Happy Mothers Day!

"The mother-daughter relationship is at the headwaters of every woman's health.

Our bodies and our beliefs about them were formed in the soil of the our mothers' emotions, beliefs and behaviours. To become optimally healthy and happy, each of us must get clear about the ways in which our mothers' history both influenced and continues to inform our state of health, our beliefs and how we live our lives.

Every woman who heals herself helps heal all the woman who came before her and all those who will come after her." ...........Christianne Northrup

Happy Mothers Day to all the woman in my life.

First to my mother, who I am so fortunate to still have in my life. This woman who nurtured and loved me and who, now without my father relies on me to nurture and love her.

Second to my daughter who is part of every breath I take. I feel such a strong bond between she and I and I could not imagine my life without her as one of my very dearest friends. She is n extraordinary mother and has taught me many things about mothering.

Third to my two dear sisters ~ Frannie and Vicki - both mothers and grandmothers. I pause here to remember my sister Gina who passed four years ago but left many memories of her mothering not only to her two sons, but to all of her family.

Fourth to my sister-in-laws, Tammy, Helen & Sarah all of whom have joined the motherhood club in the last 7 years.

And lastly Happy Mothers Day to all my dear girl friends who are mothers.

The moment a child is born .... a mother is born.
She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother never.
This mother is something absolutely new ...... Rajneesh

Here I Go Again

So, the other day I went to see my orthopedic surgeon about my extremely painful feet.

After checking my xrays, bending unyielding toes and poking and prodding each and every osteophyte I own, his recommendation is that I have the metatarsal or big toe joint in both feet replaced. He said the arthritis is about as severe as it can be and there is nothing else short of complete fusion that he can do.

In the metatarsal (MTP) joint, as with any joint, the bone ends are covered by a smooth articular cartilage. If wear and tear or injury damage the cartilage, the raw bone ends can rub together. You can see in the illustration to the right bone spurs or overgrowth which may develop on the top of the bone. This overgrowth can prevent the toe from bending as much as required when you walk. The result is a stiff big toe or hallus rigidus.

Hallus rigidus usually develops in adults between 30 - 60 years of age. There is no known cause why it develops in some people and not others with the same amount of arthritis. It may result from an injury to the toe that damages the articular cartilage or from differences in foot anatomy that increases stress on the joint.

The joint shown in the picture is the one which I will have replaced. This is not a surgery I look forward to. I already have such exquisite pain in my feet (similar to a blow torch with a beat), that I can't even imagine what it will be like recovering from this, but I will hope that a few weeks of pain will give me a lifetime of relief.

My surgeon was amazed that I am walking the distances I do considering the severity of arthritis and my lack of foot mobility which leads to supination (walking on the outside of my feet).

The waiting time for this surgery will be close to one year, so for now, I will just put it out of my mind and continue my walking, cycling and good healthy eating as I continue my journey to good health. My hope is to halt my arthritis from progressing further in other parts of my body.

What Colour Is Your Aura?

The human aura is an energy field that reflects the subtle life energies within the body. These energies make us what we are and in turn are affected by our surroundings and life style.

Our aura reflects our health, mental activity and emotional state. It also shows disease ~ often long before the onset of symptoms.

Close to the skin is the etheric aura. It is seen as a pale, narrow band that outlines the body, usually no more than half of one inch wide. It looks like pale smoke clinging to the body. This is the visible part of the etheric body in it's contracted state. During sleep the etheric body expands greatly and opens to absorb and store cosmic energy. The etheric is better named the vitality sheath or energy body. After sleep, it contracts, forming a dense sheath around the body close to the skin.

Everything in the Universe is vibrational. Every atom, every part of every atom, every electron, every elementary particle, even our thoughts and consciousness are vibrations.

Auras are an electro-photonic vibrational response of an object to some external excitation - for example ambient light.

A human aura is partly composed from electromagnetic radiation ~ from microwave, infrared to UV light. The low frequency microwave and infrared part of the spectrum is related to the low levels of our bodily functions ~ DNA structure, metabolism, circulation, etc... whereas the high frequency UV portion is related to our conscious activity such as thinking, creativity, intentions, sense of humour and emotions.

Children are naturally able to see auras. Infants frequently look above a person in front of them. When they do not like the colour of the aura above the head, they will cry, no matter how much smiling the person does. This natural ability slowly disappears as they age due to the materialistic world and suppression of their nature by following superficial examples.

For the past few weeks, after learning how to see auras, I have practiced religiously on a daily basis to see mine. When I finally learned how to soften my gaze (this is hard to do deliberately), I was able to see a white glow around my feet and also my fingers. This is not to be confused with the after image that you see if you stare at something long enough and then look elsewhere quickly. As I continued to practice, I started to see a little colour ~ right now it is a beautiful spring green. After seeing my aura, I started to work with my dog while she slept. Chelsea's is pure white. I tried as well with my daughter and saw a whitish blue haze around her.

This skill can take months, even years to perfect. As I continue to explore my spirituality, I must exercise patience and accept this gift as it is given. I've only just begun.

The colours I have seen represent only the top layer of what is hidden beneath waiting for me to discover.

I have learned that different colours mean different things.

Red indicates force, vigour and energy. Dark reds indicate a high temper and is a symbol of nervous turmoil. A lighter red indicates a nervous, impulsive, very active person, one who is probably self-centered. Scarlet indicates an overdose of ego. Pink or coral is the colour of immaturity, frequently seen in young people. In all cases of red there is a tendency to nervous troubles.

Orange indicates thoughtfulness and consideration of others. Golden orange is vital and indicates self control and creativity. Brown orange shows a lack of ambition and a don't care attitude.
Yellow indicates health and well-being. These people are happy, friendly and helpful.
Green is the colour of healing. It is helpful, strong and friendly. Blue greens indicate helpfulness and trust. Lemony green showing lots of yellow is deceitful.

Blue is good but the deeper shades are best. Pale blue indicates little depth, struggling toward maturity. Middle blues or aqua indicates a hard worker. Deep blues indicate a person immersed in their work, tending to be moody with a mission they are steadfast in fulfilling. These people are usually spiritually minded and dedicated to unselfish causes, such as science, art or social service.
Indigo and violet indicates seekers, people who are searching for a cause or a religious experience. Those showing purple are inclined to be overbearing.

White indicates perfection.

Black indicates serious illness or death.

Brown indicates humility, earthy, sincere, a gentle heart.
Grey indicates an absence of life force.

Silver indicates balanced life force, an appreciation for life and its' offerings, a universal outlook.

So, what colour is your aura?

Green

As you know, I have radically changed my lifestyle by adopting a vegan lifestyle, juicing, eating a 60/40 raw food diet.

And now, I have added "green monsters" to my diet.

What ~ you ask is a green monster"

Well, let me tell you, it is the yummiest smoothie (raw food) I have every tasted.

I discovered this marvelous website thanks to my daughter called "The Green Smoothie Queen". I spent hours perusing this site, pouring over the information therein, and then I jumped in with both feet. Since Monday of last week, I have replaced one meal each day with a green smoothie. There are recipes posted here, but you really are only limited by your own imagination. I put a banana in every smoothie for the sweetness and potassium, and then everything else is whatever happens to be in the fridge .... blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, mango, papaya, avocados and then, I stuff in as much leafy greens that I can fit in the blender. I have used spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, parsley and swiss chard. I also throw in a spoonful of ground flax seed for the EFA's.

You won't believe this, but you can't even taste the greens. (My grandsons drink one of these "green monsters" every day and they hate vegetables.) Now, I do love my greens in salads, sauteed, in soups or .... pretty much any way at all, but this is a great way to get them in their raw form which is the superior way to consume vegetables and fruit. So I get all the wonderful nutrients and goodness from the greens while enjoying a smoothie that is sweet, thick and gloriously delicious. On her website, the Smoothie Queen suggests using water to make the mixing easier. I use a little almond milk which adds even more to the creaminess of the smoothie. I was talking to my daughter about what liquid she used in her smoothies and she said she saved a little leftover juice from her morning juicing to use. As I said earlier you are only limited by your imagination.

Prior to adding this to my daily menu, my energy had most definitely gone up, my daily fight with fatigue disappeared, but now, my energy is practically blowing the roof off my house. I can't seem to slow down or stop.

Simply amazing!!!!! I don't remember feeling this well in well over 20 years as I have fought to deal with my arthritis, my fibromyalgia along with other health issues.

So, grab your blender, some fruits and as much greens as you can fit in the blender and whip yourself up a cup of pure energy.

Savour the moment of blending as you enjoy watching the beautiful fingers of green lacing their way up through the fruit as they turn your concoction into the most vibrant shade of green which will tickle and tantalize your taste buds. But be prepared for the revitalization you will most certainly be rewarded with as you continue to blend your greens into a yummy, yummy smoothie.

My daughter ~ Sebrina recently did a post on her blog called Radiance. Pop over there and have a read and you'll know exactly how I feel lately.

Purely radiant.
Enjoy!

My Guilty Cravings

Well, I have officially been living a vegan lifestyle for 6 weeks now as well as maintaining a 50% raw diet daily. Although I will preface my use of the word "vegan" by calling myself a "begegan". This means that I occasionally indulge in honey and goat cheese.

I am thoroughly enjoying this new lifestyle change and having fun with different recipes and trying many, many new fruits and vegetables, either juiced, in smoothies or lightly cooked.

However, for the past 3 weeks, I have been craving a hamburger in the worst way. I tried putting it out of my mind, tapping my way through the cravings all to no avail ~ the craving would not go away.

After intensive research on food cravings, I have discovered that if you are craving certain foods ~ in my case red meat, that most likely I am deficient in either iron or protein in my diet. Now, I have not had a blood test to determine this, I am quite sure that is not my problem as my energy levels are astronomical which indicates that I have no problem with iron reserves and as well I am careful to ensure that I have protein in my diet every day with either nut butters or bean spreads.

So why was I craving this darn burger so badly.

Certain foods are loaded with chemical additives, refined sugar, opioid peptides (think opium & morphine), and other addictive ingredients that literally make you "need a fix".

When it comes to food cravings: this poses a challenge ~ is my body asking for something it needs or is it remembering something it was once addicted to.

Should I ignore my cravings or indulge them?

Well, yesterday I indulged my craving ~ and yes I paid dearly for it. Major stomach upset for the remainder of the afternoon, but no matter today I am back on the wagon, enjoying a delicious juice for breakfast (grapefruit, orange, lemon, apple, carrot, kale & beet) and then for mid morning a "green monster" smoothie, then for lunch a delicious wrap filled with peppers, mushrooms, onion & garlic all sauteed in olive oil, then wrapped with spicy black bean dip, guacamole and salsa. YUMMMY!

As well today I decided to update my measurement chart which I have not done in one month and I was rewarded for all these changes I have made to my diet.

My losses are as follows: 5" from my chest, 4.75" from my waist and 5.25" from my hips. I am officially not shopping in the plus size clothing any longer and can easily slip into a large tee shirt or large - extra large or size 16-18 bottoms. Not bad considering that when I started this journey I was wearing a size 20-22 on my bottom and a size 18-20 on my top.

Feeling quite satisfied with myself today.

As for the cravings ~ well, I don't imagine I'll be having any for quite some time. My reaction yesterday was swift and strong, enough to keep me away from "meat" leaving it to the animals like the tiger up above who actually has the proper digestive system to digest meat, unlike humans whose intestines are so long that meat putrifies and sometimes can take up to 8 days to eliminate.

Yup, I think that my indulgence yesterday might have been the last one ~ at least I certainly hope so.

What Does 25 Look Like?

A full body shot is not something I would ever share with anyone.

But since losing 25 pounds (actually 26 now), I can't believe the difference in my body shape or size. It really seems like such a small amount, but the difference to me in how I feel and secondarily how I look is astronomical.

Here I am at my birthday part last year ..........

And here I am this morning ............

I notice the biggest difference in my upper body, my shoulders, my collarbone and upper chest area and my back. When I look in the mirro now, I don't see an obese person, I see someon who could stand to lose a few more pounds, but not what I saw before.

I have gone down almost two sizes in my hips, but the biggest difference I see is in my upper body.

I just seem to keep feeling better and better. And another interesting note, since I've started this new life style of eating a healthy and mostly raw diet, it would seem that I can have a little cheat here and there and it doesn't seem to make any difference. By cheat I mean a small bowl of Buffalo Blue chips or maybe one of my daughter's absolutely terrific brownies.

However, the one thing that does make a huge impact on how I feel is to have something fried or processed. None of that for me any more. It bloats me .... makes me retain fluids .... gives me gas (pardon me) ..... and just generally makes me feel like crap.

So although this started out as a diet of sorts, it has become a true life style change which I will cling dearly to for the rest of my life.

Here's looking at a skinnier me sooner than later!

You Shouldn't Have

Alli over at http://www.oceantreasures.blogspot.com/ gave me this award last week. I've been a little busy and am now just getting around to joining in the fun.

First, thanks Alli for this award. I hope I can live up to your very kind words.

Here's the rules, list 10 things and 10 blogs that make you happy.

1. My family ~ the treasures in my life. As I get older, I realize how important it is to treasure each and every moment with them.

2. My friends. They hold me up, they keep me sane, they love me just for who I am.

3. Good food. As I journey down this road to a healthier lifestyle, I am rediscovering old favourites and discovering some new favourites, luscious soups, crispy stir fries, curried beans with vegetables and something as simple as a date with a dollop of fresh goat cheese and an almond slipped inside like a little treasure waiting to be found.

4. A pedicure. The luxurious hour I am fortunate enough to enjoy every month to keep my feet in beautiful walking condition.

5. The peace by the lake when I'm walking. The smell of the water as it crashes over the rocks, the gulls screaming as they swoop and swirl above the water, the wind as it whispers through the tall grasses, the little chickadees nesting in the old trees, coming across a small field where I see deer tracks in the snow.

6. Reading. I love books, how they smell, how they feel, how they look lined up in perfect order on my bookshelves. I am especially drawn lately to beautifully detailed and photographed cookbooks.

7. The sun coming in the windows in my living room first thing in the morning. Getting comfy on the sofa with a few feather cushions and a velvet throw ~ in the early dawn waiting for the sun to come up and start the dance of lights around my room.

8. My new Breville juicer. I LOVE MY JUICER!

9. A good chiropractic adjustment. After years and years of pain being told by my chiropractor that my scans are almost perfect. Is there anything better?

10. My new smaller & healthier body. To date 26 pounds down, my BMI down by 2 points, 8 inches lost (from the important spots) and 2 sizes smaller (I can shop in regular size stores now) ~ clarity of mind, a lower level of daily pain and a body that actually works with me instead of against me.

Blogs that make me happy.

Since Alli and I read many of the same blogs: I can only list a few blogs that she didn't list herself. As well, I don't read a lot of blogs, but enjoy staying with the same ones day in and day out. I feel like these are my friends even though we have never met.

1. Julie at Moments of Perfect Clarity. Julie's blog is just purely happy, colourful, homey and her thoughts on many subjects give pause for thought many a day.

2. Sebrina at Sebrina Wilson Photography. My daughter's portraits are simply stunning, artistic and creative. Maternity shots, newborns, children, families, engagement and wedding photos. She captures each moment in a soulful, calm, pure and simple way that touches my heart with each photo shoot she shares.

3. Colleen at Gradual Transition is inspiring. She is on a journey to better health and I am pleased to be able to walk this road right beside her.

4. Vickie at Frenchy Addict. Although Alli awarded her first, I just have to duplicate it and give it to her again. I love popping by her blog to see what's new in her world, knitting socks, sewing up an apron, having a girl's only glam night, sharing her gardening adventures. It's just a lovely restful moment to drop in to visit here.

5. Alli at Ocean Treasures. Here's the happy award back to you Alli ~ Your knowledge is awesome, I learn something new each time I pop by for a visit and your orchids are especially beautiful and breathtaking.

Won't you drop by and see why these "friends" of mine make me happy.

Twenty Five

Well, there it is ~ Twenty Five ~ my first goal.

This morning I got up and weighed myself and there it was for all to see.

I have lost my first twenty five pounds.
I can't believe how easy it has been, especially since I bought my juicer and decided to do a 60/40 raw food diet. The interesting thing is I don't really want much of anything else now. I am loving the juices ~ don't get hungry and besides a piece of fruit or stir fried veggies with tofu, goat cheese and a bit of rice, I really am not craving anything else.

Who ever thought that this girl ~ the original "sweet tooth" herself would actually reach this goal. My sweet treat now is a Medjool date (pit removed), filled with goat cheese and two almonds ~ delicious!

On to the next 25!

Are You Getting Your 5-9?

As I have said through past posts, I have wanted to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle for years, but just needed a push to get there. I stopped eating red meat last August, but was having trouble taking the final step. Going through a detox over the past 4 weeks, was the just the push I needed.

And now, another step in this journey to health "A New Juicer".

I am so very excited. This too is something that I have wanted to have for a long time. Years ago I picked up a very cheap one at a garage sale and although it juiced, I wasn't treated to what my new juicer treated me to this afternoon.

This new Breville Ikon Juicer is amazzzzzzzzing!

Not to mention how sleek and beautiful it looks on my counter.

And then of course, there are all the benefits that juicing provides my body. It is recommended that we consume 5 vegetables and another 3 fruits in our daily diet and yet the average person today only consumes 1 1/2 servings of veggies and generally no fruit on any given day.

Although consuming whole fruits and veggies is important, juicing gives us the minerals, vitamins, enzymes, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein and more in a form that is much easier to digest. Much of the goodness is locked in the fibre of the fruit and veggies which goes through the body and is expelled. By juicing, all of this life giving goodness is released from the fibre and is in your bloodstream in less than 30 minutes.

Now, enough about the nutritional side and on to the juicing.

So, I got my beautiful new juicer home, opened it up, read the instructions fully as instructed, then washed all the removable parts in warm soapy water, dried them, reassembled the juice and got ready to juice. I then proceeded to wash a beet, 2 carrots, 3 stocks of celery, a handful of parsley, 1/3 of a cucumber, one apple and a 1" piece of ginger.

I learned something very important today as I turned on the machine and got ready to drop in the beet. That lesson was to make sure that I push down immediately on the inserted fruit/vegetable with the food pusher. I dropped in a beet and then reached for the pusher. Well before I got the pusher in the chute, beet bits started to fly up out of the chute and onto everything.
Lesson learned! Veggy in one hand ~ pusher in the other ~ now GO!

After this wee bit of fun, I got back to my first juiced, healthy drink. It was a delectable, slightly sweet, frothy, beautiful shade of garnet red, gastronomic delight. The ginger added just a little nip to the flavour.

One really nice feature of this juicer, is a specialized spout that allows me to juice directly into my glass, or for larger amounts I can take off the spout and juice into the jug.

As well, I am continuing to pursue my walking and this weekend I accomplished my furthest walk yet. On Sunday I walked 8.3km followed up by 5km on Monday. Although I really feel it today (probably pushed a little too far), I am very proud of myself and the distance that I covered.

Guess the "ugly" shoes are really working.

Great Day Today

What an amazing day I had today with my food choices.

For breakfast I had steel cut oats, at lunch a homemade asparagus soup with a spoonful of organic miso. Mid afternoon I enjoyed a banana/pineapple/raspberry smoothie with a tbsp of hemp protein powder.

Then for dinner the piece de resistance ~ a delicious curried lentil dish.

In a saucepan I browned 1 chopped onion and 6-7 chopped garlic cloves in a little olive oil. I generously sprinkled it with cumin, curry powder, cayenne pepper and sea salt to taste.

When it was browned I added 2 chopped sweet potatoes, approximately 1 1/2 cups Puy lentils and covered with homemade vegetable broth. When the liquid was absorbed (about 3o minutes), I added 4-5 handfuls of organic baby spinach.

Then I made up one avocado into guacamole and spooned it on top of the lentil dish. YUMMY!!!

I am not missing animal products at all in this new diet. Besides with a delicious day of food like I had today, who needs it.

I Am An Athlete

The temperature was minus 22 celcius on Saturday morning, crisp, cold, sunny and the kind of day that the snow squeaks when you step on it. But I needed to get outside for a walk, as I have only walked on the treadmill over the past few weeks.

So I got on my walking clothes and headed outside to walk. Well, let me tell you, it was freakin' cold out there. I had on my sports bra, a base layer shirt, a cool max shirt and then I put on a heavy sweater, over which I wore a fake fur coat, with a tube scarf wrapped around my mouth and ears. I wore a pair of cashmere lined leather gloves and covered them with a pair of hot paws mitts. And of course my Uggs to keep my tootsies warm. Do you know that I ended up taking off the hot paws and undoing my coat and just wearing it over my shoulders, my body got so hot. However, my face burnt from the wind chill and my thighs were numb and red as tomatoes by the time I got back. (Unfortunately I neglected to put anything on my legs underneath my Lululemon pants).

That was probably the fastest I have ever walked, I was so anxious to get back into the warmth of my home. I didn't even notice if my feet were hurting because I was soooooooooo cold.

I left before Don got up, so when I got back he was sitting reading with a cup of coffee and pronounced me a true athlete to go out walking in such frigid temperatures.

Then yesterday, I walked 4.8km in my new "ugly" shoes. BTW, that is what I named my new running shoes ~ ugly.

What a difference in my walking ability to have a proper pair of technical shoes, my feet hurt very minimally, the plantar fasciitis didn't start to burn until I had walked about 4km.

So, take a look at me ~ I'm an athlete!

Day 3 of The Big Detox

Well I have made it through day 3 and I am even having a little fun dreaming up recipes. I have managed to walk through Starbucks on my way into Chapters and not even stop for a coffee (which I love incidentally and is NOT on this detox).

Today for lunch using leftover brown rice and broccoli I came up with this recipe. It was delicious.

In a frying pan brown chopped onions, garlic, peppers, celery and firm organic tofu in olive oil for about 10 minutes. Add the rice and chopped broccoli. At this point I squirted in about 1 tblsp of Bragg's (non GMO, no gluten soya), cumin and freshly ground black pepper. When everything was crispy and brown, I threw in a few handfuls of organic baby spinach. When it is wilted, plate the mixture and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and hemp hearts.

When this detox is over, I think this would be extra delicious with a bit of goat cheese crumbled in to melt a little ~ now I am drooling.

I think tomorrow night I am going to try stuffed peppers using tofu and brown rice.

This might be just the start I need to move to a vegetarian lifestyle ~ something I have thought about for years but just have never got around to actually doing it.

Having started this detox with a viewing of Food Inc., I have a whole new appreciation for how our food today gets from its' natural state to our table. The meat industry in particular I found quite difficult to watch, disturbing and upsetting at times. So far it has not been difficult to keep meat out of my diet.

If you are interested in how large corporations (some of which are named) have turned what should be a source of sustenance into a multi billion dollar conglomerate that has more power than even our governments, not to mention running over anyone or anything in their way, buying out those who don't agree with them, even lobbying to have laws passed to favour their way of running their corporations, then you must see Food Inc.

Watching how cows, pigs and chickens were treated just so we can eat meat made a huge impression on me ~ so much so that I am not sure I can eat meat again. I have lived my life disassociated from the fact that those lovely plump chicken breasts actually belonged to a living, breathing chicken once upon a time, a chicken that was given hormones to promote record breaking weight gain, a chicken that was kept in a chicken house in the dark, living in their own feces, sometimes being pecked to death.

I'll never look at a package of chicken breasts the same again.

New Shoes

Okay, I admit it ~ I love shoes. Unfortunately due to very painful feet, I can only wear flats, but occasionally you can find some really pretty flat shoes. In fact, I recently found a gorgeous pair of purple suede pumps with an open toe. Great with all the plum pieces I have added to my wardrobe this season.

On this past weekend Don and I went to see a personal trainer to be properly fitted for athletic shoes.

Because Don trains regularly for marathon runs, he requires a perfect fit in a shoe to avoid injuries. As walking does not inflict the force on my legs and feet that running does, I require a less technical shoe, but still with good cushioning to hopefully prevent more pain when I do my 5k walks.

And, as you can see from the picture, I got my first pair of running shoes. (Believe or not, I've never owned a pair of running shoes).

Due to the amount of walking I am doing now, my Clarke's walking shoes were not providing enough support and my plantar fasciitis kept rearing it's ugly head. So, swallowing my love of shoes, I was fitted with a pair of New Balance 758.

Now I have to say, these are so ugly, I'm just not into athletic gear ~ does that say anything about my personality? Hmmmm.
Give me my black leather skirt, black tights and my new purple pumps anyday.

Tell me, how does a girly girl wear these ugly things? I'm going to have to develop a whole new mind set about athletic clothing. Well, maybe as long as it's Lululemon athletic clothing, I guess I can suck it up and feel a little fashionable while I'm walking.

Putting aside their appearance, these are however, the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever put on my feet. The cushioning on the bottom is miraculous, preventing any soreness on my feet. I'm going to try them out today for a longer walk after I get back from my morning group meditation.

Why Should I Detox?

Our bodies naturally detoxify everyday as part of a normal body process. Detoxification is one of the body's most basic automatic functions of eliminating and neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Unfortunately in this day and age, with the pollution found in the air, water and the food we eat, our bodies have a hard time keeping up. Our chemicalized diet with too much animal protein, too much saturated and trans fats, too much caffeine and alcohol radically changes our internal ecosystem.

Body systems and organs that were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely over-loaded to the point where toxic material remains inside our tissues. Our bodies try to protect us from dangerous substances by setting it aside, surrounding it with mucous and fat so that it will not cause an imbalance or trigger an immune response (some people carry up to 15 extra pounds of mucous that harbours this waste).

Detoxification through special cleansing diets and colonics is the best way to assist your body's natural self-cleaning system. It is especially important for immune-compromised diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes and chronic fatigue. However, even if your diet is good, a spring cleanse can revitalize your system and rid your body of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.

I have fasted in the past and also done the elimination diet. With the start of the new year I joined a group in my community who are detoxing together. This detox is very similar to the elimination diet ~ no sugar, no wheat/gluten, no diary. We will do this together for 4 weeks.

As well, I have discovered another method of detoxing through bathing, which I will add to my next 4 weeks. The detox bath was developed by Louis Kuhne, (a German naturopath) in the 19th century to in an effort to heal the hereditary stomach and lung cancer's that were devouring his body. Not only did he succeed in alleviating the symptoms, but he went on to devote his life in treating the ill.

Here is the recipe and instructions.

1/8 cup of fresh ginger, 1 cup Epsom salts. Add to water as hot as you can stand.

Before submersing in the water, dry brush your skin (always towards the heart). This helps with lymphatic drainage.

Now, get in the tub (make sure you keep a bottle of water handy in case you get thirsty). After 30 minutes, get out and rub your body vigorously with a towel until your skin turns red. Wrap up and get into bed, covering your body with a blanket. You will most likely sweat for an hour or so. If you can fall asleep ~ that's great, your body will be eliminating toxins through your skin.

New Year - New Goals

Well here we are at the start of another decade.

Did any of you make new years' resolutions? I am not a believer in making resolutions. Too many start off the new year with resolutions and within short order they are forgotten. Why set yourself up for a failure by setting unrealistic goals.

Now, having said that I am embarking on another leg in my journey towards good health. Having lost 15 pounds and maintained that loss for over 2 months, I am now prepared to take on the next 10. So I guess you could say I am making a resolution to lose yet another 10 pounds.

I also signed up for my second 5K walk in April, so I must stick to my walking program. Over the Christmas holidays I fought a case of acute bronchitis and walking pneumonia, so unfortunately my exercise took a major hit and I'm just getting back at it now. I walked 2 miles this morning and tonight I am nursing stiff knees and sore calves.

As well, I have started to meditate. I came upon meditation through a lovely woman that I met through a joint friend. She has a lovely, relaxing way of leading a group meditation which I participate in one morning each week. As well I am working towards incorporating sunrise and sunset meditation into my daily routine. I find that I spend most of my time rushing towards the next thing on my list, so meditating is teaching me to "just be".

Those who practice meditation on a regular basis report that their ability to concentrate increases and the mind becomes progressively sharper and more under control, including freedom from unwanted thoughts, emotions and influences, and with a much higher ability to enjoy the present moment. Research has shown that meditation contributes to reducing stress and achieving deep relaxation and a profound state of rest. Meditation gives us the tools by which we can start to enjoy fuller, happier lives and better relationships. Many people have noticed dramatic improvements in their lives and health. People who meditate look and feel much younger than their age!

Meditation calms the mind, relaxes and dissolves tension from the body (and who can't use a little less stress/tension today). With regular practice, the mind begins to experience much higher levels of peace, tranquility and serenity, not only during meditation itself but also during daily life. There is a progressive and profound increase in happiness, tolerance, love, understanding, fearlessness, and inner powers and abilities.


This moment contains all moments ...... C.S. Lewis

EFT

I have just been introduced to a new program called E.F.T. (Emotional Freedom Techniques).

Let me say what an incredible method of releasing pain, illness, past issues, etc... I downloaded a manual on the basics and already I have relieved a headache that has been plaguing me for just over one week. It had been so bad on some days that I was injecting pain killers. But with only two sessions which take about 1 - 1/2 minutes, the pain was completely gone.

I am going to continue learning about this technique and continue to use it to unlock all the potential within me.

EFT is based on this simple discovery statement ~ "The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system".

Imbalances in the body's energy system have profound effects on one's personal psychology. Correcting these imbalances, which is done by tapping on specific body locations, often shows remarkable recovery. Most problems vanish in minutes.

By tapping near the end points of your energy meridians (acupuncture/pressure points), you can experience some profound changes in your emotional physical health. Many health practitioners are finding ways to use our vital energy system to aid in physical healing. Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, massage therapy and chiropractic are but a few of them.

Go to Gary Craig's ~ (one of the pioneers of this healing modality) website and learn about it for yourself. http://www.emofree.com/

A Christmas Story - Christmas Magic

Emily sat on the floor with her legs tucked under her staring at the corner where they always placed the Christmas tree for as long as she could remember.

But this year, the corner sat empty. There was no tree. At only 9 years old, Emily didn't understand why they had not put up their traditional tree and where were the Christmas presents?

You see, earlier that year Emily's father and older brother Rowan had gone out to one of Rowan's hockey games, but they never came home. Her mother said they had gone to live with baby Jesus. But then Emily didn't really understand why then they couldn't go to visit them if they lived somewhere else.

After that night Emily's mother changed. She cried a lot, she didn't talk much to Emily and she stayed in her room to sleep much more than just at night.

It didn't even seem like Christmas this year except of course for the beautiful blanket of snow outside and the silver icicles that hung outside the windows glittering in the sunlight.

Every year at Christmas, Emily and her mother would go into the city to the big stores to do their Christmas shopping, they would spend the day shopping and looking at the windows on the street which were full of toys and beautiful Christmas decorations. After their day, they would have dinner at a nice restaurant where the tables had white tablecloths and napkins to match. Mommy showed her how to lay the napkin across her lap. The man who brought their food wore a black suit with shoes so shiny Emily could almost see her face in them. Mommy told her to be polite and say thank you when he brought her food, but when he put her food in front of her he bowed and then clicked his heels. Unable to help herself, Emily asked him if he had seen The Wizard of Oz (her very favouritist movie), because his heel clicks reminded her of Dorothy. The man smiled kindly at Emily and said that of course, that was his favourite movie. He always clicked his heels at Christmas because his family lived far away and he, like Dorothy wanted to be home with them, especially at Christmas time.

Then, when they finished their dinner they would put on their skates and go to skate on the frozen canal which ran through the centre of town. After skating they would go the hotel where they would stay overnight, change into their pyjamas and sip hot chocolate which a very nice lady brought to their room. In the morning another very nice lady would bring a delicious breakfast of pancakes, fresh strawberries, whipped cream and maple syrup. After breakfast with their shopping complete and their adventure over, they would head back home to everything that Emily loved, her daddy, her big brother Rowan, her dog Ellie.

Of course, while Emily and her mother were gone, Rowan and daddy would hang the Christmas lights and decorate the outside of the house in preparation for Christmas.

Once the presents were wrapped, they would bundle up in warm clothes and go out into the woods just behind their house to find a perfect tree for that corner.

Mommy would get out all the ornaments and they would spend the afternoon decorating the tree and drinking hot chocolate with little marsh mellows in it.

Emily hugged her knees up tight against her chest remembering all these lovely things that made her feel warm inside. But then she looked at the corner again and remembered that this Christmas something was very different.

Her dad and brother were gone, her mom was different, she never laughed any more. Even grandma and grandpa couldn't get mommy to feel Christmassy this year.

As Emily sat there remembering her Christmases past, a small tear escaped from her eye and slid down her cheek dropping onto her knee. Her dog, Ellie who had been lying beside her on the floor, suddenly looked up at Emily and sensed her sadness. She sat up and leaned against Emily licking her cheek where the tear had been. Emily put her arms around Ellie, snuggling in close to her neck and whispering, "We have to make Christmas special this year for Mommy."

Jumping up, she grabbed her warm winter clothes and ran outside to play in the snow.

Ellie bounded out the door after her, running through the snow with her nose down. The snow sprayed in every direction as Ellie pushed through it. When she finally stopped and looked up, Emily laughed to see all the snow on Ellie's face. She had a white snow beard with white snow hair on top of her head.

While Emily played outside, Mr. Whitcombe, their next door neighbour watched her from the window. He felt so sad for Emily and her mother. He knew the pain of loss to, as his wife; Bessie had died only just 1 year ago and left him alone. As he watched Emily and Ellie playing in the snow, he wondered what he could do to help this family?

Mr. Whitcombe put on his coat and boots, tied a scarf around his neck and headed outside to say hello to Emily.

"Hello Emily", he called over as he started walking towards her. "Are you and Ellie enjoying this new snow?"

"Hello Mr. Whitcombe, we're having lots of fun, Ellie ran through the snow with her nose and got so much snow on her head she had a white snow beard and white snow hair. I'm going to build a snowman, do you want to help?"

So, together they started to roll the snowballs to make their snowman. As the afternoon wore on, they ended up making a snow family, a daddy with a top hat that Mr. Whitcombe found in his attic, a mommy with a shawl that he also brought out and a little girl and boy who each wore a knitted hat and scarf.

Throughout their snow family making, they talked about how sad Emily's mommy was; about
how there was no Christmas tree, no presents and no laughter at their home any more. Mr. Whitcombe pretended to blow his nose, but he was really wiping away the tears of sadness that he felt for this sweet little child.

So, he said to Emily, "Let's you and I see what we can do to help make Christmas better for you and your mommy."

It was getting late, so Emily said goodbye to Mr. Whitcombe and went inside.

Her mom was sitting wrapped in a blanket on the chair in the front of the fireplace.

"Mommy, come to the window and see the snow family that Mr. Whitcombe and I made this afternoon." Emily took her mother's hand and pulled her to the window, telling her how nice Mr. Whitcombe was. "He is just like Santa, with his big white beard and his fat tummy."

As her mother looked out the window at the snow family, Emily thought she saw a very small smile, but then a few tears also glistened on her cheeks.

Emily and her mother spent the day quietly, watching a couple of movies and having a small dinner, then heading to bed. It just was not like Christmas Eve in the past. The stockings were not hung, there was no milk and cookies and carrots laid out for Santa and his reindeer. Would Santa even come to their home this year Emily wondered?

In the morning, Emily woke to the sunshine coming through her window and noticed the icicles glittering like diamonds in the sunlight.

She ran downstairs, hoping to see that overnight Christmas had somehow magically arrived and there would be a tree and presents just like before. But there was no tree and no presents. Emily sat down, crying. Why did all these bad things happen to their family? And why didn't Santa come last night? Did he forget that she, Emily still lived here and had sent her Christmas list to him?

While Emily sat there feeling just a little bit sorry for herself, she heard her mom coming down the stairs.

"Emily, I am so sorry that Christmas is not fun this year, it has been hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit without your daddy and brother, but next year I will try harder to make it better for you."

Emily ran into her mother's arms, as they sat there together on the floor feeling the sadness at their aloneness this Christmas.

As they sat there, they heard a rustling noise outside and then suddenly there were bells ringing out a Christmas carol.

They jumped up and ran to the window to see what the commotion was all about. They both had to rub their eyes because they could not believe what they saw.

There on their front lawn was a big red sleigh and nine reindeer. Now you do remember all the reindeer's names don't you? Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and of course Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.
Santa was standing in his sleigh waving to them and on their front porch was a tall, beautiful, decorated Christmas tree with flashing lights and a beautiful star shining on the top of the tree.

How could this be? And how did Santa know that they did not have a tree like usual?

Emily pulled on her boots, grabbed her coat and ran outside. Rudolph turned to nuzzle Emily's neck as she rushed towards the sleigh to see if this was real. Santa reach down and grabbed Emily pulling her up and into the sleigh with him. She sat on his lap leaning against his long, soft white beard.

"Santa, how did you know that we did not celebrate Christmas this year? And how did you know that we didn't have a tree? And, it's Christmas Day; shouldn't you be home at the North Pole now?" Emily had so many questions, she was practically breathless trying to ask them all.

Santa replied, "Emily, a very special friend told me about your daddy and brother and how sad your mommy is, so I thought that a special trip was in order to bring Christmas to you and your mommy."

As he explained everything to Emily, the beautiful Christmas tree disappeared as a gust of wind blew open the door and then suddenly there it stood in their home in its usual corner, but this time it was surrounded by parcels wrapped in silver and gold and tied up with big red bows.

"Emily, remember Christmas is not just a day but a feeling that is always in your heart. It is not just Christmas trees, presents and a big turkey dinner, but a feeling of love, forgiveness, family and remembering others who are not as fortunate as we are.

That's why I came on a special trip today, because you and your mother are having a difficult Christmas this year without your daddy and brother. I though you both needed extra love and attention."

Emily sat with Santa for a while enjoying his stories and attention. I think she might of even dropped off to sleep for a wee bit while she was snuggled in his arms.

And all the while, a kindly old gentleman stood at his window watching ........ and smiling.

Olympic Torch

What an exciting moment this was!!

On Thursday, the Olympic Torch came through our area carried for 300 metres by John Stanton, a gentlemen from Edmonton, Alberta, who founded "The Running Room" located throughout North America.

Don and I went out the see him run and pass the flame to the next torch bearer. It was an exciting and much more emotional moment that I had anticipated.

Afterwards, Don had to go back to work and he dropped me off at home. At the last minute I decided to pop back into The Running Room to pick up his book and see if he was still there to autograph it for me.

Lucky for me, he was there and the manager suggested I have my picture taken with John. As I stood beside John, he put his arm around me and then at the last moment pushed the torch into my hand to hold.

This was quite an honour to actually hold the Olympic Torch and to meet John, who gave me quite a few tips on my walking program.

Progress

Well, I continue to work towards a state of good health.

I continue my walking program that I started in the summer and I`m proud to say that last Sunday, I walked my first 5k. I registered for this walk in Whitby, Ontario, but unfortunately at the last minute, it was cancelled due to icy walkways & trails. With this cancellation came a problem - I had sent out an email to friends and family asking for donations to Toy Mountain (a charity run by the Salvation Army to provide toys to underprivileged children at Christmas), and had my own little Toy Mountain at my home to donate.

I was so disappointed that the walk was cancelled, but having all these toys, I didn`t feel right not going on my walk. So down I went on my treadmill and did my walk - 5.6K to be exact.

At the halfway mark, the phone rang and it was one of Don`s brothers who with his family had gone out to cheer me on at my race. Also one other brother and his family came along too. They showed up at our place just as I completed my walk and as they came in the door, Rebecca, their oldest held up a big sign covered with Christmas tinsel which read `Go Auntie Barb Go``. This beautiful sign is now proudly hanging on my basement wall - my trophy for my first walk.

An emotional moment for me upon completion with this very wonderful display of support.

So now with my first 5K walk completed, I have registered for another in April and continue to walk on my own 2 times a week - about 3-4Km each time and as well riding my recumbant bike 5Km once a week.

The weight is very slow to come off, but to date I have lost 17 pounds and don`t plan on stopping. I do not have a weight loss goal, my first and foremost goal is good health and the weight loss is secondary (a little extra bonus), so wherever it stops is where I`ll be content.

Merry Christmas everyone and all the best for the new decade ahead.

Many Lives ~ Many Masters

Recently, I completed this book by Dr. Brian Weiss, MD.

Thanks so much to my sister Fran who suggested this book to me ~ I'm so glad she did. I will be digging up this author's other books to read as well. Simply fascinating!

There is very little I can say except "WOW" ~ and if you haven't read it, you should.

I was raised in a very religious home with no room for an open mind outside of Biblical teachings.

But let me tell after reading this book, I'm not so sure any more.

This is a recalling of the many sessions between the prominent psychiatrist, Dr. Brian Weiss, MD and his patient Catherine, who through the vehicle of hypnosis recalled close to 100 past lives. And I might add recalled them with vivid detail even down to the clothing she was wearing at the time.

It is not a long book ~ 218 pages ~ but what a page turner. I was fascinated at every turn but most of all, this book opened my mind to the possibilities of what awaits us when our journey has come to an end on earth.

Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day!

And I pause to remember the freedom we all take for granted.

And then I think of all our fallen heroes who have died to preserve our freedom.

The Highway of Heroes in Canada has seen far too many of our young soldiers travel along it for the last time.

It is a moving tribute to see the procession as it drives along the highway and the amount of people including soldiers, firefighters, police, families of previous fallen soldiers and those of us who silently weep at the senseless loss; congregate at each & every bridge from CFB Trenton to Toronto.

There is a reverence and silence each and every time a soldier comes home for the last time.

Let us not forget today our precious freedom that was and continues to be bought as such a high price.

Let us also remember the familes ~ the mothers and fathers who held their sons and daughters for the very last time, the children who said goodbye to their mother or father for the very last time, as they were deployed to go and fight these wars.

Today is also a special remembrance day in our family as our third grand baby Zander was born six years ago today.

I have always called Zander my little cuddle muffin. He is a very special little boy, full of a love of life and very full of love for his family who surrounds him.

We went to a birthday party for him on Sunday where Don and I were treated to a very special viewing of two movies that Zander's big brother Jayden produced and directed. While we were sitting on the sofa watching the movies, Zander came over, squeezed in between Don and I and casually placed one hand on each of our legs. Now that he's getting older, we don't get these very special moments quite as much as we used to, so when we do I savour each and every moment, enjoying the delicious flavour of unconditional childhood love.

Happy Birthday Zander!

No More Allergies

Well, here I am again with more interesting steps along my journey to "good health".

Yesterday I underwent a holistic allergy clearing known as "Bioenergetic Intolerance Elimination (BIE)".

As I am extremely allergic to dogs, cats, dust, mould and through my life have tried all the conventional methods ~ skin testing, allergy shots, antihistamines & decongestants, corticosteroid inhalers and rescue inhalers, etc, this method seemed like a good choice since nothing else has ever addressed the root of the problem ~ only masked the symptoms.

I cannot even visit my grandbabies without taking an antihistamine and then using my rescue inhaler at least 2-3 times.

So in my quest to get off chemicals and regain good health with a healthy immune system so I can fight viruses, colds, influenza and other nasties that might come my way, I decided to have my allergies cleared.

This was a very interesting process. First let me explain (to the best of my ability) what BIE is.

BIE is a safe, effective and non-invasive alternative therapy for assessing and eliminating allergies, sensitivities and intolerances.

BIE works by “clearing” the energetic pathways of the body. These bioenergetic pathways, or meridians, whose existence has been confirmed through electro-magnetic imaging technology, allow energetic signals to flow continuously throughout the body via the nervous system. Any number of factors can cause a disruption in the normal (healthy) flow of energy through the body’s meridians. These disruptions interfere with the communication between the brain and body, causing energetic abnormalities which can underlie a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including allergies, sensitivities and intolerances.

During the procedure, the client is exposed to the allergenic substance (which is held in a glass vial), while a hand-held device is used to transmit a low electronic frequency at various meridian sites on the body. As the electronic frequency clears blocked meridians, the body’s cells interpret the allergen’s energetic frequency as “non-threatening”, resulting in the elimination of adverse reactions to the cleared allergen.

BIE is quite different from conventional methods of treating allergies. The most widely used conventional allergy test is the scratch or pin prick test, whereby an area on the skin (usually the back) is scratched or pricked to allow for a small dilution of a suspected allergen (typically inhaled allergens such as pollen, mold, dust and animal dander) to be applied and absorbed into the body. The appearance of redness and inflammation within 20 minutes confirms an allergy. Since the scratch test measures only one specific type of allergic response (IgE-mediated), it does not reliably detect food, chemical or environmental allergies and sensitivities.

Another significant drawback to the conventional approach to allergy is its reliance on pharmaceuticals to control allergic reactions and their symptoms. Antihistamines, inhaled orticosteroids, bronchodilators, aminophylline, oxtriphylline and theophylline medications may be used to provide temporary relief from symptoms, however, these short-term solutions pose the risk of serious long-term side effects (melatonin depletion with antihistamines; calcium, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C and folic acid depletion with corticosteroids; depression, insomnia and cardiovascular disease with bronchodilators).

In contrast, because BIE addresses the issue of allergy energetically, it is painless and non-invasive and can be used to assess the body’s reaction to virtually any substance. Further, a distinct advantage of BIE is its ability to restore the body’s proper physiological functioning without the use of pharmaceuticals and without any lasting adverse side effects.

During my appointment with the holistic allergist, she used muscle testing to determine the severity of my allergies using the substances to which I exhibit allergic reactions. So I brought fur from each of the animals that I react to. I had a very strong allergic reaction to the dogs and cats, reaction slightly less to dust and mould.

Then I went through the clearing which took about 20 minutes. Afterward she, using muscle testing again to check my allergic reactions to the substances. No more allergies to dust, mould, and all the animals but two had cleared. She said they would likely clear within 3-4 days.

For my followup appointment in December she suggested that I bring dust samples from my home and my daughters (the two places I spend the most time) for a clearing.

All I can say at this point is Hallelujah - now I can visit my daughter and her family without suffering asthma attacks, itchy & runny eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, coughing and just way too much liquid draining from my nose.

So, Just Exactly Where Have You Been?

It would appear that I have lost my interest in blogging.

Why ~ I am not sure.

So much support and love across the miles came my way when I blogged my feelings through my fathers illness and ultimate death. During my knee and gall bladder surgeries I was overwhelmed by your concerns and good wishes.

So why, I wonder has my interest died. I have always enjoyed expressing myself through writing, painting, taking pictures, crafting, but all of these things have fallen by the wayside.

Well, part of the issue is that I am presently under construction to improve my health.

A few months ago, I decided to incorporate a Naturopathic doctor into my health management.

She discovered a great many problems in my blood chemistry, not the least of which was glucose at pre-diabetic levels. As well, I have acidosis which is a highly acidic body chemistry, high sodium levels, high potassium levels, too many liver enzymes, high cholesterol and anemia from very low iron.

She really put the "fear-of-God" into me by telling me that she felt within 5-6 years I would be a very sick woman if I did not make some big changes.

So, what am I doing?

First I am moving towards a vegan lifestyle. I have removed all red meat from my diet and am eating mostly oily fish (ie., salmon) as well as chicken and turkey. For the time being no more alcohol and I am following a 1600 calorie per day diet consisting mostly of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, eggs, yogurts and again only white meats and fish. Dark chocolate, olive oil and olives are also in diet daily.

To date I have lost 12 pounds and dropped a size. YAHOOOOO!!! The weight loss has been slow (in my opinion), but my chances of keeping it off are greater according to statistics if I lose approximately 1 pound a week, rather than rush things along with a faster weight loss.

As well on my last follow up visit, my bloodwork showed considerable improvements in all the areas that she was very concerned with.

On the recommendation of my naturopath, I have also undertaken a series of colonics hydrotherapy.

What is colonics you might ask ~ here is a short overview.

Colon hydrotherapy, or colonics, is a centuries-old therapy using filtered water to flush accumulated fecal waste, harmful bacteria, intestinal parasites, gas and mucus from the colon. It is a safe and gentle yet powerful way to cleanse the body, and to make all body systems and organs more efficient.

When waste matter is not efficiently eliminated from the colon, it becomes impacted and eventually putrefies and turns toxic. These toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream through the colon wall, where they travel throughout the body and eventually settle in various tissues. The stress created by these toxic deposits weakens the body, and can cause or aggravate a multitude of symptoms. Colon hydrotherapy cleanses the colon, helping to prevent the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream, and provides a clearing for the body to release trapped toxins so that these can be properly eliminated. Facilitating the optimal efficiency of practically all body processes, and thereby preventing the onset or degeneration of illness, is what makes colonics a useful part of virtually any treatment for virtually any condition.

The practice of using water to flush waste from the colon as a form of therapy dates as far back as 1300 B.C. An ancient Greek medical text called the Eber Papyrus (named after George Eber, a German professor who had the text translated in 1873) extols the virtues of cleansing the colon via the rectum. Early fathers of medicine Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) and Galen (129-210) were strong proponents of colon cleansing as a medicinal tool. Ambrosio Paré (1517-1590), a French physician, was the first to describe colon hydrotherapy (also known as colon irrigation or colonics) in detail and to differentiate it from an enema.

Into the 20th century, pioneering physicians including Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of Kellogg's cereal fame), Dr. Norman Walker and Dr. Bernard Jensen stressed the importance of receiving regular colonics as part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, until the 1930's, colon hydrotherapy was commonly practiced in many hospitals and doctors' offices, attesting to its legitimacy. Regrettably, the advent of pharmacology and the ensuing ubiquity of pharmaceuticals relegated colonics to virtual obsolescence for several decades.
Since the 1970's, however, there has been a grassroots resurgence of interest in the health benefits and healing potential of colon hydrotherapy.

Hectic schedules, high levels of stress, a growing dependence on nutrient-deficient processed and fast foods, artificial food additives and preservatives, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, smoking, recreational and prescription drug use, thousands of toxic chemicals in every day household and industrial products, environmental pollution, soil depletion - these are some of the common contributing factors to a general decline in people's health, producing conditions ranging from a vague feeling of malaise to more serious chronic and degenerative disease states. Ultimately, the body is burdened by toxic overload as it is not designed to cope with these hazards in the excessive quantity and frequency to which it has become exposed.

The consequences of these excesses have left many people searching for ways to regain their lost vitality. Drugs and surgery have become the interventions of choice in the field of medicine. However, although typically prescribed, drugs and surgery are limited in their effectiveness as a means of prevention. In fact, they are of little value until after the onset of illness. The use of drugs and surgery as a cure is also restricted. Because they tend to target a specific symptom rather than addressing the relationship between a symptom and the rest of the body, drugs and surgery generally do not address the underlying disturbances which caused illness to occur, leaving the door open for symptoms to recur or for new symptoms to develop. While modern medicine can be of invaluable service in certain critical circumstances, more and more people are seeking holistic health care alternatives to help alleviate illness before it reaches a critical stage.

As a holistic preventative and healing therapy, colon hydrotherapy is beyond comparison. It is widely practiced in the United Kingdom and in many European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland. In North America, a growing number of people are experiencing the far-reaching benefits of colonics as word spreads about this unique therapy and as more holistic practitioners offer colonics as an integral part of health care.

I have also gone back to chiropractic adjustments which I firmly believe are important to prevention of illness. Unfortunately I have let it go over the past year, but have just started back again. Still going through the difficulties of flare up due to the adjustments, but this too shall pass.

Back in August of 2007, I wrote how much I love chiropractic care and why you should see a chiropractor. Here again are my reasons for seeing a chiropractor.

1. Relieve nerve irritation caused by narrowed openings of the spine due to degenerated discs.
2. Restore movement by stretching shortened ligaments resulting from chronic joint stiffness.
3. Restore joint movement by breaking down scar tissue from old injuries.
4. Help to "pump" in nourishment and lubricates the discs to avoid drying, cracking and rupturing of discs.
5. Calm muscle excitability to reduce tensions and spasm.
6. Can trigger specific pain-controlling nerve reflexes.
7. Can save you time and money in the long run by preventing chronic pain and future disability.
8. Correct underlying structural problem, rather than "cover up" your symptoms.
9. Pain relief without drugs or surgery.

Many, many people are nervous to see a chiropractor because of many horror stories of neck twisting, cracking, etc.... When you look for a chiro make sure that you and he/she understand your fears. Many do not employ twisting and cracking, but use a small tool called an activator.

It's most important to understand that chiropractic is not a treatment for disease. It's purpose is to reduce nerve system stress, a serious and often painless condition most adults and children have in their bodies. Nerve system stress interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system, can weaken internal organs and organ systems, lower resistance, reduce healing potential and set the stage for sickness and disorders of all kinds. When a chiropractor frees the nervous system from spinal stress, the healing power of the body is unleashed: the immune system works more efficiently, resistance to disease increases, and your body functions more efficiently. You can then respond to internal and external environmental stresses such as germs, changes in temperature, humidity, toxins, pollen and all the other stresses you may come in contact with more efficiently.

As well I have incorporated a small exercise program into my schedule. As I am sure you must all remember, exercise and me do not mix .... sort of like oil and water, but for the sake of my health it must be done.

So I went out and bought a good pair of walking shoes, a pedometer and started a walking program of 2-3 times per week. To date I have managed to walk 1 - 1 1/2 miles on each walk.

So, if you have wondered where I have been, now you know .... spending a great deal of time getting my health under control.

I want to continue to enjoy my grandchildren as they get older, not have to make excuses for why I cannot do .....

Gone But Never Forgotten

Very dear friends of our recently lost their beloved "Rikkers" to cancer.

As you can see she was a beauty of pooch. Many memories I have of sitting around their pool, while Rikkers would bring her frisbee for me to toss for her. This would go on until I got too tired ~ never her.

Their wonderful veterinarian helped them fight for an extra three months the Lymphoma and Leukemia that eventually took her life on Friday September 18th.


Here's a sweet picture Bev came across of our youngest grandson Zander (who is almost 6 now) enjoying a day of playing with Rikkers.


Rikkers August 2000-September 09


I Am Not There

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Heat, Humidity & Flowers

I just had to share these "GORGEOUS" Hibiscus flowers that I woke up to yesterday.

I bought this plant three weeks ago. It was covered in buds, but had no flowers. I found it in the end of the season clearance isle for $4.99. A great deal I thought, so I bought it and hoped for the best.

Then the weather got really, really hot ~ outside thermometer showed 33 Celsius in the shade and that's not taking into account the heavy humidity we have had to contend with as well.

Well, I'm guessing that this little beauty loved the humidity because it started blooming yesterday morning and today there are four more plate size blooms.

I'm not an annual flower kind of the girl, my garden is mostly shrubbery and perennials, but I do have a few urns and cast iron plant holders that I fill up with annuals for shots of colour in the garden. This if the first time I have ever purchased a Hibiscus, usually I stick with Asters, Geraniums, Bacopa and Sweet Potato Vine, German Ivy and Vinca Vines for fillers.

My point and shoot camera doesn't take the best quality pictures, but I hope you can appreciate the beauty of these flowers ~ their size is spectacular, approximately 7" across and the fuchsia colour is breathtaking.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer and your gardens!!!

Forty is The Old Age of Youth ~ Fifty is The Youth of Old Age.

Last Saturday I threw a birthday party to celebrate Don's 50th birthday.

What a wonderful afternoon and such fun we had!

The party was planned with just family (or so he thought), so he was very surprised when friends started to arrive as well.

The little sweetheart in the middle ~ Lindsey was the first to arrive with her mom and dad.

I told her to go outside to say "Happy Birthday" to the birthday boy.

He was so surprised, he couldn't for a moment figure out who she was.

That's what I call a good surprise!!

Then Mom and Dad followed along with other friends who arrived shortly after.


This is our oldest, beautiful niece Rebecca and also our newest niece Grace who just turned 7 weeks old.

A few of the party goers, son-in-law Mike, good friend Lesley who worked her buns off keeping the kitchen clean, providing drinks, cutlery, dishes and generally being a great hostess, Don's brothers ~ Paul & Peter.

Vanessa gets a ride from Uncle Glen.

Don has a few helpers to open his gifts, grandson Zander, niece Vanessa and nephew Jake who is working his way over to get in on the fun.

Don told me that he didn't want any fuss over this birthday and especially no presents brought.

Of course, since when do I do what I'm told .....

As you can see, presents were brought and he was thrilled to open up this gift from his brothers ~ a blu-ray player.

After he opened up the player, he turned to me and said, "Guess we better get some blu-ray disks now."

The perfect segue for his next gift. Because I knew he was getting the player I picked up his all time favourite movie ~ Top Gun.

Then probably the biggest surprise was this laptop from me, our children, my mom and one of our friends who contributed as well. Since I had given him a gold and diamond ring to mark this very special birthday, he wasn't expecting anything else from me, so this came as quite a surprise.

We had a wonderful day visiting with friends, family and enjoying the food I had prepared the day before ~marinated flank steak sliced thin and served cold, souvlaki, tiger shrimp, sushi (ordered in), pita bread with a variety of humus dips, quinoa salad (made by our daughter) and greek salad. This was the first time I had ever done flank steak. I marinated it for 3 days and then barbecued it on Friday afternoon, let it cool down and then sliced against the grain thinly. It was outstanding and I received many compliments on it.

Thanks to our daughter Sebrina, for taking all these absolutely beautiful pictures and portraits. We are quite proud of her for turning this amazing talent into a very successful photography business, which in the past few months has taken off like a rocket.

African Thunderstorms

A friend shared this video with me today. It's incredible!

Close your eyes as you pay special attention to beginning where they use their hands to simulate the thunderstorm. You'll feel like you're in a tropical forest.

You Don't Look Fifty

Today is a very BIG day for my hubby!


Shhhh don't tell anyone but it's birthday number 'fifty'.


So here is a little tribute to my sweetheart and a very big Happy Birthday with all my love.










The love of my life has a big day today
It’s birthday number ‘50’ so let’s say hoorah.

He’s a wonderful guy
Loves the girls in his life
His daughter, his granddaughter
And me ~ his wife.

He’s a really great dad and poppa to boot
These traits he owns
And there is no dispute.

His grandsons are great
But with them he cannot keep up
Not on the PlayStation III, the Nintendo or WII.

His nieces, they love him
Uncle Donald they say
“Can you come over and watch our ballet?”

He’s a terrific brother and wonderful son
Watching over his parents
Helping brothers when needed
But all the praise he receives goes unheeded.

He works very hard at his job in the city
Keeping customers happy ~ all systems up
After a hard day at work ~ his mood’s not too pretty.

His team ~ they are great
And they work very hard
To keep their boss happy
This I can’t overstate.

Today on this very significant day
Balloons and streamers in his office they draped
Too bad this wasn’t videotaped.

Well, his day’s nearly over
No dinner celebrations tonight
He’s training for a marathon
So he’ll have to eat light.

Finally!!

Finally, Chris and I have met.

As Don came home on Tuesday night, pulling into the garage, Chris, husband Alain and son Joel drove in within seconds directly behind him.

I stood at the door, waiting for what seemed an eternity and then there was Chris ~ coming up my walkway to my front door.

She came right into my arms as we shared a hug and yes it felt like I already knew her. Chris is warm, loving and has all the character traits that I cherish in a friend. You can see in her the love she radiates for her husband and children.

This woman is truly a treasure!!

Her friendship which I have treasured for years has now become a living breathing relationship.

I stretched out my hand to shake Joel and Alain's hands, but they just reached out to share a hug ~ they too already knew me through Chris. It was immediately so comfortable.

Joel made a interesting observation when he and I were chatting at breakfast the next morning. He commented that this was an easy transition as the trust has already been established and as well the knowledge of each other that takes so long when developing a friendship. We so easily slipped into comfortable talk and easy companionship.

This visit had seemed a little like Christmas day ~ so much excitment and buildup and then in a flash it was over.

But, what a wonderful time we had with her, Alain and Joel.

It seems a little surreal to me that she actually was here after all of our years of communicating through emails. It was so amazing to be sitting in the same room with Chris talking and sharing like we have for years on email.

My plan had been that we would sit outside in the garden and barbecue corn, homemade burgers, sausages and of course my Tuscan smashed potatoes. But, alas, it was not to be ~ about 1 1/2 hours before they arrived the skies opened and poured down rain for the rest of the evening ~ so I had to quickly change course. The corn was steamed on the stove. I put together a huge green salad and grilled seasoned chicken breasts which I quickly had to defrost. They brought a lovely bottle of Ontario red wine. By the time we polished that off (our second bottle) and then coffee and liquors ~ a shot or three of Rémy Martin, I was feeling quite tingly. After imbibbing that much, normally I would want to close my eyes and go to sleep, but the stimulation of our visit and conversation for the very first time kept me awake until after 1:30. Don had to get up at 6:00 for work, so I thought it best at that time if we all went to bed ~ I didn't want to keep him awake with our talking.

Sidenote ~ I didn't really sleep at all that night ~ too excited.

Now that they are gone ~ I wonder did it really happen? I must pinch myself awake.

Coincidentally her son Joel also was leaving our home to go to Minneapolis to meet a friend he too has known via email for years.

So now we are back to emails, but can we look forward to a visit to their home in the future? I hope so.

Now that we have finally meet, I would dearly love to keep this friendship alive with visits.

But thank goodness for the wonders of technology today, we can email or even talk using a webcam and Skype to stay in touch when we can't be together in person.

Edited to add: Joel is not in the picture because he was behind the camera!