Apr 3 2012

The Science of Nutrition

I was really happy to find the summary of the findings of The China Study by T. Colin Campbell on YouTube. Please do yourself a favor and watch this. Your health depends on it. What you can learn can reverse heart disease and get you off of medications. Almost 100% of diabetics who switch to a plant based diet can get off of their medicine. This information affects all of us. This is 30 years of reproducible research on nutrition.

This information, which I read in his book The China Study, improved my health substantially. It’s still a work in progress, but it has improved exponentially. I no longer have acid reflux and digestion problems based on what I learned about the connection between nutrition and health and so much more. I will be forever grateful for T. Colin Campbell’s courage to buck the status quo, get the results of his work out to an unsuspecting public, and make an effort to raise the conscious of Americans. From the time that I read his book, I was incredibly shocked at his scientific nutrition research, and have transitioned to a plant based diet, in short, a vegan. It has been a progress that has spanned about two years. I began by reducing my consumption of animal protein, increased my consumption of vegetables, and slowly began removing animal protein, replacing it, and educating myself on various types of non-animal protein. He is currently writing another book on nutrition, which I will definitely read.

One more really good video on YouTube concerning these findings is below. It is worth watching, too. This gives you more information on the correlation between milk and osteoporosis, hormone imbalance, and lactose intolerance. In this video, Bill Clinton also talks about the reversal of the effects of cholesterol. He states that 80% of the people who begin a plant based diet reverse arterial clogging due to cholesterol. Yes, this is very possible because plants do not have cholesterol.The person being interviewed talks about casein in milk as a glue and that it is the cause of phlegm from drinking it. I had this reaction to milk, now drink soy, and was really appreciative of his articulate explanation of the cause and effect relationship.

So this is mostly a post about how to change your course with destiny. Change your thinking and change your life, basically. I hope you learn something here that improves your life. It has certainly helped me.

Apr 2 2012

Away from the Shire

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Like Bilbo, I have slipped the ring on my finger and temporarily vanished from the Shire with a singular purpose in mind…to write for a few days. Do not expect to hear from me unless it is urgent. If you do, tell me to go back to my writing, please. It is a time of peace, relaxation, and the ideas are coming quickly. Soon.

–Patricia

Mar 29 2012

A Spaaa Day

This afternoon was a spa day. I went to Bonneville Hot Springs Spa where I soaked away the cold chill and ache of winter’s grasp and began this week’s restorative journey. I soaked in an outdoor mineral water hot tub in a light rain with more clouds, more steam, and all women in this tub below. Behind the picture is a wall that is also a waterfall.

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Then indoors to an Olympic size mineral pool for swimming and soaking in magnesium and calcium rich mineral water. I swam, swam, swam back and forth then more soaking in an indoor hot tub at the top right and then a while in the sauna. It is fair to say that yes, I will definitely do this again. The peaceful environment and soothing warm waters was an escape to tranquility that I so deserved.

When you give to the world, you must take time for yourself.

Mar 28 2012

So close I could just…

Spring Break, it’s almost here. I am ready for some down time, some me time to go on adventures, to take random naps, to become nocturnal, and to explore my art. Some plans are made and some not while others are beginning to take shape like a visit to Bonneville Spa for a long, warm dip in the mineral water pool to ease and soothe my post winter chill. There are chunks of time still open, so friends and family who want a visit from me should drop me a line and very soon…like this weekend soon.

Like Bilbo, I, too, will disappear off the grid Monday, Tuesday, and part of Wednesday. I’m packing up a few things and going on an overdue writing retreat to get some writing done that needs my complete attention. I am really looking forward to this time and need it oh so badly. I am hopeful that this time will be fruitful or have fruit or something like that in it.

But presently my status is tired, drained physically, emotionally, and somewhat intellectually. I need time to recharge, a day or two, and I’ll be good as new and ready for adventure. I’m yawning as I write this. So I’m keeping it short tonight. More later.

Best to you all. Take time to enjoy earth’s awakening, appreciating the small miracles of life stirring once again.

Mar 19 2012

A Magic Day

A quick dash of a post and then off to slumbers. When I opened the door to the world this morning, I was greeted by snow falling on cherry blossoms. A kiss from the Divine who I love dearly, and it was absolute poetry. My day was beautiful from it’s very beginning. And then in the car beginning my morning drive, Pink Floyd comes on the radio. Really?! Is this for real, I’m wondering. Snow falling on cherry blossoms with Pink Floyd? This was too beautiful to even imagine. I could not refrain from saying, “I love my life!” Laughing out loud as I began such a beautiful, charmed day. I felt blessed beyond measure. Like Christmas, birthday, his love, and hallelujah all rolled into one. Some days are magic, and this was one of them. I lift up my hands in everlasting praise and say thank you for such a beautiful gift.

Now the hour is getting late, and the day is beginning to fade. I bid good night to the best parts of my day. Good night, Keeper of my Heart, good night, world with snow, cherry blossoms, and Pink Floyd in it, good night, yoga, good night, reading, good night, salad for dinner, and good night, warm bath soak that chased a winter chill.

Mar 17 2012

Sleep: Just Out of My Grasp and Spring Outings

Sleep has long since fled over the hills and is probably chasing the light in some far and distant land because it is certainly is not my acquaintance at this wee hour of the morning. At an hour when I am usually flying in dreamland and reaching into a magical world of endless possibilities, I remain earthbound in a physical form.  I probably wrote too late into the evening which tends to leave me ran hard and put up wet, or in an otherwise overly excited state of mind to entertain the idea of then sleeping. So it may be a while. But tomorrow, well, this morning will remedy that. I aim to be exhausted from an abundance of physical activities such as time in the gym and time dancing this time tomorrow morning. So sleep, hide your downy head from me for now, but soon you will catch me, and when you do, it’s going to take hours. And then time to just linger and enjoy that I have slept well. Just so you know, I can hardly wait. The best sleep is exhausted and drained with a faint smile curling the edges of my lips and a rosy pink glow that says it all.

It has taken a while, but today I finalized the rest of my plans for Spring Break.  Memorial Day weekend  was done long ago. All of which involves a little travel, little writing, much relaxing, and getting outside. Planning for pleasure makes working relentlessly doable. Getting away to different surroundings is yet another way to get my creative juices flowing, and the rest is bliss. It really is that good or so I’ve been told. Actually, I do get away from time to time. Just not lately. But when I do…no schedule, no hurry, intentionally slowing down. Leisurely activities with only one purpose in mind. Sheer bliss. I work hard, so a hard working lady like myself should be terribly spoiled on occasion or at least that is the assumption that I operate under because as I’ve learned, it’s all about balance. So I make an effort to totally let go on occasion and just enjoy myself completely. A spring indulgence. Writing people need experiences that can inform their writing, that spark their imaginations, and fuel their passions which can then be channeled into creative endeavors. It’s a lovely thing to be a creative person. A real gift. And I eagerly welcome spring with outings, venturing out, and enjoying the stirrings of earth’s awakening.

Mar 12 2012

Busy Days: A Summary of the Blur That is My Recent Life

Friday and Saturday:

This weekend I went to training to be a National Board facilitator in the Seattle area which now  means that I can provide support for more teachers and comment on more writing for the National Board experience like I do for the ProTeach experience. I love working with teachers and writing, so it just makes sense to me. I saw a few familiar faces in training, folks I’ve worked with many times before in scoring writing for the state. It was good to see them, to exchange stories from the field, and catching up since our last get together. Funny how the same people turn up in the same types of places with the the same interests. Being a National Board certified teacher myself, well, I really understand teacher candidates’ challenges all too well and then some. It’s like the challenges of teaching and being student at the same time and then add my previous remote location and less than amicable working conditions, and you have layers and layers of challenges. It has been a very busy blur of a weekend that passed all too quickly with occasional bright and shiny moments in a somewhat gossamer dreamlike state due to the lack of sleep and, quite literally, exhaustion. After much sleeping in and napping today, my energy is returning and will soon be followed by an early bed time tonight with more sleeping. Sometimes…I wonder how I do as much as I do…but it’s usually after the fact. Mid-stream, I just go and figure out how to make it all happen.

Arriving are the almost-Spring and Spring activities that signal the end of Winter to me. It was Megaband weekend in Portland, the area’s largest Contra dance this year. The crowd was the largest I can remember as was the band with the addition of a few unexpected instruments. It was also one of the warmest nights for Megaband that I can remember. Just north of here at the end of May, Seattle will also have a large gathering of Contra dancers and musicians at Folklife Festival. It is such a fun weekend. I have been going to Folklife Festival for…wow…since 1997-ish. A long time. Those plans are pretty much made. Now to work on Spring Break. I need a personal writing retreat to the coast where I will have time to write to the rhythm of the surf and a warm fire, two elements that when experienced together inspire me the most.

Sunday:

I’m currently reading MFA in a Box which, so far, has some very salient points for writing in the narrative voice. It was written by Pacific University MFA grad John Rember and is a good read. I have just finished L.L. Barkat’s Rumors of Water, also on writing and also a good read. Books on writing by authors who are publishing are a valuable insight into individual author approaches to writing. Next, maybe some science fiction, poetry, or fantasy or yes to all.

I’ve worked up a collection of poems, Postcards from Mt. Adams, as a project, an online chapbook of sorts, on this lovely blog from my time on Mt. Adams. There’s one about a trip up to the summit when a lightning storm surrounded me that is still asking to be written. Soon. I’ve never seen so many flashes of lightning touching down around me at time one time. Frightening and beautiful.

Monday

And all too soon. It’s Monday, and I’ve got a little time before work to work on work. Noticing a theme here? Yes, me, too. Note to self. Finalize your Spring Break plans today. You’ll need it. A bright spot today is yoga tonight. I have been a yoga enthusiast for years and really enjoy the vinyasa flow style of yoga. This style of yoga is highly beneficial to a demanding life style. The poses, asanas, challenge the practitioner to engage in and hold poses that cause an internal reaction of holding on when it gets challenging. This has been described as creating an inner space that is calm, quiet, peaceful when the body and mind is under stress. I have found this to be true and a wonderful outgrowth of yoga practice along with a more toned physique. The depth of engagement in asanas is completely up to each individual which means that it is possible to practice yoga my entire life. If you’re interested in trying yoga, give it more than one session. The first month is the most challenging as your body undergoes changes quickly. Core muscles quickly respond to yoga. So when the initial early days seem a little challenging, persist. Core muscles will soon strengthen and make practicing a delight. Okay, this day is starting early. More later.

Feb 26 2012

Mostly a Vegan Post

So I’ve just finished my vegan chores for next week. There’s a giant, fresh batch of spinach hummus and sliced veggies in the fridge now which ensures healthy eating when I’m a bit peckish from work. So here is a video that I found reassuring that is about other vegans, the animal kingdom, who are frequently targeted as food. I am  happily vegan and find there’s a different kind of understanding about the world and its inhabitants when the flesh of others is not a consideration. It’s an understanding not to mention a healthier way of living. It may not be right for everyone, but I’m happier, healthier, and have a greater perspective and appreciation of the world and those who live in it. Not eating meat removes an, for lack of a better word, aggression from me. It has made me kinder, gentler, healthier, and happier. As a teenager I was mostly vegetarian and enjoyed the way it made me feel. Becoming vegan was a conscious decision of no longer eating meat as well as byproducts of animals. My awareness of what I was eating was too keen. I don’t lack for things to eat. Quite the contrary. I eat more of what is good for me and do not desire things that are not. It has made me a better eater with better digestion and fewer digestion issues. It is a decision that I would make again as it has helped me become the person who I feel most identifiable with and at peace with.

Feb 20 2012

Remembering Kurt Cobain and Life in Aberdeen

I lived in Aberdeen, WA in my early 20′s. It was a tough and tumble town with a rapidly declining economy.  Paper mills were closing, gypo logging outfits were laying off, and as the economy contracted in pain, Kurt Cobain rose from the ashes of poverty to become the king of grunge. It amazes me how he could focus on his art when living in such pain.

He attended Weatherwax High School and then later Harbor High School, the alternative school in Aberdeen. I have worked at both, but the greatest stories that inspire me to believe in persevering are the stories of his life from those who took him in at Harbor High School. The staff frequently provided a sofa and hot meal for Kurt when he needed it. His stories for needing it are heart breaking. I’m not here to reveal the details of his life that I came to know, but I can say that it was typical of the lives of those who lived there during this time. Divorce, welfare, unemployment, domestic violence, recreational sex, fractured, dysfunctional families, drugs, alcohol, lack of values…all the panaceas of the suffering masses. It wasn’t uncommon for all of these complications to be found in each person’s life there at an early age.

I lived on W. Young Street where Kurt had lived. My spouse and I scraped out a living that kept a roof over our heads and most of us were well fed. I sacrificed daily to feed my children and was very thin. It was hard scrabble times. The neighborhood was nicknamed Felony Flats for a reason. Crime, violence, and poverty were rampant. If anyone attempted to resolve a family dispute that wasn’t their business, threats to burn your house down were common. It was a depressed area that offered little hope. The solution was to leave and leaving felt like exile.

There was something about most of humanity suffering there that united people in their pain. People shared what they had in the smallest of excess with others. This included food, shelter, friendship, and time hanging out. It helped to ease the pain of an economy that was spiraling downward out of control.

I remember Kurt Cobain, the challenges of Aberdeen life as a 20 something, and the compassion of the people there.

Feb 19 2012

Avoiding Writer’s Block, What My iPhone Does, and Things You Might Like

I’m taking a break from writing to write a blog post. I have been more than a little busy this last week. Today, I revised six articles on Celtic history, beliefs, and ancient practices and then uploaded them to a site that makes them available as magazine content. My sales have depleted my portfolio, and this is the time that I have to work on it, then on to a dozen other things. A few of the articles needed a little revision to get them past the keen eye of the editor and as of today, all six of them are now on the market.

Did you know that if you try to write and edit at the same time, you’ll most likely get a headache or just want to stop writing? This is the very definition of writer’s block. To avoid writer’s block, choose which activity you will engage in: creating or editing. I always think of this rule of thumb when I am engaging in revision.

I’m enjoying listing to Pandora while I compose a new blog entry that has been a few days coming. What I once thought was just another web site has become pretty awesome. I created lots of great stations on it, and then I downloaded the app to my iPhone. I can play Pandora stations through my car stereo system and my home entertainment system. If you know how important music is to me, you’ll get this right away. The iPhone app syncs with the AppleTV connected to the tv and the wireless network, and, seriously, my phone becomes a remote control. I stream my favorite stations from my phone to AppleTV which then plays it over the home theater. It’s more than sweet. It’s 7 channel surround sound awesomeness. Oopsy, my nerd bloomers are showing, but I had to share this.

So it’s a good night for a warm fire and a cozy state of mind.  I’m wrapped in the comfort and relief of so much done this weekend with another day left to spare. Assurance that I’ll live to write another day. Yes, I understand Shahirazad now.

So what are some moments to be had on the interwebs and just people with brilliant ideas? Here’s the short list:

  • Brian Dettmer’s book carvings
  • The best advice to writers web site
  • Krist Novoselic has a brilliant idea: “Here’s an idea! I take the bunker scene in “Downfall” of Hitler raving in German then paste in English subtitles of whatever takes my fancy.” Should be interesting. Thanks, Krist.

I’ve put in a full day plus and am absolutely drained/ready to be poured in between cool, crisp sheets. Now boarding for the dreamland express. I always want to accomplish so much in writing in each sitting, but few days live up to the full extent of my expectations. Today was an exemplary writing day. As much as I wanted go run around, I struggled but stayed in the chair and finished a huge chunk of writerly stuff. Getting focused isn’t the problem. It’s sitting still. The weather has improved so much that I want to be exercising, moving, doing, spending energy. Tomorrow.

I did so much today that tomorrow will have a big chunk of exercise time in it. I will engage in computer chair avoidance. My annual post-holiday commitment to fitness is well underway, and I’m enjoying success in this as well. I’m feeling incredible and energized beyond belief.  I am doing my yoga, walking, and committed to my vegan diet on most days. Occasionally I needs just a little bit of cheese, please. The results have been an overall sense of well being and increased energy levels. To think it all started with the book The China Study and yoga in the Gorge. My health just seems to continue getting better and better.

Well, I hear the warning whistle of the dreamland express. Waving goodbye for now and bidding you the sweetest of dreams.