Happy Birthday Miss America

The land of the free and the home of the brave, or so they say. Some may not agree with this time honored statement but if you compare our freedom and democracy with other countries, we actually have it pretty good my fellow Americans.
Let's face it, the world in general needs some work. Let us start by ending hatred, hunger, violence, abuse and financial devastation. These are all fixable and there are solutions to end these problems worldwide. However, we just need to do one thing...Compromise!  It begins with listening to one another and actually communicating in a effective and positive manner. One can wave the flag and becry the injustices we think we suffer from but my opinion is, people seem to listen harder when you speak softly and without judgment and condemnation. Let us all spend more wisely, judge others less harshly and work more effectively as a nation to end poverty, hunger, healthcare reform and violence.

It seems, we Americans tend to love the drama of negativity. Perhaps less reality tv and deal with reality off screen, cause we all know reality tv is a bit, shall I say, enhanced. Quit texting for 5 seconds and actually speak to someone in person for a change. Disconnect from our cell phones long enough for a personal exchange with a human within close proximity of you. Am I saying this technology is necessarily a bad thing? No, because I use all of the above but try to stay connected on a personal level with people whom I care about and do business with. If you ask me to lunch and spend most of your time texting or on your cell, I am going to haul my butt out the door because you have been beyond rude and don't deserve my time and attention.

Please stop blaming the plight of lost manners and poor behavior on our youth. Where do we think they learn this from? I have seen more moronic behavior and bad attitudes from adults than I have ever seen from children. I do not play into the "back in my day" BS either. Adults keep blaming the generation before and we need to just shut up and set a good example. The good old days are gone so quit reliving them and worry about the here and now. I am no longer in high school and don't want to go back. I have no misconceptions of how wonderful life "used" to be. We need to focus on the life we are currently living and deal with our problems in the present because, the "good old days" weren't always so great. We still had wars, domestic violence (keeping the little lady in line) child abuse (erroniously called discipline) racial unrest, murders, rapes, incest and the list goes on. The only reason we are more aware of these issues today is due to the media reporting everything and anything.

Want America to be better? Be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. The government isn't perfect and neither are we. Love your country? Prove it! Volunteer to help worthy organizations, support our neighbors instead of tearing them down, be a positive instead of a negative voice in the community, stop whining and start doing something. There are amazing citizens who make a difference every day in their communities and we should applaud them. Start putting positive posts on your facebook page instead of hateful and negative ones because frankly, I am getting sick of them.

Let us all love this country the way it deserves. Set aside our differences, political and religious views and combine energies to make this a country we can be proud to call our home. It is our responsibility to make it the best that it can be. As this Fourth of July celebration approaches, let us all take pause to remember why we honor this day in the first place. "Liberty and Justice for ALL"

Bitter Sweet May

We wait throughout the winter season, amid freezing temperatures, snow and ice covered roads which create hazardous driving conditions, endure post holiday blahs and long for the sweetness of spring. March welcomes in the season we long for but as any of us who live in the unpredictable Midwest know, March can and does come in like a lion. April can be lovely but there is still more likely than not, a chill in the air. May can bring equal parts of warmth, sunshine and a hint of summer.

For me, May is my favorite month of the spring season. Blossoms abound and the scent of flora and fauna intoxicate my senses, as I long for invigorating walks in nature, appreciating her colorful display designed by the most brilliant designer in the universe...Mother Nature. May is also the birthday month of my dearest friend of twelve years. We have had many adventures and will have many more I am sure.

May also holds bitter sweet memories of my parents, whom I dearly miss. My mother's birthday would be May 19th and my father's May 20th. My mother was a transplanted southern belle who still had a gentle lilt to her voice. I admit to having my moments with mom in my youth but any negative, rebellious feelings have long since passed and I came to respect and love her dearly. She was a marvelous grandmother and she is dearly missed by those who loved and still do love her. I am amazed that it has been almost twenty years since her passing and I cannot help but feel a bit envious at times when others of my age enjoy the company of their mother's. Mother's Day means even more, not only 
because I am a mother myself but this year, my oldest daughter will enjoy her very first Mother's Day. It is a time of joy, yet, I still have a stirring in my heart for my own mother.

How can I describe my dad? He was energetic, silly, sometimes exasperating and stubborn but he also was a social butterfly, good dancer, animal lover and had the huts pah to jump out of a plane at the tender age of 80 (which scared the life out of his daughters) and continued to do so until he was 85, stating "If George Bush can do it at 80, so can I". I believe the town he resided in is a bit quieter without him and I hope he, as well as my mother, are remembered as fondly by others who knew them as they are by their family.

This year, I will bake a cake for them both and wish them a "heavenly" birthday. I hope they look down favorably upon my creative and caring spirit and give a blessing to myself, my sisters and our children and now their great grandson.

May is a time of transformation and transition with cherished memories and the promise of hope and inspiration. For all the special days and special people both here on earth and beyond...celebrate May!

The Art of Healing

There are many ways in which the human body can heal itself. We may seek the knowledge of traditional medical professionals but we must also learn to listen to what our bodies tell us and take responsibility for our own health and well being.

When we seek treatment from our physicians or specialist, we must also take into consideration that other forms of treatment can and do enhance our ability to overcome certain illness and disorders, both physically and mentally.

I firmly believe that everyone should visit a nutritionist at one point in their lives, as what we consume plays a heavy role in a positive, healthy lifestyle. Some of the foods we eat can even be a factor in some disorders and diseases. I would highly recommend that every heart, cancer, and patients with digestive disorders spend quality time with a nutritionist and heed their advice. A good physician understands that they are not the sole answer to most medical issues.

A healthy diet, weight control and exercise (I need to improve those last two) are the ying and yang of daily maintenance to ensure good health. Find a fitness program that works for you and modify fitness programs for those with health issues. If you are not able to do this on your own, get yourself a membership to a fitness center.

If finances are an issue , many of these establishments offer affordable rates and the membership is cheaper than medical bills due to poor health and excess weight.

Holistic health practitioners offer vast knowledge on the subjects of natural healing through the use of vitamins, oils, herbs and offers clients a means of healing without the chemicals found in many pharmaceuticals. For those who seek to work with their physician and a holistic health practitioner, make sure to keep both health care providers informed of any medications prescribed to avoid harmful interaction.

Therapeutic massage is not only very relaxing (well, deep tissue can be pretty intense but purposeful) but works to keep our body in balance through capable hands working the muscles and tissues of our body and reduce stress which can put us at risk of serious illness. I recommend a visit to a great massage therapist once a month at least. It is good for your body and soul.

Note to massage therapists who are guilty of this: I have heard more than a few clients discuss their dismay at looking forward to a wonderful massage, only to have their therapist talk and talk about their problems and hardships. Not only is this unprofessional but it is extremely disrespectful to your client, who comes to you and pays for your services. You are THEIR therapist, they are not YOURS!

We will now go on to what many consider the "gray" matter of healing practices.

Reiki is the practice of energy healing through placement of hands to work with the bodies energy centers to assist clients balance the "chakra" system. This form of healing can bring about awareness, inner peace and tranquility and assists in bringing about good "Chi". There are skeptics but as a Reiki Practitioner myself, I find this practice to be highly effective and frankly, life changing. The term Reiki means "universal life force energy". This practice originated in Japan and has expanded over the years to reach out to other countries. When east meets west, good things can happen. I could go on to explain more about this wonderful art of healing but that would be another article in itself. There is much information concerning Reiki and it's healing attributes. I highly recommend that everyone try Reiki at least once in their lives but remember, you must be willing to accept the healing offered without reservation in order for it to be the most effective. Imagine going to your dentist for treatment and refusing to open your mouth. We all must be active participants when it comes to our own health and well being.

We can aid in our good health by keeping a less toxic home. Natural materials, fibers and clean air filtration are a wonderful enhancement to aid in our health. We can even create a more positive environment with the paint colors we choose as well as a less toxic choice which can be found at most establishment which sell paint products.

For instance, while purple is a vibrant color, I could not image bright purple walls in my bedroom being a sleep aid. Perhaps an accent wall in a less bright color would be lovely but I envision, sage green, taupe, lavendar or colors which create a peaceful atmosphere. Fabrics that are soft and plush create a feeling of comfort and ease when trying to relax and de stress. The environment we live and work in, aid in keeping us on an even keel.

Relationships can be just as toxic as our environment or a disease which invades our body. Anyone in the health care and mental health profession will tell you to detoxify your body (and soul) of anything which causes you harm. Unhealthy relationships are no different. This is not to say your should never speak to your family members again if they are the culprit but you must take charge of how an unhealthy association effects you. You need to set boundaries and limitations and be firm about it. You may also need to look at your own contribution in this matter. Life is too short not to surround yourself with those who are positive and supportive instead of parasitic and negative. Love yourself enough to set necessary boundaries and if counseling is needed than seek it immediately.

We are all mortal and will fall victim to the end of life at some time but until then, let us all take our health seriously and do what we need to in order to live the best quality of life that we can while we take up residence upon this earth.

The Wonderful Thing About Teeger

Ah, the bliss of being a grandparent! Love them. spoil them and hand them over to their parents. When I look at my grandson, Teegan, I see a world of possibilities to carry on the family genetics. Does this sound too scientific? Perhaps but my intentions are not at all based in such logic and reasoning. I simply have hope that a member of our family lineage will bless the world we live in with something we have very little of in these troubled times....Hope, compassion, honesty and community spirit. We as a society are sadly lacking in these values and it is indeed troubling.

As I look into the face of my innocent grandson, I see what can be, what I so desperately wish humanity can achieve and I extend this invitation to the very young and less tainted souls among us to bring about this metamorphosis within our earthbound plane. Why can we not see every child as we see our own children and grandchildren? We all enter this world as innocents and how we choose to contribute to it's success or failure is purely up to us.

We all possess the tools which are necessary to achieve our goals and the irony in this statement is that there are many whom we may find "lacking" in certain areas of life, who, through sheer strength and determination, move past many of us considered more fortunate, to achieve greatness in what is most important, kindness, generosity and integrity. I could not ask for more from my grandson.

Let us all work together to ensure a bright future for all our children and grandchildren. Teach them to respect all living things and to save judgment for those entities whose power is greater than ours. Love is greater than hate and giving is more of a blessing than receiving.

My dear grandson is borne of those who see his possibilities and will guide him gently to achieve his life goals. May he always feel loved and accepted for who he is and not what others expect him to be. Mostly, that he can hold on to just a bit of that wonderful childlike innocence that I find so endearing. For the most wonderful thing about Teeger is, that he is our only one.

Resolution or Revolution 2012

While reflecting upon the year 2011, I have to say it was "interesting" to say the least.

My home state of Wisconsin has been robbed and pillaged by our Governor, leading us into the worst unemployment history in more than two decades. Some of those "God fearing" right wing radicals decry the assault on his character and portray him as the martyr who was willing to be hated by the few to save the masses. Boy, did that backfire!

I do believe the recall vote has shown this to be quite the opposite. Let me also share my viewpoint on the tea party. First of all, I don't quite get the analogy...Nary of one of these citizens have ever so much as offered me a cup of tea. I also do not think I like their party or believe their truths to be quite "true". Can we just get normal people in office who do not have radical "all or nothing" viewpoints and represent all who reside in their jurisdiction? Why does the cost of living continue to skyrocket, while wages for most of us remain stagnate or for some, have plummeted? Health care should be affordable to all who need it. Isn't it cheaper for us to be healthy?

I have noticed that people who need the most public assistance, also seem to have the most children. I do not believe that anyone has the right to tell someone how many children they should have but if you can't support them...just some common sense here. Oh, and we bail out banks but no one can get a loan to buy a home. Rentals rates are soaring and landlords get richer, yet house after house sits and awaits an owner to give it TLC. Wouldn't the banks be better off renting or offering a rent to own policy rather than letting these homes sit making no one any money...just sayin.

Who else is tired of being taxed to death? For those of us who pay in every year while some receive thousands in payment, I ask you, does this make any sense? Get rid of the IRS and find a better and less confusing means of taxation. No single entity except for the big "G' should have that much power!

War! Yes, I support those who serve but I do not always support the amount of time we spend trying to assist countries (anywhere in the middle east) which have been in battle since before Jesus and unless a nuclear warhead lands on them, this will not change once our troops leave. Want to send a message, quit supporting their economy...worldwide!

As for the 2012 doomsday prophecy, I see change a comin and in the wise words of Karen Walker (or sometimes Anastasia Beaverhousen) we better hunker down, grab a bottle and pray for daylight! Unless of course we join those who are sick and tired of our government screwing things up and overspending our money (yes Republicans, you are just as guilty) keeping some of us impoverished while some keep spinning gold from the looms of corporate greed.

My wish for 2012 is forward thinking leadership, a sound economy, healthcare and a boom in the housing market and no more attacks on citizens who just want to do their job to the best of their ability and be able to support themselves and their families without being attacked by those who should be representing them (hear me Mr. Walker?) and last but not least...Let's treat each other a little better people. Respecting others is respecting yourself.

Happy 2012. It will be a better year if we make it that way.

Splendor at Dusk

I do so love Autumn and often sit outside on my deck in the wee hours of the morning or just as the sun takes her leave and evening beckons. I wrap myself in a blanket or don a jacket, as I savor the beauty of nature and cannot bear the thought of a time when it becomes far too cold and unbearable to do so. I savor my coffee or tea in which a swirling steam emanates from my cup.There is such peace and tranquility in these moments.

The only sounds are the symphony of birds and the rustling of leaves just before they shed their autumn finery. The crispness in the air sends a shiver within me, yet I savor the coolness upon my face as I bundle closer within the welcoming warmth of my covering, as if an angel has wrapped its arms around me to shield me from that which is not of nature but that which keeps me from appreciating its beauty.

To me, this is the most beautiful of seasons and my favorite time of day is dusk. There is nothing I relish more than the sight of the sun setting behind the trees. It is almost as if it is trying to sneak away before I can catch a glimpse of it. Sometimes, I hold my breath as I gaze upon the sight before me. For me, this is a spiritual experience and I pause to thank the powers that be for this special time that I share with nature.

The colors are so magnificent and while there is such peacefulness, a radiant energy engulfs me. I find myself wondering if those I love are capturing this special time of day and feeling as I do. I hope so.

For those of you who have not taken the opportunity to marvel at this glorious sight, not because you have never seen it before but because you have never really seen it as I do. I advise all who walk upon this earth to sit outside, bundle up, perhaps take a cup of coffee or tea with you, and prepare to be inspired by the beauty that is before you. The Splendor at Dusk.

The Ascention of the Purple Dragon

There are those among us who can never be forgotten. We may only know these special souls for a short time here on earth and it seems as though we have known them for a lifetime.
A young man named Cameron is one of those souls. How many thirteen year olds love Mel Brooks movies, never disrespect their parents, can easily converse with anyone of any age and has the ability to discuss a variety of topics with adept humor and clarity? It is difficult not to be under the spell of this marvelous creature with his infectious laugh and angelic face.

It is hard to understand why the fates would decide to cast a spell upon this dear one and inflict upon his youthful body this negative entity called cancer. Unless you are the parent of a child with this diagnosis, you will never understand the devastation it leaves upon your heart and soul. Throughout the entire process of surgery, treatment and medications as well as various forms of healing, this courageous young man remained hopeful and was an example of strength and endurance. His loving Papa, Henry, never gave up on his healing and tirelessly and lovingly cared for his beloved son. Family and friends lent support and a thousand origami cranes were proof of friendship and dedication from a lovely flower named Lily.

An amethyst dragon pendant to symbolize love and healing was a gift of love and was always worn by Cameron as a reminder of the support of those who loved him. Try though he did with his ever present Papa and the blessings from family, friends and even a few strangers, his earth bound body could no longer fight the battle any longer and this amazing spirit made his peaceful exit to a world which beckoned from beyond.

On September 14, 2008, the light of this world became a little darker but every now and then a cardinal will appear, or a thought which only he could provide will be a gentle reminder of the existence of his presence and the light of his memory which will never be extinguished.

As the Phoenix rose from the ashes, so too did the purple dragon and as it arose the color turned to the brightest white as a symbol of the highest form of healing, for as he made his way to a place where love is always, he became a white dragon, watching over those who love him still.

With loving dedication to Cameron David Allen
and his amazing Papa Henry