Thursday, June 30, 2011

Fun Thursday - River Rafting at the American River

Years ago, before the kiddies, Nerdy Hubby and I did the Kern River white water rafting.  It was our first time and we didn't know better to be scared and did the level IV.  Can't say it wasn't "exciting."

As the kiddies get older, we wanted to introduce white water rafting to them. This time, we had to be smarter and safer.  Did our (well, really my) research.  Found that the American River (South Fork) would be the best place to "get them wet."

As with all the rivers with white water rafting, there are too many company to choose from. So read up on the numerous reviews and found a few to be especially suitable for first timers and family with younger children.


California River Adventures - http://www.calriver.com/

All Outdoors - California Whitewater Rafting - http://www.aorafting.com/welcome.htm

My Theory on Summer:
Kids, Add Water (of any kinds), 
Happy & Memorable Summer For All

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

ADHD and Elimination Diets

Occasionally, the kiddies will feast on candies and sweets...like today when we were literally at a giant candy store.

While they do not have ADHD, I usually do know the result of such sugar overload...they will be bouncing off the wall, have more difficulty listening and will need time to wind down before bedtime.  We then will have to encourage water, lots of it and then "detox" away from sugar and artificial colors and ingredients for the next few days.

It is therefore no surprise to me when I came across the article, "Study shows the Elimination Diets Help Those with AHDH."  

http://nourishinghope.com/2011/06/study-elimination-diets-help-those-with-adhd/

I am just glad that the medical environment is becoming more open to the possibility of the impact diets have on children.  When I was working more directly with children in the past, numerous parents had brought up the issue of food sensitives and the negative behavioral impacts.  Many felt unsupported by their pediatricians and the medical professionals.

Here is an additional article on Elimination diets for those who might be interested.

Summer is the time for Fun & Merriment.
Sometimes, we just have to remember, we are what we eat.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Travel Packing Habits - Over-Packers VS. Under-Packers

I must confess, I am a road trip "Over-Packer."

Unlike most vacations where you are limited to one suitcase and one carry-on on the plane, a road trip beckons over-packers with the fantasy that they can bring as much as they want.
  • "Of course, we can fit that in! There’s tons of room in the car!"
  • "I’m a master packer – wait ‘til you see me in action. You’d be amazed at what I can fit into a trunk!"
  • "That? Yeah, let’s bring that, too. You never know what you’ll need."
  • "I was a Boy Scout and you know their motto: always be prepared!
Then there are the "Under-Packers."

Under-packers are in heaven on airplanes and trains with their tiny bags and miniature toiletries. 
Being forced to buy things if they need them on their trip is worth it to not have to drag around heavy bags.

But when it comes to a road-trip, it just doesn’t make sense to under-pack. Having to shop on the road takes time away from sightseeing and other fun activities, and though there’s not an endless amount of room in the car (as the over-packer fervently believes), there is enough room to bring what you need.

Planning-Fun-Road-Trips.com 
has a many great tips and wonderful packing lists.



Best reminders for me so far are "tons of baggies" & "Big beach towels" for those just in case situations.  I am not sure just in case for what, but I want to be  prepared...oh no, the over-packer in me just reared its ugly head!

Take a Fun Road Trip This Summer...Just Because!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Good Eats - Moelleux au Chocolat


French Chocolate Lava Cake
Moelleux au Chocolat… 
A French classic that let the chocolate oozes from its center and literally melts in your mouth!!! This dessert is usually made in individual ramekins and served warm.
I actually like mine with a firmer, but very moist center and raises a bit (almost like a souffle.)
This is one of the easiest recipe with an exceptional result.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes 
Cooking Time: 13-14 minutes (for liquid center) – 15-16 minutes or until the cake raises over the rim (for moist center) and put the Ramekins right on the rack, no bottom tray.
Ingredients (4 Individual Servings):

6 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate (or use your favorite 65%/70% dark chocolate bar)
6 oz. Butter (small cubes, room temperature)
3 Eggs (room temperature, better for volume)
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (or 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp of grand marnier)
1/3 cup Flour
Butter and Sugar for Ramekins
                                       
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F
1. Melt chocolate on low flame in double boiler.
2. Stir in butter, until melted; remove from heat. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar, until it starts to whiten and has volume.
4. Gently, fold in melted chocolate and then the flour.
5. Butter then a light coat of sugar for the 4 individual ramekins, and pour in chocolate batter.
6. Cook for about 13 minutes or to desired firmness. Remove from oven immediately. 
7. Cool for 2 minutes
8. Tip ramekins upside down onto dessert plates and serve. ( I always dust them with Powdered Sugar; Whipped Cream and Fresh Fruit for garnish)



Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sunday Inspiration - Chamber Choir Music

I have come to realized that either I am highly eclectic or I am aimless.
I am hoping that I am truly the former rather than the latter.  We, as a family do try to experience an array of artistic, cultural and musical expressions.

While we are very much immersed in the contemporary, we do try to appreciate the classics.  For me, Choral Music is at time sorely missed in the "nowadays" church setting.

Voices as instruments, the tones, the parts, the layers of directions put musical notes in their fullest expressions can be such a moving experience.

This Sunday, We will have an opportunity to hear the Los Angeles Chamber Choir singing the following pieces.
Los Angeles Chamber Singers & Cappella http://www.lacs.org/lacshomepage.html
Hope this will be of an inspiration to you this Sunday.

Robert Parsons: Magnificat from The Great Service 

William Byrd:  Magnificat from The Great Service


Saturday, June 25, 2011

Pick Up & Go - Cherry Picking

It was a late night for the kiddies and I, the night before.  Dance Studio Banquet...they got to stay up until midnight.  Dancing the night away.
.
Must be the age difference. They got up their usual time, I on the other hand, had to catch up on my beauty sleep. When we finally got ready for the day, we needed to just pick up and go.

We decided to go Cherry Picking in Leona Valley. It was a scenic drive of 50 minutes or so. We have been meaning to go, yet, everything else during the last few weeks got in the way. This was literally the last weekend for any cherry picking.

The first farm was turning people away. Luckily, there were a few more options along the way.  So we had an afternoon fun of cherry picking. The girly got to spit out pits anywhere she wanted (for the first time).  They boys got to climb a few trees. We found out after that it was a "no no."

We got a good half a bucket of cherries and a barrel of fun. So glad that the kiddies are at an age that we can pick up and go and just do something fun (even if it is last minute).



Friday, June 24, 2011

Happenings Around Town...

My New go to Site for Events & Fun Things around town is

Goldstar

My location is set at Los Angeles.  
Goldstar has information across all major cities.  
And all event tickets are at a discount.

Examples for this weekend would be:

Ballet Nacional de Cuba Performs Its Classic Don Quixote at the Dorthy Chandler Pavilion 

vs.
Rhythmic Relations 2011 -- An Outdoor Concert of Powerful Taiko Drum Music at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center 

Do Something Fun & Different This Weekend...
Inspiration Is All Around Us

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Learn Almost Anything - Online


We started on the "Summer Packet" for the kiddies.
It's more of an introduction to next grade's work than a review of last school year.

Moving into 5th grade curriculum is a bit intimidating for the parents.  It may be because it was such a long time ago for us, or may be it is the fact that many subjects are being taught differently than how we learned   it. Either way, we are looking for supplemental materials and avenues for us to be able to be helpful.


Salman Khan of The Khan Academy has been featured at TED.com and NPR for his work in promoting new ways and avenues of educating children. 

The philosophy of online learning...Watch. Practice. Learn Almost Anything - for free.
A few Northern California school districts will be using his math curriculum in class to promote self paced learning.


Technology + Education = Learning 

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Fighting Fair...For True Resolution

Disagreement and Arguing are part of life. Yet, these can be productive or unproductive in any kind of relationships.

When the goal is true resolution, then, some rules must be followed.

SIX RULES FOR FIGHTING FAIR:
  1. Stay on one topic and don't get distracted.
  2. No name calling or derogatory, sarcastic, snide etc. statements.
  3. Try to understand the other person's position. And try to actively communicate to them that you understand it. In intimate relationships, it is particularly important to understand the emotional impact of the situation on the other person.
  4. If you are confused or don't understand something, ask for clarification.
  5. Talk more about your feelings and opinions and why they are important to you and less (perhaps not at all) about why the other person's are wrong.
  6. Understand that resolution doesn't mean you have to agree with each other, just find a way to move forward.
If the Goal in a relationship is always "be right", then you may lose out on the relationship for the sake of being right.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Warning: Not Inspirational...Just a Caution!

Don't Do It!  Really!

Yes...you guessed it...got a ticket from a red light camera.
I am telling you, it WAS yellow!

Nerdy Hubby Said, "Too Bad, the camera said otherwise."
Then he confessed to me that he knows that particular light is very fast turning from yellow to red.  It only allows 3 cars to make a left turn.

"In one of the busiest intersections in town!!!" I exclaimed.

I think I am going to bill the city for my next couple therapy session with Nerdy Hubby.

So I am out $500 and then still need to do traffic school!

Sorry about the numerous exclamation marks. I can't help it.

I am tempted to fight it.  But I am honestly frightened of judges. Do I waste a day in court for potentially the same result or just deal with it?

Nerdy Hubby said that the city most likely has a deficit so please drive carefully so we do not have to provide extra revenue to the city.

Not sure why I always feel that I am in the right when I get a ticket.  Over 20 years of driving, I would say I have gotten maybe 5 or 6 tickets.  What is the average?  What really is the norm?

Knowing me I will be streaming all the way to the post office to mail off my hard earned money and hopefully get over it after traffic school.

So, once again...sorry for not being inspirational today...
Do Learn From My Mistake and 
Keep Your Money In Your Own Pocket!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Good Eats - Buttermilk Scones For Brunch

So I am on a Scone kick...Baking that is.

Previously, the creme scones and mini chocolate scones were a success.  My kiddies didn't care too much for them because the traditional texture is "crumbly."

In preparation for Brunch on Dance Recital weekend, I was reading different recipes,  Buttermilk Cherry Scones sounded perfect.

The buttermilk make the dough airy, with big air pockets. The end result was flaky on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside.  I think next time, I will underbake them for a minute or two and have the inside be soft, almost bread like. I also used an extra tablespoon of sugar and made it a bit sweeter.


Buttermilk Cherry White Chocolate Scones

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2/3 cup dried tart cherries
  • 6 oz white chocolate (chips, chucks)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup low-fat or nonfat buttermilk
  • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon raw sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl; cut in margarine with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cherries &  chocolate and toss well. Combine egg and buttermilk; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened (dough will be sticky).
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; with floured hands, knead 4 or 5 times. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cut into 12 wedges, cutting to but not through bottom of dough. Brush with egg white, and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden. Serve hot.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sunday Meditation - Father's Day 2011

Happy Father's Day 2011

As I ponder on the Role Of A Father, I can't help but to beam about how much things have changed.

I sit at work listening to the experiences of men who regret the missing relationship with their fathers.  Yet these same people are at my office longing to be better fathers themselves.

The desires of men wanting to be participants of relationships are what give the future of family hope and light.

Sanctus Real - Lead Me


Official Music Video

The Story Behind the Song

Saturday, June 18, 2011

What A Dad Would do...

It's Show Time for 7 y.o. - Dance Recital Weekend.
In honor of Father's Day.  There is a Daddy Dance (with their daughters) in the show.

As I watch these wonderful dads on stage, it brought tears to my eyes.  I am sure not all were "professional" dancers.  I am also sure that some would not dance on stage if it wasn't for their daughters.  I am also sure that their daughters will never forget that performance.

Now, This Is Dale.  He is a Dad.  He is a Dad who dressed up every morning to "Wave At The Bus" as his teenage son gets on the bus to go to school. Dale is a dad who did this for an entire school year!

Wave At The Bus - Official Blog



So Thankful for Dads 
and my Nerdy Hubby for Being My Children's Dad.  
XOXO - Happy Father's Day.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Need A Day Pass - Over (Multi) Tasking

Continuing from yesterday's blog...

Today and most likely the whole night will be dedicated to preparation.

Brunch for Friends...Last Minute Rehearsal...Double and Triple Checking Costumes and Accessories...Hair & Make-Up...Minutes Down to the Wire!

Not sure why I or we women, do stuff like this. "Over-Multi-Tasking" is what I call it.  Kind of insane, kind of a morbid high, kind of a self-induced chaos...

As I face today and the long list of "To Dos," the phrase live and learn keep popping up in mind. I will live through this, and everything will be well.  BUT, I do genuinely hope that I will learn.

Hopefully, You Will Learn From My Mistake
 of "Over-Multi-Tasking."

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Having Dancing In Mind...

It's "Pre" Dance Recital Week!

We have been breathing, shopping, planning, driving "Dance Recital" all week. It will be a total of 4 shows this weekend.

The 7 y.o. is in all four, including Tap, Jazz, showcase pieces.  Quiet as can be, but once on stage, "her light" comes on. She loves it!  We were surprised from the start.  Our goal was to give her a way to shine.  The 10 y.o. older brother can talk his way out of any situations. She, on the other hand, can happily live in her mind without a care.

So, we are grateful that she loves to dance, loves music, loves her piano lessons and more importantly, loves herself.

As her parents, we wish her dance...

Lee Ann Womack - I Wish You Dance

Official Music Video

Dance Today...Don't Sit Out.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

A Case for Understanding & Acceptance...Men and Women


At the beginning of Couple Therapy, it is important to explore the differences between the two people.  Majority of the times, family backgrounds, cultural and religious upbringings, personality differences are emphasized and clarified to enhance appreciation of the differences.

I am not one to endorse gender bias or over-generalization of gender socialization, but over time, I realize that there are true and definitive differences between men and women.  More times than not, understanding and acceptance of these can help alleviate many deep wounds caused by miscommunication and misunderstanding.

Here is an excerpt from an article by Michael G. Conner, Psy.D regarding the topic.
You can read the full article at this link:
http://www.oregoncounseling.org/ArticlesPapers/Documents/DifferencesMenWomen.htm

Differences In Problem Solving:
Men and women approach problems with similar goals but with different considerations. For most women, sharing and discussing a problem presents an opportunity to explore, deepen or strengthen the relationship with the person they are talking with. For most men, solving a problem presents an opportunity to demonstrate their competence, their strength of resolve, and their commitment to a relationship.


Differences In the Thinking Process:
While men and women can reach similar conclusions and make similar decisions, the process they use can be quite different.Women tend to be intuitive global thinkers. They consider multiple sources of information within a process that can be described as simultaneous, global in perspective and will view elements in the task in terms of their interconnectedness. Men tend to focus on one problem at a time or a limited number of problems at a time. They have an enhanced ability to separate themselves from problems and minimize the complexity that may exist. 


Differences In Recalling & Memory:
Women have an enhanced ability to recall memories that have strong emotional components. Men tend to recall events using strategies that rely on reconstructing the experience in terms of elements, tasks or activities that took place. 


Differences In Relational Closeness:
Men feel closer and validated through shared activities. Women, on the other hand, feel closer and validated through communication, dialogue and intimate sharing of experience, emotional content and personal perspectives.


Relational Success
Understanding + Acceptance = Resolution

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Celebrating Food & Fathers - Eat Drink Man Woman

In celebrating Father's Day this weekend...
(and while food is still fresh on the mind and tongue)...


Might be fun to Netflix these.

Eat...Drink...Man...Woman (1994)

Official Trailer - Eat Drink Man Woman

Tortilla Soup - (its latino counterpart)

Pick You Cuisine...and Enjoy! 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Good Eats - Going French for Grandma...Merci Beaucoup

It is Grandma's Birthday.


We wanted to celebrate her in style...at least in "snail a la French" style.  Ok Ok...sorry if you are a non-exotic eater.


Yes, "escargot de Bourgogne"...many places in L.A. has the dish.  But we wanted to go "old school."


If you watched "Julie & Julia," you know that means BUTTER!


TAIX was it for us.  Established in 1927...really!  The booths, the deco, the menu items...and the basket of butter...can't get more old school French than that.  


We had a very fun and attentive waiter.  Dinner was 2 1/2 hours.  We are not sure how we lingered for so long.  Luckily we were tucked in the corner.  Toward the end of the evening, we were so full with good food that we couldn't stop laughing at nothing.


The son promised to try the escargot.  He did.  Can't say he liked it...But we were proud of him for trying one new thing.


Pasta marina  and the "heavenly mousse au chocolat" were more his style.  The little one stole the heart of the  waiter and ate bread and butter, along with a wonderful "macaroni et fromage" all night.


The Adults were able to sample, Mussels, Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb, Duck Salad and the scrumptious desserts.  A bottle of French Rose also helped with our giddiness.




TAIX French Country Cuisine - http://www.taixfrench.com/  

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sunday Inspiration - What Faith Can Do...

A Gentle yet Moving Reminder of 
What Faith Can Do...

Hope Raises from the Ashes
               Small Steps to Moving Mountains
                         From Fears to Overcoming the Odds
                                        Desperation to New Beginnings

Take a Leap This Glorious Sunday
To Love,
To Hope,
To Live Beyond,
To Ask For A Life That Overflows...

Kutless - What Faith Can Do


Official Video - What Faith Can Do

May You Be Encouraged To Take Courage Today! 

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Making What is Unseen - Known...Capturing The Imagination


Janet Echelman: Taking imagination seriously



This is one of the most fascinating TED videos I have ever come across.

Janet Echelman uses the wind, movements and patterns to express her art form.  

I had to watch the video twice to take in all that she has accomplished with her form of creativity.

No two movements is ever alike.  
The art form is dynamic, varies from movement to movement.  
It's not only visual fascinating but also an experiential expression.  

Her sculptures are made for public spaces and for the public to experience.  People are able to be up close, near, under, and almost a part of that form she created.

She allows people to tap into that sense of wonder that at times, we forget we have.



Janet Echelman Sculpture:  http://www.echelman.com/
Echelman in SFO Terminal 2:  http://www.echelman.com/sfo.html

May You Share in the Rediscovery of Wonder Today. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

School Is Out - It's Official


Last Day of School for the kiddies today.  Technically, we will not be going to school.  The older one has a pool party and the younger one will spend the morning with classmates at a gymnastic studio.  

I don't remember having such fun when I was in school.  Both kids said that they are sad that school will be
out for the summer. mmmmm....now they also said that they are glad there will be No Homework or Tests for 9 1/2 weeks.  Honestly, the parents feel exactly the same way (if not more)!

We looked at our schedule and the planning of the summer.  We decided to do more of a "Staycation" than "Vacation."

I have been searching the web for ideas and destinations.  We will be discovering and rediscovering Southern California. Here are a few helpful links.

The Official Guide of Los Angeles 
http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/activities-and-recreation/

GRIFFITH PARK FREE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2011
http://www.independentshakespeare.com/

Daytrippen - Things To Do In Southern California
http://www.daytrippen.com/

Hope You Will Discover Fun...Just Around the Corner.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Delightful Duet: Gustavo Dudamel and The L.A. Phil

One of the biggest complain about therapy is, "Are you going to ask me about my mother or my father?!...I am really over that you know!"

Yes. We do ask about mother and father. Yes, it does matter.  Our individual family culture has more to do with our current dilemmas in life than we would like to admit.

But today, I am going to thank my mother for the endowment of classical music.  The love and the ear for it wasn't natural.  She used to take us to concerts and push us into piano, violin and singing lessons.  Honestly, we didn't have the talent and we didn't have the right kind of teachers to encourage us to excel.  But the battles were not in vain.

Every so often, I long to sit in the midst of an echoing concert hall, listening for those first notes from the orchestra tuning their instruments. Then the silence will fall and with a wave from the maestro...you are transported to another time, another place.


Gustavo Dudamel and 

The L.A. Philharmonic



Enjoy!  Wishing You a Wonderful Musical Journey.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

World Ocean Day - 2011

June 8, 2011 is World Ocean Day

Our kids are pretty much water babies. Our son was in baby swim class and hasn't stop since.  Our daughter started later, but she basically taught herself to swim by following the older brother.

We have always talked about our responsibilities  to the environment, including the ocean.  

Their love for the water, and their interest in ocean animals have help keep our conversation going about what we need to do to keep the ocean clean and the animals safe.  They ask a lot of questions which we have very little answers to, some are technical questions in the science of oceanography, others are moral questions of human responsibility.

What we decided we can do is to keep talking and be aware.  
So wear blue and talk about the ocean today.  
Keep the conversation going, that in itself will further the cause.

World Ocean Day

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts.


The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Orchestra to its instruments

Music to its notes

Painting to its strokes

Mosaic to its tiles      

Open source programming to its codes (Nerdy Hubby taught me well)

The greatness of humanity is demonstrated not by its individual achievements, but the progress of a generation. (my personal interpretation)

A newer TED.com video:
Aaron Koblin: Artfully visualizing our humanity


Its main premise is on data and data collection usage in the 21st Century. At first glance, the topic seems contradictory.  How can data be an expression of humanity?  As the talk continues, it further expands on the concept of "Interface." That's where humanity comes in.

19th Century culture was defined by the Novel,
20th Century culture by cinema,
The culture of the 21st Century will be defined by the Interface

It's really about the process of collaboration. How individual uniqueness can come together and make an amazing whole.  

What is amazing to me is how Aaron Koblin put data through the collaborative process and create an artistic expression. He turns what is static into a creative format and makes data comes alive.  You will have to watch the video to witness this.

What Can You Participate In Today To Create A Greater Whole?

Monday, June 6, 2011

Good Eats Monday - Gluten Free Recipes

More and more people are going "Gluten-Free."
Many due to the diagnosis Celiac Disease. Others do not fulfill the full criteria yet find the gluten free diet helpful to their physical health and well-being.

I hear more about gluten free diet from moms. Those who have children diagnosed with Autism spectrum illnesses and other with ADHD children.
Many of them find the diet effective as a complimentary health component to the traditional medical  treatments.

Today, though, I am just focusing on the lighter side of how to make yummy gluten free food. I found several blogs consistently provide wonderful and healthful recipes.  Going gluten free is not easy in our process food world.  It does inspire me to remember, "You are what you eat." So eat well and be good to our bodies.

The 1st recipe is from my favorite food blogger - tarteletteblog.com.
It's a pear and almond mini tart.  My son has been eating up pears like they are going out of style.  This recipe immediate came to mind.

Pear & Almond Frangipane Tartelettes

Another interesting blog is lexieskitchen.com.
A wonderful mother started cooking gluten free because of her young son's  undiagnosed health condition.

  
Hazelnut Brownies

I can tell you all right now, I am a recovering "Carb Addict." My biggest temptation is the bakery aisle/acre at Costco!  So when I saw a "Eat Your Veggies" recipe for Zucchini Bread, i had to look.

From Jules Gluten Free - http://blog.julesglutenfree.com/

I wish You Good Eats, Especially To Your Good Health.
Let's Eat Well For Our Bodies Today.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sunday Morning Refresher - Love Is Here

Love Is Here...


A Meditation of...
Love
Hope
Assurance 





We live through the daily grinds.
We hear of the worst of the worst.
We witness the lacking in the world.
Yet, we are not without hope.

May this bring a sense of Refreshment and Renewed reminder of His Love that never fails.

Tenth Avenue North - Love Is Here


The Official Video - Enjoy!


Wishing You Refreshment Of The Soul Today.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Get Your Fresh Donut...Strawberry Ones


The Donut Man
915 East Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 335-9111

Don't judge the donuts by its sign.  Looks simple and non-descriptive...but when Fresh Strawberries (and Peaches) come to the town of Glendora, CA, you are in for a Treat! We made it out there after passing through Pasadena & South Pasadena. After that, it's just minutes from this amazing treat!


Get Fresh Today!

Friday, June 3, 2011

The Artist's Way - Rediscover Creativity


The end of the school year often stressed me out.  Why you may ask?  Simple...one word...Scrapbooking.

Every year, somehow, the gift to the teachers always involve scrapbooking pages of our kiddies.

I am not one to shy away from challenges.  But making pretty, neat, colorful pages of pictures, words, layers of little designs...Makes Me Dizzy! And feeling a little inadequate.

Browsing the bookshelves at our house to buy me some time of procrastination, came across one of the oldie but goodie inspirational books, Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way.

Maybe it's a message (wink, wink)...A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity.  I sure need more of it.

Cameron's book is not for "reading" but for processing and working through.  It leads the readers to Recovering a sense of Safety, Identity, Power, Integrity, Possibility, Abundance, Connection, Strength, Compassion, Self-Protection, Autonomy, and Faith. The goal is to deepen and enrich the creative being within  us all.  We are all creative in our own way.  I am grateful for the reminder.

Julia Cameron - The Artist's Way

Wishing You A Creative Day In More Creative Ways.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Issue Of Forgiveness

Working with couples often touches on the issue of forgiveness.  Working with people with anxiety and depression will involve talking about holding grudges. Working with suffering individuals will eventually turn toward how to let go of past negative experiences.

Letting go the the pain is easier said than done.  Logic tells us that the tighter we hold on, the more emotional trauma we feel. But, most everyone ask why is it so hard to let go?

Pain is relieved only if shared. We don't want to forget the pain we suffer because we don't want it to happen again.  When we are the only one remembering, we are less likely to let go.  Once the pain is shared, someone else is willing to carry it for us, then we are free to release it. Forgiveness is not an individual process, but a shared one.

Here are some basic guiding principles from the Relationship Institute in Michigan. These are not exhaustive nor is it a through examination of the topic.  They do point toward the experience of letting go and being free from the hurt.

1. Understand that forgiving does not mean forgetting, or giving permission for the behavior to be repeated. It does not mean saying that what was done was acceptable. Forgiveness is often needed for behaviors that were not acceptable and that you should not allow to be repeated.

2. Recognize that YOU are the only one who is being hurt by your non-forgiveness. You feel the anger, the tightness in your stomach. You are the one rehearsing in your mind what you would like to say or do to 'punish' them. When there is no forgiveness, the bitterness lingers -- and when you could be enjoying today's pleasures, you are upsetting yourself with yesterday's injustices. You give control of your emotions to the person who hurt you. It’s been said that the best revenge is your own calmness.

3. Make a list of what specific actions you need to forgive. What was actually done that caused your pain?

4. Acknowledge your part in each of the items on your list. Did you stay when you could or should have left? Did you draw this energy to you in some manner? If so, then you, too, have some responsibility. Seeing this lets you move away from a pure victim stance.

5. Realize that the other person(s) did the best that they could have done. Why did the person hurt us? They like you are an imperfect human being. Instead of thinking that you would never do such an offense, realize that if you had been that person (with his or her karmic situation), you could have done exactly the same thing. The incident was not about you; it was about the wrongdoer’s misguided attempt to meet his or her own needs.

6. Realize the futility of "grudges." Sometimes we hold a grudge as if that would punish the person, but it rarely has that effect. Nor does it assure that he or she will behave considerately in the future. Many persons actually prefer holding on to resentments because of the hidden "fringe benefits" or payoffs. Examine what your possible pay-offs may be in playing the victim or martyr roles.

7. Acknowledge to yourself in writing or out loud what you have ever gained from the relationship with the person(s) who hurt you.

8. Center yourself, and verbally forgive yourself first for anything you might have done, on any level, to contribute to this hurt and resentment. You might say, "I completely forgive myself for anything I have done to contribute to _____."

9. In a similar manner, express forgiveness for the hurts on your list, one by one. Allow yourself to experience the full range of feelings that emerge.

10. It may also be helpful to create a ceremony in which you get rid of your resentments, symbolizing the ending of the link between you. You may choose to visualize placing them on a raft and watching it drift gently away down a river. You may prefer to burn them and scatter the ashes of your resentment list.

May You Feel The Freedom of Forgiveness Today.