Happy Fall!

Where oh where did September go?  The fall colors and sunshine made for the most beautiful market last night.  Everyone had a smile on their face and the energy was amazing.  If only I could bottle that up and sell it!  We had a bake off and I wanted to share a photo of Terry's apple pie.  Looking at it instantly warmed my inside and I am not a fan of apple pie!  It just looks like comfort.  It was warm out of the oven.  It made me think how it must have been years ago when people cooked everything from scratch and buying a frozen meal and microwaving was unheard of.  Don't get me wrong, I love modern conviences, but a nice balance is key.  So Today I will send a wish for all of you :
May you find balance in your life and feel warm inside always!

Lisa Fahey
www.speikercompany.com

high fructose corn syrup vs. sugar

Many people do not realize that high fructose corn syrup is composed of the same simple sugars found in table sugar and honey — glucose and fructose — in virtually the same ratios. Health and nutrition experts—including doctors, dietitians, researchers and professional organizations — are in agreement that whether it’s corn sugar or cane sugar, your body can’t tell the difference. Sugar is sugar. Like all foods, sweeteners should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The American Medical Association recommends that consumers “limit the amount of all added caloric sweeteners to no more than 32 grams of sugar (8 teaspoons of sugar) daily based on a 2,000 calorie diet”. http://www.cornsugar.com/

“White sugar, brown sugar, sucrose, honey, maple syrup, even high-fructose corn syrup are all roughly the same mix of the simple sugars called glucose and fructose.”Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., Nutrition and Health Expert for The TODAY Show, Woman’s Day, May 1, 2010

Have a wonderful weekend! Pamela Pomplun-Morgan Healing Essence Massage

Last Saturday I took my son to football and the eager 9 year old waiting for me in the car in full pads made us be about 30 minutes early.  I pulled into the parking lot where only three other cars stood.  To my disappointment, the school lot was full of garbage from McDonalds.  I told my son, "lets go.  It looks like we are going to have to pick up after last nights pigs." We picked up what we could and I was happy to see another father and his two boys join in.  How is it that we can live in 2010 and still have people walking around and being so disrespectful to our earth?  Who thinks the world is theirs to abuse?  I guess there are those out there who don't stop and think about the gifts they are given by being a part of this great planet.  On the other hand,  It was wonderful to see young kids picking up and not even questioning why.  It is our duty to teach children how to respect the earth and as in Saturdays case, what we can do if others don't.
Picking up someone else's trash is never fun, but when you do, you can feel the sun smile and gently pat you on your back.

Lisa Fahey


If man doesn't learn to treat the oceans and the rain forest with respect, man will become extinct.
Peter Benchley

Mother and son time- precious

Many of you know that I have an adorable 14 year old son (that puts him in the 9th grade).  He is at the stage where one minute he wants to spend time with you, the next minute he doesn't so balancing my relationship with my son has been interesting.  I wish someone wrote a book like "What to expect with raising a boy."

Having the busy schedule that I have, I make a point to schedule "mom and son date night" about every two weeks.  It has been difficult to find things to do that we will both enjoy.  We have come to agree that we both like trying new foods.  I have been lucky with my son.  From a very young age I never had a problem with him trying new foods.  He would always say, "Mom, I will try it once and if I don't like it I'm not having it again."  Needless to say, he likes pretty much everything. 

This last Saturday we had "date night" and we decided to try Sushi.  I have never tried sushi before so this was the first time for the both of us.  We both had unknown expectations and a bit of excitement about trying something new.  While we were waiting for our sushi to be prepared we talked and laughed.  It was a great bonding time. 

During our conversation, my son asked if I could buy him a razor.  I said "very funny, you don't need a razor."  "You still have a baby face"  He said, "mom, yes I do, look at my face."  Sure enough, he had some stubble.  Of course, as a mom you know your babies will grow up but I just cannot believe how fast they do! 

So, after our sushi (which was great by the way. Tokyo sushi and grill restaurant-Shakopee)  We want to the store to buy him a razor.  I was filled with different emotions.  Sadness, that my son is not a baby anymore.  Excitement, that I am a part of this experience of buying his first razor.  Proud, that my son is developing into a man.  I wanted to tell everyone "We are here to buy my son his first razor!"

Of course, he wanted the fancy electric shaver and the shaver that has all the attachments to trim a beard and after a discussion about not going overboard, we settled on a simple razor, shaving cream and after shave lotion (I didn't think he needed the aftershave, but what do I know I am a girl). 

On the car ride home, I told him he will have to have his step dad show him how to shave when we get home.  He said, "mom, I already know how to shave."  I said "really, how."  He said he has been watching his dad and step-dad shave for years.  I said "watching someone shave and doing the shaving are two different things."  He said "remember, when I was little and I have a fake shaving kit.  I learned then."  A memory of him when he was 3 or 4 sitting on the counter in the bathroom with his pretend shaver, shaving flooded my mind.  He was so cute and  now look at him he is doing it for real!  I had to hold back the tears.

When we got home.  My son gave me a hug and thanked me for the great time we had together and for his new razor and products.  Even though I know next week he will probably not want to talk to me.  It is these precious moments that I will remember forever.  Mother and son time- precious.
Sarah Jaeger, Mystic Journey

What You Can Eat to Defeat Cancer

I watched this segment on Dr. Oz last week.  Have a wonderful weekend! Pamela Healing Essence Massage.

Foods That Fight Cancer

Anti-angiogenesis, the starving of cancers by cutting off its blood supply, now a proven cancer-fighting strategy in cancer clinics supported by a growing body of scientific research, is migrating to the grocery store and farmer’s market. Many healthy foods contain bioactive compounds – specific substances that affect the body in certain ways, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, or mopping up cancer-promoting free oxygen radicals, or inhibiting angiogenesis. In addition to the foods Dr. Oz and I discussed on the show (airing Friday, September 10, 2010), some other good examples of cancer fighting, anti-angiogenesis foods include:

Green tea
Strawberries
Soybeans
Chocolate
Cinnamon

We now know that all fruits and vegetables are not created equal – some are much more potent than others, based on their anti-angiogenesis profiles.

Read more at doctoroz.com

I recently returned from a most wonderful trip to a place called Holden Village in Washington.  The Village sits in the Cascade Mountains and to say it is a remote location, is an understatement.  To spend a week without phones, computers, TVs radios or cars, brings one a sense of peace that I can not put into words.  So many times I find myself caught up in the rat race of life.  It seems so cliche to say that, and I did not think of myself as living like that until I was blessed with the opportunity to take a step back and live the simple life.  Now I realize how busy we all are and that there is an urgent need for us to make time to take a nature walk, play a game of cards,write a letter,or sit with someone from another generation and listen to the wonderful stories.  I am so very lucky to have been given this opportunity and will cherish the memories and make it a point to live a bit of the "Village Life" right here in Belle Plaine.
Lisa Fahey
www.speikercompany.com

Inner bonding

I have been on my own personal journey for a while now and would love to share with you all what I've been up to.  I have been getting in touch with my inner child and healing old wounds.  It is a long, often hard journey but one I feel so blessed to be on.  When we release our old baggage and connect with our little one (inner child) then we can find so much joy and happiness in life.  When you feel sad, mad, inadequate, lonely. etc....and really stop to listen to what your telling yourself its absolutely amazing.  Our thoughts which stem from our beliefs cause our feelings!  Example)  If your feeling nervous meeting someone new and you really listen to that voice in your head, it might be telling you that your not good enough and that people wont like you (false belief).  And how is that belief going to make you feel?  Sad or scared?  
     Every day, I honor my little one and promise to her, to take care of her and respect her feelings and needs.  I promise to make her a priority and give her what she didn't get as we were growing up. I didn't have the ability to get what I needed as a child but as an adult it is my responsibility to give myself what I want and need.  We don't have control over how anybody else feels or behaves but we do have control over our own beliefs and feelings.  I choose to take care of myself and my prayer for all of you is that you make that same commitment to yourselves.  Your worth it!

The best books I have ever read and that I would recommend to anyone are:
Healing your aloneness       and     Inner bonding         
Both are by Margaret Paul and can be found at amazon.com

Or you can go to   http://www.innerbonding.com/
for a free 7 day email course that goes into more detail about the inner bonding process.

Love yourself,
Sarah Bran de León
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

I made a pledge will you?

Many of us have been affected by the down turn of the economy.  With this added stress and through our limiting belief systems we feel the need to separate from others and compete because there is not enough.  This separation and the idea that others can hurt you and therefore the need to protect yourself needs to be released. 
We are in a period of great change.  There is a shift happening.  It is a realization that what we have been doing is not supporting our needs anymore.  We are now realizing that the old, limiting belief system is not working and learning that we individually can manifest our truth and live the life we truly want to live.

Today's message is brought to you with the help of Nanice Ellis.  Nanice is certified as a Master Results Coach and Master NLP Practitioner. She is vastly experienced in Coaching, Crisis Counseling, and Intuitive Consulting with more than 20 years of Public Speaking experience. Nanice is a member of both the NLP Society and the International Federation of Hypnosis.

According to Nanice: It is time to wake up.  When we embrace oneness - everything changes. Competition falls away. Protection is a thing of the past. Scarcity gives way to infinite abundance. Love rings true and we all choose in the direction of love and kindness. We are now opening to the intrinsic and unquestionable knowing that we really are one of a kind - wherever you look there is only one Kind.
The life you have been dreaming about is awaiting you. All that is required is that you embrace it with open arms and an OPEN HEART as you remember the oneness of Who You Really Are.

The Pledge

The Pledge is an agreement you make to yourself. By committing to this agreement, you will have chosen to align with your highest good and the highest good of all. The Pledge is about personal and global transformation. It is simple yet holds the power to transform your life; and the World! If even 1% of the people on this planet take the pledge, the Earth, herself, will transform and we, the children of Earth, will experience The Harmonic Evolution (THE!)

The Pledge is an opportunity to re-affirm your life and realign it with the life you always intended to create - and live. Most of us have gotten our identities and guidance from educational systems, religions, governments and financial institutions but these crippled and limited systems are falling away; these systems represent old programs and paradigms that have kept us trapped in limiting beliefs of scarcity, unworthiness and limitations. With the falling of these systems, many people are left alone with no identity or guidance to follow. The Pledge is that answer for higher guidance and a new direction.

The Pledge shows you the way and teaches you that the way begins with you. No one has the answers for you and no is going to save you. That fantasy is dead and gone so that a new higher wisdom can swoop down and take its place. The Truth lies intrinsically encoded in the Pledge so that when you take the Pledge and Pass It On, you are saying YES to the Truth and offering it up to those around you. The Pledge gives your life back to you and gives you a seed to plant in your garden; while helping others to plant their own seeds. The Pledge is The New Constitution for a New Life - a New World - a New You.

Nanice Ellis

Join me and countless others who are making to pledge to ourselves to not only benefit our own lives but the world around us.  Go to Nanice.com to make the pledge.
Sarah Jaeger
Mystic Journey

Common pain relievers raise heart risk for healthy people

Found an interesting article on over the counter pain relievers.  Have a great weekend! Pamela Pomplun-Morgan Healing Essence Massage

Common pain relievers raise heart risk for healthy people.  By Ed Edelson, HealthDay.  USA Today


Healthy people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve minor aches and pains may raise their risk of dying from heart-related problems, a Danish study finds.

The American Heart Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration already warn people with heart disease to be cautious about taking NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen (brand named Advil, Motrin) and diclofenac.

The new study is the first to show the same kind of increased risk among people without cardiac problems, says a report in the July issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, published online June 8.

"Very few studies have been designed to answer the important question: Do NSAIDs also increase the cardiovascular risk among healthy people who use these drugs for minor complaints?" said lead author Dr. Emil L. Fosbol, a cardiologist at Gentofte University Hospital in Hellerup. "This study is the first to confirm that the cardiovascular risk is indeed increased when healthy individuals use some of the drugs."

The risks for different NSAIDs — found in an analysis of national medical records of more than 1 million Danes from 1997 to 2005 — varied widely. Participants, whose average age was 39, who used ibuprofen had a 29% greater risk of fatal or nonfatal stroke, compared to those who took no NSAID.


Use of diclofenac (Voltaren and Cataflam) was associated with a 91% higher risk of death from all cardiovascular diseases, while rofecoxib (Vioxx) use was associated with a 66% increased risk. But the study found no increased risk of cardiovascular problems — indeed, a slightly lower risk of death — associated with naproxen, sold over the counter with brand names including Aleve.


For people taking the largest doses, diclofenac was associated with a doubled risk of heart attack, and rofecoxib (Vioxx) was associated with a threefold increased risk of heart attack. Vioxx was taken off the U.S. market in 2004 because of a study finding high rates of heart attack and stroke.

"These findings are completely consistent with what we have found in patients with cardiovascular disease," Dr. Michael E. Farkouh, a clinical cardiologist at Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute in New York City, said of the Danish study. "Drugs that elevate blood pressure and are associated with a thrombotic (artery-blocking) effect can be harmful in patients who are otherwise healthy."

The percentage increases in the study were large, but the absolute overall risk in otherwise healthy people was small, Farkouh said. Nevertheless, "before you take any medication, you should consult with a physician, particularly these medications," he said.

That warning applies especially to people who exercise regularly and are thus more likely to take an NSAID for muscle and joint pain, Farkouh said. Regular use of an NSAID increases the risk not only of cardiovascular problems but also of bleeding, a known side effect of the medications, he said.

In fact, the Danish study found an increased incidence of major bleeding events, some fatal, from all NSAIDs except celecoxib (Celebrex). Celecoxib did not appear to raise the risk of coronary death or stroke either.

The Danish findings are consistent with a 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with NSAID use, said Dr. Elliott Antman, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, lead author of that paper, in a statement issued Tuesday by the AHA.

"The recommendations we made were based on our best estimates from the existing pharmacological and biological research available at the time," Antman said. "I find this new study reassuring because it endorses the recommendations we made using a large body of actual clinical evidence."

Antman's advice for anyone taking an NSAID regularly is that "it is advisable to discuss with your physician why it was originally recommended or prescribed, whether you need to continue taking it, and at what dose."
It may be wise to consider alternatives, the study authors and other experts said.

"The majority of studies have shown that naproxen has a safe cardiovascular risk profile and that ibuprofen in low doses (1200 mg and below per day) also is safe in respect to the cardiovacular risk," Fosbol said.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

I Adore Autumn!

Autumn is for me what New Year's is for a lot of folks.  It's my time for reflection, for clearing out clutter, releasing old habits, making a fresh start.  As a kid, I loved getting new school supplies...fresh white paper (hated that awful newsprint paper), sharp-tipped crayons, pristine pencils, and I loved going back to school.  A fresh start, with new things to learn, new friends to meet, new adventures.

All these years later, September feels exactly the same.  Could be the Scots blood in me, as this is the season of the old Celtic new year, though I find that many of my friends feel this way.  If to everything there is a season, then also to everyone there is a season.  If Autumn is yours, then Happy New Year to you!  I wish you abundance, joy and beauty on this year's path of learning, growing, living and loving.

Have it good!  Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland at theartofthehome.blogspot.com

Keystone Women's circle presents an 
AUTUMN GATHERING OF THE GODDESSES!
As Dawn-Marie mentioned in the previous blog, the event will take place on Thursday October 7th.  You will not want to miss out!  Space is VERY limited so contact one of us ASAP if you would like more information.  I will try and attach the invitation soon.
Enjoy this oh so wonderful September Day and stop by the Farmers Market (4 to 7 pm Court Square)

Peace,

Lisa Fahey
 http://speikercompany.com/

Save the Date!

Since I just exhausted this week's rant on the soapbox over on my own blog, I'm out of interesting news of my own, so I will cheat, and share Keystone news. 

Save the date, Thursday October 7th, when we will be hosting an evening of fun and pampering, just for women.  Details will be firmed up next Tuesday, and emails sent to each of our client lists.  If you aren't on any of our email lists, click on one of us, and then on the email link from our individual website, and let us know to add you.

The event will include mixing your own essential oil blend, a bit of yoga, a short massage, hypnosis for stress-reduction, sampling new fall make-up colors, fun decorating ideas, with tips for improving the physical and energetic flow in your own home, a gift bag (or two!) of things to take home, and yummy treats and drinks.  It's an Autumn Gathering of the Goddesses, kind of like trick-or-treat for big girls.

Curious?  Check back here next week, or watch your email!

posted by Dawn-Marie deLara, Artist in Wonderland at theartofthehome.blogspot.com ... click on over to read my soapbox rant on the femininity of power tools!

Unexpected Emotion

A few weeks ago, my husband and I attended a friends wedding.  This wedding ceremony was held on the same beautiful, outdoor property as my husband and my wedding ceremony.  At first I struggled with going to this ceremony, in fear of loosing the memories of my wedding, since this wedding in more recent. (I know, silly thinking)  Then I came to my senses and realized this wedding would be a completely different experience from a completely different angle.  So we attended.

I don't consider myself an emotional person, I have to be very upset to cry.  Well as I sat waiting for my friends wedding to start, looking at the gorgeous landscape, the tidal wave of memories flowing through my mind, a massive flood of emotion came over me.  I wanted to cry.  This is the first time in my life I wanted to happy cry!  It was unbelievably overwhelming, and one of the best experiences I've had. Pamela Pomplun-Morgan.  Healing Essence Massage

Little Ways to dodge the bugs

Sometimes life just gets overwhelming.  Too much stuff to do, too many bills to pay, too many commitments to keep.  And it builds and builds until wham, down you go with a cold or the flu, right?  Not me.  Really.  I don't get sick.  I occasionally get royally bitchy (my signal that I'm out of whack, and in need of self-care), to the point where the Keystone gals probably wish I would take my attitude home and give it a nice long nap (which I do), but I haven't had a cold or flu in at least four years.

One has been trying to catch me this week.  I've felt it surreptitiously poking around in my throat, upping the sludge production in my sinuses ever so slightly, and making me a little tired.  How have I blocked it?  Little ways.

First, I immediately reminded myself that I am created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, illness is not part of my reality. 

Next, every time I noticed the symptoms threatening to flare up (you have to pay attention and catch it at the first tiny sign), I did three quick rounds of EFT meridian tapping (google this for all kinds of free instruction) to open any blocked flow there, as emotions and illness are linked (Tapping is new to me this year.  Prior to this, I just did forgiveness meditations, which apparently affect the same physical changes in the body.  Tapping is really quick though, and doesn't require solitude). 

Then, I gave myself a little sympathy, as my personal life is in a difficult transition, and I sometimes expect myself to handle everything to perfection, when in fact most of those problems are beyond my control.  Perfectionism is the highest form of self-abuse, so knock it off already.

Knowing that, I released all the stresses to Divine Intelligence, and made some time for forgiveness work in morning prayers.

Finally, I made a commitment to focus on "Little Ways" for a few days.

This is a technique I named when I was repairing a statue of St. Therese, the Saint of Little Ways.  I was also studying some of the teachings of Eric Butterworth, and they both were saying the same thing:  Be mindful of the small things you can do.  In the past, I simply gave myself permission to take a day to do whatever I felt like, explaining to boss or client that I needed a day to dodge a bug threatening to catch me.  Trust me, a boss just won't know how to argue with you when you say, "I'm calling in well"! :)))  Little Ways is the enhanced version of this.

The technique is to simply keep doing the next thing in front of you that needs doing, the minute you notice it needs done.  Not even the smallest thing gets left for later.  Stitch on the button now, take out the compost now, return the phone call now, and don't even look at the caller id, just pick up the phone and deal with whoever is there NOW.   Whoever or whatever presents itself, focus there, deal with it, then move on to the next thing.

Yes, this can play havoc on a schedule, but if you stick with it, problems untangle amazingly quickly, time frees up, and within a few days, you find yourself no longer overwhelmed because the mountain of stuff is much smaller, and what's left of it is no longer threatening to avalanche.  Can't disrupt your schedule any more than calling in sick to work later in the week, so you may as well try it.  Illness is borne of stress, so eliminate the stress (kids have stress too, and they are also lightening rods for parental stress, community and news stress, and other energies in the environment, as well as having fewer physical immunities built up). 

Of course, being able to say "I haven't had anything worse than an occasional mild headache and girl cramps in about four years"  does eliminate a major topic of everyday conversation.  However, it can be amusing to toss this out there when your co-workers start complaining.  It truly amazes me how much people will try to argue with me about this, saying how I'm just lucky, what good genes I must have, or that it's all because I don't have kids.  All I can say is you get what you believe in. 

We all go at our own pace, on this path to the heaven within.  Mind you, I muck up my life in plenty of other ways, so no one would mistake me for a saint.  I just offer this in case anyone reading today would rather not waste precious minutes of life on pointless illnesses.  So, be well, and if you're not, and not ready for this prevention, you can always ask me to serve up my best remedy:  comforting hugs(don't worry, I'm not going to catch it), healthful prayers, homemade chicken soup, and some sympathy for the stresses in your life, as those work almost as well.

Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland at theartofthehome.blogspot.com

Spritual Message for the day

Today's message is brought to you with the help of the Osho Zen Tarot cards. Sitting in reflection of what you, the reader need at this moment. I pulled out 1 card for a representation of your message.

Card picked- Abundance: A jolly man sits a top a book on a cloud high above the mountain tops.  He is holding a pink lotus flower.  He has grapes on his lap and is dressed in a gown and cloak that is brightly colored with a rainbow of colors.  In the right and left corners of the card, the sun and the moon are present.

Having nice material things is great!  Who doesn't want fancy things right?  Unfortunately, there comes a time when you get bored with the fancy material things and you want something different.  This is because you are not whole.  True abundance is when you are rich in the body; rich in the mind; and rich in the soul.  Only a whole person is a happy person. 

Take a look at your life now.  Where are you lacking in abundance?  Check-in with your body.  What is it saying?  Is it healthy?  If not, now is the time to take the steps towards being healthy.  Check-in with your mind.  What is it saying?  Take a class, read a book on something that interests you.  The mind is always wanting to learn more.  Check-in with your soul.  What is it saying?  Find a way to connect with your spirit.  Attend a church service, meditate, or just take a walk outside and feel God's greatness in nature.

A whole person is an abundant person.

Sarah Jaeger, Mystic Journey

I learned of a great, all natural cleaner: lemons. Halved lemons can be used as a scratch-free scrubber on dishes, counters, sinks, and stainless steel. 
Stay cool. Pamela

In this tough economy, most of us are living paycheck to paycheck.  If you were to become temporarily disabled, how would you pay your bills?  You would be surprised at how affordable a Disability Income Policy can be.  If you are not offered a plan through work, consider taking a look at a policy and what it would cost you in case of an accident that leaves you unable to work for any period of time. 

Farmers Market today 4-7pm at Court Square in Belle Plaine!
Buy Local ~ Buy Fresh!

Lisa Fahey
speikercompany.com

Default beliefs

I am currently reading a really good book by Sue Patton Thoele called  "The courage to be yourself".  Its a women's guide to emotional strength and self-esteem.  She was talking about default beliefs and how when we're in a crisis or stressful situation we automatically default to our oldest strongest beliefs.  Of which most are negative.  An example would be, If you had a belief that everything was your fault or that you always do things wrong.  When your in a stressful situation or a crisis, say a fight with a spouse or friend, you would automatically pull up the belief that you did something wrong and are to blame for the problems in the relationship. That limiting belief prevents you from looking at the problem from a more realistic perspective and allowing the other person the take responsibility for how they are feeling and handling the situation.  Not to mention the pain that it puts on us for always being responsible for how other people act and feel.  I want to put out there for everyone to become aware of what your default beliefs are and whether they are empowering or limiting.  Whether they are real or false.  I think you might be surprised by what you find.  Happy hunting!

"If I could identify one core problem about the world, it's that we've been taught to distrust ourselves."
-Shakti Gawain

Sarah Bran de León
www.calmwatershypnosis.com

Spiritual message for the day

Recently I have been guided to take a step further on my spiritual path by intuitively passing along messages from spirit.  Today's message is brought to you with the help of the Osho Zen Tarot cards.  Sitting in reflection of what you, the reader need at this moment.  I pulled out 1 card for a representation of your message.

Card picked- The Source:  A brightly colored sun with variations of oranges, reds and intense white.

Today is a day to remember what you are and what you came here to do.  During our busy lives, we seldom take the time to check-in with our "source" energy or that godly light within us.  We get wrapped up in our scheduled existence and may get distracted from our true path.  What does your heart desire? Are your staying true to yourself and what your true feelings are?  Meditate on that today and your answer will come.  It will put things into perspective for you.  No matter how daunting the task may be if it is your hearts desire there will always be a vast reservoir of energy from "source" to sustain you.  Follow your heart which is your "source."

Sarah Jaeger, Mystic Journey

shop local, save on mileage

I viewed and interesting documentary called Food, Inc.  It explores the truth about our food, where it comes from, the food industry as a whole, and its various impacts.  It was very factual but yet shocking to me at the same time.  One fact it discussed was on average one meal travels over 1500 miles to reach our plate.  1500 Miles!?  This includes the mileage to harvest, mileage to processing, mileage to the store, us traveling to the store to purchase it, and then to our plates. 

Produce is in season.  Shop your local farmers market.  Shop your local meat market.  Save on mileage. Healing Essence Massage, Pamela

Who inspires you?

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of women business owners who inspire me.  Here are links to a few websites you might find inspiring:

maureencarlson.com   Check out the galleries to see the diverse styles of Maureen's polymer clay sculpture, then take a video tour of the boarding house where you can stay when attending classes there.  She was on my list of imaginary mentors long before I met her in person, and then one day I discovered I live 7 miles from her shop.  Lucky, lucky me!

magnoliapearl.com   Robin Brown creates life in lovely vintage layers.  I love her bold quirkiness.  I'm not tempted to go quite so wild, but she certainly gives me the confidence to let my "Mountain Girl Goes for Baroque" style show a bit more.  Life is too short to hide your light, and Robin proves that just being your true self is the most precious gift you give to the world.

Ashley Carter of goldbugstudio.com creates the paper follies I'm certain I would create if only I could collect another ton of ephemera, in order to have just the right parts on hand for the projects that my never quiet mind constantly designs.  I think I'll make some party hats inspired by hers for my next birthday bash!

Come join us on Mondays at 1:00 at Mystic Journey, and tell us who and what inspires you!  And visit me at theartofthehome.blogspot.com if you want to see a little bit of how this artist lives her business...
Have a great weekend!  Dawn-Marie

Deep thoughts

Hello everyone.  I don't have any deep thought of my own today so I want to share someone elses.  ENJOY!

When you're going up the stairs and you take a step, kick the other leg up high behind you to keep people from following too close.

If you're ever shipwrecked on a tropical island and you don't know how to speak the natives' language just say "poppy-oomy" I bet it means something

I wonder if angels believe in ghosts.

Instead of studying for finals, what about just going to the Bahamas and catching some rays? Maybe you'll flunk, but you might have flunked anyways; that's my point. 

I hope that made you laugh a little.  Enjoy the rest of your day.  If your brain can handle more deep thoughts check out the website.  AHAJOKES.COM

Thanks, Sarah Bran de León

Calm Waters Hypnosis
http://www.calmwatershypnosis.com/

What would you think?

If your time on this earth was at its end, what would you think; I wish I would have worked harder and earned more money or I wish I would have spent more time with my family and told them how I much I love them.
Have a great weekend! Pamela

A few good quotes...

"The highest form of bliss is living with a certain degree of folly." -Erasmus

"Kiss my soul through my lips."  Tennyson

"Dawn-Marie, are you a kid or a grown-up?"  Lauren, age six, when I was 39.

Have a great weekend.  To see where I get my incredibly grown-up sense of humor, pop on over to theartofthehome.blogspot.com and meet a few members of my family!

Eating fresh

Our Garden is loving today's rain.  (Actually so am I.  I may finally get the bathrooms cleaned if I can't be outside)
We have picked a ton of Cucumbers and are eating them fresh like crazy.  I have also done some pickling and will enjoy them all winter long.  Not only are they good for you to eat there are many other uses for the easy to grow vegy. You can find all of the information on the web. If you do not grow them, the Farmers Market always has plenty of locally grown items for a great price. I found this information today while looking for new recipes and thought I had to share.    


Conventionally grown cucumbers, like other fragile vegetables, may be waxed to protect them from bruising during shipping. Plant, insect, animal or petroleum-based waxes may be used. Carnauba palm is the most common plant-source wax. Other compounds, such as ethyl alcohol or ethanol, are added to the waxes for consistency, milk casein (a protein linked to milk allergy) for "film formers" and soaps for flowing agents. Since you may not be able to determine the source of these waxes, this is another good reason to choose organically grown cucumbers.
taken from www.whfoods.org

So if you are in the mood for some ethyl alcohol with your cukes, you may have to head to a conventional store.  If you like yours without, give me a call. I have plenty and would love to share!

Have a great weekend!

Lisa Fahey

Heavy slumber, lighter days...

This just in from The Center for Science in the Public Interest (Independently funded research you can trust...I love these people!)  cspinet.org

Sleep More, Eat Less

Wondering why you're so hungry?  Maybe it's because you're not getting enough sleep.

Researchers allowed 12 healthy, young, lean men to sleep for either four or eight hours in a laboratory. 
After one night of four hours of sleep, the men ate 22% more calories the next day than they did after eight hours.  They also reported being more hungry before breakfast and dinner.

In a separate study, scientists found that a single night with only four hours of sleep led to insulin resistance in nine healthy lean men and women in their 40s.  After the night of restricted sleep, the participants were less able to move blood sugar into their cells, which suggests that their bodies were at least temporarily resistant to insulin.  Insulin resistance can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and possibly breast cancer.

Other studies that limit adults' sleep find higher levels of gherlin, which makes people hungry, and lower levels of leptin, which makes people feel full, in their blood. Changes in gherlin, leptin, and insulin resistance may explain why studies find a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in people who get too little sleep.

What to do:  Get enough sleep.  Most adults need 7-8 hours a night, and school-aged children need at least 9 hours.  From the American Journal of Nutrition via Nutrition Action Health Letter

Just one more thing in favor of the exploding trend in separate bedrooms for even happily married young couples.  Women who sleep well are slimmer, happier, and thus (wouldn't you think, guys?) sexier!  That's all for tonight.  I'm off to dreamland!

Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland at Theartofthehome.blogspot.com

Integrative Medicine therapies are on the rise

One of my very good friends and avid supporter of Mystic Journey stopped by the shop and delivered to me a very interesting report from the Mayo Clinic that I would like to share with you. 

This particular report was sent out with their Mayo Clinic Health letter and is titled: Integrative Medicine, Health and wellness for the 21st century.  In this special report they highlighted some of the most common integrative therapies among adults and explained that these therapies had a significant increase from 2002 to 2007. 

This article highlighted the fact that traditional medicine has been opening up to the idea that a person's health and wellness is not just about the treatment of an illness but a treatment that includes the mind, body and spirit as a whole.

Most traditional medicine treatments have had years of studies that were financially backed by pharmaceutical companies proving that they work.  Non-Traditional medicine or integrative medicine has not had as many studies but there has been a fair amount of evidence behind them as interest and use continues to grow.

What therapies fall under integrative medicine you ask?  Meditation, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese medicine, Hypnosis, Energy therapies (Acupuncture, Reiki/Qi gong), massage and chiropractic care all fit into this category.

The idea is not about conventional vs. integrative medicine but finding the best of conventional and the best integrative medicine for each individual person.  I encourage you to investigate integrative medicine and open yourself up to the possibilities of a more personal treatment.

Here is where you will find some great information to get you started: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  www.nccam.nih.gov
Of course, Mystic Journey is here to guide you and help answer any questions you have.  We also have a list of therapies and classes on our website.  Be sure to also look into my fellow Keystone Women's circle businesses for guidance.  Healing essence massage and Calm waters Hypnosis to name a few.

Sarah Jaeger, Mystic Journey

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a whole flock???

If you are a woman, and even the slightest bit self employed, you really ought to join us on Mondays at 1:00 at Mystic Journey.  Superhero capes are optional...but really fun!

We did the Bar-B-Q Days Parade as "Women in Business, Everyday Superheroes".  That's Lupe Fonseca as the "Goddess of Glam", who did the entire parade in silver heels, Dawn-Marie (Quinche) deLara as "Splash" the ninja painter, and Sarah Bran de Leon as "Captain Subconscious".  Not all the members were able to participate, but we rounded out the numbers with three of my art students. 

Sarah's daughter Kadence, above, with us, chose to be "Heart Girl, bringing love to places where there isn't any."  Faith, pictured below, donned her cape and, as the quietest of the three, the fitting persona of "Peace Girl".  Jensen's picture got deleted, but we'll get the adorable "Art Girl" posted on here, as soon as possible.

Choosing superhero names can be quite a process.  However, when we googled "painter", we discovered that in the mid 1700's painter meant panther, which in America was actually referring to our native wildcats, cougars.  It wasn't a big leap from Slash to Splash!  Playing superhero is really fun, but...

I have just one question...how in blazes is a superhero supposed to get her zipper down to pee with fingernails this long???

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful vacation at the beach.  The ocean was at a perfect temperature and we had a great time visiting with other people.  It is so nice to get away.  We spent a lot of time, just sitting, watching and listening to our surroundings.  It is great to relax and that is why I have enjoyed meditation so much.  I can now use the sounds and sights from our trip to help me relax.  (Until I need a reminder of the real thing - then I will have to go away again :)
Farmers Market today from 4-7.  Gardens are in prime shape!  Stop by for some wonderfully home grown stuff!


Have a great night - I hope you all get to relax.  Even for a moment.

Lisa Fahey

Challenging comfort zones!

So this weekend I had the opportunity to challenge my comfort zone.  I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. Made myself go to a place that made me feel a little uncomfortable but knew that it would be good for me.  The opportunity arrived in the form of the BBQ days parade!  Myself, Dawn Marie Quinche and Lupe Fonseca were superheros for a couple hours!  Along with some little superheros who helped us out.  I was Captain Subconscious!!!!  I wore capri leggings with a bright red cape and red gloves.  I felt a little self conscious walking down the middle of Main street in that get up.  But I can't even begin to describe the sense of pride I felt that I did it!!  I know that I can do anything that I set my mind to.  But sometimes it takes a challenge, it takes us pushing ourselves past our comfort zone.  It reminds me of a quote that I heard.
"the greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually fear that you will make one"
So many times we don't do things cause were afraid of making mistakes. Afraid of looking like a fool (that was my fear).  But if you don't try, if your not willing to make mistakes, your missing out on soo many opportunities.  So I put out the challenge to everyone to challenge yourself, surprise yourself with what you're able to do, how strong and capable you are.  Cause I can guarantee that your stronger than you think you are!

Thanks for your time,
Sarah Bran de León

tomatoes

Found a easy tomato pasta sauce and salsa recipe.

Heat 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil with 1 tbsp minced garlic.  Add 3lbs coarsely chopped plum tomatoes, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 mins.  Season with salt to taste.  marthastewart.com/recipe/simple-tomato-sauce 

In a food processor, pulse 1/2 small chopped yellow onion, 1 small chopped garlic clove, and 1 small chopped jalapeno.  Roughly chop 1 1/2 lbs cored plum tomatoes and add 2/3 of it to food processor.  Pulse until chopped.  Transfer to a bowl.  Then pulse remaining 1/3 tomato until liquefied.  Add to bowl with 1 tsp white vinegar, 2 tsp chopped oregano, and 3/4 tsp coarse salt.  Stir to combine. wholeliving.com

Enjoy!  Pamela

To be or not to be...authentic

It comes up one way or another quite often, in gatherings of women entrepreneurs:  How much of your true self do you reveal to the public, when you are in business for yourself?  Do you passionately speak up for your political, religious, and social ideas, or is it better to remain neutral and offend no potential customer? 

Polymer clay artist, Donna Kato, ran into this dilemma a few years back when she made a political comment on her polymer clay blog, and offended a New Yorker, who loved her work, but was opposed to her politics.  She started a separate blog for her politics, but lost the fan, until a year or two later, a few of us who knew the story realized we also knew him from classes, and told him to go back and see the apology she had written to him.  Not for her beliefs, but for alienating him with content that had nothing to do with art. 

I struggle with it a bit, when I type these posts, and more especially the posts on my own blog, where I often write from my spiritual perspective.  As the daughter of atheists, living in a predominantly Catholic and Lutheran town, in the heart of the Midwest, I feel vulnerable expressing beliefs that fall in the "Christian New Thought" category.  Never mind that many of Oprah's most popular guests are also of this faith, I still worry about turning off potential clients, or not getting some of the Catholic church work that makes up a good chunk of my business.  And then there's the worry about what my folks will think...really, Dad, just look at the pictures.

The best way to answer the question may be to take yourself out of the spotlight for a moment.  As a consumer, don't you do business with people of other faiths, who have opposing political views, or are just plain strange?  Unless there is an extreme problem, most of us do.  And back on your side of the counter, if there are people who might not like the real you, are they really the people you want for customers?

You have a light to shine on this world, and a higher authority to answer to.  Do you have the right to hide your unique self from the world?  We each have to answer that for ourselves.  As for me, I choose authenticity and to live wide-open, and this weekend, in the local parade, I shall make a fool of myself quite spectacularly, as "Splash", the plus-sized ninja painter, just one of several "Everyday superheroes".  I'll just be sure to hand my fliers to the gals who are laughing, with a knowing twinkle in their eye!

Be happy, be real!  Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland, at theartofthehome.blogspot.com

I visited with a client yesterday who recently had to give up driving.  After we were done talking "business" we sat at the kitchen table and chatted about anything and everything.  She feels so stuck.  She has a big family and they take her wherever she needs to go, and she has friends that just pop in to say hi.  Her sadness, however, comes from her loss of control.  She is now dependant on others for rides.  This must be an aweful feeling.  On the filp side, her daughter now comes over every Sunday and they go to church together.  Another daughter calls her every night on her way home from work.  My Grandpa just happen to tell me last week, after his brother past away, that he will miss the phone call he had with his brother every Sunday.  This all gets me thinking how I need to get better about reaching out to loved ones just because.  We can't wait for something to happen to force us to be better about just stopping by nor do I want to be regretful because I did not make it a point to call someone on a weekly basis just to say hi.  It is the little things in life that make a difference.  So to all of you who I may not have said it to lately :  "you are special to me and I am greatful for the time we have spent together and look forward to memories we will create".
My office has been busy as I tried to blog so I apologize if I did not make much sense today.  At any rate, enjoy your day, tell someone you love them, and do a random act of kindness - it really will make the world a better place!

Lisa Fahey

Total fitness; Low impact exercise

There is the common misperception that exercise must take a long time and be painful in order to be effective. While a good workout should be a bit of a challenge, it doesn’t need to hurt to be beneficial. Furthermore, research suggests that a moderate-intensity, low impact activity such as yoga or walking, is just as effective as high impact activity in lowering the risk of conditions such as heart disease. Low impact exercises – which can improve your health and fitness without harming weight bearing joints – are perfect for individuals who are:

pregnant
have injured joints, bones, or connective tissue injuries
have chronic problems such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or stress fractures
are overweight
are new to exercise

Effective low impact cardiovascular exercise should allow the heart rate of the participant to reach a level greater than 50 percent of its maximum. Low impact cardiovascular exercises generally have low physical risk and are effective for general fitness.

To find low impact activities, look for anything that involves intense stretching and strengthening components. According to The National Institutes of Health at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/, walking and swimming are both perfect examples. 

Recommended activity levels:
Adults: 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days a week.
Children: 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
Targets can be achieved with 10 minute bursts of activity spread throughout the day.
mylocalhealth.com

Have a wonderfully hot weekend!  Pamela

Just Another Thursday in Paradise

Sarah J had me paint this quote on the wall of her yoga room:

"Make each moment an occasion to be deeply, happily at peace." (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Simple, but profound. 

Want it worded in Christian?

Jesus said "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you", and his sidekick John used a word that has been translated as "repent", but apparently modern linguists say it also translates as "change your mind."

"Change your mind, for the Kingdom of Heaven is within you." (GB)

Whatever spiritual tradition you follow, the great teachers have all said the same thing:  Happiness is an inside job.  So, when life's challenges start mounding up, I find it useful to remember both those phrases, and then try something called an afformation, which is a question, instead of an affirmation, which is a statement.

Instead of trying to convince yourself with the affirmation "I am deliriously happy", when someone has just delivered you a truckload of bovine byproduct, try saying "Why am I so happy?"  You can try to think up an answer if you want, but I think it's best to just keep repeating the question and letting it percolate.  What happens is your subconscious is designed to make whatever you say be true.  If you keep asking "Why am I so happy?", that little workhorse inside of you will do everything it can to answer the question, and pretty soon you'll find yourself whistling away in a garden of well-fertilized flowers.

Be happy!

Dawn-Marie, "Artist in Wonderland" at theartofthehome.blogspot.com ...click on over to see one of my favorite pieces of art on this week's post, and keep an eye on this page for some serious silliness coming in a couple of weeks.

Guidance from Higher Power

I am reading a book called "Inner bonding" written by Margaret Paul.  It  is an amazing book and I would love to share a part of the book that struck me.    We so often forget to dialoge with our higher power or don't realize that we can get guidance  from our higher power.  When we are feeling bad, mad, sad, angry or whatever were feeling we can get an amazing amount of info just by listening to our feelings.  There is always a reason for feeling the way we do.  If you cant tell what your feelings are trying to tell you, you can ask your higher power for guidance.  A couple questions that you can ask your higher power is
1) What is the truth about this belief that is limiting me or causing me pain?
2) What is the loving behavior in this situation?

An example may be if you have an arguement with your spouse, child or friend.  We might feel guilt or shame or feel that there is something wrong with us. That we are flawed in some way.  That is the limiting belief.  The truth may be that everybody disagrees at times and that you and they are entitled to their own opinions.  There is nothing wrong with you. 

When you allow yourself to dissect those beliefs and feel your feelings you can take steps to correct the misperceptions and limiting beliefs.

A loving behavior could be finding support from friends or taking some time to yourself or remove yourself from the situation. 

Thanks for letting me share this with you.  I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. 

Sarah Bran de León

Being as busy as I have been this last month I decided to have a little break this 4th of July weekend.  My brother-in-law has a camping area by Mille Lacs lake in Garrison.  All of the in-laws were there since Friday, my boys included (I refer to my husband and my son of 14 years as "my boys").  After some deep thought I decided to close the shop early on Saturday and head "up-north." The drive was nice, traffic was moving smoothly and I was in a zone making sure I didn't think about anything seriously.  I am on a mini vacation.  Nothing needs to be solved within the next 24 hours.  It can wait.  I would say that I was practicing a form of "walking meditation."  (Except I was driving of course) Being aware of what was going on around me.  What kind of vehicles were on the road, wondering where they were going and what kind of story they had.  Being aware of the trees, what kind of birds and animals were out and how the car felt as it hugged the road.  It was very relaxing just being in the moment.
I arrived at the camping area at 6:30pm.  Everyone was coming in from the lake all bronzed and red faced from the day of boating.  It was nice to see everyone again.  After a great meal of hamburgers and brats on the grill we settled in for the night looking forward to the next day and for my day in the sun.
Seeing everyone wake up was an interesting experience.  I could tell who reapplied the sun screen when they should have and who didn't by the intensity of the red in their faces and exposed skin.  Everyone said how fun it was, how the sun felt great at the time and how the sun was not their favorite today.  Sun is good, sun is bad.  Lucky for them, it was an overcast day but warm non-the-less we headed out on the lake.  Since it was an over-cast day I really didn't slather on the sunscreen.  It was a great day full of jet skiing, tubing and lounging.  Even with the over cast it felt great to be outside.  I could feel all the built-up stagnate energy leave my body.  I needed this!  After being indoors for so long I forgot how invigorating it is to be outside.  It is funny how we get so caught up in what it is we need to do and to get done and how just taking a break and being outdoors once in a while totally recharges the battery.  With that said, I am feeling that instead of being "kissed by the sun" the sun "made out with me" as I am a little burnt in some areas today.  Sun is good, Sun is bad even when it is hiding behind the clouds.  The message here is get outdoors, even if it is for an hour a day and even if it is an overcast day.  It is free therapy but be sure to wear and reapply sun screen even on overcast days.
Sarah Jaeger, Mystic Journey

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one."


Have a safe and happy 4th of July Weekend!
Lisa Fahey

Define your success

Success can be defined many ways.  To some it's being the best parent possible, or owning a big expensive house.  Working endless hours to "make money," or scoring for a big win.  However success is defined is up to each of us, in our own terms.  This meaning is personal and constantly changing.  Success is not easy.  It takes hard work and dedication to achieving what is truly most important in your life.  Define your success.  Pamela

What a week!

First, congratulations Sarah Jaeger on the huge turnout for your yoga open houses! Your intuition that this was needed in Belle Plaine was obviously right on target! If any of you readers missed these events, but are looking for a place to take yoga, check it out. The teachers are top notch, the owner is the best, and the paint work isn't too shabby, either.

I've spent my last two weeks 20-30 feet in the air, spiffing up paint, to help get St. John-Assumption Church ready for it's annual festival. If you're in the area and hungry around lunchtime on Sunday, it's classic hog roast! Just take 25 across the bridge and up the hill, then watch for the St. J's sign, just after the county 14 intersection.

If you want to compare barbecue, head to Jordan on Saturday (or Sunday) for the Jordan Art Festival, JordanArtFestival.com, which is held in conjunction with Pork in the Park. I'm not participating this year, but many friends of the Keystone gals are involved, like Cathy Isles, who owns Bridging the Universe, bridgingtheuniverse.com, a unique line of disease-specific greeting cards. You'll find Maureen Carlson, maureencarlson.com, involved both as story teller and polymer clay artist. Talk to her about her center, and it's healing arts focus. If you time it right on Saturday, and I'm sorry but I haven't yet heard what time this is, you can catch Cindy Heimerl on stage as story teller Ruby LeFey...she is sooo funny!

Weed the garden and scrape the peeling porch paint if you must this weekend, but don't forget to take time to stop and smell the...shredded pork!

Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland at theartofthehome.blogspot.com

BELIEVE

I do not have any great advice to share today, so I will share a story that is a small reminder that we all need to BELIEVE.
My husband and I bought a new (to us, it's a 1967) boat. We took it out for the first time on a Friday evening on a little, never crowded, lake in Norwood as we knew it had been in storage for a LONG time and may take a while to get going. We tried for about 20 minutes to start the bigger motor and it was just not wanting to wake up from its years of rest. After I started to get a bit frustrated (funny how I was frustrated and all I did basically was watch) I reached for my purse and started to dig for my Tiger Eye Stone (purchased at Mystic Journey :) My husband saw me grab my purse, and said, "Don't you dare get out your stupid rocks!" Tiger eye Aids Confidence, Enhances Concentration, Brings Prosperity and Luck and at this point I figured we needed a bit of luck! I ignored him and began to hold the stone over the motor rubbing it's smooth surface and sending positive energy and thoughts toward the motor. Well, you can imagine what happened within a minute! Yep! The motor began to sound just like it should and we were off! After making my husband thank the rock, (boy he was sick of me at this point) I put it back safely in my purse, ready for the next time I need it. (If he tells this story by the way, he will say that he cracked open a Linneys beer just before the motor started)
Now, I can not prove that the motor started because of my stone and positive energy, but I BELIEVE in the connection in the Universe and our Spirit. I BELIEVE in karma, destiny, and Santa Clause. I BELIEVE in world peace and that hopefully I will be alive to see it. I BELIEVE in love.
It does not matter what you BELIEVE in. Just find something that you are passionate about and at the very least BELIEVE in YOURSELF!

Lisa Fahey

Sarah - thanks for the reminder! I too have been so busy being a mom, a cleaning lady, a cook, an Insurance Agent, a volunteer, that I forget to stop and laugh. I will make it a point to laugh everyday! Sarah J - is there a rock for laughter????

Laughter is the best medicine

My husband and I were talking the other night and feeling stressed about all the things that need to get done, and just life in general. We realized that we were just focusing on the negatives and have lost a lot of the joy in life. What do we look forward to, what are our goals, what makes us happy? We had lost track of fun. It got me thinking about all the benefits of laughter and I did a little research and this is what I found.


Laughter is good for your health

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

The Benefits of Laughter

Physical Health Benefits:
Boosts immunity
Lowers stress hormones
Decreases pain
Relaxes your muscles
Prevents heart disease


Mental Health Benefits:
Adds joy and zest to life
Eases anxiety and fear
Relieves stress
Improves mood
Enhances resilience


Social Benefits:
Strengthens relationships
Attracts others to us
Enhances teamwork
Helps defuse conflict
Promotes group bonding

Watch a funny movie tonight, read some comics, go to a comedy club. A new show on tv that is hilarious "last comic standing". So do yourself and your loved ones a favor and Laugh!

Sarah Bran de León

The road to wellness isn't straight, clear, or predictable. Its a path you forge yourself. Pamela

You never know...until someone tells you

I had a visit from a newly single friend the other day, and was reminded of one of my favorite lessons: You never know how you touch the lives of others, so live to your fullest potential every chance you get. In my work, I strive to create physically, emotionally, and aesthetically functional living spaces for my clients, and I tend to go around thinking of myself and my place in the world as "artist", "decorator", and general joker.

Is this why she stopped to see me? No. She stopped to tell me that she'd had a flat tire, and now that there is no husband to call, when she couldn't find the jack or the tool to release the spare, her next thought was "What would Dawn-Marie do?" Wow. So, now I know, and on those days when every color I choose is wrong on the client's wall, or I get the message from someone that I'm not girly-girl enough, those are the words I'll remember.

Did someone inspire you today? If so, let them know...you never know how you might touch their life!

Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland, tire changer, bat catcher, soup maker and general joker at...
theartofthehome.blogspot.com

Key to weightloss

I am very excited! It all started with "Biggest loser". I am a fan of the show and have enjoyed it seems the progression of focus from just diet and exercise to helping the contestants deal with their emotional issues. That seems to be a new trend, where people are starting to realize that when you deal with your limiting beliefs and your emotional baggage, the weight comes of easier and the best part is.... it stays off!

Now there is a new show that has just started with the same trainer from biggest loser named Jillian Michaels. Her new show is called "losing it with Jillian". She goes to live with a family for 1 week and teaches them how to change their life. But the beauty is that from what I've seen so far, it's as much helping them deal with their emotions as it is diet and exercise. People are starting to realize the secret ingredient to losing weight and keeping it off... Emotions!

If your so inclined, check it out. "losing it with Jillian" is on Tuesdays 7:00 on channel 11
Hope everyone has a great day!!!!

Peace,
Sarah Bran de León

Go vegan; save the planet

Before I start with all my interesting facts on how reducing the meat, poultry, and fish we eat can positively effect our planet, I want to say I love these foods as much as most Americans. But these changes are something each of us can do easily (easier than reducing how much we drive) to change our greenhouse gas emissions, and have a larger impact.

There is a movement called "Meatless Monday," "an initiative in association with the Bloomberg Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, that states if all Americans skipped their daily eight ounces of meat one day per week, we could save more emissions over the course of a year than if we gave up traveling by cars, trains, planes, and ships combined."

20% of man made greenhouse gases emitted each year comes from raising livestock for food, one of the largest contributors.
Going vegan saves 1 1/2 tons of Co2 eq, compared to the average American diet.
16 times more fossil fuels are needed to create one steak than to produce a plate of broccoli, eggplant, cauliflower, and rice.
Cows expel methane, a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than Co2.
98 pound of beef, 67 pounds of pork, and 102 pounds of chicken are produced for each American annually
77% of U.S. soybeans and 46% of U.S. corn feed farm animals.

There are many food sources for protein, we should eat daily about 1/2 gram per pound of body weight; yogurt, eggs, cheese, legumes, beans, nuts, soy, grains, fruits and veggies are all great sources of protein. For more information, recipes, protein count, or to find books on the subject visit wholeliving.com ."How to be a Healthy Vegetarian," Body & Soul Magazine.

Have a Great Weekend! Pamela

Says who, exactly?

Last week, I ran through the grocery store at the end of a work day in my usual glamorous work attire, a paint spattered t-shirt and paint encrusted pants, so of course the clerk asked what I paint. I explained I mostly do faux and murals, and she said, "Oh, I did too, but it's too much work once you hit 40, and so hard to find customers these days. Too hard working for yourself." She didn't exactly look thrilled to be scanning my oats and yogurt, either. I wanted to shake her awake, to somehow inspire her, but pointing out that I'm a good bit over 40 didn't seem the way to start, and everything else that came to mind just seemed sure to depress her further.

A couple of days later, I had to deal with someone over the phone whose job it is to listen to stressed out unhappy customers. He said it wasn't that bad, and he was just lucky to have a job. Was this the job he dreamed of as a kid, I asked, and got a long silence, followed by something like, "We all gotta grow up..." I suggested he might want to investigate the veracity of this a little further.

Now, I'm not always flush for money, and business surely has more ups and downs in recent years than it used to, but most days, I'm pretty danged happy to go to work. In the past few weeks I've painted big blue flowers and little baby tigers, sculpted hummingbirds and lettered inspiring quotes, taught a 7 year old how to make polymer clay beads, wrote instructions for a dozen decorating and craft projects of my own design, helped a friend pick colors that truly make her heart sing, and took my dog to work most days, on the days I actually had to go anywhere to work. When I was 14, this would have been my idea of goofing off. 30 years later, it's my job. Maybe we gotta grow up, but we don't have to grow old.

Do make it a point to live all the minutes of your life, including those you spend earning a living. All the Keystone women are dedicated to making a living by making your life better, and to the idea that working together we can make each others businesses better. We welcome your questions about our services, and if you are a woman in business we welcome new members to our meetings every Monday at 1:00 at Mystic Journey.

I have come that you might have color, and that you might have it more abundantly! :)
Dawn-Marie, "Artist in Wonderland" at The Art of the Home theartofthehome.blogspot.com

It takes a Village

As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise children. With school out and many kids biking and playing throughout town, I urge everyone to please be aware of all that is going on around you. Be nosey, listen to kids as they play, and if you feel something is not right, take action. Too many times the news reports bullying etc. taking place and observing citizens afraid to step in. So lets all make a promise to our children and the safety of all kids, that we will not stand by and watch!

Throwing a summer party? Be sure you have enough liability on your home owners policy and that it will cover where your event is being held. Accidents do happen and you may find yourself financially responsible! It pays to ask the questions before it is too late.

Farmers Market today from 4-7.
Enjoy the day!
Lisa

Hour of Need

Last weekend I helped raise money for Megan Millmann, a local 16 years old with AML, a form of leukemia. Sheila Lambrecht and I donated seated chair massage during the fundraiser. It went so well, I had a great time, and we were very busy. But unfortunately Megan and her family are in the fight for her life. I cannot fathom this financial and emotional burden placed on this family. That's why I choose to help the best way I knew. No family should be alone in there hour of need. Who knows when that hour will be mine, and I hope there are others to help me. Pamela

If you would like to help Megan and her family Cornerstone State Bank in Belle Plaine is taking cash donations.
Cornerstone State Bank
406 East Commerce Drive
Belle Plaine, MN 56011

Refreshed

I am feeling great today! Yesterday afternoon, I got to relax for a whole hour as Pamela worked her magic on my neck and shoulders. Sitting at the desk all day maybe does not seem strenuous, but the benefits of massage reward all types of professions. I need to be more regular about going in. It is just one of those things I think we all need to give ourselves. I usually have a hard time relaxing for a whole hour but Pamela made me want to stay for three! I had never had a full body massage and could not believe how great my legs felt when I was done. Thanks Pamela!

Today is the Farmers Market. Stop by Court Square from 4-7 if you can. I have been eating lettuce fresh out of my garden for over a week now and let me tell you, it is wonderful. If you don't grow it, we have vendors picking today so you can enjoy!

Not a famous quote but my favorite from the weekend:

My 6 year old neighbor arrived at a party the same time as us. We all were carrying in our crock pots and plates of food. He too was carrying a large crock pot (what a helper :) and kicking his sweatshirt as he had dropped it and needed to get it to the house. I said "wouldn't it be easier to pick up your sweatshirt and carry it?
He responded "I can't! I am full-handed!"

How cute is that.
Have a great day!
Lisa

Memorial Weekend

I hope everyone had a great and safe memorial weekend.
I had the most amazing weekend.
My family and I went to a friends cabin that was about 5 hours up north. The trip wasn't the fun part! The kids were soo excited that I think I was deaf by the time we reached the cabin. At one point I bribed the kids, If they could be completely quiet for 10 minutes they both got a quarter and miracle of miracles they did it!!!!! I started reminicing of family vacations I went on with my family when I was younger and I understand my parents a lot better now. I remember my parent pulling over onto gravel roads and making us all run ( there were 5 of us) when we got tired they would let us back in (or when we promised to be quiet). Or a favorite game of my moms... little red school house 1,2,3..
the object of the game was to see who could stay the quiet the longest:-) I don't think I understood the point of the game at the time. I tried it with my kids on this trip but they thought it was funny to try and make the other one laugh, so it actually made them even louder (if that was possible). But we made it all in one piece and my hearing eventually came back. The rest of the weekend we did a lot of fishing. My daughter caught a snapping turtle!! Hooked the leg with the hook and reeled it in. Of course that had to be thrown back! Son caught a big northern. He didn't like that we ate it for supper, It probably didn't help that they named every fish they caught:-) We all went 4 wheelin and had bonfires and saw all kinds of animals, raccoons and porcupines and tons of deer. There was even a black bear around. It was soo much fun. 3 days of no tv!! And we didn't even miss it. It was great to see the kids be soo active and be able to spend so much quality time together. Of course its always nice to come home again. But will definetly look forward to the next vacation.


Readers....Im curious to hear about some other tricks your parents used to keep you quiet on family vacations. Or if anyone else has something that works for their family, please let me know. I might use it on my next trip.

Sarah Bran de León

Ingredients according to the label

I try to eat healthy food. I was raised on processed, fatty, easy from the package food. So this change has not been easy. The government says its trying to help us determine which foods are worse to eat by requiring labels on packaging, specifically trans fat, but this is not completely true. "Trans fat is usually found in processed foods and fried foods that are made with partially hydrogenated shortening (oil). They are especially bad for your heart since they have been shown to raise LDL and lower HDL." But "federal regulations allow food label to say there's zero grams of trans fat as long as there's less than half a gram per serving. And many packages contain more than what's considered to be one serving. Most people also tend to eat two or three servings." "Since the American Heart Association recommends that people limit trans fats to less than 2 grams per day, those half a gram servings could add up quickly." Most of all, we don't even know we are eating them because the label states there is no trans fats in the product. Midwest Health & Wellness.

Have a fantastic Memorial weekend! Pamela

Still got a lot to learn...

We usually teach what we need to learn. I'm still trying to learn this one: Life is not a one woman show. Helping Sarah J. (along with lots of other good folks) get her new place ready to move Mystic Journey into, I've had several opportunities to remind the tireless, always cheerful dynamo of this, and at the same time, a little voice in my ear whispers, "Back atcha, DM." I don't think it's Sarah muttering under her breath.

For some of us, accepting help isn't the easiest thing. We've been trained to say "Oh, that's alright, I can manage", when we're running on day number three with almost no sleep, juggling the demands of house, career and family, around trying to do those things that will move us forward in life. We don't want to impose on our friends, ask our family to bear with us, much less actually help, nor accept the kindness of strangers. Here's what I try to remember...

1. Delegating is good for everyone. Expecting your family and coworkers to do their share respects them and you. They are capable, they are responsible, and they will be happier when allowed to show it, even if they are snarling at you at the moment.

2. Being a cheerful receiver is as important as being a cheerful giver. When you say "Yes, thank you", you give someone the opportunity to give, which is our purpose on the planet. Put another way, when you say "Yes" to an offer of help, you are doing that person a favor. Let them feel useful, be part of the flow, or build up karma points to balance the snarling.

3. Finally, there are some people whose "free" help is too costly to accept, so do learn to differentiate between Barn Raising Friends and Blood Sucking Mosquitoes disguised as helpers. For now, I'm gonna go help Sarah put a coat of glorious chocolaty brown on the yoga room walls...Yee haw!

Be well, be happy, and say "Yes, thank you!" more often

Dawn-Marie
Artist in Wonderland at The Art of the Home
check out what's new this week...theartofthehome.blogspot.com

I just wrapped up a life insurance proposal and it felt like a good time to remind all of you how important a policy is on you and all of the members of your family. No one likes to discuss life insurance. It is not a fun topic and believe me, it is confusing. But think about how tragic loss is and combine that with these tough economic times and tragedy becomes catastrophe. Protect your self and your family. For the small amount it takes each month, it is worth peace of mind.



On a lighter note, I wanted to share the successes I have experienced learning meditation at Mystic Journey. I am not a huge fan of heights. I will never forget when my body went into panic mode while on the top of a Ferris wheel in Chicago. I was about 26 years old and Heights had never bothered me before. On this wonderful trip with friends I was suddenly overcome with fear and loss of control. Oh well. I guess the fun was over for me. I have avoided heights for years since and when I was in situations like climbing a lighthouse with my kids, I simply headed back down when I felt the panic starting. I took one of Sarah's classes on Beginning Meditation. I did not go with the intent of facing my fears but for the relaxation and health benefits I head read about. The class was so informative and I have since continued to practice and learn more about meditation. I was shocked last summer while on a family trip to find that the tools I learned could help me through situations that previously would have had me "quitting". We were on a hike in the Mountains in beautiful Washington. Unbeknownst to me, we had to cross a high bridge above a creek to reach our destination. I wanted to turn around a run back down the mountain. But I am tried of that. It is my body and I will not let the fears I have developed (for no apparent reason) make my decisions. (for any of you who have experience this you know you get physically sick). So I took a deep breath and started to calm my self and put my mind in a place of peace and comfort. I was amazed when I took the steps high above the running creek and got to the other side. My husband was at the other side with his jaw on the trail and said "whatever you do at Mystic Journey, don't ever stop". Pretty funny coming from the guy who used to tease me when I was off to what he referred to as "voodoo classes". Now, I am not off to take up skydiving and still don't know if I will ever make it to the top of the Space Needle, but I know that what I choose to do can be accomplished when I focus positive energy on my goals and connect my mind, body and spirit. If you have never meditated before, I highly recommend one of Sarah's classes and learn about all of the benefits. I can not thank her enough for helping me!

Peace to you all,
Lisa Fahey

I know it's been a long time since my last post. Like I told the other ladies, I have no excuse. I'll try and pick up where I left off last time. I believe I was talking about beliefs and the power of the mind. The question being, what type of beliefs do you have? There are 2 types: empowering beliefs and limiting beliefs.

Empowering beliefs:

• Allow us to tap into our full potential
• Help us ask better questions to access resources that can help us reach our goal
• Encourage us to look for solutions instead of quitting when we face challenges

Examples of empowering beliefs: If I did it before, I can do it again
I know it's possible
There has to be a way
I have all the tools I need, it will just take time,
perseverance and patience
Exercise is fun


Limiting beliefs:

• Cause us to ignore opportunities by not focusing our minds on solutions
• Create a sense of false limits about our abilities, talents and power
• Limit our potential

Examples of limiting beliefs: I could never do that
I'm not ______enough (smart, pretty, wealthy)
I'll never be able to lose weight and keep it off
I don't have enough time


I there is something you would like to change about your life, what are your beliefs about that issue. Are your beliefs helping you or hurting you?

The good thing is that beliefs can be changed!!!


"When you believe in something, and you carry it in your heart, you accept no excuses, only results." -Ken Blanchard

- Sarah Bran de León C.H

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is hard. Especially if someone hurt you severely. How about your feelings when you hurt someone else? That pit in the bottom of your stomach every time you think of what you did to that person or what that person did to you. It dosen't matter who did the hurting or who recieved the hurt you both will be affected and will carry that pit in your stomach until you choose to forgive and accept the forgiveness.

I came across this Forgiveness Prayer from Nanice Ellis (nanice.com). It is powerful and something to think about especially if you feel stuck and cannot seem to move forward. Let go of the pit in your stomach and set yourself free.

Forgiveness Prayer from Nanice Ellis:
To all those I have ever hurt intentionally or unintentionally, please forgive me be releasing the wound that I inflicted upon you through the sins of my word or deed. My actions and words were mis-givings and I take them back. In forgiving me I ask that you GIVE THEM BACK. Please forgive me by remembering your value and worth and by reclaiming the power of who you really are. Please forgive me by remembering yourself, and so that I can "Re-Member" my own self. Please forgive me by being true to yourself and rejoicing in the beauty of who you really are, as I rejoice with you; seeing you only as glorious and magnificent!

Sarah Jaeger- Mystic Journey

Stay Positive

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade. Sound familiar? This statement is very true. If you look at any situation in a positive way, you learn from it and move forward. If you look at a situation in a negative way, it can consume you, dwelling on it and stopping you in your tracks. Stay positive! Pamela

My friend Marci Halfmann shared this thought for the day

Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.
Watch your actions, they become your habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your life.

Kinda snowballs, huh? Speaking of snowballing, pop over to my blog and see what happened when I decided to do a little something to spruce up my dated kitchen...not sure if snowball describes it...avalanche?...blizzard? It took on a life of it's own, and took me for one long ride!

Dawn-Marie, Artist in Wonderland at The Art of the Home
theartofthehome.blogspot.com