One of our houseguests greeted us today, the day following the holiday, with "Happy Un-Thanksgiving!" and it set me to thinking...
Perhaps the fun and comfort of being around family made our guest yearn for more of that FEELING of the special holiday. Maybe it was not so much the traditional fare of turkey and pumpkin pie as it was the warm and cozy feelings of connecting around a dinner table with aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings. The conversation, the laughter, the ambiance of a good experience like that is very impressive to our sensibilities-no matter our age.
Family customs, family activities all work to program our hearts. As human beings, we all seek pleasure and avoid pain. When we gather for a meal on Thanksgiving Day we make memories and those memories are stored in our image makers (hearts) until the pictures are seen and recalled by the brain as memories.
Here's hoping our children have had the kinds of experiences surrounding holidays and every day to program their lives to be filled with love, peace and joy. The more good experiences that are provided , the better able they will be to create holiday memories for their families. That will make the whole world a better place.
The energy of love and loving memories is very powerful, extremely comforting and exceedingly healing.
For more information about the healing power of energy and energy medicine you might like to visit The Healing Codes .
Connie Baum
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Do You Know What Month It Is?
November is Native American Indian Month.
We observed this occasion in Grand Style: we attended a Powwow at the invitation of the Native American Social Club Association (NASCA) on the campus of the Tecumseh State Correctional Facility near our home.
Our Indian hosts were as gracious as ever, if not moreso. We were greeted warmly as we arrived. We were offered hot chocolate and soda until it seemed to drizzle out our ears, and the men seemed genuinely grateful we chose to spend Saturday evening with them.
There was the traditional drum, of course. My son, who is of Cheyenne and Danish descent, was honored to sit with the drummers for the entire Powwow! He thoroughly enjoyed his time with the men and although he knew some of the fellows, he made new friends around the drum.
One lone dancer wore regalia. Sometimes I grieve that the inmates are not allowed the regalia from their own tribes...it must feel to them like being a priest and not wearing a collar. But the dancer who did have regalia had a bustle and a headdress. There were shiny silver earrings with beadwork on them dangling from both his pierced ears. He also had bright blue mocassins, which had been made for him by the artistic hands of an Indian brother. That artist was not dancing that night, for he is in mourning. The dancer also carried the Dance Stick and the Feathers. He wore colorful beaded wrist bands and his knees were covered with bells which jangled as he danced and moved. He danced with passion from the beginning drumbeats to the last.
The Master of Ceremonies announced there would be a dance to honor the women of the group. Each woman was to choose a partner with whom to dance. I chose a tall man with long dark hair and a brightly colored shirt with the club's logo on it. He seemed embarrassed and told me that he really could not dance. I laughed and responded, "Hey! I'm PINK; what would I know about how to do heya?" He grinned and took my hand. We stepped into the dance circle with the others. The dancer who wore the regalia held his Dance Stick over each woman and danced near to us as the song was drummed. It was a high honor for each female there, to be recognized as a woman, as a guest, as a dancer.
At the appointed time, the guests were invited to the buffet table. The men in charge of serving the food had carefully and patiently opened individual packets of chips and placed bean dip and cheese spread over the middle of each. They looked like square plates from a fancy-schmancy eatery, replete with tri-fold paper towels from a dispenser. There was a host for each guest to fetch soda, spoons, more napkins--whatever was necessary for the perfect dining experience. Just in case we'd not had our fill, someone came around to hand out individual packets of peanuts! Our hosts lingered to chat as we ate together. It would have been difficult to distinguish who enjoyed themselves more-the hosts or the guests.
The hour approached when the party had to end. The announcement came that there would be one more song. The entire company of people drew close to the drum for the Freedom Song. The drum was louder than it had been all night and the singing was not only louder, but was also higher pitched. The passion and love and energy that filled that gymnasium could have lit the whole of New York City for a week!
As the drumming and singing filled the air, the Dancer handed me the Dance Stick! I wasn't sure what it meant, really, but I knew I had received a great honor. Tears stung my eyes and dripped down my cheeks. The Dancer smiled at me and nodded. I smiled back but I could barely see for the tears. They were tears of joy. Later I learned that the feathers in the Dance Stick had belonged to the Dancer's ancestors. He had honored his ancestors and me by allowing me to hold the Dance Stick at the high point of the Freedom Song! With that information, my heart melted.
There were goodbye handshakes and hugs and last minute thank yous. Then we walked out of that environment into a still and starlit night. The air was cool and the wind had been hushed. Hearts had been healed that night. Honor had been given and received. Love was all around. It was palpable.
Here's hoping you can observe Native American Indian Month with joy and passion. If you are looking for some way to make it meaningful you could view an Indian art exhibit. Give yourself the treat of visiting the website of one of the most amazing artists on earth. You will be honored for your effort. This site features the pointillistic impressions of portrait artist, Ralph P. Brown, a Mohawk Indian: Mirrored Windows .
Connie Baum
We observed this occasion in Grand Style: we attended a Powwow at the invitation of the Native American Social Club Association (NASCA) on the campus of the Tecumseh State Correctional Facility near our home.
Our Indian hosts were as gracious as ever, if not moreso. We were greeted warmly as we arrived. We were offered hot chocolate and soda until it seemed to drizzle out our ears, and the men seemed genuinely grateful we chose to spend Saturday evening with them.
There was the traditional drum, of course. My son, who is of Cheyenne and Danish descent, was honored to sit with the drummers for the entire Powwow! He thoroughly enjoyed his time with the men and although he knew some of the fellows, he made new friends around the drum.
One lone dancer wore regalia. Sometimes I grieve that the inmates are not allowed the regalia from their own tribes...it must feel to them like being a priest and not wearing a collar. But the dancer who did have regalia had a bustle and a headdress. There were shiny silver earrings with beadwork on them dangling from both his pierced ears. He also had bright blue mocassins, which had been made for him by the artistic hands of an Indian brother. That artist was not dancing that night, for he is in mourning. The dancer also carried the Dance Stick and the Feathers. He wore colorful beaded wrist bands and his knees were covered with bells which jangled as he danced and moved. He danced with passion from the beginning drumbeats to the last.
The Master of Ceremonies announced there would be a dance to honor the women of the group. Each woman was to choose a partner with whom to dance. I chose a tall man with long dark hair and a brightly colored shirt with the club's logo on it. He seemed embarrassed and told me that he really could not dance. I laughed and responded, "Hey! I'm PINK; what would I know about how to do heya?" He grinned and took my hand. We stepped into the dance circle with the others. The dancer who wore the regalia held his Dance Stick over each woman and danced near to us as the song was drummed. It was a high honor for each female there, to be recognized as a woman, as a guest, as a dancer.
At the appointed time, the guests were invited to the buffet table. The men in charge of serving the food had carefully and patiently opened individual packets of chips and placed bean dip and cheese spread over the middle of each. They looked like square plates from a fancy-schmancy eatery, replete with tri-fold paper towels from a dispenser. There was a host for each guest to fetch soda, spoons, more napkins--whatever was necessary for the perfect dining experience. Just in case we'd not had our fill, someone came around to hand out individual packets of peanuts! Our hosts lingered to chat as we ate together. It would have been difficult to distinguish who enjoyed themselves more-the hosts or the guests.
The hour approached when the party had to end. The announcement came that there would be one more song. The entire company of people drew close to the drum for the Freedom Song. The drum was louder than it had been all night and the singing was not only louder, but was also higher pitched. The passion and love and energy that filled that gymnasium could have lit the whole of New York City for a week!
As the drumming and singing filled the air, the Dancer handed me the Dance Stick! I wasn't sure what it meant, really, but I knew I had received a great honor. Tears stung my eyes and dripped down my cheeks. The Dancer smiled at me and nodded. I smiled back but I could barely see for the tears. They were tears of joy. Later I learned that the feathers in the Dance Stick had belonged to the Dancer's ancestors. He had honored his ancestors and me by allowing me to hold the Dance Stick at the high point of the Freedom Song! With that information, my heart melted.
There were goodbye handshakes and hugs and last minute thank yous. Then we walked out of that environment into a still and starlit night. The air was cool and the wind had been hushed. Hearts had been healed that night. Honor had been given and received. Love was all around. It was palpable.
Here's hoping you can observe Native American Indian Month with joy and passion. If you are looking for some way to make it meaningful you could view an Indian art exhibit. Give yourself the treat of visiting the website of one of the most amazing artists on earth. You will be honored for your effort. This site features the pointillistic impressions of portrait artist, Ralph P. Brown, a Mohawk Indian: Mirrored Windows .
Connie Baum
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Was I Eavesdropping?
The conversation was so loud I could not help overhearing it...the young blond woman with a stick figure went on at length, describing her lunch.
"Oh, I was so concerned about the fat content that I used the low fat cheese and if I use the low calorie, low fat bread I could have a grilled cheese sandwich!" she gushed. She continued her monologue, " I only use the low sodium, low fat canned soups so that way I can stay within my Weight Watcher points..."
Someone opened a discussion with the dimunutive-size 0-young blond about the good fat content of nuts, which sparked a whole new monologue about cholesterol...
The conversation trailed on but in my head I had moved on to other issues.
I guess I was the only one in that room who understands the critical nature of REAL FOOD, WHOLE FOOD, RAW FOOD. I also guess that crowd wasn't really open to the idea. And I am sure none of those folks had seen these headlines:
Availability of fruits and vegetables improves eating behavior of schoolkids
"Oh, I was so concerned about the fat content that I used the low fat cheese and if I use the low calorie, low fat bread I could have a grilled cheese sandwich!" she gushed. She continued her monologue, " I only use the low sodium, low fat canned soups so that way I can stay within my Weight Watcher points..."
Someone opened a discussion with the dimunutive-size 0-young blond about the good fat content of nuts, which sparked a whole new monologue about cholesterol...
The conversation trailed on but in my head I had moved on to other issues.
I guess I was the only one in that room who understands the critical nature of REAL FOOD, WHOLE FOOD, RAW FOOD. I also guess that crowd wasn't really open to the idea. And I am sure none of those folks had seen these headlines:
Raw Broccoli, Cabbage Slash Bladder Cancer Risk by 40 Percent; Cooking Destroys Benefits
Vegetables May Reduce Hardening of ArteriesAvailability of fruits and vegetables improves eating behavior of schoolkids
Americans still not eating enough fruits and vegetables
On reflection, I might have suggested to this little person some super snack ideas: I could have offered her the idea of carrying a hard cooked egg in her lunch bag so when lunch was over and supper is a long way off she might get in a little protein. Maybe she never thought of slicing an apple, sprinkling a pinch of salt to keep it from darkening and sealing it into a plastic container. She's probably sick and tired of eating carrot and celery sticks. Maybe she could mix it up with colorful slices of red and green peppers or napa cabbage for dipping into some hummus? Those travel well. I may have been remiss in mentioning to her that she might enjoy packing her lunch with a few crunchy slices of pickle or an olive or two...maybe she'd like fresh slices of mushrooms with a touch of guacamole? I probably missed an opportunity to educate someone...my bad
Actually, it seems to me that the people of this nation have been programmed to believe that if it is in a box or bottle or can on a store shelf and they have the cash to buy it , it must be all right to consume. All this flap about low fat, low sodium, low calorie and no sugar gets me crazy! It is hard to resist the tempation to rant and rave.
But I'll show great restraint. I'll keep my pie hole shut and point my beloved, health-seeking readers to good places to find real assistance when it comes to eating well and being well. Here are a couple of my favorite people:
Actually, it seems to me that the people of this nation have been programmed to believe that if it is in a box or bottle or can on a store shelf and they have the cash to buy it , it must be all right to consume. All this flap about low fat, low sodium, low calorie and no sugar gets me crazy! It is hard to resist the tempation to rant and rave.
But I'll show great restraint. I'll keep my pie hole shut and point my beloved, health-seeking readers to good places to find real assistance when it comes to eating well and being well. Here are a couple of my favorite people:
and
AND HERE
AND HERE
These experts are in the know about health and good food. I am proud to represent them on the world wide web because they both understand the importance of eating well. Please, won't you do yourself a favor by visiting these sites and taking their information to heart, and to your food table?
Connie Baum
Monday, October 27, 2008
Do YOU Have a Tough Choice to Make?
What is the toughest choice you ever had to make?
For me, it was the decision to place my own son into a nursing facility. It was incredibly painful for me and for him. I was sure at the time I would never be able to forgive myself for making the choice I did.
He, on the other hand, thought he had done something wrong and he was being punished by not being allowed to live at home any more.
It was an unbearably miserable time for our whole family.
You'll be pleased to know that there is a happy ending to this drama. Even though he was not expected to live much longer after his admission to the nursing home, he stayed in that facility for ten years, thriving as the years unfolded. At the end of a decade he was able to live successfully in a group home, work in a sheltered workshop, and create a whole new life for himself at the tender age of 39!
Here's hoping your family never has to make those kinds of choices. The chances are good, however, that you will be faced with not only WHETHER to place your loved one in a professional setting but WHICH facility to choose.
I have discovered a wonderful resource for dealing with this issue. It is a handbook of 'How To' prepared by a former Nursing Home Administrator and legal guardian of two nursing home residents. She knows what's really going on and can help you navigate and negotiate the process of choosing the right facility for the right reasons! The name of this book: "Nursing Home Secrets Revealed", authored by Aileen Avinedo, RN, BSN
I'm not the only one who thinks this woman has good advice. Look what this man had to say:
"This is the most comprehensive book on nursing homes I have ever read. As a physician who has visited many facilities (nursing, assisted living, and independent living) I found the information to be thorough and accurate. Aileen correctly identifies the important issues one faces when considering a long term care facility for their family member or themselves. This book is an asset for this type of search."
--Dr. Bryan F. Walther
Loveland, Ohio
Aileen Avinedo is making a difference in Senior Care. Please look carefully at the sage advice she offers. It can make a difference for you and your loved ones, too!
For me, it was the decision to place my own son into a nursing facility. It was incredibly painful for me and for him. I was sure at the time I would never be able to forgive myself for making the choice I did.
He, on the other hand, thought he had done something wrong and he was being punished by not being allowed to live at home any more.
It was an unbearably miserable time for our whole family.
You'll be pleased to know that there is a happy ending to this drama. Even though he was not expected to live much longer after his admission to the nursing home, he stayed in that facility for ten years, thriving as the years unfolded. At the end of a decade he was able to live successfully in a group home, work in a sheltered workshop, and create a whole new life for himself at the tender age of 39!
Here's hoping your family never has to make those kinds of choices. The chances are good, however, that you will be faced with not only WHETHER to place your loved one in a professional setting but WHICH facility to choose.
I have discovered a wonderful resource for dealing with this issue. It is a handbook of 'How To' prepared by a former Nursing Home Administrator and legal guardian of two nursing home residents. She knows what's really going on and can help you navigate and negotiate the process of choosing the right facility for the right reasons! The name of this book: "Nursing Home Secrets Revealed", authored by Aileen Avinedo, RN, BSN
I'm not the only one who thinks this woman has good advice. Look what this man had to say:
"This is the most comprehensive book on nursing homes I have ever read. As a physician who has visited many facilities (nursing, assisted living, and independent living) I found the information to be thorough and accurate. Aileen correctly identifies the important issues one faces when considering a long term care facility for their family member or themselves. This book is an asset for this type of search."
--Dr. Bryan F. Walther
Loveland, Ohio
Aileen Avinedo is making a difference in Senior Care. Please look carefully at the sage advice she offers. It can make a difference for you and your loved ones, too!
Connie Baum
Friday, October 24, 2008
No Cooking? NO KIDDING?
By now you know what a health nut and foodie I am. You know I love to cook and I am all about healthy eating habits...
Some of you have complained to me that you don't LIKE to cook. Even those of you who do enjoy food prep and were pleased to have consulted with The Dinner Diva -continue to roam the aisles of the grocery store, hang from your cupboard doors, and poke your head into your fridge to answer the family's cries, "WHAT IS THERE TO EAT?"
Some of you have complained to me that you don't LIKE to cook. Even those of you who do enjoy food prep and were pleased to have consulted with The Dinner Diva -continue to roam the aisles of the grocery store, hang from your cupboard doors, and poke your head into your fridge to answer the family's cries, "WHAT IS THERE TO EAT?"
I have such exciting news for you!
How would you like to have access to 400 ways to eat raw foods?
Now, don't you roll your eyes! I can hear you groaning, thinking it is just awful to think of veggies and fruits and no steak dinners! I know. You have a picture in your head of what Thanksgiving Dinner looks like and it does not include freshly squeezed wheat grass!
But I know about this Raw Foods Chef who has been a competitive body builder and she has proved by using raw foods and developing programs based on raw foods that you can be really healthy and it's not a lot of bother! Impressive, don't you think?
Her name is Kristen Suzanne. She is a beautiful woman with a real zest for life. She is devoted to helping us feel great, have more energy, and live longer. WHAT A CONCEPT!
Kristen is eager for us to have sound nutritional content, featuring phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. And she stresses the importance of COLOR!
Does Kristen's message sound like an echo of Mother Connie's? If it does, then you know why this is such good news!
Please do yourself a healthy favor ASAP and meet Kristen Suzanne !
Connie Baum
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