
A pressure cooker is an investment and one that will pay off in the long run (with time, energy — yours and the planet’s, and money) but you can expect to pay upwards of $100 for a good one so don’t let it sit in the box. Take it out and try it (using the water method mentioned below) to be sure that you want to keep it. Otherwise return it and try again.

I use a stove top cooker and have used an electric cooker but found that I had less control with the electric (plug-in) type for what I do. It’s good for items that don’t require trigger-timing such as quick-cooking vegetables although I have heard that the Cuisinart electric cooker has a quick-release feature.

The most popular brands of stove-top cookers are Fagor, Kuhn Rikon, WMF, Magefesa, Fissler and Aeternum and they are all from Europe. I can only comment on those that I have used, and I’ll make it brief. I use the Fagor cooker the most often, as it is affordable and reliable. I tell my students that if they are happy driving their Camry or Honda, then a Fagor or Magefesa, from Spain, is fine for them. If they must drive a Mercedes or BMW, then they ought to get a Kuhn Rikon, which is Swiss-made, a just a bit better engineered, in the same way that there is a difference in the automobiles. They’ll each get your where you want to go but do it in a different style.

My favorite Fagor models are Futuro, their newest, and the Duo. I think that the sets are the best value but you can only use one cooker at a time, unless you purchase another pressure lid. You can, cook something, though, and cover it with the glass lid to stay warm while you cook the next dish. Expect to spend around $100, unless you find the “stripped down” model at Costco, or an older model at a store such as Ross, where you can often get one for about $50. Macy’s often has the Fagor cookers on sale, so watch for them.

I hope by now we’ve gotten the message.  Big Daddy (or Mommy) Inc. won’t take care of us anymore.  The social contract between company and employee has long been shredded.  The corporate lifer has gone the way of the dodo bird.  As Dan Pink warned us in his bestseller, Free Agent Nation: “In a climate of heightened risk, attachment is a poor strategy and cradle-to-grave security a false promise.” Emersonian self-reliance updated for the 21st century!

As a result, many of us have begun to think ourselves as our own business, redefining ourselves as “Me Inc.” - even if we’re still drawing a company salary.  We recognize that the individual, not the corporation, has become the fundamental economic unit.  More and more of us are operating as independent contractors (in spirit, if not in fact), managing our own careers, choosing our own projects, and working in non-traditional ways (sometimes at home, sometimes at the coffee shop).  That also means preparing ourselves for the next career opportunity.  Even some of us approaching retirement age are preparing for the next career opportunity, whether for financial reasons or for personal fulfillment.

So what’s required of us to flourish in Free Agent Nation?  What’s required to successfully run Me, Inc.?  Business author Tom Peters, who’s been haranguing his audiences for years on the importance of “Brand You,” answers the question in five words: Be distinct or be extinct.  We have to ask, “What’s the unique value we offer others?  How are we different from everyone else?  What’s our professional identity?” These are the same questions that large and small businesses have to ask themselves in order to thrive in a competitive, global economy. “What’s distinct about us?  How do we stand out from the pack?  What’s our salable difference?”

But it’s not just about discovering and cultivating that unique value. It’s also about packaging, promoting, and selling that value, in a way that’s appropriate to our work.  (A minister, nurse, or guidance counselor might be advised to communicate his or her unique value with more subtlety than a real estate agent, personal injury attorney, or life coach might!) But regardless of what we do, we can’t sit back and assume everyone knows the value we offer.  Not in Free Agent Nation.

There is, of course, a word that captures the essence of this: brand.  (Overused, yes, but still relevant.) What’s your “brand you”?  What’s your “identifying mark”? What’s special about you?  What exactly do you stand for?  What’s the unique value you capably and consistently deliver to your customers?

If you can clearly answer these questions in the marketplace, you’re well on your way to success and fulfillment in Free Agent Nation.  As Marshall Thurber once said, “Different isn’t always better, but better is always different.”

OK, now that March is in the air, it is time to start Spring Cleaning. Here’s a space that some people have no idea how to organize. Even Baby Boomers need to review the decluttering rules when organizing a game closet.

With a large closet use the solid shelf method for storage. I would not recommending the heavy duty wire shelving as pieces of puzzles, small game pieces will find their way to the floor more easily than not.

One of the first rules is to use clear plastic containers for storing packs of cards, crayons, pencils. Label the container on all four sides, that way no matter which way it is put back the label is clearly visible.

Top shelf:	Adult board games: chess, backgammon, poker chips etc. Tip: put elastic around each of the games and puzzles, that way if the box becomes tattered, the chance of losing a piece is minimized.
Middle shelf:	Teenage Board games: monopoly, scrabble, etc.
Lower shelf:	Playing cards, Elementary children’s board games and larger puzzles: shoots and ladders, elem. Scrabble, I spy etc. Use shoeboxes and label on the outside any items that may be contained in it…stamp pads, ink, blocks etc.
Floor:	Toddlers and Preschoolers - A plastic bin on wheels in wonderful. The child becomes self-sufficient and can actually wheel the wanted games in and out of the closet. Another idea is handled baskets. But don’t overload them. They can be too heavy for the little ones to tote around. Open bins/stackable baskets are some of the best containers because small hands can easily reach in and take out items as well as to put away. Storage carts are also great for crayons, paper, coloring books etc…. again if they are clear plastic, the child can see what they are choosing. Makes life easier! Tip: If you want to have your toddler or preschooler be part of the putting away process, they have to become part of solution. Have them help in choosing bins…maybe their favorite color See which storage device they like better If they like what they chose, they will most likely like the idea of picking up.

We often find ourselves in social situations such as elevators, public transportation, movie theaters or airplanes, where we do not have a choice about being in uncomfortable proximity to other people.  What do we do in such situations when our personal boundary overlaps the energetic space of others?

“On an airplane flight I was sitting next to another passenger.  I was trying to sense the boundary of my own energy field but could not quite get him out of it.  It was an odd feeling having him right in my field.  It is difficult excluding people once they are in your energy field.”

One way is to build up you energy field, so that it simply takes over the space of others, based on the principle that “The stronger aura wins”.  This may not be a palatable option to many.

Another approach is to gather yourself in your energetic space, which can give you a sense of comfort in this kind of situation.  I figured out how this works the first time I tried on a tallis, a Jewish ritual prayer shawl that is used by worshippers who wrap it around themselves while they pray.  I could not understand the actual purpose for this ritual until I put one on. Suddenly everything around me receded, and I found myself in my own comfortable private space in which I could commune with God in my own way, undisturbed and unaffected by everyone else around me. Wrapped in a shawl my energetic space became smaller, but it was not a problem. I did not do it as a diminished response.  I pulled the energy field closer to myself, but I remained in it fully and, therefore, strong. I realized I could do the same thing outside of services. The energy field is my prayer shawl and I can wrap it around myself to be comfortable and separate from others, if that is what I need.  Any time you find yourself in such a situation, close your eyes, and visualize wrapping your own field closely around yourself. That will give you an experience of everyone else being outside of your space even in close quarters.

Pulling your space close to you is not the same as pulling back inside of your space because of fear or discomfort.  In the first case you simply make it more compact.  You spread yourself comfortably in the entirety of your space before you condense it closer to your body.  In the fear-based reaction, you shrink your energy within your space, diminishing yourself, and leaving the rest of your space vulnerable and open to intrusion.

The basic steps for this very essential process:

1. Visualize the edge of your persona boundary arms-length away as a three-dimensional energetic bubble.
2. Let your energy, your sense of self, your whole being spread into the entire space delimitated by this bubble.
3. Continuing to stay fully in your own space now pull the edges of the bubble closer to your body.  Feel the energy become more concentrated and stronger. You can pull it as close to your body as you need.  Notice how the energetic spaces of others becomes external to you without making you weaker in the process.

Read all the Articles in the Energetic Boundary Series

1. February 6, 2008: Taking Care of Your Energetic Boundary
2. February 15, 2008: How Far Out Does Your Energy Field Expand?
3. February 20, 2008: Energetic Boundary Crossing
4. February 27, 2008: Protecting Your Personal Boundary in Social Situations
5. March 5, 2008: Protecting Your Boundary During Phone Conversations

Excerpted from “Energetic Boundaries: Healing Without Effort” by Yuliya Cohen.

The Enneagram is one of the most powerful tools in the world to understand personality styles and how to communicate to the nine different types in this system. For many people, the Enneagram is their primary learning process to accept the way they are, understand their unique personal growth type process, and understand quickly how other types think and what motivates them. If someone is a mystery and you want a better relationship with them, there’s nothing better than the Enneagram to get quick answers.

Let’s look at the nine Enneagram styles:

Type 1 – The Perfectionist – Ones aim for perfection and improvement, and reform what’s wrong into what’s right. Serious, honest and committed to quality, they are irritated by an uncrossed t or undotted i.

Type 2 – The Giver – Twos tend to over give and expect some appreciation and special attention in return. Generous, attuned to others and pleasing, they have a hard time receiving. Bubbly, smiley and seductive.

Type 3 – The Winner – Threes are the achievers. It’s speed and efficiency, more than perfection. Three like to cross the finish line and get the reward. Intentions, goals and action are their name. The United States is three country.

Type 4 – The Romantic – Fours love drama, intensity and depth. No humdrum. Fours long for and over focus on their ideal dreams and partners rather than reality. Artistic, soulful and personal, they seek out what’s missing.

Type 5 – The Thinker – The most observing and objective of the types, the five steps back to fill their curious minds with ideas, theories, facts and observations. Fives are private and detached yet excited by knowledge.

Type 6 – The Questioner – Sixes question everything, particularly what’s below the surface. Attuned to issues of safety and danger, sixes scan the environment to prepare for worst-case possibilities. Loyal, thorough and analytical.

Type 7 – The Optimist – The eternal positive thinkers, the seven is not interested in complaint and worst-case thinking. Look for rainbows, avoiding pain and fun and options.

Type 8 – The Powerhouse – The eight has energy to burn. Driven by will, a need to control and be in charge, the eight wants to get it done now. Less image oriented than threes, eights are about individuality, empowerment and chutzpah.

Type 9 – The Peacekeeper – 9s want to keep the peace at all costs. They avoid conflict, harmonize and compromise, forgetting to include themselves. The nine journey is to become more individualized, assertive and strong.

Using the Enneagram to Build Relationships

The Enneagram clarifies differences in easily understandable ways that limits judgment and criticism. The goal is to understand yourself and others, develop some of the best traits of each type and move beyond the limited perspective of your type. There are no better of worst types and certainly there are many levels of maturity within each type. Learning the Enneagram helps immensely in understanding motivations and relating to the unique worlds that people actually live in.

The exercise described below will allow you to explore the sense of crossing your energetic boundary with another person, and by doing it you will learn where the energetic space around you and others begins and ends. From now on, you will think of your body as the space defined by your outstretched arms, and not limited merely by its physical form.  You will also learn what happens at the point of crossing as your energy field comes in contact with the energetic spaces of others and what makes your energetic communication with others not work the way you want it. 

1. Start far away from each other, about 8 feet, so that your energetic spaces do not overlap. Use your arms to measure the distance, and then move even further back than that. Walk towards your partner.

2. Make a small step to the border, where the boundaries are just about to touch.  Check the distance.

3. Notice whether this is the place where you first sensed the point of crossing.  Step inside the field.  Check the distance.

4. Step back to the border and take one more step out leaving the field.

This exercise does not have to happen in a prearranged way between two people.  Practice it in an everyday social situation — waiting for bank teller, for your cup of coffee at a Starbucks, while waking down a street or in a park.

Doing the exercise to locate the border of your personal field may feel strange or uncomfortable in the beginning, since it may be hard for you to believe that the energetic boundary is a real concept.  Even if you are experiencing difficulty, you should be able to sense an energetic shift at the boundary crossing after a few attempts.  Most people, to their surprise, detected it during their first attempt.

“My first experience in locating the border was interesting, since I had never tried, let alone given much thought to such a concept. So it felt silly at first. Not really believing I could feel such a thing, I was surprised when my partner and I both felt it at about one arm’s length away, or the approximate end of each of our fields.  It was amazing to me that even during our first attempt, we were able to feel the place where our fields met. We repeated the exercise a few times in order to see if we would find consistent results; we did.”

Participants reported a variety of experiences in sensing the energy field. The most common experience is that of slight pressure and pushing.  Some reported experiencing another person’s field as a sensation of increase in density of air around the body, and almost a bit of warmth and vibration. Here are some very descriptive accounts:

When we approach a boundary of a person we feel attracted to - a close or an intimate friend, a favorite relative — there will not be a sense of tension at the boundary crossing.  Rather the magnetism of the attraction in your relationship will pull you in closer into the field of the other person.

“I went on a trip with a group of friends this weekend, which included my favorite
ex-boyfriend, who I haven’t seen in months because we’re both very busy with school and now live in different states. My sensation of boundaries with him seemed like the reverse of most of my interactions with others.  I detected his boundary at the arm’s length distance, but I didn’t get the negative, “stop-here” sensation of crossing of a boundary. At the risk of sounding extremely corny, his field felt very magnetic, and I felt awkward in his presence until we were able to get close enough for our energetic boundaries to overlap. Overlapping with his boundary felt much more comfortable than standing outside of his field. The quality of the reaction was very warm, calming, magnetic and grounding. Moving out of his field was simply creating two arm’s length’s distance.”

Once you observe that some kind of energy field or energetic boundary exists, experiencing the boundary becomes very natural.  You become more aware of how you approach people, of what kind of energy is coming from you and others.  You start being able to explain some of the things that you experienced, but never had the language or understanding to deal with properly.

“My interactions are deeply interesting now that I am more aware of boundaries – of how I approach people and how close I can get.  I think that in general I feel comfortable just at the border with certain people, and it feels good to be close to others.”

Read all the Articles in the Energetic Boundary Series

1. February 6, 2008: Taking Care of Your Energetic Boundary
2. February 15, 2008: How Far Out Does Your Energy Field Expand?
3. February 20, 2008: Energetic Boundary Crossing
4. February 27, 2008: Protecting Your Personal Boundary in Social Situations
5. March 5, 2008: Protecting Your Boundary During Phone Conversations

Excerpted from “Energetic Boundaries: Healing Without Effort” by Yuliya Cohen.

By:  Collette R. Puleo, CFT

Muscles play a key role in energy metabolism (calorie expenditure, weight control, and weight loss).  However, loss of muscle can result in reduced bone density, reduced insulin sensitivity, and reduced aerobic capacity.  Strength training is the only way to stop muscles from wasting away (atrophy).  If muscle isn’t built with strength training, it will be lost.  After the age of 50, a person can lose about 10 percent per decade or about 1 percent per year.  Programs that increase muscle mass can increase functional independence and capacity in previously sedentary older adults and can decrease the older adult’s risk for incurring many age-associated chronic diseases.

Several scientific papers (Feigenbaum and Pollock 1997; Fiatarone et al. 1990; Fiatarone, O’Neil, and Ryan 1994; Frontera, Meredith, and O’Reilly 1988; Mazzeo et al. 1998; Westcott 1995) provide convincing information that has influenced current thought on optimal strength training programs for the older adult.

According to the Complete Book of Personal Training:
“Research (ACE 1998; ACSM 1995, 1997, 1998; Evans and Rosenberg 1991; Mazzeo et al. 1998; Pollock et al. 1998) suggests that the single most important step to not just retard but to reverse the aging process is strength training.” ¹

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“Post-menopausal women can lose 1-2% of their bone mass annually. Results from a study conducted at Tufts University, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1994, showed that strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk for fractures among women aged 50-70.” ²

The rewards reaped from strength training are plentiful; leaner body, strong bones, improved posture, the ability to protect the joint from potential injury, especially during weight-bearing activities due to the fact that strong and resilient muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage act as protection to the joints.

Utilizing a carefully thought out program that encompasses accurate guidelines in strength training can lead to a better quality of life and a new found independence.

Sources:

¹AFPA’s The Complete Book of Personal Training, Douglas S. Brooks (2004)
²Benefits of Strength Training: Strengthening Bones, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007)

Massachusetts’s seniors can claim the “SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER TAX CREDIT”, if the amount of their property taxes and 50% of their water and sewer bill exceeds their total income by 10%. Renters can claim it if 25% of their annual rental payment exceeds 10% of their total income providing that they are not receiving a federal or state rent subsidy.  The maximum credit you can receive is $900.00 for tax year 2007. 

Eligibility
The senior must be 65 or older and if married, it is sufficient for only one person to be 65.  The individual or couple must own or rent residential property in Massachusetts and occupy it as their principal residence.  Total income cannot exceed $48,000 for singles and $72,000 for couples. Assessed value of the home cannot exceed $772,000.

How to Claim
You must file a state tax return with a schedule CB even if you normally don’t file taxes.  You would normally file a state return if your income, excluding social security, were more than $8000.  For the purpose of the CB tax credit, Social Security Income is included in your total income.

Documentation Needed
You will need any receipts you would need to file a tax typical tax return such as your SSA 1099, Forms 1099D, R, I etc.  You will also need your real estate tax bill and water and sewer bill.

The amount that you receive is determined by how much your taxes or rent and water/sewer bill exceed your total income by 10%. 

Providing that my clients have all the proper documentation, I run the numbers through my tax software to see if they are eligible for the credit.  I will only charge them a fee if they are eligible to get a check back from the Department of Revenue.

This is one of the few tax credits for a senior that is not asset based!

Location: 2702 North Florida Avenue, Tampa Bay, Florida 33602
Parking: On street parking available as well as a small lot behind the building.
Website: www.thegrassrootlife.com

Grass Root Organic Restaurant is dedicated to contributing to the Tampa Bay Florida area, with the first and only Vegan, and Raw/Living Food alternative. Earthly consciousness guides the decisions they make when they create your dining experience.

Offering the freshest produce of highest quality, and non genetically modified foods, Grass Root Organic Restaurant is committed to a higher standard and always makes the organic choice for you. Grass Root Organic Restaurant pure menu identifies the foods’ orientation and is marked vegan, vegetarian or Raw/Living accordingly.

Proactive and humble, Grass Root Organic Restaurant’s menu simply notes “Raw and Living foods are easily digested, absorbed and eliminated.” I was ready to put them to the test. I decided to reward myself and reap the maximum amount of energy I could consume by ordering almost everything on the menu.

Atmosphere: Cozy, African folklore in a candlelit setting surrounded by eclectic tapestry, African literature, imported art pieces and jewelry collections from southeast Asia, Afghanistan, Morocco, Nepal, India, and Africa. Our table was decorated with fresh roses brought in weekly and this months theme was dedicated to the *Breast Cancer Foundation. Limited seating available, however very comfortable. They had no problem sitting a party of 12 easily on a Friday night.

Welcome Service: Calmly greeted by co-owner, Sabrina and offered a seat where ever I felt comfortable. I was handed a menu, cleverly designed by her husband Spencer, (also owner) that tingled my taste buds with abundant curiosity. She informed me that Spencer is not only amazingly creative with his food writing, he is known as the juice bar maniac. 

We are all familiar with the benefits of exercise to our physical health, the importance of intellectual stimulation to our mental acuity and the process of achieving emotional health through introspective therapeutic work. So how do we create spiritual fitness for ourselves?

Spiritual fitness, as I have come to define it, is one’s capacity to experience one’s self as a spiritual being having a human experience and to live fully in both dimensions.

A few key attributes include:

Awareness:

The state of being self-aware, conscious, intuitive, and perceptive.

Presence:

The experience of being fully in the moment.

Acceptance:

Knowing that you are exactly where you are in each moment; that what is, is.

Paradox:

Holding opposing ideas and experiences. Life is not black and white, either/or; rather it is about both-and.

Process:

Like emotional health, spiritual fitness is not something to be achieved like a smaller waist size or larger muscle mass. It is a lifetime process presenting opportunities to learn every moment and requiring surrendering and patience.

The benefits of spiritual fitness include:

Self knowledge:

Seeing what prevents you from being fully open to the flow of Love in your life including your dark side, unconscious beliefs and outdated habits that do not serve your higher purpose.

Purpose:

Discovering, embracing and living out your soul’s purpose.

Unconditional Love:

The experience of loving and being loved deeply, totally, infinitely.

Courage:

This journey is not for the faint of heart.

Gratitude:

Deep appreciation for life and its abundance. Generosity: Giving from the fullness of your heart and life.

So, how can you begin to nurture yourself spiritually?

Like physical health, spiritual fitness takes discipline, patience and persistence until it becomes a lifestyle, a soulstyle! Here are five simple ways to begin your practice.

1. Practice living consciously. Deliberately change a daily habit, brush your teeth with the opposite hand, take a different way home from work, change the order you put your shoes on.

2. Breathe! Take breath breaks several times each day. Stop what you are doing. Consciously take five breaths inhaling and exhaling as deeply as possible. Relax. Notice how you are feeling physically and emotionally. Then go on about your day.

3. Experience silence. Turn off the radio when driving and TV at home. Be silent for 10 minutes. Notice what you are thinking and feeling. Be still.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Lighten up! Let someone go in front of you in traffic; give up your need to be right about something. Laugh at yourself. Cry if you need to! Suspend self judgment.

5. De-clutter! Pick one space to start in. Let go of things you don’t really love or that don’t bring positive memories. Clean it out! Do the same with your thoughts!

We are all here to experience the precious gift of life as fully as we can. Spiritual fitness helps you find and create joy, fulfillment and purpose in your life. What’s more, as you grow spiritually you contribute to the spiritual fitness of the rest of us. Imagine the possibilities for each other and the world.

© 2005-2008 Monique M. Flaherty, SoulWorks Coaching.com All Rights Reserved.

The physical structure of the energetic boundary is three-dimensional, and in its natural state is measured by extending one’s hands as indicated in the drawing, defining a circle at that distance, and then completing it as a sphere. The size of the field is predetermined by the physical dimensions of one’s body. Therefore a taller person will have a bigger energetic boundary than a little child.  The inherently smaller energetic space of children makes them in general very vulnerable in relationship to the larger field of the adult.

There is a common notion that something happens at an arms-length away from the body. Keeping someone “at an arms length” is a popular idiomatic expression that reflects an innate understanding of energetic space. A friend grew up in a very tough inner city housing project.  He said that his father always told him if anyone approached him closer than arms-length he was to hit him.  Arms-length was considered a natural barrier; it defined a space that needed to be protected.

You can experience it for yourself:

1. Get up and spread your arms as depicted in the vitruvian man.
2. Mentally draw a circle around you and then make it three dimensional to complete a sphere.
3. Get a sense of how large your energy field is supposed to be structurally.  Notice how much of this space you usually occupy.

Most of us do not occupy our field fully. We claim only a fraction of our energetic space and therefore live and function in a diminished state.  Just think about it! If everything that you have accomplished so far in your life was achieved using only a fraction of your field, what could you accomplish if you occupied your energy field fully?  Actually, many of us indeed live with this strong sense that we have not fully realized our potential. We are most protected, fulfilled and free when our whole self and our whole field is active and involved, not a mere fragment of it.

Trauma and illness also diminish the extent of energy in the field.  Victims of violent abuse suffer lasting diminishment.  Cancer and illnesses accompanied with chronic pain rob people of the energy that it takes to stay full.

Some individuals can expand their energy beyond the edge of their energetic boundary. Donald Trump is obviously living in an expanded field - he commands attention and continuously expands his field of influence through finances and media. In other words, an extraordinary and self-actualized person will tend to occupy more space than is defined by his/her boundary structure. For example, Napoleon was a small man who had succeeded in compensating for his field size limitations by expanding his personal space energetically as he proceeded to conquer the world.

Read all the Articles in the Energetic Boundary Series

1. February 6, 2008: Taking Care of Your Energetic Boundary
2. February 15, 2008: How Far Out Does Your Energy Field Expand?
3. February 20, 2008: Energetic Boundary Crossing
4. February 27, 2008: Protecting Your Personal Boundary in Social Situations
5. March 5, 2008: Protecting Your Boundary During Phone Conversations

Excerpted from “Energetic Boundaries: Healing Without Effort” by Yuliya Cohen.

When I was younger I put more stock into that day, but at 56 I find myself watching the youth perform. Some of their expectations are huge. Mine were…when I was 23.

I remember, my boyfriend at that time called to send me flowers to my apartment. He dutifully called that evening expecting to hear a belated girlfriend on the other line. He was greeted with snarls. Perplexed, he asked if I had received something outside of my door. I emphatically said, “No.” I heard a gulp. The rest of the call was a bit chilly as I recall. The very next day he called the florist to ask if he had given them the wrong address of my apartment. No, the address was correct, the problem… the driver had driven off with the entire van of flowers to be delivered for Valentines Day. How was he going to explain this one to me! The Van stolen!! When I arrived home, I found a note from the florist explaining the story…to this day; I remind my husband how this could only have happened to HIM.

To me it is a day like any other…a day where I continue to say, “I love you” to my husband, a day I think about where we have been, our good days and our bad, the struggles, the successes and what lies ahead. I am thankful for his even remembering what my favorite flowers are, and wonder WHERE THE VAN EVER ENDED UP?

There are certainly many benefits of exercise and the most tangible and easily attained is the huge increase in positive effects collectively quantified as: quality of life. An increase in quality of life becomes most desirable as we age and those faculties such as balance, strength, flexibility, lean body mass, bone density, adequate digestion, sound sleep, and over-all feelings of well being, begin to gradually diminish.

In tandem with the incidence of positive changes that exercise has been clinically proven to bring, is the clinically proven effects of exercise in preventing the incidence of diseases such as: joint pain, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, many kinds of cancers, high blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction.

According to information published in the American Academy of Physical Education Papers (1993), sedentary individuals will experience a decline in physiological performance of about 2% per year, while people who engage in regular exercise will realize a decline of only about 0.5% per year. ¹ Given the ever increasing lifespan baby boomers are experiencing, this difference has the potential to be quite significant.

According to, Fitness: The Ultimate Guide International Sports Sciences Association:

Given these proven benefits in quality of life as we age, regular physical exercise (ideally under the supervision of a trained professional) should be just as integral a part of a healthy lifestyle as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet. For the sake of continued health, mobility, and independence in the later years of life, a regimen of strength training (weight bearing exercises), and cardio vascular training should be maintained throughout the lifetime, or begun as soon as possible.

Using sound technique and the knowledge of qualified professionals, anyone, regardless of their current fitness level, can experience the benefits of increased quality of life that exercise provides.

Sources:
¹Fitness: the Complete Guide Official Text for ISSA’S Certified Trainer Program, Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD. (2004)

When I was in my twenties and teaching undergraduate freshman at Boston University, I would assign a definition essay with one of the options being to define love. Of course, I knew that young writers could go all over the map with that, an exercise in focus control on the one hand and futility on the other. Yet now, here I am a decades later, attempting to define not merely love, but love specifically for dating baby boomers.

In the interest of “focus” here, two words come to mind: change and reflection. When I think of love and change, I first remember how much the sexual revolution of the 1960’s re-defined our behavior as lovers; at the time, I observed the “sexual revolution” as an extreme shift from ultra conservative behavior to full tilt free love expression.  And the shift didn’t seem unnatural — but at the same time, to say some of us were delightfully confused is an understatement.

Upon further reflection of how love has evolved from then until now, however, I realize how dramatically my own views on love and how it is expressed have changed, how much love for me has expanded to include both love and dating as a context for growing.  For me, this includes the difficulty of making choices when love’s reality doesn’t measure up to expectations; it includes establishing critical boundaries that are needed to honor differences and create a safe and fruitful space to express love.  I guess when you get right down to it, love for dating baby boomers means having a desire for peace above all, making passion a more gentle expression and time a friend rather than an enemy.  In this sense it has become so much larger, so much grander and so much more important, and its power to determine one’s own life continues to be immeasurable. 

When our precious ones were younger, we were dashing.  Now they are still precious, but we aren’t dashing towards them.

Love, what is it you are dashing towards and what is OK for you to simply sit and ponder? 

My empty nester friends, who are single, want to sleep through the day and night of Valentine’s Day.  Married ones long for surprise.  All of them remember and love the laced hearts they made with their children, as well as, the pink iced sugar cookies and red construction paper all over the floor.

Change again.  Children aren’t home. Lovers are gone.  Marriages need the fire.

No matter what sits in your home, you are there.

How about exploring you and love?

• Write your first name and then let the words flow from there. You might be surprised what shows up. Write for five minutes and don’t stop for any reason.
• Bundle up and walk, telling yourself a story about all the things you think people who love you are saying about you. Last week Susan called me to tell me she just loves how I …..that is an example of what I mean.  Might as well get your exercise and love story in at the same time. Brain power too, by using your imagination.
• Dance at home. Why not be the fool and blast music, dance around and sing about all that you love in life…including things you love about you!
• The phone rings and you are holding your breath with excitement…who is it, ok, besides for your sons and daughters telling you how much they appreciate all you do for them…
• The opposite of I don’t know what I want to do today, looks like what?  What are you doing that is a fun loving day with no judgments about it?
• Where do you need to change your perceptions, just a little, about what love really is? Is it the little one, the adolescent or the adult who is running your head and heart about love?
• Predictable can be boring over the years, so what brave little step can you risk that just might enliven you even more?

When I think of February I think of relationships, winter half over, and mud season lurking in the background. Now that Valentines Day is looming, one always talks about love and being with the right partner. Yes, good, but there is more to it than that. First you have to love yourself! So… I choose to write about relationships…YOU AND YOUR INNER CHILD.

Is that hard? Do you find that to be selfish? What do you consider to be the definition of selfish?  How does that affect you? Take a look in the mirror; do you like what you see? Who is it? What might you want to change, and I am not asking for botox answers here.

As Baby Boomers become more “booming” in their later years, they find the best part of them is hidden/silent. I am talking about their relationship to their inner child; the one that lives deep within each of us. It was that child who used to run through puddles, play outside all night, and do crazy things. What was the craziest thing you did lately?

We all need to play and have fun! It is critical to nurturing ourselves. So drop what you are doing, take off your shoes and socks…wiggle your toes, and then try to pick something off the floor with your to...now laugh! Do something spontaneous.

Just before writing this I had two choices of roads to drive home. I chose the one with the largest puddle…one that covered both sides of my cars as I drove through it. I could feel the child inside me giggle. I laughed outwardly and for three seconds I was 6 years old again, wading through the pond on an inner tube.

What will you do?

The notion of a boundary is very much culturally defined.  The importance of maintaining appropriate personal boundaries is very much a part of American culture.  As much as we are concerned with properly maintaining and respecting our boundaries as well as those of others, most of us do not view a personal boundary as a concrete physical reality.

“The Vitruvian Man” is Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous sketch.  The circle in this drawing, just as in the suspense thriller The Da Vinci Code, holds for us a hidden key to our understanding of the physicality of our Energetic Boundaries.

In the bestseller The Da Vinci Code, Dan Browns writes: “Considered the most anatomically correct drawing of its day, Leonardo’s ‘Vitruvian Man’ had become a modern-day icon of culture, appearing on posters, mouse pads and T-shirts around the world. The celebrated sketch consisted of a perfect circle in which was inscribed a nude male, his arms and legs outstretched.

The circle is probably our most ancient symbol and carries great symbolism that is revered by spiritual traditions around the world.  For Pagans, for example, it is a reminder of the sacred, a protective magical circle, a symbol of unity and wholeness, of gathering a person in their own space.  In the Da Vinci sketch, the symbolism is deep seated; the circle that inscribes a man is not merely two dimensional.  It is in fact a three dimensional geometrical representation of an actual “Energetic Boundary” — an energetic structure that gathers a person in a unified space of his/her Energy Field.  Da Vinci knew and understood the physical reality of the Human Energy Field and regarded it as an intrinsic part of the study of the proportions of the human body.

The symbolism of a circle is profound — it is a feminine symbol of protection and the Energy Field serves as a protective space around the body. The placement of this circle also happens to coincide with the layer of the Energy Field associated with what is known in the yogic tradition as the 7th chakra or “crown chakra.” The edge of that layer is determined exactly by the distance of the outstretched arms — a span of about three feet. The physical reality of the human boundaries can be demonstrated because a sense of crossing is reported whenever the edges of two Energetic Boundaries come in contact with each other at that distance. 

The reason we are largely ignorant of this, is that according to current social norms, we begin interacting with each other at a distance less then six feet apart.  In other words, we usually do not start far enough apart to sense the edge that naturally exists.  Of course we also were never told to look for one, because energy is invisible. But you can learn to feel it, and later, when you become good at feeling, to see it as well.  You can learn to first feel the edge of the energetic boundary, yours as well as others, by literally walking into another person’s space. With time and experience, when sensing becomes familiar, you will be able to observe what happens with the Energetic Boundaries and to adjust them at will in order to take proper care both physically and energetically of yourself as well as those around you.

Read all the Articles in the Energetic Boundary Series

1. February 6, 2008: Taking Care of Your Energetic Boundary
2. February 15, 2008: How Far Out Does Your Energy Field Expand?
3. February 20, 2008: Energetic Boundary Crossing
4. February 27, 2008: Protecting Your Personal Boundary in Social Situations
5. March 5, 2008: Protecting Your Boundary During Phone Conversations

Excerpted from “Energetic Boundaries: Healing Without Effort” by Yuliya Cohen.

Yogurt is made from one or more types of beneficial microbes, like the well known Acidophilus. These beneficial microbes require just the right temperature to create the yogurt. Too warm and these little critters die off, too cold and you put them into a deep sleep. Just right and they get hungry, drink your milk and make yogurt.

Although making yogurt at home s simple enough, you will need to closely control your milk temperature throughout the yogurt making process. If you don't already have an instant read thermometer, you will definitely want one when making yogurt at home.

The other piece of equipment in question is a yogurt maker. Although it is not absolutely required, but unless you have another method of keeping your yogurt at a stable 110-115 degrees for 8 to 10 hours, I highly recommend getting one. Otherwise you've got yourself a babysitting job.

Yogurt makers are reasonably inexpensive and come in two basic types. One type is designed to hold about five or six small individual jars. The second type processes the yogurt in a quart or 1/2 gallon container. They both work equally as well for making yogurt at home but I prefer to make a large batch of yogurt and not have to fiddle with a bunch of little jars.

What you need

• Instant read thermometer
• Yogurt maker
• Whisk
• 1 packet yogurt starter or 1/2 cup live yogurt cultures
• 4 cups of whole organic milk
• 1/3 cup goat milk powder
• You may double, triple, quadruple this recipe if you like.

Instructions

1. Turn your yogurt maker on so it will be warm when you have completed making your yogurt base
2. In a very clean sauce pan, heat the milk to 170 degrees then turn off the heat and let the milk remain on the stove for 10 minutes.
3. While you are waiting:
   • Put about 4 inches of cold water in your kitchen sink to prepare for the next step
   • Put yogurt starter or yogurt cultures in a small mixing bowl and put it aside for later
4. After the 10 minutes is up, put the sauce pan in the kitchen sink and reduce the temperature of the milk to 125 degrees.
5. When the milk reaches 125 degrees, remove the cold water from sink so the mixture doesn't get too cold.
6. Now, let the temperature slowly drop until it reaches 115 degrees.
7. Take 1 cup of the warm milk and add it to the small mixing bowl containing your yogurt culture. Blend with a whisk. Return this mixture to the warm milk.
8. Gently stir the warm milk making sure the yogurt cultures have been completely blended. You now have a yogurt base.
9. Pour your yogurt base into your yogurt maker following the instructions of your particular machine.
10. The yogurt base will now incubate for about 10 hours. Your machine will keep the yogurt at about 112 degrees.
11. Walk away! Don't open your yogurt maker, don't stir the yogurt, don't sample the yogurt, just walk away! Come back when the yogurt is done.
12. The yogurt should be firm when you return. Simply put your yogurt in the refrigerator for two hours to cool and it will be ready for you to use in any of your favorite recipes.

Remember when you were a child, and you got so wrapped up in playing, imagining or creating that you didn’t want to stop when it was time to eat? Do you remember leaving your meal half-finished to run off and continue playing? Children innately understand that food is secondary to what is most nutritious and primary in life: Fun and play.

As adults we seem to have lost our instinct to prioritize play. In our busy world, with its emphasis on work and responsibility, to be healthy and balanced we must work on more than just our bodies; we must feed our hearts, minds and spirits.

Have you noticed that when your body, mind and spirit are engaged in a creative project or happy relationship, your reliance on food seems to decrease? Likewise, when you are unsatisfied with your relationships, your job or other areas of your life, you may depend on food to cheer, soothe or numb you. When your life is out of balance, no amount of food can feed you where you truly need nourishment. The food that we eat is very important for health and balance, but what really feeds us—a full and fulfilling life—doesn’t come on a plate.

What is fun for you? What makes you light up? What excites you? Make time for it this week. Even if you don’t have much time for fun, try approaching a “serious” activity with an attitude of play. This can greatly reduce stress and anxiety and bring more pleasure to your day. Take your focus off food, try adding more fun into your life and watch the magic unfold. 

Perfect for our winter season, these crunchy, savory summer rolls are sure to make your guests’ mouths water. These summer rolls are satisfying to all food lovers and suitable for a vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diet.

Inspired from a fusion of traditional summer and winter flavors, this summer roll features the traditionally lighter ingredients of summer along with with the hardier winter notes of buckwheat and pumpkin. These delicious summer rolls bring you a delightful mixture of light summer flavors along with the fresh ingredients found in your local market during winter.

These summer rolls do require a little chopping and preparation which provides for a great opportunity to open your kitchen up to your friends and have them help with some of the preparation. Sharing the preparation makes for a enjoyable break and fun with friends.

When you’re ready to serve your summer rolls, arrange them on a plate with a spring onion garnish and serve with a little white wine—your summer rolls will be enjoyed in no time at all.

Makes 10-13 Rice Rolls, serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients for summer rolls:

Rolls:
1pkg. Rice noodle wrappers (available in Asian markets and/or Whole Foods Market)
16oz. Buckwheat Soba Noodles (plain Soba Noodles may be substituted)
1lb.  *Roasted Pumpkin Filling (recipe below)
3cup Shredded White Cabbage
2cup Shredded Carrots (about 4 Carrots)
1cup Shredded Red Cabbage
2 ea.  Red or Green Apples thinly sliced
1Tbs.  Lemon Juice

Pumpkin Filling:
1lb.  Raw Pumpkin
2Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1ea.  Shallot, minced
1Tbs. Garlic, minced
2Tbs. *Pure Maple Syrup
1tsp.  Allspice Seasoning, ground
*Mix the above ingredients and roast in a 450 degree oven for 15 minutes. Cool in refrigerator when finished.

Coconut Curry Dipping Sauce:
1ea.  Kaffer Lime Leaf (available in Asian markets)
1tsp.  Garlic, minced
1tsp.  Ginger root, minced
1Tbs.  Lemongrass, minced (may substitute dried lemongrass)
1ea.  Shallot, minced
2Tbs. Honey or Agave Nectar
15oz. Un-sweetened Coconut Milk
2oz.  Water
1tsp.  Curry Powder
1tsp.  Red Curry Paste *Note: for mild heat use less.
*Blend the above ingredients in a food processor or high powered blender until creamy. About 1-3 minutes.

Here is a question that I got from one of my clients.

It hit home especially since many of the baby boomers I work with are frequently looking for ways to branch out and do something a bit different than their past career.

What do I hear… an inner critic popping its head through this question? Remember that art is in the eyes of the beholder!! My first question would be to say to you, “Am I doing this because I am passionate about my art, or am I purely doing this for the money?” In this case you can have your cake and eat it too. I always first say to my clients: “Start Where You Stand,” told to me by a very dear friend Hazel Young.

Here are just a few tidbits to begin to think about making this a career:
Get out your calendar and determine when you will complete these following tasks:
You are making a date with yourself, stick to it.

Ask yourself the following questions and write it down:

1. Do I have support from my family? How much? Be bold, ask them point blank.
2. Identify your strengths? Are you a Visionary, Manager, Doer?
3. How many hours in a day, week, month do I want to devote to this? Be specific.
4. Determine what you want your product to be: pottery, paintings, jewelry, etc.
5. Where are you going to market this: galleries, ebay, friends, stores, eblasts, etc.?
6. Brainstorm places where you would sell them. Let your mind think of some of the craziest places, sometimes those are the best avenues.
7. Ask other artists where they market their works. Write those down.
8. Compare your work with some others to determine prices.
9. You need to become comfortable with selling yourself. Create a bio.
10. How much money do you hope to make in a year?
11. Network, network, network!!
12. Join affiliate artists groups, clubs, let them know what you do.
13. Building trust with others sells your products. They need to know who you are first and foremost.
14. Create flyers, emails announcing your new business.
15. Make sure you have a separate bank account for this business.
16. Get an accountant if needed, this is a business.
17. Register your new business in the State you are in.

Contact Sallie if you want to take the next step. She conducts small virtual group or one on one session where she leads you through all the necessary steps to start a small business and become a successful Entrepreneur. She co-founded and published THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER ASSESSMENT TOOL, 2007 (S BOAT) for small business owners.

By Ronald A. Tschetter
Director of the U.S. Peace Corps

As director of the Peace Corps, it has been my honor to meet Peace Corps Volunteers all over the world and to see firsthand the remarkable dedication, passion, and skill they bring to serving others.  The work of Peace Corps Volunteers builds on a legacy that has become a significant part of America’s history.  In 1961, President John F. Kennedy called Americans to serve in the Peace Corps.  Now, 46 years later, over 187,000 Americans have answered President Kennedy’s call and helped improve the lives of millions of people around the world and at home.

My wife, Nancy, and I were Peace Corps Volunteers in India from 1966 to 1968. We were in our 20s, recent college graduates, and newlyweds. We spent two years living and working with the people of India, learned to speak the local language, and learned to appreciate Indian culture and the values of the people. 

While Nancy and I were young, we had the privilege of serving in India with some more experienced, retirement-age Volunteers—what we now are calling “50-plus.” We served with Lillian Carter, former President Carter’s mother, and other dynamic 50-plus people like Dorothy Bradley, Mabel Yewell, and Evangeline Shuler.  I know from my own interaction with these remarkable individuals that younger Volunteers look up to older ones.  We admired, listened to, and learned from them because of their vast life experience and maturity. I believe that today’s younger Volunteers can also benefit from and enjoy their relationships with 50-plus Volunteers. 

Peace Corps Volunteers age 50 and over are valuable assets to the Peace Corps’ mission because of their extensive experience.  Edward Raupp, a former Volunteer in the Republic of Georgia said, “At 66, I have a fairly broad range of work and academic experiences that may prove helpful.  As an older Volunteer, I have both the advantage of some initial respect and the responsibility inherent in maintaining – and increasing – that respect.”

Volunteers of all ages in the Peace Corps today are working in the areas of business development, education, youth and community development, agriculture and the environment, health, and HIV/AIDS.  The Peace Corps prepares Volunteers with extensive language, technical, and cross-cultural awareness training.

For 50-plus Volunteers, the benefits of serving in the Peace Corps go beyond making a difference in other people’s lives.  The Peace Corps offers meaningful work opportunities and a wonderful way to experience living in other parts of the world.  Hundreds of current Volunteers have found retirement and other life transitions the perfect time to realize their dream of joining the Peace Corps. 

Diana Gomez, a former Volunteer in Armenia, said, “I joined the Peace Corps when I was 56 years old, and it was like being born again, like having a second life.  I enjoyed my work in the United States very much, but as I got older, I began to think less about ’me‘ and more about ’we.’ I love working for the Peace Corps; I feel like I’m doing something for the world, for the planet.”

While serving in the Peace Corps, Volunteers receive complete medical coverage, including prescriptions, vaccinations, and dental care at medical units in each country.  Service in the Peace Corps does not affect a retiree’s Social Security benefits, nor does it affect a Volunteer’s civil service or military service pension.  During a Volunteer’s 27 month period of service, the Peace Corps provides a monthly living allowance and vacation days.  And post-service, Peace Corps provides an adjustment allowance, along with access to career centers and workshops.

I realize that there are obstacles and challenges to serving in the Peace Corps, particularly as a 50-plus person, but I can assure you that the rewards are great.  Nancy and I believe that our time in the Peace Corps was one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve ever had. Our lives were forever enriched through our new friends, and by understanding a new culture in a country so far from home.  There is arguably nothing more important in life than serving others, and we will always cherish our Peace Corps experience and the difference we believe we made in the lives of others.

I hope you’ll consider the possibility of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer.  For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov, or request more information and talk to a recruiter by calling 800.424.8580.

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter announced the Peace Corps 50+ website at the AARP Annual Convention in Boston. As part of the Director’s initiative to recruit “Baby Boomer” Volunteers, he unveiled the Peace Corps’ first website geared specifically for boomers interested in volunteer service, http://www.peacecorps.gov/50plus.

Director Tschetter said, “I’m proud of the new, interactive website devoted to 50+ Americans. Providing access to information about life in the Peace Corps is an important component of our initiative to attract this experienced and skilled population, and a great way to inform them about the meaningful and rewarding opportunities of service.”

The 50+ website provides potential Peace Corps Volunteers with interactive information, profiles of 50+ Volunteers, and answers to pertinent questions about becoming a Volunteer at an older age. Some of the topics covered on the site include pre-departure medical evaluations, health insurance, retirement benefits, and serving with a spouse. Additionally, the website features profiles, photos, and videos of past and current 50+ Peace Corps Volunteers. These profiles provide a way for prospective 50+ Volunteers to better understand how they can use their skills and experience while gaining the enriching and rewarding experience of service in the Peace Corps.

The Peace Corps main website draws over 8 million visitors a year. In addition to the main site and the new 50+ site, the Peace Corps maintains a website for kids (www.peacecorps.gov/kids), a website for teachers (www.peacecorps.gov/wws), as well as a website for teens which was released in July 2007 (www.peacecorps.gov/teens). 

Today, 7,749 Americans serve in the Peace Corps. Of that total, 5% of the Volunteers currently serving are aged 50 or older. The Peace Corps regards older Volunteers as a great asset, bringing both their professional and life experiences to help countries around the world meet their development needs. Volunteers over age 50 are currently serving in 66 of the 73 Peace Corps countries. 

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 187,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

Welcome to a new year.  Empty nest women are searching for new meaning now that their parental roles are changing. Here are three questions empty nesters can ask themselves to open up windows to new opportunities.

What do you need?

What are your gifts?

What are you waving goodbye to?

What does feeling great mean to you? At the empty nest stage of life, we re-define what matters to us. I hear from the parents I work with that they all want to feel happy, to find new meaning, and to enjoy healthy relationships with their adult children.  That would make them feel great about their lives.

Some parents believe it is selfish to want to feel happy.  I disagree.  Open the window and let the fresh air in.

You and other empty nesters might begin by asking yourself:

1. Who or what puts a smile on my face?
2. What hobbies do I have?
3. Where do I consistently go during a week…bookstore, shopping, museums?
4. What three new things would I like to try, but am afraid to?
5. What do I need to start each day on a happy note?

I believe that change requires baby steps and that it helps to give yourself encouragement in order to stay motivated. You might tell yourself, “I am going to go (to an event, place, gathering, etc.) for ten minutes and if I don’t like it or am feeling too vulnerable, I can leave.” “I am not alone and I can always ask for help.” “My conversation with my child didn’t go so well today, but I can apologize and we can start off on a better foot next time.”

Inner exploration begins with time alone.  Close your eyes and ask for help. Breathe deeply and keep your eyes closed for about ten minutes in the beginning.  Listen inside.  Notice what you feel or see or hear. End with the words, “thank you.”

Flip through magazines to see what catches your eye and cut out the images you are drawn to.  Put the images in a folder and look at them during the week. Simply notice what you hear yourself saying or how an image makes you feel.

Write a list of things you love about yourself and what challenges you.

My friend and I went to lunch over the holidays. I asked her to tell me how she saw me and I would tell her how I saw her, if she was willing to do this.  She said, “Okay, you first.”

Afterwards she smiled and said, “Pretty accurate, except the spiritual part of me; I need to focus there more often.”

I appreciated the words she chose for me which were, “You are like a sponge in listening.  You are really present and honest.  You have so many creative ideas for problems and for fun.”

I asked her to tell me how she saw the dark side of me, “I have to think about that one,” she said. I still haven’t heard her response, but maybe sometime I will.

We were surprised at falling into that dialogs during lunch. I hadn’t planned it. It came up when she asked me about a problem she needed to solve. I feel closer to her now.  She motivated me because what she saw in me is what matters to me on the inside and it must be visible.

It isn’t easy to risk saying what you feel, but it’s so freeing when it comes from the intention of helping another person.

My other reminder for empty nesters during the New Year is set your intentions out loud.

A woman I know wanted her pool fixed.  She said it out loud and wrote it in her journal. On New Year’s Day, she was at a party and met a contractor who gave her the number of an expert pool man.  This was a party for artists and she was surprised to receive helpful pool information in that venue.

We forget that we don’t have to struggle. We need to appreciate, ask for help, and not insist that the world gives it to us right this minute.

Laugh, dance, sing, play again…Did I say “play again?” Whether you have someone to play with or have to generate the fun on your own, your spirits will feel lifted. We need one spark to light our fire.  Go play.  If you don’t know what would be playful, think back to the activities you enjoyed before you were a parent or remember something you did this year that was a lot of fun.

My husband and I rearranged the furniture for the New Year.  I am simplifying on the outside and the inside.  I am freeing my space to make room for options. Leaning into my future and appreciating my past.

May you find new meaning and compassion in 2008.’’—

As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, do consumers ever wonder what happens to their stuff from holidays past? “The Story of Stuff” (www.storyofstuff.com), a new short film released today online, takes viewers on a provocative tour of our consumer-driven culture — from resource extraction to iPod incineration — exposing the real costs of this use-it and lose-it approach to stuff.

Last year Americans spent $456.2 billion during the holiday season, and this year sales are predicted to rise 4 percent to $474.5 billion**. “The Story of Stuff” reveals that holiday consumption is not a seasonal phenomenon, rather an American maxim that has devastating consequences for our environment, third-world nations, working class Americans, personal health and even the general state of happiness in America.

Throughout the 20-minute film, activist Annie Leonard, the film’s narrator and an expert on the materials economy, examines the social, environmental and global costs of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. Her illustration of a culture driven by stuff allows her to isolate the moment in history where she says the trend of consumption mania began. The “Story of Stuff” examines how economic policies of the post-World War II era ushered in notions of consumerism — and how those notions are still driving much of the U.S. and global economies today.

According to the film, consumer mania may have been born from the post World War II era, but economic manipulation has driven consumerism to where it is today. From the limited life cycle of personal computers to changes in footwear fashion, Leonard demonstrates that products are either designed to be regularly replaced or to convince consumers that their stuff needs to be upgraded. This notion of planned and perceived obsolescence drives the machine of American consumerism year round.

The film features Leonard delivering a rapid-fire, often humorous and always engaging story about “all our stuff — where it comes from and where it goes when we throw it away.” Written by Leonard, the film was produced by Free Range Studios, the makers of other socially-minded, web-based films such as “The Meatrix:” and “Grocery Store Wars.” Funding for the project came from The Sustainability Funders and Tides Foundation. A screening of the film will be held at the GAIA Arts center in Berkeley, Calif. on December 6.

The film’s Web site, www.storyofstuff.com, serves as an interactive launch pad for information and activism. The site features hundreds of organizations working to change the cycle of the materials economy and offers viewers “another way.” The site includes resources and information, a footnoted script, a suggested reading list and ideas for educational activities and discussion topics for local screenings.

This empty nester’s inventory of core values gives you a way to connect that is not the ordinary connection. It is fun to check in with yourself and your partner in new ways.  This is not about what you should do or who is right. This valuable empty nest activity is about getting to know yourself and your partner in an updated way.

Print this list and have a copy for you and your partner.  If you don’t have a partner, do this for yourself as a “check in” about your values.

As you read each one, write down the first thought that comes to you. Your partner is doing the same thing. You might prefer doing it at separate times and not together. Choose how to share it with each other. It could be when you are sitting outside, out to lunch, dinner or after dinner.  Ask each other when it would be fun to explore these values.

Reviewing these core issues, helps you know you and your partner. This gives you a way to connect that is not the ordinary connection. It is fun to check in with yourself and your partner in new ways.  This is not about what you should do or who is right. This connection is about getting to know yourself and your partner in an updated way.

How do you feel about these values and how does your partner?
How can you help each other?

This empty nest exercise can give a new road map in this empty nest journey of how do we want to live our life. What will be fulfilling for us now? This is the intention of this way of talking with each other. Have fun seeing what matters these days. Support you and your partner with open eyes and a curious mind.  What if we changed our mind about what we have been thinking really matters to us? We are all branching out. 

Take care,
Natalie

Whether you are anticipating the empty nest or are in the empty nest, these questions will come up for you:

Many questions of wonderment and pain are normal in this major life change. When you hear yourself ask: WHAT SHOULD I DO...First notice what you have been doing when that situation occurs.

Write What You Have Been Doing.

Then write using your opposite writing hand. If you are right handed, now use your left and write with it saying...if I did something new next time in that situation, I would ___________.

Example: Write the following:  Every time my son says stop nagging me and asking me so many questions about my homework and when I will be home, I get really mad and tell him to stop yelling at me.

Now with my opposite hand, write; when my son yells at me for nagging him and asking too many questions, I could say___________.

See what you discover about other ways you are comfortable and challenged to try new behaviors.  There is no right way when those questions of WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN___________.

Be your own adviser through this writing exercise and see what comes out on the paper.  Let yourself branch out!

Take care,
Natalie

Sometimes you just feel an underlying sadness. It is not predictable. It just shows up as a time to cry a little, to remember.

When I see parents with young children, it seems the same phrase keeps coming into my head , OH THEY have such a long way to go to freedom. So something tells me I do appreciate my freedom of not being a full time mother. I also feel so proud of myself for the way I did parent.

Now that I am further out from having her at home, I can reflect on the precious and difficult times of parenting.

I don’t want to be responsible for another life as often as I needed to be, and yet I love when she calls and when she comes home. Truth is, I am happy when she leaves. I feel the release. Like time for me, my old friend who had to wait while I again was traveling the parenting story. The transition for me is easier now. I don’t like doing the airport scene so I negotiated having the home and meal ready and then helping with the packing and send off from home. It works for all of us.

The little time we do get to talk, I like her stories and I like playing the role of support and listener with a few comments. It is just a way to connect and be with each other. It doesn’t really matter what we were talking about with each other. Hearing her voice, sounds corny, I know, brings a smile. And there are times I don’t want to be the responsible parent, like when she lost has something or the funds are low. The “I can’t find....would you look and see if I left it home?” Could you make me a dentist and hair appointment?”

What they most seem to want to talk about are their relationships at school. Believe in them. They need that from you.

Some kids don’t want to email or call much, so you can just honor their need for independence and trust that your relationship is still loving and connected.

They are tired with all the responsibilities and affects of the new environment. Their sleeping patterns change.

Time management, who to trust, new relationships, missing out on groups and parties, deadlines, more reading than ever before, weather changes and budgeting money in new ways. No car to get away for awhile. Loneliness and things not working like their phone, computer, etc.

Suggesting they get flu shots in health center with a friend, find out where counseling office is and maybe have an appointment. before they really need one… check in with their adviser by email if not office visit, develop resources on campus like career office and tutors. These are some ideas, but they may not want to do any “planning ahead.” They can fall and learn to pick themselves up again.

Initially, the kids talk about there being so many choices of clubs and things to join and do, that they feel pushed to do it all, and that isn’t possible. They don’t want to be left out, or miss out on some fun.

When she calls about relationship issues and asks what to do, I would say, so beam ahead and with that choice can you take the risk, and still know that you can handle the results, and be kind to yourself no matter how it works out… She says that helps, because it gets her in touch with what she can handle at that time. What she is imaging in her mind that could happen, and how she WOULD FEEL ABOUT that...sometimes passing on an experience is a wise decision. Opportunities will come around again and that is the inner trust they develop.

College is learning about relationships, different ways of thinking and feeling and possibilities of career and creativity… .growing up with more independence and responsibilities.

Roommate differences, talking it out, getting advice from RA and other friends, hanging in there, and then letting go and making a change, moving out...It happens and no you don’t have to fly there and help them move again...they do it.

They want to go home with a friend for the weekend and the parenting feeling comes up again, like the voice of: should she take a present, does she have enough money, do I know their name and phone number, who’s driving, and then you say STOP, she can figure it out. Don’t ask questions...she will probably have her cell phone if you really need to reach her...letting go AGAIN.

The Truth is THERE ARE NO RULES. There are moments and figuring it out as you are in it. You trust yourself and they learn to trust themselves. Let them fly, higher and freer.

Once, I was so grateful for the girls that are in her singing group, that I just didn’t know how to thank them besides telling them when I was with them. I felt they were like extended family to this new comer in their singing group. They were all ages. I admire them for the courage they have, to sing and perform, and dedicate themselves to three nights a week of practice...so I decided to send a box of See’s Candy lollipops for being so sweet to my daughter. Of course you can’t send something really fattening or that might not be considered a gift rather a curse.

I cry a little when she emails a photo of them performing and I missed it. That will happen often, so I tell myself I can’t be at all of the events, since she is 3000 miles away.... Some I will be able to see. And I have. Cried there too. So proud of her.

I often acknowledge her by saying: “I think that was so brave, how you handled that situation with that girl”, or “the way you processed that disappointment was so mature” just brief but specific love notes on the phone.

I remind myself “HOW WOULD I WANT TO BE SUPPORTED RIGHT NOW IF THIS WERE HAPPENING TO ME,” then I can drop into the listener and compassionate mom. That works for me.

I take her criticism of me in stride: like the time she said my emails had too many reminders in them, or that she knew I called, because she saw 1 missed message, so if she didn’t get back to me it’s because she can’t. That was good for me to hear and I honored it. Not a problem. Thanks for letting me know. If it is really important I will leave a message and say so. Not going for being right, going for having connections of trust and respect.

by ANONYMOUS MOM

I am an empty nester who loves being a mom. I don’t love my career anymore and now I have to figure out “What DO I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP?”

Coping with the quiet house and no fussing over meals, and soccer games is a big hole for me. That is just part of the darkness. I was on committees at her school and did morning car pool when she was younger.

We watched old videos of her with Kleenex and popcorn tossed on the floor, right before her send off to college. HOW could this go so fast? I never thought about empty nest until she was a junior in high school. WOULDN’T have done me any good to plan ahead. I still can’t plan to not cry.

She is my only baby and there will be no more little girl twirling, singing old McDonald had a farm, calling my name everyday, bounding in for a quick bite and then off to practice, no friends dropping in for pizza or study groups, no Halloween costume changes, no school events to see those friends I too looked forward to hanging around with and talking about our kids….the automatic, belonging club of MOMHOOD.

To be honest, although, I could fake it and put on the brave , oh it is no big deal hat, I cried and cried when I drove away from her standing on the brick steps of her freshman dorm.. She didn’t see me sobbing . I didn’t see her blow me a kiss.

For weeks I had no energy or motivation to talk much or go out. I did work and do my have to list, but then I hid in bed, cried and wondered, if I should call her or wait for her to call me. I don’t want to interfere in her new life, but gee, why doesn’t she call or email me.

I let myself just be a slug . My exercise routine flattened .

My husband asked how I was doing and I told him I actually felt depressed. I was so surprised at feeling lonely for her and not having much energy or smiles. The build up of graduation, party at home, hugs and tears, and then the excitement and anxiety of moving her into the brick stone freshman dorm, ended and we were silenced from the emotions and the drain of the intensity and joy.

The let down was like a gutter ball down the narrow bowling alley. “THUD”

After about two months, I began walking, just to get out of myself.

My daughter and I talked about once a week and emailed.

My husband and I saw more movies than ever in our life. We tried playing monopoly after work and then switched to scrabble.

We meandered with no “zippety-do dah” and didn’t have all the details of life to fill up time or fill up our conversations. So we got bored and after all this nothingness, we began to ask ourselves…NOW WHAT?

What about us…what do we want to do with our life? That was a big question that we answered with one plan.

We decided to take turns planning something to do for the weekend. Both of us liked taking a day drive to the beach, going for a walk, reading there and having lunch away from the silent house. That helped us slow down, and figure out our wish list from the inside out.

Don’t know about my job, yet, making a list of possibilities.

Looking forward to parent’s weekend and of course, not looking forward to the pain of goodbye, again. It will be fun to see her room and meet her new friends.

P.S. My friends thought it would be fun to remodel. absolutely not…too much work for us. My brother-in law said take a trip to Greece , too far away for now.

I think I will wait and see who I am and who my daughter is in her new independent first year away. I feel this pressure that I am suppose to dance into a new exciting romantic life with my husband and get going with my new free time. That is not me TODAY!

GOOD LUCK to all us empty nesters.

Signed,

ANONYMOUS MOM, but available to talk to others who are in the dark of this roller coaster!

Send five post cards to friends just to touch in and feel connected with this empty nest vacancy. Take a walking meditation with a “seed” of an idea and let nature feed your idea with thoughts like, I could do that, or I could add that, or I could let so and so help me with this part.

Get some magazines and tear out some of your favorite words, pictures and glue them down with no order and no theme in mind . Whatever caught your interest in that 15 minutes… Then you can see if any idea comes to you from this collage. Ask at bedtime to remember a dream about WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR ME? I AM OPEN TO RECEIVING IDEAS.

Keep paper and pencil or a small recorder at your bedside so you can take note of them… Keep going, don’t stop if nothing comes. Keep asking.

Have an afternoon tea party, where you provide the goodies and invite some friends. Even if it is only one friend to support you in hearing how you are feeling and in what they think you would enjoy doing, now that you have more free time… Let people help you...You have been the nurturer for so long. It is your time to receive support, so jot down what you need even if it is “impossible” to imagine getting… DARE TO DREAM… Make a list now and then, or daily if you can, of what you are grateful for...This helps with the loneliness and the creativity.

Fill in the blank: if I wasn’t expected to ......I could go and do..... Don’t tell anyone, but I am secretly wanting to.....

My name is Bea.  I’m working with David Snieckus to increase awareness in our community about the benefits of eating a plant based diet. Over the past 2 years I have grown to love David’s cooking and my new macrobiotic lifestyle.

I’d like to share with you an article (see below) I wrote last week that highlights a little bit of my story and journey back to wellness.

Wishing you a peaceful and healthy New Year!

POWER IN A POT OF SOUP
by Bea

As the calendar year draws to a close, and I am contemplating New Year’s resolutions, I am reflecting on the ongoing process of healing ourselves and the planet.  Many truths have been revealed to me during the past couple of years in my journey back to a healthful and purposeful life.  Whether you have been searching for a short time or a very long time for a solution to your health challenges, have you carefully considered what you are eating and thoroughly educated yourself about what’s in your food?  What are those ingredients?  Where did they come from?  How were they produced?  If you have not yet investigated this, you will be very surprised when you do, and you may decide you are ready for a positive change. 

Two years ago I found myself wandering through a Holistic Health Expo event, sponsored by the Center for Balance in Newton, Massachusetts.  One of the first booths I stopped at showcased a wise man named David Snieckus.  His booth display was miraculously simple.....a pot of soup on a white table cloth with some of his business cards.  That’s it!!  I’d been to this annual event a number of times in previous years, but I had never seen anyone promoting something as simple as home cooked soup.  I was particularly intrigued by the simplicity of this booth, so I struck up a conversation with him. 

In a very energetic and enthusiastic tone, David explained to me that he was hosting an event later that week, where an exceptionally healthy meal would be served in the company of a
guest speaker (a cookbook author named Jessica Porter), who would be giving a talk about macrobiotics.  David said this event was something I should not miss.  I attended the lecture later that week.  Jessica was lively, amazingly entertaining, drawing laughter out of the crowd, and the food was fantastic.  It was certainly more tasty and satisfying than anything I was preparing for myself at home.  This initial, direct experience with macrobiotic food convinced me that this type of cooking warranted further exploration.

When I first met David, I was still manifesting a long list of physical and emotional ailments for which I had STILL NOT found a reliable holistic solution after dedicating nearly ALL of my spare time and spare cash to what I thought was a detailed and thorough search over the past eleven years.  And, yet another year of suffering had gone by.....it was already November.....it would soon be January.....time for more life-changing resolutions. 

I’d become thoroughly exhausted and de-motivated after my extended search and exploration of methods to rid myself of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, sleep dysfunction, and chronic anxiety. My eleven year quest to re-gain my health had already cost me at least $100,000 in out of pocket medical expenses.  I had stopped keeping tabs on my medical spending; it was too depressing.

Over the years there have been endless prescription drug co-payments, physical therapy, large quantities of nutritional supplements, custom herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies,
magnets, and fees for MANY different types of holistic practitioners.  Are you tired yet?  I tried acupuncture, Reiki, energy healing, Qi Gong, Feldenkrais Method, Jaffe-Mellor technique, massage therapy, cranial sacral therapy, naturopathy, orthomolecular medicine, to name only a few.  Some of these methods were helpful for a while.  Results would last only a few hours or a few days.  Others were not helpful at all, and there was no money-back guarantee on any of these products or services.  What an expensive journey!  Does any of this sound a little bit familiar?

It took me many years of grueling physical suffering to realize that my body was too physically toxic during the first decade of my physical illnesses to integrate or benefit from the holistic
“remedies” I had been using.  I trust that many such energetically based therapies I tried DO in fact work.  However, they are most effective when the physical body’s nutritional foundation is
optimally balanced.  They may be much less beneficial if a person is not eating well. 

Up until 2004, I was still eating a conventional American diet.  I enjoyed red meat, chicken, some vegetables, lots of pasta and bread, and just about anything that was QUICK and EASY to prepare, because I was so fatigued all the time.  Historically, I’ve had a deep passion for ice cream, cookies, chocolate, and desserts of all sorts. 

Two years after meeting David, attending his cooking classes, informative guest speaker events, community meals and a summer macrobiotic retreat in Maine, macrobiotic cooking has become a sacred and staple routine in my life.  My passion for ice cream has faded.  Improvements in my eating habits are now sustainable. David has helped me re-define what it means to eat well.  I’ve learned to prepare delicious, gorgeous food I had never tried before, and it turns out that it tastes like REAL food, and it is not complicated to prepare.  I now understand that many wholesome, plant-based meals can be prepared in far less time than it takes to dine out at restaurants or cook animal based foods, and then present myself to my doctors asking for help with the latest painful symptoms. 

I’ve never been more motivated than at the present time to remain committed to plant-based, whole foods cooking and eating.  When I cook for my family and friends they are now impressed and want to try such recipes on their own.  My arthritis doctor remains puzzled that I have sustained a 15 lb weight loss over the past two years and that my body weight is completely normal.  There have already been substantial economic benefits to the changes I have made to my eating style.  I’m spending far less on prescription drugs and nutritional supplements than I have in past years, because I don’t need all of them anymore.  I wish I had met David 10 years ago.  I would have saved myself a great deal of physical and emotional suffering and MONEY!

All my pre-conceived notions about what it would be like to be free from conventional food, laden with animal products and refined ingredients have been proven false in my direct experience with what David is teaching and with eating the wholesome, unrefined, plant-based foods he has taught me to select and prepare.

March 31, 2007 (Press Release)—“I want to be fearless at 50,” says Leeza Gibbons, former host of Entertainment Tonight and Leeza, and now currently hosting a nationally syndicated radio program, Leeza Live. Gibbons, a participant in the current edition of Dancing with the Stars, celebrated her fiftieth birthday during the first week of this Monday night hit television show.

Jacqueline Wales, founder of Fearless Fifties (http://www.fearlessfifties.com) couldn’t agree with her more. Wales coaches women from around the world to empower them to live vibrant, energetic lives, by helping them to move beyond their comfort zone.

What does it mean to be Fearless at Fifty? According to Wales, the answer is simple. It’s about facing your fears each and every day. Fear is what stops a woman from living a thriving, passionate, and joy-filled life which is hers to claim.

“At midlife, women find themselves assessing where they’ve been and what they’ve done. We reflect on our lives, on our pains and sorrows, as well as on our joys and accomplishments,” says Wales. “All of these elements, intricately woven together, create us into magnificent women. It’s a time of celebration and a time to look deep within our hearts to plan the next steps - into a new frontier - fearless, focused, and in our fifties (or more). Fearless Fifties is about changing the way we think about midlife!”

No stranger to life’s difficulties and in her mid-fifties herself, Wales’ experiences from childhood to womanhood taught her many life lessons she now draws upon when working with other Baby Boomer women. She helps them to uncover what’s standing in the way, what’s keeping them stuck and adding to their struggle. She helps them to map out a journey that will lead them to living the life they desire.

According to Wales, “It all starts with making a choice - to show up to life as it presents itself - fear and all. Fear keeps us from exploring and going beyond our comfort zone. We must move forward, each day, one step at a time. By creating purposeful goals aligned with our vision, by focusing on self-care and balancing life responsibilities with life passions, we can map out our journey for the years ahead. Midlife is an exciting time for learning and growth.”

Jacqueline Wales, motivational speaker, author, and coach, works with women to help them step through their fears to live their best life now. She is the author of several books including The Good Enough Mother, Candle in the Wind, and the just released When the Crow Sings, as well as several other compilations. Having discovered her singing voice in her forties, she has graced the stage with her touching, heart-centered music in Los Angeles, Paris, and Amsterdam, producing her first CD entitled Secrets of the Sun. Born in Scotland and having lived and worked in cities around the world, she now resides in New York City living true to Fearless in her Fifties.

For more information:

Jacqueline Wales, Founder and CEO
Fearless Fifties
90 Pinehurst Avenue, Suite 6D
New York, New York 10033
718.502.9332
http://www.fearlessfifties.com/
press@fearlessfifties.com

SANTA BARBARA, CA—November 7, 2007—Give Wings to Your Dreams: Reawaken Your Joy and Passion for Life by Lauren E. Sullivan has been named the Winner of The National “Best Books” 2007 Awards in the category of Women’s Issues.

The Best Books award program is sponsored by USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses. Winners named in 140 categories included Simon & Schuster’s The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, which took the prize for Best Self-Help Motivational Book. The Best Books Awards are announced each year in November to highlight not-to-be-missed new titles and authors.

Lauren Sullivan’s book, Give Wings to Your Dreams ($14.95, Golden Wings Press) offers inspiration and practical tools for women who are standing at the precipice of change, experiencing extreme stress and burnout, or feeling lost in the confusion of midlife turmoil. The book guides women step-by-step to gain the confidence, clarity and conviction to take charge and transform their lives.

In vivid and engaging language, the author shares her own compelling story of recovery from the aftermath of her ex-husband’s devastating and dangerous crystal meth addiction.  Offering an easy-to-follow, clearly outlined path of Seven Stepping Stones, Give Wings to Your Dreams guides women on an uplifting journey to new beginnings and a rich and robust quality of life. The author has also published a 300-page companion workbook to guide readers, in-depth, through the Seven Stepping Stones process.

Susan Jeffers, renowned author of “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” says, “Give Wings to Your Dreams takes you on a gentle and compassionate journey, illuminating a path that will empower and energize you to spread your own wings and fly. A beautiful book.” The Midwest Book Review calls Lauren’s book, “An emotionally uplifting and energizing self-help book.” And Georgia Richardson of the National Association of Baby Boomer Women says, “Ms. Sullivan’s book is warm, inviting, and almost like having your own personal life coach sitting across from you helping you to make sense of the chaos and showing you how to take charge of your broken dreams.”

An expert in women’s life change issues, Lauren Sullivan leads “Life Choice Retreats” in Santa Barbara, California, to help women in job burnout, midlife crisis, empty-nest syndrome, or divorce recovery to find a sense of life purpose, work/life balance and to improve quality of life.

NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—If the Internet had been around when William Jennings Bryan said, “Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved,” he might have next exhorted the crowd to go online and make their voices heard at FacingUp.org.

Across the nation, citizens are taking part in “Facing Up to the Nation’s Finances” community forums, searching for common ground on issues like Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, managing the national debt and government accountability—finding ways to prepare our nation for the oncoming fiscal crisis brought on by the aging of the baby boom generation. With today’s official launch of FacingUp.org, citizens in every community can find thoughtful dialogue at the new hub for information, discussion and action on America’s financial future.

Site users can weigh in, listen to others and pursue avenues to action. At the heart of the site are “Citizen Choicework” issue guides that evenhandedly present different approaches to dealing with Social Security, Medicare, managing the national debt and government accountability with pros and cons linked to every approach at: http://facingup.org/forum

The nonpartisan “Facing Up to the Nation’s Finances” initiative is being lead by experts from The Brookings Institution, The Heritage Foundation, The Concord Coalition, Public Agenda and Viewpoint Learning.

In addition to “Citizen Choicework” issue guides, FacingUp.org also has:
—extensive background materials in easy-to-understand language
—video discussion starters
—a “Follow the Money” audio tour of the federal budget
—discussion threads
—blogs
—“national debt clock” and “count down to the baby boomer bomb” widgets
—questions to pose to candidates
—updates on activities around the nation
—lots of other resources and links

FacingUp.org is being produced by Public Agenda, whose own website is a major destination for journalists, policy makers, educators, students and concerned citizens for its non-partisan, in-depth issue guides. In 2005 and 2007 PublicAgenda.org was one of only five finalists for the most prestigious Internet award of all, the Webby Award, in the Politics category.

Source: Facing Up to the Nation’s Finances

CONTACT: Michael Hamill Remaley of Public Agenda, +1-212-686-6610 ext.
13, mremaley@publicagenda.org, for Facing Up to the Nation’s Finances

Web Site: http://facingup.org/forum

Columbia, MO/Hana R. Solomon, MD/--My patients often say, “You want me to do what?” when they complain to me about their dry, crusted or drippy nose.  I suggest washing because it just makes sense to begin with washing before offering medications. Nasal washing makes sense because it is safe, effective and economical. I have found that educating people about nasal health has resulted in fewer doctor visits and appreciative people. As we age we have more reasons than most to wash, keeping the body’s filter clean and in good working order is a common sense approach.

As we age, several factors result in more nasal and respiratory issues. First, the mucus we produce becomes thicker and stickier, thus making it more difficult to expel. The passages are plugged and secretions back up causing congestion, infections, bad breath, mouth breathing, cough and other maladies. A buffered hypertonic salt solution WILL thin those secretions instantly and without the use of drugs! The wash will flush irritants out, shrink any swelling by naturally decongesting and actually improve the ability to smell, taste and even sleep.

Another factor to consider as we age is the common situation of requiring several maintenance medications and thus drug-drug interactions.  Any drug can have side effects but seniors are even more sensitive to those effects.  There is a complicated and complex reaction when medications interact with each other, especially in light of the factor of decreased liver or kidney clearance in older people.

The monthly expenses of medications AND most concerning, the development of bacterial resistance are all factors, which need to be considered before one takes a medication. Studies support that nasal washing will reduce medication use, prevent nasal and respiratory symptoms and is safe for all ages.  I tell my patients when discussing any recommended treatment option, “You should look at the pros and cons of each option offered to you prior to making your decision.” How can washing with salt water hurt?

Nasal washes will also benefit anyone using CPAP for sleep apnea, as well as allergy and sinus sufferers, firefighters, factory workers, farmers, gardeners, painters and others who frequently encounter pollutants. Washing the body’s filter makes as much sense as cleaning the any filter for improved function, much like cleaning the clothes dryer filter. If the nose is kept clean, it can function as intended. 

Americans’ love affair with Italy continued unabated through 2007 despite the record-high Euro, according
to the U.S. Tour Operators Association, whose members send 11 million people yearly on vacation. 

For the fifth straight year Italy placed first as the most popular international destination for vacation
packages and tours, according to an annual informal poll of USTOA member companies.  More than one
in four responding companies cited Italy as top destination, with England coming in a distant second.  Italy
also placed top as the biggest destination of 2007.

Eastern Europe is hottest up-and-coming area
Eastern Europe—including Bulgaria and the Czech Republic—placed first as the hottest up-and-coming
area for tours and packages, followed closely by South America and Asia, respectively.  For hottest up-and- coming country Croatia came in first, with China close behind.

Egypt offers best value
Egypt placed first by far and away as best value for the dollar, with a three-way tie between Turkey, the U.S., and China for distant second place. 

California edges out the rest
Domestically, the western states were cited as top area for tours and packages, with California slightly edging out Alaska and Nevada.

Survey respondents represented 60 of the top brand names in packaged travel, or 60% of USTOA’s Corporate members. 

USTOA member companies have met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which among other things requires each USTOA Active member company to set aside $1 million to reimburse consumers in case the company goes out of business.  For more information and a listing of USTOA Member companies by destination, visit www.ustoa.com or www.ustoa.travel.  Or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862).

A need for discharging radiation from fallout or from chemotherapy maybe something important to you now or in the future. I advise reading this and taking action (having MISO) EVERYDAY!

Miso is a smooth, dark puree made from either beans or grain or a combination of both. Typically miso is made from soybeans, barley or rice and sea salt which has aged over a period of several months or years. The ingredients are first cooked and then inoculated with koji, a special mold that promotes the fermentation process. The mixture is placed in wooden barrels and allowed to sit for a year or more — similar to making wine.

Miso has a salty, sweet taste and is very delicious. Miso is used in making soups, aging pickles, preparing sauces and spreads and for occasional seasonings in place of sea salt in cooking. Miso contains living organisms that aid in the digestion of grain. It also strengthens the blood and provides a nutritious balance of complex carbohydrates, essential oils, protein, vitamins, and minerals. According to legend, miso was a gift from the gods to ensure humanity's health, longevity and happiness. Miso has been an important food in the Far East since the beginning of civilization and is now popular in the United States.

A number of important benefits are:

• Ability to chelate heavy metals and radiation from the body including radioactive strontium.
• Beneficial micro-organisms to ward off harmful microorganisms
• Helps cleanse nicotine poisoning
• Helps dissolve cholesterol accumulations
• Promotes resistance to disease
• Reduced risk of breast cancer: Journal of NCI June 18, 2003
• Relief from effects of too much smoking
• Relief from effects or too much drinking
• Helps prevent allergies

The word MISO itself means, "source of taste" MI means "taste" and SO means "source." A bowl of miso soup is soothing, relaxing, and stimulates the appetite. I have it for breakfast everyday (well most everyday). I do feel renewed after my sleep. Miso soup in the morning sets the atmosphere for the entire day. It took a while to getting used to it but now I feel so much better. I HAVE LEARNED TO WALK MY TALK!

The variety of soups you can prepare in the kitchen are limitless
— here are a few of my favorites:

• Carrot, onion, wakame Miso soup
• Summer squash and corn Miso soup
• Noodle and pasta Miso soup
• Cream of mushroom Miso soup
• Creamy parnsip Miso soup

By learning how to make balance with soup our day begins on a harmonious note and contributes to deep feelings of enjoyment, satisfaction and wholeness. I feel prepared for any radiation! Me so happy!

Many of our parents are on fixed incomes and are struggling to make ends meet.  Property taxes, home heating fuel, insurance, utilities and food prices keep rising every year but their social security checks only increase minimally.  If your parents or any retired seniors that you know are experiencing financial trouble, the following information could help them save a considerable amount of money each year.

When an individual is about to retire they will generally apply to the Social Security Administration to start receiving their social security retirement benefits.  At that time, if that person is 65 or older they will be enrolled in the government’s health insurance program, Medicare parts A and B

Medicare Part A is the hospitalization portion that helps pay for hospital stays and limited skilled nursing home care.  There is generally no premium for this coverage. 

Medicare Part B pays for some of the things that Part A doesn’t cover like doctor’s services and outpatient medical care.  For most people, a premium for part B is taken out of one’s social security check. 

Since there are deductibles and co-pays that Medicare A and B don’t cover, most people purchase a Medicare Supplemental Plan to cover those gaps. 

These plans will vary from state to state but in most cases there is no difference in coverage when you compare one like plan to another.  However, the premiums for these plans can vary dramatically.  The variations will depend on a number of things like, whether the insurance company bases the premium on one’s age or perhaps the premium was low when the policy was first issued but the yearly increases have caused the premium to skyrocket. 

Since I am an attorney that focuses on estate planning, I meet with a number of elderly clients.  I have many opportunities to find out what some seniors are actually paying for their Medicare Supplemental Insurance coverage.

One Change that Saved over $4,800 a year!

I recently visited with a couple and was shocked to see that they were paying $700 per month for Medicare Supplemental Insurance.  They had had their policies for over 15 years and the premiums just kept creeping up.  They were unaware that there were other plans that were much more economical and did not realize that they could even switch to another plan.  I was able to help this couple find a plan that would save them over $400 per month.  That’s at least a $4800 a year savings!  I was also able to save them a few hundred dollars more per year by getting them to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug program.

Analyzing these Medicare Supplemental programs is very time consuming and can be very overwhelming to the average person.  I believe that many seniors stay with what they have rather than trying to navigate through large amounts of information, much of which is a very confusing in order to find a new plan.  If you feel that you or someone you know is paying too much for their health insurance, you should contact a reputable insurance agent that deals with these types of plans or an elder law attorney should be able to help or direct you to someone who can.

AUSTIN, TX, Nov, 19, 2007 /Jones Production/ — A new nationwide Zogby telephone poll reveals that a sizeable majority of Americans are looking to vote for a candidate who protects liberty, wants to shrink government and immediately withdraw troops from Iraq - all traits common to Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

As part of a spread poll commissioned by Jones Productions, respondents were provided with descriptions of four different candidates and asked to choose who they would vote for based on each one’s attributes and political platform.

Candidate A is a 10-term US Congressman from a large Southern state who is an advocate for a smaller government and individual liberty. This candidate believes in strictly following the Constitution and has never voted to raise taxes. He has never voted in favor of the war in Iraq or the Patriot Act, and wants to bring troops home as soon as possible. As a former doctor, this candidate has delivered more than 4,000 babies. One of this candidate’s goals is to return America to the gold standard, and he believes that the current monetary policy needs to be drastically overhauled because of the dollar’s decline.

Candidate B is a former governor from a Democratic state in the Northeast. Before that, he was credited for essentially saving the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He is a Mormon and family man who is considered a moderate-to-conservative member of the GOP. While Governor, he signed the first state laws in the nation requiring all citizens of this state to obtain health insurance. He is a strong supporter of keeping troops in Iraq although he has been critical of how the war has been handled.

Candidate C is a former two-term senator from a Southern state who was a long-time lobbyist before running for public office. He was chief Republican council for the Congressional committee that investigated Watergate in the early 1970s. He was an actor playing supporting roles in several major motion pictures before entering the Senate, and returned to a prominent role as a New York City prosecutor in a popular network television series after leaving office. He has mostly supported the war in Iraq, but has said he would have managed it differently.

Candidate D is a former two-term mayor of a major city in the Northeast, and is considered a moderate member of the party on social issues. As Mayor, he presided over a dramatic drop in crime in his city, and is best known for his leadership in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He established a worldwide security consulting business after leaving public office at the end of 2001 He has been a supporter of President Bush since leaving office and supports the war in Iraq.

32.8 per cent chose the description matching Ron Paul, while just 18.6 percent chose the description matching Rudy Giuliani. Just 12.6 per cent went for Fred Thompson’s description while 15.1 per cent went for Mitt Romney.

The results clearly illustrate that the country is crying out for Ron Paul, which is why the establishment have launched a PR offensive to marginalize him in order to suppress the Congressman’s name recognition.

The sample used for the poll had mainly never or rarely used websites popular with Ron Paul supporters, such as You Tube, MySpace and Facebook, showing that if Internet users who don’t use land lines were more fairly represented, the numbers would be even more in favor of the Congressman.

In another poll question, the survey found that the majority of Americans are more likely to vote for a candidate who wants to begin an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

Over 49% said they were more likely to vote for a candidate who would begin immediate withdrawal, compared to just under 41% who said they would vote for staying the course and around 10% who were not sure.

Zogby released the numbers this morning and have indicated that due to the level of interest in the poll, they will be issuing a press release tomorrow.

RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/—History loves Baby Boomers for the significance of their generation’s era: civil rights, the Vietnam War, Apollo 11 - unforgettable moments preserved in the hearts of most Americans that are a little more Ed Sullivan than Walter Cronkite. In James J. Brown’s new book, “Will the laughter stop? Baby Boomer Chronicles” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com/), stories of the cars, the music, the football games, the pranks and the parties that helped define a generation will take readers for a trip down Memory Lane in the front seat of a Deuce Coup.

Intertwined with actual historical events and popular music of the period, “Will the laughter stop? The Baby Boomer Chronicles” tags along as protagonist Buck Rawlins and his five friends (his “six-pack gang” with whom he shares a few six packs along the way) participate in the typical teenage rites of passage - from high school romances to high-speed races - against a backdrop of early-’60s Americana.

Boomer readers will recognize many shared experiences as they follow Buck from his first day of high school in June 1961 to the day after graduation in June 1965. Brown’s eye for accuracy and his detailed descriptions bring to life the sandy Long Island setting of the novel, and his often humorous dialogue perfectly captures the gawkiness, comedy, complexity and sometimes tragedy of coming of age during the “wonder years.”

“These characters’ voices could have been anyone’s in high school days, when they struggled to set boundaries,” says Brown, adding, “Readers will be asking themselves, ‘Who will star in the movie?’”

Appealing for any reader who still remembers the internal turmoil of growing up, Boomer readers will be most satisfied when they can finally open a book and say, “That’s the way it was.”

Brown, a native of Long Island, has presided over Administrative Hearings in Raleigh, NC, since 1995. A veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve, he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and Boston College Law School. He lived in Columbia, Md. from 1975 to 1995, before becoming a judge, and spent more than 17 years as a trial attorney and later as a deputy chief with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He also spent several years as a litigator with Saul, Ewing, Weinberg and Green in Baltimore. He maintains two websites, http://www.jamesjbrown.com/ and http://www.babyboomerchronicles.com/.

A best-selling legal author, this is Brown’s first published work of fiction. He and his wife Alice live in Raleigh, N.C. They have four children and four grandchildren.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

RetiringSingles.com and retiringsinglesoverseas.com is an online service that unites singles seeking other like-minded singles with whom to travel, invest abroad, live abroad, and begin businesses. Although it is also for romance-seekers, it goes much farther than that. It’s the one site on the internet where a single baby boomer can find everything - the where, the who, and the how of single life everywhere on the planet.

Founded by Celia Lockwood, a Brit, living in Florida who dreams of living overseas when she retires, or at least investing in a second home overseas. The site is the first of its type for the single over 40 year old World travel, live-abroad crowd.

Celia began the site in April, 2006 she says because although she knew there must be others who shared her dream, she could not find them. And so with the creation of RetiringSingles.com, she created a portal for would be world travelers/expatriates/investors.

“Starting a new life in a foreign country is an exciting prospect,” Celia says. “But making a major life move like that on one’s own is so daunting, it can paralyze you into doing nothing.”

RetiringSingles.com cuts to the chase, by saving singles the time and frustration of learning after several meetings with a potential partner, that the other person they are seeing really has no interest in living or investing abroad. Members of RetiringSingles.com know from the get-go that the other people on the site share their world view.

RetiringSingles.com is, far more than an online dating service for those who want to live abroad. It’s a site packed with resources like properties for sale around the world, articles about the latest, greatest, undiscovered new hotspots on the planet, access to other singles who have already moved abroad, and tools for meeting friends who seek long-term travel buddies.

Life for a single in a couple’s world can be fraught with disadvantages - dinners alone, single supplements, lonely hotel rooms… But this has changed with the advent of RetiringSingles.com - a worldwide portal for singles with a dream of checking out of the rat race either temporarily or for life.

One of RetiringSingles.com charter members, Barbara Thompson says, “I was amazed to find this site. It is frustrating to find so few people my age who are passionate about life abroad.

RetiringSingles.com helped me find my tribe. I hit it off with the first man I met on the site. One month later we took a week-long sailing course. We’re now looking for a boat to buy and sail together.”

RetiringSingles.com is the little black book to get your name into if you want to meet other adventurous worldly singles. 

For Argentinean readers, perhaps the question should be “Will Great Banks Ever Open their Doors Again?”

This first classic photo, according to an article from the Winston-Salem Journal, hangs on the wall at a day-trading company in Winston-Salem to warn people to “keep things in perspective”.

With few people left around who directly remember The Great Depression and the real human tragedy of the 1930s, what might happen when the lessons of the past are ignored?

Consider the implications of the recent repeal of those depression-era laws, such as the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act. Was this necessary to allow the creation of ever-larger banks ("too big to fail?") whose merged entities would have fallen foul of Glass-Steagall? But this act was put in place by the US Congress in order to prevent a repeat of The Great Depression and the 1929 crash. Isn’t it perhaps reckless to take away the safeguards? Are conditions today that much safer than in 1929?

Contributing to the 1929 crash was lax regulation of companies where investors were susceptible to fraud and hype. “Individuals did not know whether companies were doing as well as they claimed to be doing and whether companies’ financial reports were reliable.” Haven’t we seen a repeat of this kind of thing in the spread of “pro-forma” accounting, where losses (according to generally accepted accounting principles) are auto-magically transformed to profits, and company results famously beat the Street by precisely one penny- time and time again? Hype is back with a vengeance- what market observer has not heard the new expression “pump-and-dump” (I wonder what the equivalent expression would have been in 1929)?

The 1929 Stock Market Crash

Haven’t we seen, in Enron, the modern-day version of lax regulation, where financial transactions are hidden in derivatives and entities that do not show up on the books that the auditors see? And what of investors’ confidence in companies such as Arthur Anderson, tainted by Enron-itis? And Allied Irish, where internal supervision procedures do not seem to have benefited from the lessons of Barings?

During The Great Depression and after the 1929 stock market crash, 4,000 banks failed because depositors, having suffered a loss of confidence in the system, rushed to withdraw their savings which they perceived to be at risk. Haven’t we just seen this happen in Argentina? Well, no, because apparently the authorities have learned something, which the people shouldn’t be allowed to get as far as getting their hands on their own money. Can people in the G7 world imagine that what just happened in Argentina could not happen to them? But aren’t we seeing a financial catastrophe in Japan, which not long ago was one of the world’s leading financial powerhouses, ahead I might suggest, of the United Kingdom.

Here are anxious crowds during The Great Depression gathered outside the doors of a branch of one of the large United States banks that failed in December, 1930. The numerous bank failures led to the passing of stricter banking laws.

Congress thought, in 1933, that the Glass-Steagall Act would ensure that such a tragedy would never be repeated in America. Little did they know, that in the closing stages of the 20th Century, that their work would be thrown away to help prop up mega lame-duck businesses whose only hope of survival was to get “too big to fail”.

Banks are supposed to invest their depositors’ funds in low risk business ventures or securities. If a bank has an inside opportunity as a stockbroker to influence the market for the securities in which the bank has a position, we have a conflict of interest that is clearly not governed by the laws of competition or fairness, and tends to inflate the value of assets without requiring them to earn that value through genuine strength or soundness of business. And if the only way to survive is through being big, where are tomorrow’s great businesses going to come from, as “great oaks grow from little acorns”?

Merger mania results in the creation of a small number of very large organizations. Despite their ability to move the markets because of their size, large organizations remain vulnerable- as demonstrated by Enron. As “too big to fail” organizations, they have to be propped up and this allows unsound business to be perpetuated, and robs the taxpayer or the sound businesses from which the propping-up resources are taken. Ultimately this will mean that the day of reckoning is merely put off and will have more devastating consequences-, which can hardly be in a nation’s interest.

Above is a portion of one of the “bread lines” that had already become necessary in American cities by the autumn of 1930. As The Great Depression dragged its weary length from month to month and from year to year, more and more money was required for unemployment relief. Private charity, local funds, even state funds, were insufficient, and at length Congress had to appropriate huge sums to keep people from starving.
Could such measures one day be needed again?

History’s warning: All booms go bust

BOZEMAN, MONT. — Limitless prosperity, endless economic growth—such is the mantra that echoes in the halls of the Republic. The resulting mood is pervasive.

Here at Montana State University, I teach men and women between the ages of 18 and 25, for the most part. This is not a school of rich kids. Many have to take on one or more part-time jobs to afford the tuition even a land-grant college must charge.

Yet they are sleek with optimism, as certain of the future as if they had all been born with silver spoons in their mouths. During the summers, they somehow get to places like Nepal and Kenya, Mongolia and Cambodia. Many talk of taking a year or two off after college to see even more of the world before turning to the productive work that surely will await them.

They save little, spend much, use their credit cards as if they were rubbing enchanted lamps. And why shouldn’t they?

Everything they know, everything they hear and see, from MTV to the financial pages, when they read them, tells them that tomorrow is golden, that the great middle-class dream of affluence that has driven so much of our history is finally and inevitably theirs for the taking.

There is no denying it: With notable exceptions, the ‘90s have been very good to Americans. Though the market has been erratic of late, and there are jitters about inflation, many pundits say there seems to be no reason why this saraband of prosperity cannot continue indefinitely, and confidence continues to ring from nearly every quarter of society.

That includes the young men and women who surround me. I look upon them and wonder if my generation is the last to remember that there is no such thing as limitless prosperity. All booms are followed by busts. All of them!

Most of us grew up with the memory of the worst bust of all, The Great Depression, firmly fixed in our family consciousness; even I, born in 1936, have floating in my mind shadowy images of destitute men, women and children traveling along Route 66, near where my family lived in California, and my mother and father carried the Depression’s scars all their lives.

They used their experience as a cautionary tale, and it is as real to me as the nightly news, sometimes more so.

Yet I find myself reluctant to play the Cassandra to a generation that seems not to know or want to know the reality written in my family bones: that there once was a time very like theirs in which, as Frederick Lewis Allen put it in “Only Yesterday,” “the prosperity bandwagon . . . rolled down Main Street,” but that the era ended abruptly and catastrophically, particularly for people of precisely their age and glimmering hopes.

They cannot imagine that at one point 28 percent of Americans had no incomes at all—a figure that, if applied to today’s population, would come to nearly 73 million human beings.

Nor can they imagine that grown men and women, people just like themselves, once were driven to begging in the streets and fighting like junkyard dogs over scraps buried in garbage heaps, or that we still do not know precisely how many people were killed in the longest and bloodiest period of class warfare in our history.

Above all, they cannot conceive that a repeat of The Great Depression could happen again—that to one degree or another, it will happen again, and maybe to them.

I do tell them all this, of course, when they are willing to listen, but I do not think they really believe me.

Oh, they accept the historic fact of the Great Depression, as they would that of the Black Plague of the 17th century, but they no more expect economic calamity in their lifetimes than they worry that buboes will suddenly appear in their armpits.

I envy them. I wish I could share their insouciance. There is something magical in it, something that smacks of the innocent hopefulness that has defined us as a people, that has made our story, as the historian Bernard DeVoto wrote, “mad with the impossible.”

But even as I envy them, I fear for them.

As my mother and father’s generation learned with brutal clarity, innocence and hope are fragile shields against the implacability of fate.

-- T.H. Watkins, a professor of Western American studies at Montana State University and author of ‘’The Hungry Years: A Narrative History of the Great Depression in America,’’ wrote this article for the New York Times.

Author and baby boomer expert, Beverly Mahone, is starting the first leg of her summer book tour with the theme: “I’m still hot...it just comes in Flashes now!” Ms. Mahone says this is the new national anthem for middle age women everywhere and that’s the point she’ll be driving home to women at every book signing, television appearance and speaking engagement over the coming months.

Her book, WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age, has created quite a buzz since she was featured earlier this month in a New York Times article. Ms. Mahone has been very vocal about her welcoming of menopause as a part of her life’s journey. In her book she gives readers a humorous, yet reflective look at growing older and all of the trials and triumphs that come with the experience.

With great candor and wit, Mahone discusses her own battles with hot flashes, weight gain, divorce and dating again as a single parent; as well as the complex dynamics of being an “older worker” in a youth obsessed society. “I found myself having my biggest hot flashes while at work. The newsroom can be a very stressful place. I began journaling my experiences---all of them. And eventually realized that I had something to share with others.”

Renowned author and Virginia Tech professor, Nikki Giovanni has endorsed Ms. Mahone’s book calling it “the right story at the right time.”

Ms. Mahone’s book tour will begin in Greensboro with a stop through Charlotte and then on to the Washington, D.C and Maryland areas.

The veteran journalist spent more than 25 years experience in radio and television before becoming a published author. She is available for interviews and can be reached by telephone at: 301-356-6280; or email: bmahone@nc.rr.com; or you can visit her website: http://www.thebabyboomerdiva.com

On the way home from visiting my mom across town, I heard a brief radio story about some less than ethical credit card lending practices.  What originally caught my attention was the term Fee Farming.  I though to my self, “WOW” now that’s an accurate name for those $35 fees for being late on a payment or some other incidental forgetfulness.

This story so captured my attention that I did some research online and found this Press Release from 2003 which talks about this predatory lending practice.  I’ve included it here for everyone to read.

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Press Release April 3, 2003: Attorney General Spitzer today announced a lawsuit against a Delaware-based bank that markets credit cards to people with severe financial problems and tarnished credit records.

Spitzer’s lawsuit charges Cross Country Bank and its affiliate, Applied Card Systems, with fraud, false advertising, deceptive business practices and abusive debt collection practices.

Specifically, the company is accused of targeting low-income individuals and consumers with tarnished credit records with deceptive sales pitches for new credit cards. The company claims that the new cards will help consumers repair their damaged credit ratings. In reality, the cards carry exorbitant fees and other hidden costs that worsened consumers’ financial problems.

“My office will aggressively combat predatory lending and credit practices that prey on vulnerable individuals and result in additional financial distress for consumers,” Spitzer said.

Cross Country Bank advertises on the Internet that it: “strives to help customers rebuild their credit when they have experienced financial problems.”

Spitzer said these claims are exaggerated, at best. He said his office has received more than 300 complaints about the bank, many pertaining to promotions that led consumers to believe they’d receive a credit card with a limit of up to $2,500. The vast majority of consumers, in fact, received approximately $400 in credit, much of which was immediately applied to annual, application, and monthly maintenance fees. In essence, many consumers were deceived into paying hundreds of dollars for as little as $100 in credit.

Because Cross Country Bank failed to adequately notify consumers of the exorbitant fees, many then unknowingly exceeded their limit, triggering additional “over-the-limit” and late fees.

Also, many consumers were deceived into enrolling in membership programs that offered them little to no benefit, but cost them additional fees. For example, Cross Country Bank repeatedly enrolled New Yorkers in the credit account protection program
although the fine print of the program excluded virtually all coverage for New York consumers.

The result was a cycle of compounding fees and greater debt that worsened the financial condition of many consumers, Spitzer said.

When consumers fell behind on a payment, Cross Country Bank’s affiliate, Applied Card Systems, would make persistent and abusive dunning calls to their homes and places of employment, as well as to the homes of neighbors and relatives.

Spitzer’s lawsuit seeks reforms by the bank, restitution for consumers and civil penalties and costs.

Cross Country Bank is based in Wilmington, Delaware. Applied Card Systems is based in Glens Mills, Pennsylvania.

In a separate action, the State of Minnesota today filed a similar lawsuit against Cross Country Bank and Applied Card Systems after receiving hundreds of complaints.

Individuals with complaints about fraudulent and abusive tactics of credit card issuers are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s consumer help line at 800-771-7755.

This case is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Mark Fleischer, Matthew Barbaro and Jane Azia of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau.

The most useful tool for communicating as a good listener is patience. Without patience, less is heard, more is missed, and potential is diminished. When someone speaks to you, that person manages the space that either gains or loses your attention.  If you allow another person the space to speak to your listening, then your own patience is a critical component of that listening.
Interrupting, not paying close attention, and allowing your own opinions to cloud what is being said are all functions of an impatient mind.  Not only does the impatient mind affect the experience of listening and being heard, but the impatient mind dominated by emotional responses--anger, embarrassment, sadness, etc.--can make the difference between communication and outright conflict.

When patience rules, the listener gives the speaker the time to speak and to make a significant contribution to the conversation.  If you have any doubts about this, then spend some time observing each time you tune out a speaker with your own thoughts-- with what you plan to say next, with distractions, or with unnecessary interruptions.

When you begin to notice how you listen and how much patience you have, then you can change your listening habits dramatically.  We do not always have the time to listen to every word that is said, but we can usually sort through ordinary constraints with patience.  The way we do this skillfully is to take into consideration yet another aspect of good listening--attitude

As populations in the developed world are growing older and many countries are experiencing a crisis in the pension system, we are facing the prospect of having to work past the usual retirement age. Yet, at the same time, older people are not always welcomed back into the work force. Many also have difficulty finding a new job if they have an unbroken track record and are simply looking for a change in career after the age of 40.

There are a number of steps you can take to maximize your chances of getting a job, despite negative views regarding age on the part of some employers.

When writing your CV or résumé, be sure to target it for the job in question. You can do this by highlighting all the skills and experience which are needed for the job and then proving that you have got them.

It is not necessary to put personal information on your CV – in many countries it is illegal to ask about age and this will also become law in the UK in October of this year. You should either leave out your date of birth completely or put it at the end.  Do not mention your marital status or the number of children you have or their ages. This is not relevant to the job!

The fact that you are older means that you have valuable experience in many areas and you need to make good use of this in your application. Don’t worry if you are returning to work after bringing up children – soft skills, such as communication, time management and the ability to meet deadlines are crucial in the workplace today and all of those will be skills you have developed as a parent. So take a good look at all the skills you have acquired both at work and in other areas of life and make a list. You’ll be surprised to see how many you have and how many of them are transferable.

If you find your particular career favours youth, consider the possibility of self-employment. Could you use your existing skills as a freelance? If you aren’t up to date with computer packages, get your kids to teach you or find out about local classes, which are sometimes free. If there have been changes in your particular industry, look into refresher courses.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that they will get job satisfaction in one place, but this is the exception rather than the rule. So make a list of all the skills you’d like to use (or learn) at work and a list of the tasks which give you job satisfaction. Then consider the possibility of becoming a portfolio worker, that is, someone who has more than one occupation. You might, for example, work as a freelance in your existing career for two or three days a week and set up a small business doing something completely different during the rest of the week. Or you might write about, teach or run workshops in one of the skills you have developed. This doesn’t have to be work-related – it could be a hobby you’ve been interested in for years, it could be an aspect of parenting or coping with a health issue. Look at everything you’ve done in your life so far and you’ll find that there are several areas in which you are an expert.

If you are prepared to look beyond the conventional 9-5 job, you will find that there are many opportunities open to you, regardless of your age.

© Waller Jamison 2006

Waller Jamison is a freelance careers advisor who has taught CV and job application skills and has given advice on career change to clients ranging from unemployed people to postgraduates. She also teaches academic writing sessions at the University of London. She is the author of an e-book “9 Steps to CV Success”, which includes information on completing UK Job Application Forms and is available at http://www.ukjobapplicationforms.com. For information on career change over 40 and self-employment go to: http://www.coolercareers.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Waller_Jamison

Overall Rating ***
This movie has been spotted on youtube.com and also on video.google.com from the full length version of 1 hour and 29 minutes to a short movie just 9-10 minutes long.

“The Future of Food” takes us back to the 19th Century, when civilizations were born and we were a nation of farmers. As the movie begins, it quickly gives us a contrast that with the 20th Century it’s as if we don’t even know what it takes to grow the food we need for survival and energy.

Proactively produced, this film reminds us of the birth of Nitrogen based chemical fertilizers, Nerve Gas insecticides, and how DDT became the hero of it’s generation by systematising agriculture to create higher yields, cheaper pricing and greater availability.

This documentary, presented to you on utube.com and video.google.com, is a fascinating view of everything we know and don’t know about the Green Revolution. Learn about the Pesticide Treadmill, Gene Splicing, and Seed Patents as you watch the jaw dropping facts and pictures unfold. It clearly reminds us that “Who ever controls the Seeds, controls the Foods”.