The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner

The Blue Zones

Dan Buettner

When I was sick last weekend I picked up some books at the library. The Blue Zones was one of them. This is a fantastic book and was really hard to put down but each evening I'd read about a different "blue zone".

What are blue zones? Dan Buettner identifies through his research four specific areas in our world where they have the highest percentage of centurions. He then goes with his team to each area to meet directly with these centurions and identify what type of lifestyle they live and see if there are any commonalities between the cultures.

You may be curious, what are the four blue zones?

- Sardinian
- Okinawa
- An American blue zone... yes... even in America!, Loma Linda, California
-Nicoya Costa Rica

What are some of the characteristics of people who live to be 100 and beyond? It's a combination of diet, exercise, community, and family.

What is really interesting after reading the book is to take the vitality compass test. From some basic questions that you answer regarding your lifestyle, the calculator will tell you your calendar age, biological age, and life time expectancy. Then they'll tell you what you can do to increase your life expectancy! A very interesting exercise.

If you are interested in improving your quality of life then this book is a must read!

The sad news is that our society is moving heavily towards a sedentary lifestyle and we are relying on too many fast food restaurants for connivance. It would be interesting in forty years to see where our next blue zones are located. However, you can create your own blue zone and that is very encouraging!

Women's Health Web site

Part of what I try to do on my blog is provide information and resources to people who want to grow spiritually and take good care of their health. There is so much information out there to gather that by providing it to you in chunks you're better able to digest it!

I found a great web site Women to Women, "changing women's health naturally". It is chalked full of valuable information regarding women's health concerns.

Take a minute to check it out and book mark! You'll come back to it for reference... I know I have recently!

Haunted House By Jack Prelutsky

Haunted House By Jack Prelutsky

There's a house upon the hilltop
We will not go inside
For that is where the witches live,
Where ghosts and goblins hide.

Tonight they have their party,
All the lights are burning bright,
But oh we will not go inside
The haunted house tonight.

The demons there are whirling
And the spirits swirl about.
They sing their songs to Halloween.
"Come join the fun," they shout.

But we do not want to go there
So we run with all our might
And oh we will not go inside

The haunted house tonight.

Can you believe that Saturday is already Halloween?

Perhaps if you weren't ready the above poem might just put you in the spirit to finally go down and purchase all those "fun size" candy bars! Sorry for the lapse in entries but I have been taking care of myself... yes... I got the crud from the kids. It knocks you out for a couple of days. The good news is that I got to the library and checked out some good books. Lots of resting over the weekend and reading. I'll be posting soon the book I am currently reading

The Blue Zones.

Brush Dance, Mindful Living, Mindful Stationary

Looking for mindful and inspirational cards, journals , magnets, address books and calendars? I just found this wonderful on line store that has it all.

Check out their amazing selection and the testimonials for the customer service is wonderful. Perhaps you are looking for something other than drug store cards!

Here is the link to Brush Dance! Enjoy

Rowing the Atlantic, Roz Savage

Rowing the Atlantic

By Roz Savage

Last night I had the opportunity to go into Seattle to hear Roz Savage speak about her book Rowing the Atlantic.
What an inspirational story! Here's a woman who one day sat down and took a look at where here life was headed and decided to do something different. She had the courage to change! I don't want to give away too much of what happens in her journey but I will share that she is the first woman to row competitively across the Atlantic Ocean for 103 days! Can you imagine being out in the ocean all by yourself for 103 days? Roz mentioned that when you are on the ocean that long that your mind creates your reality. I'll bet it does!

Through her book tour Roz wants to inspire others to follow their dreams. "Don't be held back by fears. When you have a reason for doing something you'll figure out the how". She is also very active in environmental issues and is participating in several conferences her thru the end of the year.

Roz actually "tweets" and "blogs" from her boat and is working on rowing across the Pacific Ocean and has already completed two stages! Now wouldn't this be fun to be working and then get a "tweet" from someone that is out rowing in the Pacific! Is that wild or what?

Here is the link to Roz's official website. I hope you'll take a moment to read about her journey in her own words. She is truly a remarkable person and is leaving a wonderful legacy.

http://rozsavage.com/about/rowing-the-atlantic-book/

You can Heal your life Seminar , Sunday October 11th

Carolyn Myss signing her book at the Conference Sunday

Defy Gravity, by Carolyn Myss

http://promos.hayhouse.com/defygravity/?fc_c=2138766x5662289x380644899

How can I summarize a day listening to some wonderful presenters on Sunday?

I believe Louise Hay summarized it best in her opening remarks to the audience.

" Today is a banquet of the Mind"- Louise Hay

And how it was!

There is no way I could possibly recap for you all the pages of notes I took from each presenter. However, what did stick with me through all the presentations is how important our environment is to our mental and physical well being.

Your environment can be your home, work, relationships, organizations. Are you surrounding yourself with nurturing experiences and people to grow or toxic experiences and people.

We do have the power to change our environments!

What environment would you change and how would that effect your overall health and well being?

If you have the opportunity at some point to participate in a day event it is well worth the investment of time. You come away with a lot of information to digest!

“Today is a new day. Today is a day for you to begin creating a joyous, fulfilling future. Today is the day to begin to release all your limitations. Today is the day for you to learn the secrets of life. You can change your life.”— Louise L. Hay

On Sunday I will be attending with my friend Lisa the Louise Hay "You can Heal your Life" Conference at the Washington State Convention Center. It will be a full day of some very notable speakers!

Here is the link if you are in Seattle!http://www.hayhouse.com/tour_details.php?tour_id=51

For those of you not in Seattle I'll have pictures and recap to share with you on Monday! I'll be taking a LOT of notes so you'll get full benefit of the conference.

Have a great weekend!

Being a Mother

( me and my son Branden )

BEING A MOTHER

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to

take another woman out to dinner and a movie.

She said, 'I love you, but I know this other

woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'

The other woman that my wife wanted me

to visit was my Mother, who has been a widow for 19 years.

The demands of my work and my three

children had made it possible to visit her only

occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go

out for dinner and a movie.

'What's wrong, are you well,' she asked?

My Mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a

surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you, I responded just the two of us.

She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.

When I arrived at her house, I noticed

that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date.

She waited in the door with her coat on.

She had curled her hair and was wearing

the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, she said, as she got into the car.

They can't wait to hear about our meeting.

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy.

My Mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print.

Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting

there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small, she said.

Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor, I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing

extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life.

We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house

later, she said, I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you. I agreed.

How was your dinner date? asked my wife when I got home.

Very nice, much more so than I could have imagined, I answered.

A few days later, my Mother died of a massive heart attack.

It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant

receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said: I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates -

one for you and the other for your wife.

You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: I love YOU and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve.

Nothing in life is more important than your family.

Give them the time they deserve, because

these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.

Somebody said it takes about six weeks

to get back to normal after you've had a baby....

Somebody doesn't know that once you're a Mother, 'normal' is history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the

first....Somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a Mother is labor and delivery....

Somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten...

Or on a plane headed for military boot camp.

Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....Somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings. Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....Somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her....Somebody isn't a Mother.

Pass this along to all the 'Mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother.

This isn't just about being a Mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them.... no matter who that person is.

Watch your Thoughts, they become words, watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your Habits, they become character.

Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone

you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Worry looks around; Sorry looks back;

Faith looks up.

Now you all know just what to do with out me saying anything to you 1,2,3 go*

The only magical overtone of this email is you will feel the love and realize just how specials ALL mothers are!

Glutten Free Cooking Class- Redmond, Wa.

So many of my friends are finding that their diet needs to change to gluten free... here's a great opportunity to learn some gluten free recipes and have some fun too!

Join popular gluten-free cookbook author, Jules Shepard, and Savory Moment founder, Kay Conley, for an amazing weekend of baking lessons. We will offer three entirely different classes. Sign up early for one, two or all three.
Jules has developed and patented an exciting all purpose gluten free flour that can be used as a one cup to one cup substitution in all your favorite baked goods recipes. We are flying her out from Columbia Maryland for the weekend just for these classes. You don't want to miss this opportunity.

Find out more about the amazing classes being offered for adults and children by going to the following link:

Appetizer and Wine (21 and older)Friday October 23rd from 6:00-9:00 pm
Jules and Kay will demonstrate a variety of filled and topped appetizers perfect for holiday entertaining. You will also learn successful catering tips and ideas for party trays. Enjoy a glass of wine while you sample these savory treats.
Cost: $65.00 per person

Kid's Baking Class (ages 6 and up)Saturday October 24th from 1:00-4:00 - adult must accompany children under 13 (no cost for adult)
Learn how to make pretzels, sugar cookies, gingerbread men and mini cupcakes. This is a hands on class. Children will have fun rolling their pretzels and decorating the cookies and cupcakes.Cost: $25.00 per child

General Baking Session
Sunday October 25th from 2:00-5:00
Jules will demonstrate how to make a flaky pie crust, bread, pumpkin cheesecake with her graham cracker crust, cinnamon rolls and pizza. Sample all the recipes from the class and then enjoy a Savory Moment buffet of food from their fall menu.
Cost: $65.00 per person / $100 per couple (same household)

Call Savory Moment today to reserve and pay for your space (425) 867-1516
Classes fill up very quickly!

http://savorymoment.com/

Body Talk Access Class with Pat Sullivan

In case you missed the last Body Talk sessions offered by Pat Sullivan there are more coming up and to accomodate those requests she has added an evening class! Check it out below and contact her directly to sign up!

BodyTalk Access Saturday Class
When: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Seattle Healing Arts 6300 9th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98115
Cost: $150.00 (early bird $135.00 if registered and paid by October 9th)
Register here: http://bodytalksystem.com/seminars/details.cfm?id=10988

BodyTalk Access Evening Class
When: Mon/Tues October 26-27 2009 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 12th Ave NE and 147th Seattle, WA 98155 exact address provided upon registration
Cost: $150.00 (early bird $135.00 if registered and paid by October 19th)
Register here: http://bodytalksystem.com/seminars/details.cfm?id=11304

Another experience from an Access participant.

"Dear Pat, I am excited to share with you my experiences since I did the ACCESS class last June. When I came to the class, I could not walk without a cane, was in constant and severe pain, had trouble sleeping at night and focusing during the day. I heard you on the Dr. Pat show and my insides made an instant decision to attend. I was scheduled for surgery in a few weeks for total hip replacement. ( I know now that if I had heard of Access nine months earlier, I might not have required surgery.)After doing the techniques a few days, I almost felt worse. I remembered your advice to stay with it, because it could take a few days for the body and brain to receive the oxygen and circulation it needed to renew. It felt like a miracle when I was able to sleep without pain and the limp lessened when I walked. Also, my constant thirst had balanced and I felt hydrated.I did have the surgery, and in just weeks, I returned to almost normal mobility. I required little pain medication and the medical team marveled at my recovery. All went SO well- my heart abounds in gratitude.I have been doing the techniques faithfully and feel more joy each day. I know Access works because on those few days I didn't do the techniques, I felt a negative difference in my mental and emotional state, as well as in my body. So, I just don't forget to do it each morning! I have tried many avenues of healing and love the results I am getting. What a bargain! Blessings BE! Jody."

Pain, structural and postural issues are just a bit of what BodyTalk Access addresses. Your entire system is tuned up and ready to handle what it encounters, or what has been with you for awhile.

Pat Sullivan was on the Dr. Pat talk radio show in June. Click on the link to hear more about BodyTalk Acces and what it can do http://www.thedrpatshow.com/shows/drp-090616-sullivan.mp3
It's about 20 minutes.

Anything can happen, Shel Silverstein

Anything Can Happen

Shel Silverstein

Listen to the Mustn'ts,

child,Listen to the Don'ts

Listen to the Shouldn'ts

The Impossibles,

the Won'ts

Listen to the Never Haves,

Then listen close to me --

Anything can happen, child,Anything can be.

Take that with you for the entire week. Have a great Monday!

The Wisdom of Your Face, Jean Haner

The Wisdom of your Face

By Jean Haner

Here is a book that I've been wanting to read for a long time. Jean Haner practices the ancient art of Chinese face reading and I was curious. I heard her on the radio some time ago and it was time to finally check out the book at the library.

I started the book right at the beginning and got thru the first couple of chapters and then started to skip around as it does become a reference book, and there is absolutely NO WAY I was going to remember all the material she was presenting.

Have you ever looked at someones face and thought.... Wow! They've been thru H---?

Well... there is some truth to that.

Jean site's a wonderful quote from Buddha in her book:

" What you are is what you have been, what you will be is what you do now"

Your face shows who you've been in the past and how that's contributing to the person you're becoming. And in every moment you always have the power to change.

Your face is only a reflection of who you are inside at any one point in time. As you change, so does your appearance. Your future is written in your features only insofar as they're a mirror of who you've been up to this point. As you transform inside, your future shifts. It isn't predetermined.

Your face is a mirror of who you are inside.

Your ears and your face map your journey and each major feature stands for approximately a decade in your life.

There is so much presented in this book that it would be difficult to present in a blog post. My suggestion would be to get the book and start working thru each part.

Jean presents workshops in Chinese face reading and you can find more information by visiting her web site at www.wisdomofyourface.com