tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62373365838976119262024-03-12T16:49:36.011-07:00heatherdreskehkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-53770725223377225902024-01-30T19:10:00.000-08:002024-01-30T19:10:07.965-08:00 Auld Lang Syne<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY_LCayIxJMKEBuP-PIIrxZMjvQhqd0-bw0fjHuD9p1UNcXCY84eEUFWKIHlfoKj-zsNip4GURjgD6EudSrMk7nVHrIsNyo2e0n25DREHAmNYojORdp7Jmlp_pHAvjz5ZQJJhlA-tik2sWUbbv_UchdTXi_qI45I-Q-wxOiBHmwpJkWEfl9VuWl84uxk/s1205/IMG_3243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1205" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY_LCayIxJMKEBuP-PIIrxZMjvQhqd0-bw0fjHuD9p1UNcXCY84eEUFWKIHlfoKj-zsNip4GURjgD6EudSrMk7nVHrIsNyo2e0n25DREHAmNYojORdp7Jmlp_pHAvjz5ZQJJhlA-tik2sWUbbv_UchdTXi_qI45I-Q-wxOiBHmwpJkWEfl9VuWl84uxk/s320/IMG_3243.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image from University of Edinburgh <br />Business School Website</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">Auld Lang Syne</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">Grief and gratitude are how I would sum up this famous New Year’s Eve song. The Holidays often represent the pendulum of these emotions; swinging from one end to the other without too much distress is the key to a joyful Holiday Season. We say it every year; I will not stress this Holiday Season; if at first one does not succeed try and try again!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">The Holiday season tends to put an exclamation point on life. Everything is a bit illuminated as the Holiday lights shine bright on our blessings and highlight the crevices that we have spackled up. Like Auld Lang Syne, this season permits us to hold space for these conflicting emotions. I find the metaphor of a tree helpful: It is important to be firmly rooted, yet flexible to adapt with the wind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">If you feel unmoored this season, you may consider adding adaptogen herbals into your self-care regimen. Adaptogenic herbs help the body deal with stress molecularly. Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra, and Ashwagandha are all excellent and well-studied herbals. Often, you will find them combined with a B complex, taurine, and glycine which also aid the over-stressed system.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">Sleep cannot be underestimated. This time of the year has extra demands; many are quite lovely but can easily throw our sleep-deprived nation even further into debt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">Move or create; a fantastic outlet for stress is both physical and creative exercise. As the winter moves into WI, it may be harder to do some outdoor activities, but bundle up and get outside to clear your head. Finding a creative outlet takes us away from our devices and opens up neuropathways. You don’t have to be “an artist” to be creative. Sadly, early on we often get labeled as a “good artist” or “creative”, and it is a falsehood. Everyone is an artist; it is time to discover an outlet that brings you joy: singing, drawing, doodling, learning a language, knitting, flower arranging, and even organizing are all creative endeavors. What you do isn’t important, it's how it makes you feel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 12pt;">I want to offer my gratitude to those who read my monthly musings; this has given me a lot of joy and I thank you. I hope it has enriched your reading as it has my writing. Please don’t hesitate to email suggestions or interests; I wish you all the happiest of New Year’s.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">And there’s a hand, my trusty friend, and give us a hand o’thine. And we’ll take a right goodwill draft, for Auld lang Syne. Robert Burns</span></p></div></div></div></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-28189038879396081732023-10-01T17:34:00.001-07:002023-10-16T12:19:55.782-07:00Spice it Up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhOYtN6cenDLUsAStI7PBdtxgxsiInhMKRNZL-o5NKtB7edZF3fq2IDwhG2hbirm_ipBv3p35dAqhyphenhyphen1YfhGKdqDsUiSPVGb8YueDj-QbFrmEkNHYBIlSTrfSBXInBowrvldUz5RogkWbTVn41SdBRt0srqYixBPQyxeg_gxyi40xUYDajrVHv5aN1RIM/s1284/IMG_1284%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1284" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhOYtN6cenDLUsAStI7PBdtxgxsiInhMKRNZL-o5NKtB7edZF3fq2IDwhG2hbirm_ipBv3p35dAqhyphenhyphen1YfhGKdqDsUiSPVGb8YueDj-QbFrmEkNHYBIlSTrfSBXInBowrvldUz5RogkWbTVn41SdBRt0srqYixBPQyxeg_gxyi40xUYDajrVHv5aN1RIM/s320/IMG_1284%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="https://learningherbs.com" target="_blank">LearningHerbs.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Twenty years ago, Starbucks accidentally
launched a phenomenon that was simply meant for a season. Long before hashtags
helped a brand go viral, the Pumpkin Spice Latte aka #PSL became the unique
underdog that now defines fall. I thought it may be fun to look at the
ingredients and medicinal uses of the PSL recipe. Starbucks team leader, Peter
Dukes, shared how a brainstorming event and many pumpkin pie tastings landed
with these four powerhouse spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg to
create their show-stopping PSL recipe.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">As many count on the annual arrival of #PSL,
it is interesting to think how ancient explorers would react to its
accessibility. Spices were one of the most historically coveted trades; wars
were fought, and power was re-distributed over them. We take spices for granted
in today’s society, but their rich history is one to be admired.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">From a health perspective, Cinnamon has been
shown to reduce blood sugar levels and promote insulin sensitivity. Rich in
antioxidants, it may also lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. Not to
mention, components of cinnamon are known to block the protein Tau which is
opening an area of continued study relating Alzheimer’s to a Tau build-up. Ginger
is well known for its anti-nausea effects, and it can boost one’s immune system
and improve circulation. Clove compounds have been shown to decrease
inflammation, improve liver function, and may play a role in preventing stomach
ulcers. The volatile oils in nutmeg stimulate both serotonin and dopamine;
hence producing antidepressant and antianxiety benefits. Nutmeg is also being
studied for its neuroprotective and brain-boosting qualities and can also
improve digestion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">There is no doubt that spices are a
cost-effective way to boost one’s overall health and well-being. To take a
closer look, there are some fascinating books on the history of the spice
trade: Nathaniel’s Nutmeg by Giles Milton and Jack Turner’s Spice; The History
of a Temptation. For our chefs, The Nutmeg Trail by Eleanor Ford takes you on a
journey and includes 80 recipes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Starbucks was certainly on to something; this
quartet of spices combined with the beta carotene of pumpkin is a health boost;
now if we could just remove all that sugar! While the PSL may not be the
healthiest choice; it is an inspired one!<o:p></o:p></span></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-49383358292100446552023-09-01T17:33:00.001-07:002023-10-16T12:12:48.272-07:00Birdzillas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qiwX3QFwl07KiGdyy7talP6yD6a4oMFevExy1cr0iQ7_ijqHBUBm022BkF9cUN0DHMRwnOshGhqbmlwMddUXRjTmAqO_eh3X412naapGRXnyn04_Jiz6MrbiCcSU0SnIi_QTDhcQt64ylC5Uhi5SMc2kGtG2G0oRgK2sLJvk4QVR2iEaQjwX-YgwwbM/s1247/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1247" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qiwX3QFwl07KiGdyy7talP6yD6a4oMFevExy1cr0iQ7_ijqHBUBm022BkF9cUN0DHMRwnOshGhqbmlwMddUXRjTmAqO_eh3X412naapGRXnyn04_Jiz6MrbiCcSU0SnIi_QTDhcQt64ylC5Uhi5SMc2kGtG2G0oRgK2sLJvk4QVR2iEaQjwX-YgwwbM/w400-h349/IMG_1283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We all have met a few Bridezillas; to be fair,
we all knew plenty of groomzillas too, but that term didn’t flow off the tongue
with as much ease. If you are a parent of a recent high school graduate, this
is for you. You are in the home stretch of your graduate gaining speed down the
runway and ready for take-off - this transition period is fraught with tension.
If you live in this orbit, you are most likely dealing with some very messy
nests before these little birdzillas are ready to fly. So fasten your
seatbelts; turbulence is expected.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Psychologists came up with a term for this life
stage- soiling the nest. When your
“adult” child has graduated from high school, ready for their next adventure,
they are confident you as parents have never held a map or stepped into the
real world. No matter how many times you hear this is a normal process so it is
easier for your little chickadee to take flight - it sounds miserable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Your mantra is to not take their undesirable
behavior personally. As a parent, you got that nest ready and have done your
absolute best to cultivate it so your child could soar. Now that they are ready
to fly, it may feel like all that hard work was unappreciated. Knowing
something isn’t personal and feeling that way takes some discipline.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">The best way to deal with an unruly histrionic
teen is to remember this is your final teaching moment and you are being put to
the test. Do not match their energy; understand you are the misplaced anger,
and for every snarky comment react with calm detachment. Give your teen room to
vent, but when the air gets too hot let them know they need to lower the
temperature. It is a confusing time of excitement and dread, independence and
uncertainty. They are trying to prove, to themselves, that they are not
dependent upon you anymore. They have outgrown this safe cozy nest; so what
better way to prove it than throw some sticks and stones? It’s a good idea to
show your own vulnerability; express your apprehension or concerns so they know
it is okay to respond in kind. Lastly, remind them no matter how messy they are
making your nest right now; it will always be a safe space to come home to.
Just a lot cleaner. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-9962738577258958722023-07-01T17:33:00.001-07:002023-10-16T12:08:07.114-07:00Bueller?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cY7Krng0herzGuriBgcJdDbm97pDgbCmdGo-IcJSHmiNy0IX12UjEMvM02bJg17FcrdnucUW1LHJerV6CrfQLJv1KRQCbqmQDkIj_AZ1E6r7ppG0BW4ZIG8NcmVx2IvRkQM3D4nlo75_TKv51u3r-KCBduaxh4MNSWs__HwPD-dI2deuUpcPHML82Gc/s1153/IMG_1282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1153" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cY7Krng0herzGuriBgcJdDbm97pDgbCmdGo-IcJSHmiNy0IX12UjEMvM02bJg17FcrdnucUW1LHJerV6CrfQLJv1KRQCbqmQDkIj_AZ1E6r7ppG0BW4ZIG8NcmVx2IvRkQM3D4nlo75_TKv51u3r-KCBduaxh4MNSWs__HwPD-dI2deuUpcPHML82Gc/s320/IMG_1282.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Could Ferris Bueller have his epic day off in
this day in age? No; his “headache”, “sweaty palms'', and overall malaise trick
would have gone viral. His face would have been Snapchatted, his parade
serenades TikTok legendary, and within a few minutes, his parents’ phones
would have been blowing up to his “day off”. As school begins, parents are
often in the unenviable position of deciding whether it is a stomach ache or
butterflies stirring up their little one’s tummy. Is that headache because of a
pop quiz or a medical issue?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">The answer may be less cut and dry than one
would hope. It may be a little bit of both. Our vagus nerve is the main nerve
of the parasympathetic nervous system. One fascinating aspect is that 80% of
the time, the nerve takes messages from the organs ie: the digestive system and
transports messages to the brain. Hypnotherapy, for example, has demonstrated
very good results for those suffering from IBS. This technique helps to calm
the enteric nervous system; thus minimizing intestinal distress signals to the
brain. Nerva is an excellent app; developed by an MD that could be used to
combat the added stress school may bring to an already sensitive stomach.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Another important component is that many
viruses and even food can wreak havoc on what appear to be non-related symptom
profiles. The sudden onset of OCD, tics, and emotional issues could be
attributed to PANS - Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. This was
most often attributed to a Strep infection but may also include other
infections or metabolic disorders including the flu, chickenpox, Lyme disease,
and COVID-19. Post-COVID sequelae are not dependent on the severity of the
initial infection or vaccine status. This is believed to be a misdirection of
the body’s immune system that affects the brain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Finally, food sensitivities are being more
carefully examined with ADHD or other emotional irritations. The food irritant
increases cytokines; and inflammatory markers and thus, inflammation may be
the source of other cascading issues.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">We often focus on the Mind-Body connection -
but the road travels both ways. Parents know their children best; don’t
disregard an abrupt change in behavior as them looking for a day at the
ballpark. Life moves pretty fast as Ferris says; make sure you look around for
a complete picture before you brush off that headache or stomach ache as a ploy
to break a few rules. <o:p></o:p></span></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-81771264564181001562023-06-01T17:32:00.001-07:002023-10-16T12:04:41.036-07:00Hello Summer!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd3ZpMIyVddRy-7WpFnMMIDIMe9QmeSeXB_w4JzEPHs6hA3AD2-yYnyonB9-tMGHeMRkjoeGo9S1yeaWKHtfviz8nJoTMjap0v9hJeSyGeMFDF9R4xv775AckdR7UI9DBF3pwjAEweNDCY3XaXeI55F9V3R9zLw5pgavOLPfHblTQyp2ajtZ1Bjxnk6E/s4032/IMG_9534%202.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd3ZpMIyVddRy-7WpFnMMIDIMe9QmeSeXB_w4JzEPHs6hA3AD2-yYnyonB9-tMGHeMRkjoeGo9S1yeaWKHtfviz8nJoTMjap0v9hJeSyGeMFDF9R4xv775AckdR7UI9DBF3pwjAEweNDCY3XaXeI55F9V3R9zLw5pgavOLPfHblTQyp2ajtZ1Bjxnk6E/s320/IMG_9534%202.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_rQbZx3dif0EmYfIMFHN0D1Dv0qtS4EfvgTnh1k1kSa9Ztprk2GmTN3OSVwN1UeDniKccu_bYhEORhz8OrpaaMbDFqL31slYPdy0usPBRF_bSv_lp-b9d4wS9Z4dGdS_DpIc8SQTFYXQ6qS_sxmZOcF3onw5esqbUpfYiN7JVcbkIH4HhgHu7gT6otY/s4032/IMG_9530.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_rQbZx3dif0EmYfIMFHN0D1Dv0qtS4EfvgTnh1k1kSa9Ztprk2GmTN3OSVwN1UeDniKccu_bYhEORhz8OrpaaMbDFqL31slYPdy0usPBRF_bSv_lp-b9d4wS9Z4dGdS_DpIc8SQTFYXQ6qS_sxmZOcF3onw5esqbUpfYiN7JVcbkIH4HhgHu7gT6otY/s320/IMG_9530.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span lang="EN" style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I've lived in a few different states all
on the West Coast; I love the rolling hills of Napa Valley and stunning Arizona
sunsets, but there is something special about a Wisconsin summer.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The Milwaukee area has a unique
rhythm; bookended by Summerfest and State Fair. Leading up to the main events
are Brewer’s games, backyard BBQs, road trips to our lakes, and if lucky a
flight to a destination unknown. Whether you jam-pack your summer or spend it
with a good book on a chaise lounge, don’t leave home without a homeopathic
grab bag in your first aid kit. Don’t let an unexpected ailment deter your
relaxing summer day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
am a huge fan of homeopathic remedies, especially for acute scenarios. They are
one of the oldest and safest medicines, based on Hahnemann’s law of similars:
like cures like. The father of homeopathy stopped practicing medicine due to
what he found were harmful treatments. Instead, he began translating medical
texts, and Quinine poisoning caught his attention. He noticed that Quinine, the
main treatment for malaria at the time, unexpectedly produced the same symptom
profile as malaria itself when overdosed. With heightened curiosity, Hahneman
began experimenting on anyone he could - including himself. Since many of the
substances he was working with were toxic, he began the process of
potentization: highly diluting and succussing the substances. Next, he created
a detailed symptom profile that included physical, mental, and emotional
symptoms. Eventually, the Homeopathic Materia Medica was born and has been used
since 1796. Queen Elizabeth the 2nd was known to never leave home or castle
without her box of remedies!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
learn more, <i>Homeopathic Self-Care: The
Quick and Easy Guide for the Whole Family by Robert Ullman, ND, and Judyth
Reichenberg-Ullman, ND, MSW</i> is one of my favorite book recommendations.
Remember, when in doubt, go to your local urgent care or message your doctor;
the best summers are the safe ones.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homeopathic-Self-Care-Quick-Guide-Family/dp/0964065487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3F5RAMJD72SYE&keywords=homeopathic+self+care+robert+ullman&qid=1697482642&sprefix=homeopathic+self+care%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Homeopathic Self Care</a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Disclaimer:
This is for educational purposes only.</span></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium; mso-border-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-insideh: 1.0pt solid black; mso-border-insidev: 1.0pt solid black; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1536; width: 638px;">
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Homeopathic
Grab Bag<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arnica<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">bruises and injuries<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apis<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">insect bites, allergic reactions
with swelling<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arsenicum <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">food poisoning, diarrhea, anxiety,
fear of thunderstorms<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Belladonna <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">burning pains from sunburn to sore
throats and high fevers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carbo Veg<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fainting, excess heat, clamminess<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chamomille <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fussy, inconsolable, irritation,
aka most children after a long day<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Glonoinum <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sunstroke, pounding headache,
confusion<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nux Vomica<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">overindulgence, carnival rides,
excess alcohol, vomiting, nausea<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pulsatilla <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">stomach ache after too many cream
puffs, prone to tears<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 78.75pt;" valign="top" width="105">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rhus Tox<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-style: none solid solid none; border-top: none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; mso-border-left-alt: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black 1.0pt; padding: 5pt; width: 399.75pt;" valign="top" width="533">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">rashes, poison ivy, itching <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-3820505633729785352023-05-01T17:30:00.005-07:002023-10-16T11:50:40.681-07:00May-Day<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ri3ixVxm6DkR7L01vWIM8aFNkD0j0WO2oiWkfN34bIgUTSoCeCFYAKWt2lnDv5BSBosUtU6ExVrxG6rnXlrVyzEYldidPEzjgMa_rpvDyDKQKh0W6vPYsHuRk_kkjq2W-QjA335qmnis-dJ3fEIvfgUlEsowHPc5q5btQHeFp6RnRR8EcoIAtlsmiPs/s4032/IMG_8893.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ri3ixVxm6DkR7L01vWIM8aFNkD0j0WO2oiWkfN34bIgUTSoCeCFYAKWt2lnDv5BSBosUtU6ExVrxG6rnXlrVyzEYldidPEzjgMa_rpvDyDKQKh0W6vPYsHuRk_kkjq2W-QjA335qmnis-dJ3fEIvfgUlEsowHPc5q5btQHeFp6RnRR8EcoIAtlsmiPs/s320/IMG_8893.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brought May Flowers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Picture this: you’re
tapping your fingers impatiently as a service representative reads your
confirmation code, “‘S’ as in Sam, not ‘F’ as in Frank.” This tedious but
necessary clarification was the impetus to create an audible distress signal to
replace “S.O.S.” As air travel between France and England increased, Frederick
Stanley Mockford proposed “Mayday” from the French M’aidez - “Help Me”. Mayday
quickly became an international sign of distress and part of pop-culture
vernacular.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 7.0pt; margin-top: 17.0pt; margin: 17pt 7pt 0in 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Our bodies have numerous
ways of shouting mayday. In the spring for many, that means hello Histamine
with an H - the distress call made too loudly, leading to the uncomfortable
symptoms of hay fever. Both fascinating and infuriating, your body can behave
like an overzealous sales rep, following you around the store, suffocating you.
With a stuffy nose, lung congestion, and watery eyes, over-the-counter
antihistamines often just don’t do the trick.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 17.0pt; margin: 17pt 0in 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So, if spring allergies
are getting you down, you have a few options. There is a solid consensus on
useful natural antihistamines: quercetin, stinging nettle, vitamin C,
butterbur, and bromelain. Often, products combine these ingredients with names
like D-His - kind of a giveaway. However, these natural remedies may not elicit
an immediate response amid an allergy flare. Much like getting ahead of pain,
it is wise to begin a natural protocol a few weeks before your annual spring
hay fever.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.0pt; margin-top: 17.0pt; margin: 17pt 6pt 0in 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The severity and duration
of your spring discomfort will help dictate your plan of attack. For instance,
if your irritation is short-lived and easily managed with OTC meds, there’s no
reason to call out for reinforcements. However, if you’re popping Claritin like
M&M’s, you may want to incorporate the natural substances above. If the
combination fails to offer relief, it is time to add other mitigating solutions
and investigate ways to strengthen your overall constitution. Don’t wave the
white flag, there are many other paths to be explored so you can enjoy the
spring breeze. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.0pt; margin-top: 17.0pt; margin: 17pt 6pt 0in 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25pt; margin-right: 1.4pt; margin-top: .65pt; margin: 0.65pt 1.4pt 0in 0.25pt; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Please
don’t let seasonal allergies be a forgone conclusion. The best medicine is
often a phone call away. As it is Mother’s Day this month, I would like to
thank my Mom who always answers my M’aidez call; j’taime. I am aware that these
holidays for others can bring distress or grief. I am thinking of you and hope
you don’t feel alone in your time of need. Often, we send out a distress signal
and the most unexpected people answer. That is my wish for you. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25pt; margin-right: 1.4pt; margin-top: .65pt; margin: 0.65pt 1.4pt 0in 0.25pt; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25pt; margin-right: 1.4pt; margin-top: .65pt; margin: 0.65pt 1.4pt 0in 0.25pt; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This
article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-5804542755271105742023-04-01T17:28:00.002-07:002023-10-16T11:47:45.292-07:00April Showers<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSAeGrusWKCYK-7KQPR8nKoMsBNnIt5iKWdGM2NDBI5ZLW1T8RGz4FtfhpC_kVRGFmrlUOwxWAUPAI-ek1sivoUhNAhjxGcldFY4HEnKldKCVJuNMTVVhgp4XU6U-Dbx3uzrre9HccOIp-NVH9CtVEp9dK5WFDtaQsXYzSpIFE0qufhgSkcJV5EBnrio/s4032/EB90E62C-D251-4932-AEA3-A5EBCDC5EC3A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSAeGrusWKCYK-7KQPR8nKoMsBNnIt5iKWdGM2NDBI5ZLW1T8RGz4FtfhpC_kVRGFmrlUOwxWAUPAI-ek1sivoUhNAhjxGcldFY4HEnKldKCVJuNMTVVhgp4XU6U-Dbx3uzrre9HccOIp-NVH9CtVEp9dK5WFDtaQsXYzSpIFE0qufhgSkcJV5EBnrio/s320/EB90E62C-D251-4932-AEA3-A5EBCDC5EC3A.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />We’ve
all grown up with the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” Yet, these
showers alone cannot guarantee a healthy spring bloom; just as rich soil is the
foundation for a vibrant garden, we must nourish our intestinal microbiome to
keep it diverse and strong. The gastrointestinal system represents the largest
area of immune function in our bodies and with spring comes the perfect time to
check in with your gut. Currently, there are specialty labs that will analyze
one’s microbiome biodiversity, and this is an area I see developing into common
practice in the future.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So
where to begin? In the same way that you assess the soil prior to planting, a
food diary can help you find a pattern between the foods you eat and your
overall well-being without judgment. As a cactus thrives in the desert and lush
hastas in the midwest, each individual has a unique digestive baseline. While
those with underlying conditions may require a more specific approach, those in
good overall health can introduce four basics to refresh the digestive tract
and create a strong intestinal barrier: probiotics, prebiotics, glutamine, and
colostrum.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since
there are several strains of probiotics, choosing the right product can be
overwhelming. A great start is a basic multi-strain product and trial and error
to find your specific needs. For a more precise overview of probiotics, <u>www.worldgastroenterology.org</u>
is a great resource. While probiotics are microorganisms that replenish one’s
microbiome, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial
bacteria in one’s gut. You can purchase prebiotic supplements or consume them
in foods such as flaxseed and oats. Glutamine is an essential amino acid
contained in protein that provides an energy source for immune cells and
reinforces the intestinal protective barrier. It has shown its vast power in
healing and immunity through supplementation - especially in trauma patients.
Many recognize colostrum as liquid gold for newborns; however, it is becoming a
more mainstream supplementation based on its wide range of immune qualities and
intestinal support.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As
we learn more about the critical role our GI system plays in our well-being, I
hope this will give a good starting point in your understanding of how you can
tend to yourself to ensure you flourish this spring.</span></p>
<span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This article is not a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. </span>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-85903114704791457232023-03-01T17:25:00.001-08:002023-10-16T10:49:13.644-07:00How will you enter March? In like a lion out like a lamb?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9Kb0iXnOWV_O9-FOdjl8IlW-SuG0k4ppewk5ZmBhaADdebGwT2f4kEkG-Viek7Di9x9LmgAf7s2k_W3zEpQAdWOnVE-_en_5MD6O4-N6v9r5Og0WlbnLmvL8BjQdRnh7QxT5PTsmLylz0h59b6iajq93WHr5Nei2C47Dh-g81KQ-UOYmcEurKQsOdmU/s1284/IMG_1281%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1284" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9Kb0iXnOWV_O9-FOdjl8IlW-SuG0k4ppewk5ZmBhaADdebGwT2f4kEkG-Viek7Di9x9LmgAf7s2k_W3zEpQAdWOnVE-_en_5MD6O4-N6v9r5Og0WlbnLmvL8BjQdRnh7QxT5PTsmLylz0h59b6iajq93WHr5Nei2C47Dh-g81KQ-UOYmcEurKQsOdmU/w400-h290/IMG_1281%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We’ve
made it to March; the big tease before Spring fully blooms. While Thomas
Fuller’s proverb can be traced back to 1732, it has stood the test of time in
terms of both the weather and our health. Through the last few years, our
nervous systems have been through the wringer. Is yours stuck in the lion mode?
Or has this winter hibernation enabled you to find some lamb energy?</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Made up of the Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (rest and
digest) systems, the nervous system strives for balance between the lion and
the lamb. However, like the March weather, we may find ourselves in an extended
period of lion mode; on edge and defensive, we find ourselves fighting or
fleeing. As both our inner lion and lamb play vital roles in homeostasis, the key
is using them to our advantage, not fighting against them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To
know where you are at, you can observe yourself without judgment. Do you snap
in exacerbation at a simple question? Have your shoulders merged with your ears
and your knuckles turned white on the steering wheel? Does your body crave the
comfort of your bed as your mind spins with past, current, and future events
all to be solved in the solace of the night? To balance the scales between
these two necessary systems, we must recognize where we are living in the
continuum.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Though
the tools of technology can help, it can feel like you are being screamed at to
calm down - find your inner lamb; but finding your inner quiet and elixir isn’t
as simple as the wellness community wants you to believe. This is where
individuality comes in place; what behaviors can you add that bring you a sense
of peace? If you already know you love to garden, dance, sing loudly in the
shower, or create a small nook in your home that allows you a meditative
practice - start there. And remember laughter can diffuse your inner lion,
making space for your inner lamb. Finding a balance in yourself starts with
your first intentional breath.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
wonderful thing is that this can be done anywhere; anytime. If the Lion roars
appropriately, applaud this fight or flight. Be gracious with yourself wherever
you find yourself this March; and may April bloom with ease.</span></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-412639316591544302023-02-03T18:48:00.002-08:002023-02-03T20:03:19.218-08:00Geometry <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPM4GzDDN7jG8q-OxTCQiu8X4pIh_1z5no8mWzcZGVG3euqQJEyQYwhKeHa6tn4wHSLjSKNUbbaAMdfn8k_jWBZ6ndio4ryI-AxeX30Lmf73BrbIkxcMGvDiWL09REhTdN812900JYRLun7LKT7HgYWR1J6J7URPDMVdOgrKbooSqBRf8L6X2APCy/s1116/94537CDA-6356-46F8-AC2A-AD6A7DA6F190.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1116" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPM4GzDDN7jG8q-OxTCQiu8X4pIh_1z5no8mWzcZGVG3euqQJEyQYwhKeHa6tn4wHSLjSKNUbbaAMdfn8k_jWBZ6ndio4ryI-AxeX30Lmf73BrbIkxcMGvDiWL09REhTdN812900JYRLun7LKT7HgYWR1J6J7URPDMVdOgrKbooSqBRf8L6X2APCy/s320/94537CDA-6356-46F8-AC2A-AD6A7DA6F190.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Last night while I was acknowledging my "sensations" I've recently learned a technique to not call them symptoms - symptoms lead to many questions. I've always been good at questions that lead to more questions. The issue is for the last nearly two decades I've been dealt hundreds of questions with no answers. Damn, the lady was right "symptom" is triggering. A symptom takes you down the path of how to fix this problem. The problem however often in my case and most with ME and now Long COVID rarely has a simple answer - if one at all. So I was trying to be present and acknowledge the unpleasant sensation. Fuck, I don't think you are supposed to use unpleasant. Right, avoid positive and negative words like good or bad. Even though it really feels bad. But bad plus symptom tells the brain to be high alert move this to the front of the line and let's solve this pronto. Then what if there is no solution? Where does that lead you...let me tell you it leaves you in a far worse place than if you follow the pain-in-the-ass calm lady's advice and say this sensation is pressure, and hot and blah blah.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFuDkuTmLXM4q6PCFR_DfPJbGbqjrhA_gJ4AiekzJ3qNR_WYh-V0J1yUU36MV08cDsmLV65TnLsIug6-diVM8z5zsWVWulqNUElQDR34rqApyPGBupWI1SvcUcDlmQj2MoOqi9TDyiyqyyGFvOhTQQM8HnMa-MlJj730VL_aMtvxdOkk8dpO29vPw/s1284/896E5272-C5DE-42F2-88DE-37DA92EC1606.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1284" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFuDkuTmLXM4q6PCFR_DfPJbGbqjrhA_gJ4AiekzJ3qNR_WYh-V0J1yUU36MV08cDsmLV65TnLsIug6-diVM8z5zsWVWulqNUElQDR34rqApyPGBupWI1SvcUcDlmQj2MoOqi9TDyiyqyyGFvOhTQQM8HnMa-MlJj730VL_aMtvxdOkk8dpO29vPw/s320/896E5272-C5DE-42F2-88DE-37DA92EC1606.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I just got tired of trying to find descriptive words (even though there is a list she has to print out) but that would mean I would have had to go to the printer or back to the computer and find the list to then send to the printer and as you can see this is all getting very complicated and just saying I feel like I have never-ending flu and my digestive system is like a garbage truck and this symptom is fucking awful and I want it to stop and I want to find an answer and I'm quite used to this brain firing on a thousand cylinders to come up with a logical answer but there never is an answer. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa424zmL66VqTp1iaargIa_OlOCv7YTmOqdq1tRUGC9PKU6XStZO8jI3R03fEicgxiHa_1o5C2Wkkypa3j04atRfDxTXj_g2lVtQQnU5cvebXhx93QHy9Cjk-sK-XvM0gmA8-Nvw0v3G-bIbC4xJiWJO7ju-9hSw8s6u1fn5iXQNOeT8uoCPZYpXD/s1209/94CA0B37-A5A8-4314-B3D2-A1CB6D4AABB2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1209" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa424zmL66VqTp1iaargIa_OlOCv7YTmOqdq1tRUGC9PKU6XStZO8jI3R03fEicgxiHa_1o5C2Wkkypa3j04atRfDxTXj_g2lVtQQnU5cvebXhx93QHy9Cjk-sK-XvM0gmA8-Nvw0v3G-bIbC4xJiWJO7ju-9hSw8s6u1fn5iXQNOeT8uoCPZYpXD/s320/94CA0B37-A5A8-4314-B3D2-A1CB6D4AABB2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So lord I was tired. Tired of trying to remember how to handle these sensations to put my brain out of flight or fight. Well, it must have worked because instead, I began thinking of my high school geometry class and the compass. I loved geometry; I was really good at it. I still remember our teacher's bold thick red crayon/pencil and seeing a 98 and a WELL DONE !!! Damn it was nice having a problem with a solution. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thought about my life and how it began as a small circle and it just kept expanding and those circles got larger and larger. Then there wasn't enough paper for them so they went outside the lines and began to overlap. And that is how the years went. More and more circles are bigger and bigger. Until now and that broke my heart. Suddenly, I really didn't care about the sensation anymore. I began thinking of my life on March 17 2020 when I didn't know that everything was going to change from some sort of plan to the abyss and my circles would get smaller and smaller. Too small to connect with others anymore. And here I am living inside this very tiny as close as the pencil can get to the center of the compass just swirling around in the same tiny orbit and it has broken me into a million pieces on the inside. I feel like a shell of my former self, and most days wake up wondering that is if I sleep because the nights have become a mini little war how the hell am I going to do this again? How will I maintain this routine? The what ifs...the when this...the how will...then things start spinning. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1O5HiwdXXtbb4imYcFMUg1vFK6QCMgsy5RYxMuWWl96Zv9Bsa_-YDcM25vCj42MLb6482lAnN7zz1cS8vxDRMk3T9Q-nPVy58cj73H7rjTPFt3ftPIcvec5E_X-z1M4FDPVRYoIXjCNBavXq-00oKoU_sFO7cs0g08329AfWObO2v4_Q71xbxYzCm/s1284/62D6D386-0332-4F16-80E0-24B58FD4312A.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1284" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1O5HiwdXXtbb4imYcFMUg1vFK6QCMgsy5RYxMuWWl96Zv9Bsa_-YDcM25vCj42MLb6482lAnN7zz1cS8vxDRMk3T9Q-nPVy58cj73H7rjTPFt3ftPIcvec5E_X-z1M4FDPVRYoIXjCNBavXq-00oKoU_sFO7cs0g08329AfWObO2v4_Q71xbxYzCm/s320/62D6D386-0332-4F16-80E0-24B58FD4312A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/pia16613_orig.jpg" target="_blank">Photos from nasa.gov</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>You see movies and tv shows of people that are ill; they live their lives large because time may be limited. That is the cruelty of this disease the larger you live the more you are punished. I'm trying. I am really really trying until I suspend trying and surrender. Then I try again. But how do you try to solve a problem with so many hypotheses and yet no one to help you? This is the ultimate geometric equation of this disease; yet I learn more from other patients on Instagram than I have ever from a doctor. My arms are tired. I have sensations that I don't have the energy to find the descriptors. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGSM1MGUJ-eP0qpd6lvk1RBghia6vxv4rSm7zspchWVDFNVsk5FbLS7gkGRL6jXrQYxWmRIfR-aHQjZFOtpKNKNnncErqyDBIY2ONaX0UCYv_C_A_ogbh9SkO_ZCTIsEo-Cl342IZkkKlbYvNxNlVIzoZZtwdpx7oP9IPu7Q6J02xi9AoS8NC-sXi/s1284/E0FEA1E9-2F69-444F-8079-A79A5227126B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1284" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGSM1MGUJ-eP0qpd6lvk1RBghia6vxv4rSm7zspchWVDFNVsk5FbLS7gkGRL6jXrQYxWmRIfR-aHQjZFOtpKNKNnncErqyDBIY2ONaX0UCYv_C_A_ogbh9SkO_ZCTIsEo-Cl342IZkkKlbYvNxNlVIzoZZtwdpx7oP9IPu7Q6J02xi9AoS8NC-sXi/s320/E0FEA1E9-2F69-444F-8079-A79A5227126B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This problem is being shelved for tonight. It has no solutions only more questions and the little pencil on my compass seems to have disappeared. The only thing I know for sure is I miss myself. And it is really hard to live an authentic life when you don't even recognize who you are anymore. Your life was a kaleidoscope of intersecting circles that you created and bounced off with others. Now it is as small I suppose as the spec of dust we are in this massive galaxy. Maybe I should switch to Physics.</div><div><br /></div><div>(unedited)</div><div><br /></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-10235528253922780602022-11-25T18:38:00.047-08:002022-11-25T19:15:01.297-08:00Two of My Favorite Things <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeFMJz6cujAWWfsVnTKbM48pwHAvKWcJntzTE2eX9cPCydhZlxhtOoD8birqBSt-lVr3KC2fVh2vHPLVftEpRB2VJRmjgL3KM9WMc2AvKioQinwfkgskFOc7BsWeWI30BuMHTFDxtbbe7xhcHqODnzJ9fDhSAgDM2o7l-jEtMbPlpLjIWIfgysFFS/s4032/22E9304F-5511-4D3F-8573-243B86C88BD5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeFMJz6cujAWWfsVnTKbM48pwHAvKWcJntzTE2eX9cPCydhZlxhtOoD8birqBSt-lVr3KC2fVh2vHPLVftEpRB2VJRmjgL3KM9WMc2AvKioQinwfkgskFOc7BsWeWI30BuMHTFDxtbbe7xhcHqODnzJ9fDhSAgDM2o7l-jEtMbPlpLjIWIfgysFFS/s320/22E9304F-5511-4D3F-8573-243B86C88BD5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daisy can’t decide which blanket is more comfortable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pendleton-usa.com" target="_blank">Pendleton</a> vs <a href="https://www.barefootdreams.com" target="_blank">Barefoot Dreams</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it comes to the winter season I have my two favorite blankets and two favorite immune support supplements. It is hard to choose a favorite! Sometimes it depends upon the day. Barefoot dreams take me through all the seasons much like Panexea AntiBioBotanical. Yet; a heavy wool blanket and Immune-T give the extra weight you may need during the cold winter nights. Which would you choose? I am happy to consult on both throws and supplements! I'm a consumer of both! And if you can't decide there are times; like Daisy suggests when you need both!</div><p>Hello; listing my two favorite supplements to have on hand as immune support for both viral and to help prevent bacterial infections. If you would like more information on either of these products or companies please don’t hesitate to call or email. Lettierome@gmail.com (602) 300-4870. Both supplements are resting on my favorite throw; also linked (no affiliation). </p><p><a href="https://mountainpeaknutritionals.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Peak Nutritionals</a> </p><p><a href="https://au.panaxea.com/about/about-daniel-weber.html" target="_blank">Panaxea - Info on Dr. Weber </a> some information will be blocked if not a practitioner; however the about and further info and links can be found on Dr.Weber </p><p>Given my personal immune status and vulnerability, I take both of these as a baseline during cold/flu season. If I feel an acute illness coming on I increase to a therapeutic dose.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNdJ99-fJvKP_-pKWWkxbn7sODHFs6o17gRO4w51-JXXkzUrAKGL8iuxe_vK4Q-uD42iBTnzK__7WEfC5DNHIqJ4kMypLWnXvA9TuGrrKuhh7Yk5I8ZF7Ec0u5fx4XGv32ybLTNHHXac_HiDWrAoYzyOBF2kwjrB-VNaU3T1dnGMh86JBVj8FTNOY/s4032/863A2B5F-9D01-4AE1-A532-16CD3F78E311.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNdJ99-fJvKP_-pKWWkxbn7sODHFs6o17gRO4w51-JXXkzUrAKGL8iuxe_vK4Q-uD42iBTnzK__7WEfC5DNHIqJ4kMypLWnXvA9TuGrrKuhh7Yk5I8ZF7Ec0u5fx4XGv32ybLTNHHXac_HiDWrAoYzyOBF2kwjrB-VNaU3T1dnGMh86JBVj8FTNOY/s320/863A2B5F-9D01-4AE1-A532-16CD3F78E311.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Neither company can be found on Amazon or other nonmedical sites so if you see it there please buyer beware.</span> </p><p>Immune-T is an excellent combination of vitamins, herbals, and mushroom blend. Immune T has a higher dose of Vitamin A which is an excellent antiviral. Vitamin A like its cousin D is fat soluble; therefore it’s best to take with food. The immune-T dosage has the upper recommended dose for Vitamin A; therefore should be used with care at more than two capsules per day for an extended time period. Mountain Peak has a chronic immune formula; Immune-LT that does not have Vitamin A so can be taken safely as a preventative.</p><p>The second is one of my favorite companies Panexea; founded by Daniel Weber, PhD MSC. Dr. Weber is a prolific author, speaker, practitioner, and leader of the team that creates research-based formulas. Besides AntiBioBotancial; a broad spectrum antibacterial and antiviral formula they have added two products specifically for viruses including SARS and specifically the multi-organ system effects of COVID-19. Panexea is an Australian company whose products are held to pharmaceutical standards.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w4BtqcesMd9BgW61IDdyQ6kc0gcqpa4ETt2LRwA9OKltuFgPuLlF2qO4EjVo3EZj1UHbYC2OOUsy_zpFM3GhtCMJM9RfbuCtvFWcjprlc74Tq_8oBqaFU3D_msARuN54NBSaW-WEmk8ULPSI361PcEHWlMYrTRmGCg2uhGgQme9bM5Y5RGJS3IKW/s1341/D109EDA1-FC5E-4DBF-8D93-49592476B7D4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w4BtqcesMd9BgW61IDdyQ6kc0gcqpa4ETt2LRwA9OKltuFgPuLlF2qO4EjVo3EZj1UHbYC2OOUsy_zpFM3GhtCMJM9RfbuCtvFWcjprlc74Tq_8oBqaFU3D_msARuN54NBSaW-WEmk8ULPSI361PcEHWlMYrTRmGCg2uhGgQme9bM5Y5RGJS3IKW/s320/D109EDA1-FC5E-4DBF-8D93-49592476B7D4.jpeg" width="277" /></a></div><div>Finally, my favorite leopard print throw - which is a toss-up to the wool blanket. I coveted this Barefoot Dreams blanket for years before I purchased it and then was gifted a second one! It’s a splurge item that I haven't regretted; it feels like a warm hug. I just checked they are having a sale! Hurry that doesn’t come often. <a href="https://www.barefootdreams.com/products/cozychic-barefoot-in-the-wild-throw" target="_blank">Barefoot Dreams</a>. The other throw shown above where Daisy can’t decide was one of my favorite Christmas Gifts. Unfortunately, that pattern is no longer available; however, a good wool blanket will last you a lifetime. Wool makes a huge difference in warmth so you can turn down the heat and get tucked in for the night! Wishing you all sweet dreams and a Happy Post-Thanksgiving weekend. </div><p>Disclaimer: The Information in this post is for general informational purposes only. Please contact your personal medical provider when making any changes to your health routine. Always use caution when pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are suffering from a fever, difficulty breathing, or continued cough please see your doctor immediately to rule out more serious conditions. As always; be safe and in the best health. Heather </p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-6921283165030783232022-11-23T11:24:00.006-08:002022-11-23T20:41:08.312-08:00Gratitude and Grief <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP1D35fnqZOVfXoUYT2IUSkJErXnCEGkN1umgn2oKTZT7b0u6Y6DM-hWlKoYhsA2hi5h-HrnG5jzxtGmk1KRbc1HvXz3XYgmfvg8YosHhOPmS25juaOl9gGSgI-3WSvAJ6F6P8ONEtS8ZmsliKPYLdUKySHDxBiski6fXv7WJOShRHBnKUlnc5Gzb/s4032/A9AC8938-4A7E-4544-953F-1248E04042B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP1D35fnqZOVfXoUYT2IUSkJErXnCEGkN1umgn2oKTZT7b0u6Y6DM-hWlKoYhsA2hi5h-HrnG5jzxtGmk1KRbc1HvXz3XYgmfvg8YosHhOPmS25juaOl9gGSgI-3WSvAJ6F6P8ONEtS8ZmsliKPYLdUKySHDxBiski6fXv7WJOShRHBnKUlnc5Gzb/s320/A9AC8938-4A7E-4544-953F-1248E04042B3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She’s getting it - Grateful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWPIItPKXA2zVu5vdRuZjoNp1-_rpFKjM-rQmgGgJxRLMnpUsn7mUeLvk-M_2hSroTeQDCU_xF5SaKp7Xr568ZJx5bpz4hyAh4bvjm7qN0OOeavSITYlngu9NR9WPSTaaKuVbqZtPrP0cHHpyTY5SPWHjPhHyhvgQzTEteGFSFtZgGB4sc-Vw_ApT/s4032/DAB2F64E-2EEB-405F-AC89-619EC23D48E2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWPIItPKXA2zVu5vdRuZjoNp1-_rpFKjM-rQmgGgJxRLMnpUsn7mUeLvk-M_2hSroTeQDCU_xF5SaKp7Xr568ZJx5bpz4hyAh4bvjm7qN0OOeavSITYlngu9NR9WPSTaaKuVbqZtPrP0cHHpyTY5SPWHjPhHyhvgQzTEteGFSFtZgGB4sc-Vw_ApT/s320/DAB2F64E-2EEB-405F-AC89-619EC23D48E2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it time to play yet ?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Dear Friends and Family, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2FDQ18Yn7-ztqHGEHF641LTw22oXQm6IwPS5pB2GfPDdkxFQ_R6upvioFLnmlY5THtddW1rsN-i3Cgkfn6n4qEsOIsldl60L7ujX0RYglmGlPglX-8OZaXFk__PhOp3oTV2rqJNzhgY0xo3gKb3frW7ZOT_k5TRMhSiWdTr06GVAyaBBQBVHeX5/s4032/F1939225-7C2B-45B7-9E78-71CE6A919235.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2FDQ18Yn7-ztqHGEHF641LTw22oXQm6IwPS5pB2GfPDdkxFQ_R6upvioFLnmlY5THtddW1rsN-i3Cgkfn6n4qEsOIsldl60L7ujX0RYglmGlPglX-8OZaXFk__PhOp3oTV2rqJNzhgY0xo3gKb3frW7ZOT_k5TRMhSiWdTr06GVAyaBBQBVHeX5/s320/F1939225-7C2B-45B7-9E78-71CE6A919235.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Below is a special Holiday Consulting Offer<br />Lettierome@gmail.com<br />602-300-4870</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This morning; I opened my eyes and all I could feel was dread. Unrefreshed sleep is a paramount symptom of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. I have spoken about this before; it means it doesn't matter how well you sleep; I wake up every morning feeling worse than I went to bed. Part of it is confused awe that I can still get surprised. However, since the late afternoon and evening normally is my best time it is a bitter slap in the face each morning.</span></div></span></div><p></p><p>As we approach Thanksgiving; which use to be my favorite Holiday I am struggling. My repetitive diet, it is a visual reminder of all the wonderful food that comforts one soul that I can no longer touch. But more than that is the lively gatherings that often had random friends or neighbors join, the ritual of watching Friends on tv, and then the post-Thanksgiving meet-up of whoever was in town. There is so much I miss; that is the time one must flip the switch to what we have, and Thanksgiving is a reminder to hold onto those memories of easier days and reflect on what is beautiful about today.</p><p>However, when I woke up this morning feeling like begging the powers that be to disappear into sleep so I could dream of my previously full life; I stopped myself. I went through the list of everything I was grateful for starting with my health. I am grateful I can see. I am grateful I can hear. I am grateful I can walk; though not as far as I would hope. I am grateful for this incredibly comfortable bed and being snuggled in beneath its cocoon. I am grateful I am healthy without any additional acute illness on top of my chronic one today. I am grateful my parents are in good health. I am grateful that in an hour Daisy will come here with my mom and take her extra morning nap next to me. I am grateful my extended family is safe. I am grateful that soon I will have my morning coffee in my H mug which brings me joy and peace. I am grateful that though I am not better right now I am not worse; I can breathe.</p><p>As I slowly get adding to my list of gratitudes (do not get me wrong it wasn't the perfect salve for my broken heart) it was a productive act. I miss with every fiber of my being my pre-ME life. The loss at times feels as if I am being swallowed whole falling into an abyss while simultaneously being crushed from above - no escape. It is as confusing as this disease itself. If you are facing similar pre Holiday stresses; please know you are not alone. Reach out to someone you know will have a compassionate ear, or reach out to someone you know may need one more than yourself. </p><p>I am grateful for all of you that may have recently joined or been on this road with me for much longer than I had anticipated. I had thought by this time I would be travel blogging from my walk along the French Riveria. As this Holiday is upon us; I am wishing you all the most optimal health. However, this post is coming live from Wisconsin - for now 🌊 ❤️.</p><p>Since I wrote my last post, from coast to coast I know of people battling viral infections. Even though I had written about this trend it was alarming how many I know have been hit hard. I hold my Naturopathic license in Vermont and two days ago received an emergency alert about hospitals reaching their capacity. I had been working on a more technical post; however, I wanted to lead with this one of Thanksgiving; and felt the time was of the essence and not something to be delayed by my many "trashed" posts. </p><p>Thanksgiving rolls us into a season of gatherings, and changes in eating habits that tax our digestive systems. Seventy percent of our immunity is in our gut. Therefore, I do want to mention some pre Holiday steps to enhance intestinal immunity.</p><p>I will be listing the suggestions below and offering a reduced consultation fee to place an order through my practitioner-only accounts. Being a patient myself; my goal is to set my consulting practice more heavily on my time and knowledge than profiting from supplements. Therefore; I will be doing a $50 fee and any products ordered will be billed at wholesale plus the taxes and company drop ship charge. I will be doing this arrangement through January first the discounted consultation price is twofold will cover my time to set up your order and also gives us an opportunity to get acquainted. My goal is to do the best I can with my knowledge to help lessen the severity or any long-term health issues and get us all to spring safely.</p><p>This post will include Immune support for your digestive system and the next more general immune support. These photos are examples and all can be customized to meet your specific needs.</p><p>Pre, Pro, and Post biotics. A diverse biome the research is coming in so fast it is difficult to keep up with. I will attach w few articles for those of you who would like to go down the rabbit hole with me as more specific research is being completed. However, there is no doubt a strong healthy intestinal tract is paramount for our overall health and the gut-lung axis. And this trifecta of "biotics" is a place to start.</p><p><a href="https://www.vibrant-wellness.com/tests/gut-zoomer/">Gut Zoomer</a> is one of many testing companies that can be used to identify your personal gut health. However, if you have no immediate concerns this is an area one can look at down the line with a more in-depth consultation. <a href="https://www.parasitetesting.com" target="_blank">PCI</a> is another company to work with more individual concerns.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYAMUv8FKUGHbTtEVHmhIXQ6wuveyhGEPwI8w3AOKBpJ0H2mdHwJ4Bmzg1M-b0MTT-6o_c8RkffKre392Wzwmu0SWiMyB-HrQ70PcVLC-5I2BZA4BuHDLRWjozIZt8WTbIgqZcIJayujeonlq_RuBlOtYQX_7U2qadz5MYjGijSrDL-laCsodOcoQ/s1404/9CCDD43E-349A-4089-9223-45E92FB90D15.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYAMUv8FKUGHbTtEVHmhIXQ6wuveyhGEPwI8w3AOKBpJ0H2mdHwJ4Bmzg1M-b0MTT-6o_c8RkffKre392Wzwmu0SWiMyB-HrQ70PcVLC-5I2BZA4BuHDLRWjozIZt8WTbIgqZcIJayujeonlq_RuBlOtYQX_7U2qadz5MYjGijSrDL-laCsodOcoQ/s320/9CCDD43E-349A-4089-9223-45E92FB90D15.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pre-Biotic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN61M4qwpln_oPBcNQJAk6E2_-yma62V1KLqRSiQ9PBFaEKLOCbDCicB5Fn3gPTPEE5n5FRLpUhHkVQIEQWt5e1rU3WUWy-i-i0Fbr1pH-KBshSypQN1VHlfZw4xCT0kFzzKF-l69dLpJ3tlA6vuFPckc-Qn7bf-I2uqD5QoeWq0uuSEV3-oVBl9Yd/s1198/C6CA2893-AD75-4C3A-B366-23496895CEE6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="847" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN61M4qwpln_oPBcNQJAk6E2_-yma62V1KLqRSiQ9PBFaEKLOCbDCicB5Fn3gPTPEE5n5FRLpUhHkVQIEQWt5e1rU3WUWy-i-i0Fbr1pH-KBshSypQN1VHlfZw4xCT0kFzzKF-l69dLpJ3tlA6vuFPckc-Qn7bf-I2uqD5QoeWq0uuSEV3-oVBl9Yd/s320/C6CA2893-AD75-4C3A-B366-23496895CEE6.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are many Pro-Biotics to choose from and chewable or powder for children </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnmLR5edIjn8hhoMVK_QcGqyf_L2aLsXtmyhZBmnF_SU3tqPlXNXabF3459px6mdbcARJLPLIHQ3UU7b9T8QjyqnxAgWsDBB3yAxAOJkGsbjgjpncZNtcK2xQM_ay4PiU51ewnOsBDFoE00iWnpwZczL4fVBNKT8fQNXnPzAQTXzU36i66pjE-Lz2/s1255/790D634A-8C8D-420C-9652-B2C2FD245B3C.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnmLR5edIjn8hhoMVK_QcGqyf_L2aLsXtmyhZBmnF_SU3tqPlXNXabF3459px6mdbcARJLPLIHQ3UU7b9T8QjyqnxAgWsDBB3yAxAOJkGsbjgjpncZNtcK2xQM_ay4PiU51ewnOsBDFoE00iWnpwZczL4fVBNKT8fQNXnPzAQTXzU36i66pjE-Lz2/s320/790D634A-8C8D-420C-9652-B2C2FD245B3C.jpeg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most fascinating research is coming out about Short Chain Fatty Acids - the bi-product of the fermentation of the digestive microbes. Butyrate is one of those hot topics</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9srNIUfEE7ytnnlwTmmc1eRPBxjCq_pM4toubyMswQHLIXmJWGDP9oTwpTzXRz0qbgbWlho7WD-8-m99kqz-4hya86vECMzcT14P_OBEVtc18ydezizW8qVx14Odc0EPVbXbIs-wkQ3P4WNyn8uhEXDo5byQHJH1FgtHFYBQqCZDCxRiYlaiGSQwp/s1344/0485FFEA-1642-4DD8-9100-08565291635A.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9srNIUfEE7ytnnlwTmmc1eRPBxjCq_pM4toubyMswQHLIXmJWGDP9oTwpTzXRz0qbgbWlho7WD-8-m99kqz-4hya86vECMzcT14P_OBEVtc18ydezizW8qVx14Odc0EPVbXbIs-wkQ3P4WNyn8uhEXDo5byQHJH1FgtHFYBQqCZDCxRiYlaiGSQwp/s320/0485FFEA-1642-4DD8-9100-08565291635A.jpeg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating a protective barrier for your intestines <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Please contact me if you would like to place an order and at that time if before my next post we can discuss what I think all families would benefit from in their medicine cabinets if the cold/flu or COVID breaches your Holiday festivities. </p><p>Research Articles:</p><p><a href="https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/dietary-compound-gut-microbe-team-flu-prevention/" target="_blank">How Dietary Microbe could team up for Flu Prevention - St. Louis University </a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01388/full" target="_blank">Intestinal Flora to Combat SARS-</a>COV-2 Infection <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01388/full" target="_blank">Exogenous Glutamine in Respiratory Disease - Fact or Myth</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001875/" target="_blank">Interplay Between Gut Microbe and Immune System</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5995450/" target="_blank">Probiotics In Immunity and Respiratory Health </a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9631819/" target="_blank">Butyrate connecting the Gut Lung Axis (post-biotic)</a><br /></p><p>As you can see from this brief sampling of research articles there is so much information constantly emerging and improving. It is easy to get bogged down; but we can simplify it by seeing where your digestive health is now and how to improve upon it, especially during this Winter season. </p><p>In Gratitude, Heather</p><p>email: lettierome@gmail. Text/call 602-300-4870</p><p>DISCLAIMER: This information above is to be used as recommendations and not a substitution for your primary care doctor's advice. Also; please if you are suffering from a high fever, difficulty breathing or excessive fatigue do not hesitate to get immediate medical care. The NIH in collaboration with Careevolution just created a website to track COVID-19 home tests. This data will be of great help to make informed decisions; to track COVID-19 numbers. If you do take a home test please use the following link <a href="https://makemytestcount.org" target="_blank">Make My Test Count</a> for both positive and negative tests.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-88688539818324786152022-11-16T19:57:00.006-08:002022-11-16T22:10:53.890-08:00Triple Threat <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHBnFIvZxE37UR6bZ13HQ9IPU3LM-GeG3MUmDOTW9DSywdu7qQRkBqcFvffK2LTq4s1g6gE7Q_u8w97UAqR3cG6mdOx7uLFh8RUEzQ_67ct1o1GE1uh6tfGlgIhfefe8ISeG50SdiDFboXK70PbHkpo97f5zQrW7ImlGc3NWwoB1g4qZwY0sXX8g9/s4032/6D28AFFA-D254-4DAA-B39D-3D963CAD090A.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHBnFIvZxE37UR6bZ13HQ9IPU3LM-GeG3MUmDOTW9DSywdu7qQRkBqcFvffK2LTq4s1g6gE7Q_u8w97UAqR3cG6mdOx7uLFh8RUEzQ_67ct1o1GE1uh6tfGlgIhfefe8ISeG50SdiDFboXK70PbHkpo97f5zQrW7ImlGc3NWwoB1g4qZwY0sXX8g9/s320/6D28AFFA-D254-4DAA-B39D-3D963CAD090A.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are we done yet ?</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We have all learned more than we ever hoped to in our lifetime that viruses and cockroaches have a lot in common - they are built to last. I hope this post helps to give a bit of perspective and fortitude as we head into the third year of COVID-19 along side a difficult cold and flu season. The next few posts I’ll be sharing some of my favorite holistic and natural tools to have on hand to have a more compete medicine cabinet. But first, I thought it may help to remind ourselves how far we have come; while not abandoning what has worked. </p><p>Most of you know the Western Medical toolbox: Vaccine, anti-virals, and symptom support. It is important to remember the symptoms are the body's reaction to the invader. Vaccines are aimed at priming the immune system to recognize the invader so it can use fewer troops to help knock it down. One of the initial and continuing challenges with COVID-19 was a novel virus; our bodies didn't recognize it. Unlike the flu our bodies over the years have gotten accustomed to different versions; let's say it is the classic camel hair winter coat. It is a reliable, never goes out of style companion. Sure each year fashion houses reinvent the classic; but at the end of the day, it is cut from the same cloth. Thus, your immune system recognizes it. Some years you may get knocked around worse than others but by in large we have a been there done that attitude. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kNZe6PPhQqLEbl1AXBa-OpXKaZ2UwHUcvlPpCLQM9gdLearxstxwsR4Uyi-Ywd5gXtdYi_y5oshyBIY4-GpVqQTeb6XGWLSFOsF5miJ-JWpLCC6KDTI4FU9Utmd6pBDHkuCvTL8TIAZivJx1iiVR0qFZclMBfrWC6wwkwtfShas_i31vxTRHNxuG/s1868/36D241CF-973C-4F66-8155-FF3DD6713C47.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1868" data-original-width="1162" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kNZe6PPhQqLEbl1AXBa-OpXKaZ2UwHUcvlPpCLQM9gdLearxstxwsR4Uyi-Ywd5gXtdYi_y5oshyBIY4-GpVqQTeb6XGWLSFOsF5miJ-JWpLCC6KDTI4FU9Utmd6pBDHkuCvTL8TIAZivJx1iiVR0qFZclMBfrWC6wwkwtfShas_i31vxTRHNxuG/s320/36D241CF-973C-4F66-8155-FF3DD6713C47.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady Gaga wearing Max Mara - Italy </div><p>Then there is COVID-19 and it bursts onto the scene not even in the normal season; forget fall apparel we are pre-releasing a Spring multi-use coat that covers every season. Move over the boring classic camel hair wool blend we are coming in hot like Betsey Johnson on steroids. We are shaking up the industry with every color of the rainbow, fabric, texture, and length. Forget Park Avenue this is a Meat Packing rave before it was trendy. You won't know what hit you.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTptTw99DZUA3csZrGkMYGKw-HkK5cPiofXEh5YSC5pN4bxReybJkX3KdajQIujFxunx5EKMytopIFqBitU_5seu205RLmR6Jx6d1cLV1l_8pRZxrGf75r8dqQj-LhuQ7i47WzlRJvdvQ3jPzv0gYQcl9Qgos2O2X3F5BZzk4SonNxN-3-63iaueCc/s1917/1A8FA1FB-DB46-4166-A42D-58F02A824A39.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="1070" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTptTw99DZUA3csZrGkMYGKw-HkK5cPiofXEh5YSC5pN4bxReybJkX3KdajQIujFxunx5EKMytopIFqBitU_5seu205RLmR6Jx6d1cLV1l_8pRZxrGf75r8dqQj-LhuQ7i47WzlRJvdvQ3jPzv0gYQcl9Qgos2O2X3F5BZzk4SonNxN-3-63iaueCc/s320/1A8FA1FB-DB46-4166-A42D-58F02A824A39.jpeg" width="179" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betsey Johnson Spring 2013 </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our immune systems took notice and lost their goddamn minds and not in a good way. So the normal immune response went into an overreaction - the Cytokine Storm. This storm was our pro-inflammatory system going off the rails. This excessive reaction is now the body harming; while it was really just trying to do its job. This overachiever attitude brought with it incredible danger. We as a society paid dearly.</p><p>August 2021 the first COVID-19 vaccine was FDA approved. Prior to that medical treatments included antibody treatments, and then came antivirals combined with slowly a better understanding of how to treat COVID-19. The tsunami had passed but the storm was still brewing. Therefore we kept in place the age-old practices of times past; masking, social distancing, and improving indoor air ventilation systems. This had a twofold effect; one it slowed the spread to allow hospitals to not be overburdened but it also has had the rebound effect of having our immune systems get a little laisse-fair. </p><p>So here we are entering the Winter of 2022 and sorry to be the realist but this triple threat isn't the newly demure and calm JLo; we are going back to Jenny from the Block about to skyrocket to international fame. We are in the wild west of Bennifer and haven't come out on the other side. This triple threat epidemiologically is a party all its own; a bad one. We have virgin immune systems, mingling with a party of viruses all while the protective measures have been abandoned. This is entering nothing good happens after 2AM territory. This is Ben off the rails in a Casino before the Phoenix rising back tattoo and Jennifer being hounded by paparazzi to catch a tear. This is being bogged down by the reviews of Gigli. If Ben and Jen made it to the other side better than before; certainly we can. But we can’t give up; it’s not 1918 so while we are much better equipped medically this virus is globe trotting as much as our newlyweds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCPE2XmTIBaFZ1uieSqp3ou7ho07MCMDzlOJJQBb8svkMv6qeIHwwd2m2_7dNVQgTCZSQBZyJqPJ39MRQnZy5MDbpsNZeUrCXBdzXenfEDKwoZKHjGwbTZ-gWmkFhtkBDRHFPvvTxsmlCA0A_KNqZEBuSw1Hg0Hd_0LAVN-b0lnSuvLcwTVmNB6C6/s1275/773D9268-80AF-49F7-93BD-4B7A6F8A012C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1275" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCPE2XmTIBaFZ1uieSqp3ou7ho07MCMDzlOJJQBb8svkMv6qeIHwwd2m2_7dNVQgTCZSQBZyJqPJ39MRQnZy5MDbpsNZeUrCXBdzXenfEDKwoZKHjGwbTZ-gWmkFhtkBDRHFPvvTxsmlCA0A_KNqZEBuSw1Hg0Hd_0LAVN-b0lnSuvLcwTVmNB6C6/s320/773D9268-80AF-49F7-93BD-4B7A6F8A012C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtbw_jFPYoWMvd9RtP06RUmE43tQLnoO-nmCWo9-XwBH-Ax88AWFL9-akqomkhEm06SO3ve-yOWGlP33xIBvuMAcxE38tkp4NyAkdtXt5LCC8CCp406IjHIbcgBqMhOxY8Vm50cLcke3qW67CwXEsTF_lkAcCHXH2I42m45E2H7ZdrpvTkZMf25Ve/s1739/F16DB599-5D1C-46DE-97F0-DC871029711E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtbw_jFPYoWMvd9RtP06RUmE43tQLnoO-nmCWo9-XwBH-Ax88AWFL9-akqomkhEm06SO3ve-yOWGlP33xIBvuMAcxE38tkp4NyAkdtXt5LCC8CCp406IjHIbcgBqMhOxY8Vm50cLcke3qW67CwXEsTF_lkAcCHXH2I42m45E2H7ZdrpvTkZMf25Ve/s320/F16DB599-5D1C-46DE-97F0-DC871029711E.jpeg" width="236" /></a></div><p>The Spanish Flu lasted from 1918 to 1920. The first "passenger" aircraft was in 1926 when Western Air Express pilot Jimmy James did his mail route from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles with two passengers coming along for the ride; seated on top of the mail. Thus the virus didn't have human vectors globetrotting. We live in a mobile world economy that just gave this virus an around-the-world ticket. That along with the very nature of modern life gave the virus a leg up at mutations. The longer a virus circulates the more opportunity it has to evolve and change. How often have you heard someone say I got the flu shot but still got the flu? Well, that's not shocking the flu vaccine is made on the best predictive value of which virus will circulate. Some years it's a bull's eye other it's on the outer ring. That doesn't mean it offers no protection but nothing is a bulletproof vest. Everything is a layer to help best protect yourself and the community at large.</p><p>So what can we do this Winter of 2022 to take the temperature down so to speak? We can look around and know we learned a few things and not be afraid to implement some changes for the winter season. First, something that I believe sociologists will be studying for years to come - mask up. Not your paisley print cloth mask; a KN95 when in large social gatherings indoors. Recently, there was a report if everyone would just mask in the airport and during take-off and landing while the air ventilation system isn't on it would make a significant dent in transmission. We aren't just talking about COVID but all viruses during this time of year. I know a number of teachers that worked through the pandemic and the one thing they all had in common they didn't get knocked down by their yearly winter cold/flu. We know it works, but it has become a sign of fear versus strength. Take back your power, mask up; flip the script on the false narrative. </p><p>Test. We have tests; use them. Add that layer of precaution before you have a large Holiday gathering. Ventilate. Grab an air purifier or crack a few windows if you do have company. </p><p>Finally, do the best you can to practice handwashing and common sense. If you don't feel well; try your best to contain your virus to a smaller perimeter. Watch the sugar. The holidays come and hibernating for the winter and our bodies crave those sweet snacks; unfortunately, viruses love them just as much as you do. Remember; our immune systems have been benched; think of yourself as an athlete coming back after an injury; slow and steady for long-term gain. </p><p>This is the main lesson I feel with all the bickering that has been lost. A slow re-entry to the days before can really pay off in the long term. Masks unfortunately have become a trigger of COVID and how our lives were turned upside down, but it doesn't have to mean it has to be worse. Maybe we learned something? We can protect each other, and ourselves if we just meet halfway. </p><p>We thankfully are moving away from death as the main fear of COVID; writing this US daily death count was 385 on November 15th. But based on lag time and increases in Europe we can unfortunately expect that number to uptick. Now we must address Long COVID which does not seem to care about your vaccination status, the severity of illness and worse every COVID re-infection increases the possibility of a major debilitating disease state. Unlike hospitalized COVID the toolbox for post covid sequela is sitting empty; it is a landmine of unknowns playing catch-up. Current estimates are 18 million Americans are suffering from Long COVID, and an alarming will fall under the umbrella of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-10-06/cdc-majority-of-adults-with-long-covid-19-report-trouble-performing-daily-activities" target="_blank">Educate on Long COVID</a> data from October 2022; knowledge is power. </p><p>We all want to go into the closet and grab the well-aged classic winter coat; it's nostalgic and a place of comfort. Unfortunately, our reality has changed and the sooner we accept that and adapt to that we can move forward healthier together. So we aren't back to camel hair yet, but we've come a long way. We’ve returned to a traditional cut and style maybe just in violet for the time being. Then when the time is right and on our own terms we will find ourselves reaching for our Betsey Johnson with a sigh of relief. We’re just not there yet…but we will be. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYAFRcs_FTC3SGXsxOrn9f3O2WIzpJSucmI5R9D36cgLvzps8kF_DLUBsfbpmhrfrDimo_ultKMRS9nMa8vgNyEOgk_AkUZflomaOpJ3hY53_vV6GM85kMbZ4uMRcANSyEZTzHn2UYvk5n8xC2wR9vZVkceOUrZ_46dM12Azst_Wl8agr176FTcNa/s1471/F5DF402C-7FF9-4299-B44F-0193D969432F.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1148" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYAFRcs_FTC3SGXsxOrn9f3O2WIzpJSucmI5R9D36cgLvzps8kF_DLUBsfbpmhrfrDimo_ultKMRS9nMa8vgNyEOgk_AkUZflomaOpJ3hY53_vV6GM85kMbZ4uMRcANSyEZTzHn2UYvk5n8xC2wR9vZVkceOUrZ_46dM12Azst_Wl8agr176FTcNa/s320/F5DF402C-7FF9-4299-B44F-0193D969432F.jpeg" width="250" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather & Daisy </td></tr></tbody></table><p>For more information on Long COVID; Ryan Prior of Forgotten Plague released his book <a href="https://www.ryantprior.com/the-long-haul" target="_blank">The Long Haul</a> today.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMkNmxIuMc8zWgRGBXM5Pn85t4dD5wNGCOPOunLSn2XHtd51aoNY3M4khSt4bkJGYPzmiCAjbwVPn8EIGIPKGjW6pW5uzB7uQHCz3xFuAAR1LYC_YAUsaHYLDDzMahGX9pUD2Ftt2WKgksZkookjVHNFqJV_IAVqhQjRiPy__fsunxTeN1bDg7HIX/s2126/7970712C-EB14-45DC-A086-05707B4E5927.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2126" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMkNmxIuMc8zWgRGBXM5Pn85t4dD5wNGCOPOunLSn2XHtd51aoNY3M4khSt4bkJGYPzmiCAjbwVPn8EIGIPKGjW6pW5uzB7uQHCz3xFuAAR1LYC_YAUsaHYLDDzMahGX9pUD2Ftt2WKgksZkookjVHNFqJV_IAVqhQjRiPy__fsunxTeN1bDg7HIX/s320/7970712C-EB14-45DC-A086-05707B4E5927.jpeg" width="193" /></a></div><p>Wellness consults available: email lettierome@gmail.com</p><p>In Health, Heather</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-44758734034393353772022-10-22T17:46:00.000-07:002022-10-22T17:46:19.401-07:00Shining A Light on the Winter Blues<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfLiUGfyToSOoOvgMkSPRsg-X2YkW1QF1Q6SVEdD1pGSeJsexvDzggTID9JpZsNiJ7ncWr_iuo5FZJ6CBfbFifTbzgqqQi49dvThS0RVgoOGQABlNss0VefrgWo5jdsfQyXwciLWmC24xVUVr8yTpFC4vM2d6K2-I6ovsju-VhkSKxbVeYooHc5gc/s4032/CA5A8817-9F03-423D-9CB3-4146D6425915.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfLiUGfyToSOoOvgMkSPRsg-X2YkW1QF1Q6SVEdD1pGSeJsexvDzggTID9JpZsNiJ7ncWr_iuo5FZJ6CBfbFifTbzgqqQi49dvThS0RVgoOGQABlNss0VefrgWo5jdsfQyXwciLWmC24xVUVr8yTpFC4vM2d6K2-I6ovsju-VhkSKxbVeYooHc5gc/s320/CA5A8817-9F03-423D-9CB3-4146D6425915.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-family: times;">Autumn in Wisconsin brings with it a bounty of color, crisp cool air, bright sunny days with cerulean cloudless skies, and the much-anticipated pumpkin lattes. However, while many are turtleneck-loving Fall enthusiasts, others dread the beginning of Autumn due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its less intense cousin subsyndromal SAD, also known as the winter blues. The further north from the equator is directly linked to an increase in SAD diagnosis. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Seasonal Affective Disorder is not considered a unique diagnostic entity. Rather, it is categorized under Major Depressive Disorder with a seasonal component. While most cases of SAD are brought on by the winter, it is possible to experience symptoms in the summer months as well. The most common symptoms of winter SAD include the apt acronym: a sad mood, lack of motivation, desire to withdraw from social situations, lethargy, sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Another hallmark symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder is craving sugars and carbohydrates. While these foods may temporarily lift one’s mood, they also result in undesirable winter weight gain. Conversely, those that deal with summer SAD often exhibit a loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, agitation, and anxiety. In rare circumstances, one can even exhibit violent behavior. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Currently, SAD affects women at a rate four times higher than men, often first developing between ages 18-30. However, no age group is excluded, and stress brought on by life circumstances may make one more prone to its hold. It is estimated there are more than three million US cases per year.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Seasonal Affective Disorder is now a widely accepted medical diagnosis that came to fruition like many medical discoveries: through a little bit of serendipity when the right person moved to the “wrong” state. In the 1980s, Dr. Norman Rosenthal relocated from South Africa to New York to continue his medical training. What Dr. Rosenthal did not anticipate was his decrease in productivity in the dark winter months of New York. Even more surprising was how his productivity improved independently as spring bloomed. This experience led Dr. Rosenthal to his collaboration at the NIH with Al Lewy and Tom Wehr, who were both already researching melatonin and light’s effect on circadian rhythms. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Thanks to this trio, SAD was officially recognized as a unique depressive disorder. Their groundbreaking work sparked the use of The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire and clinical interventions we still use today. Dr. Rosenthal continues to be one of the leading researchers on SAD, and I highly recommend his website <span style="color: #0e24b2;"><a href="http://www.normanrosenthal.com">www.normanrosenthal.com</a></span> for more detailed recommendations and resources. Among the resources on his site is poetry Rx which explores the power of our creative nature to cope with mental health struggles. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">The good news for those with SAD is that early interventions can significantly help. Unfortunately, like the winter itself, SAD often creeps up slowly on those affected as fall transitions to winter. Therefore, take note and make some adjustments before the fallen leaves are replaced with the first heavy winter snow.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Light Box Therapy, Antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy are the first-line treatments. Additionally, there are a variety of self-care tools one can implement to help lessen the severity of SAD. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">To understand the treatments available, we can break down what causes the symptoms; SAD is most likely caused by decreased serotonin, altered melatonin levels, and imbalanced circadian rhythms. Moreover, light plays a critical role in balancing circadian rhythms based on both the production and depletion of melatonin. Since blue light from our electronic devices inhibits melatonin before bed, and SAD shows an increase in melatonin during the day, those who suffer from SAD often experience sleepiness during the day and difficulty falling asleep at night. One way to combat this is limiting blue light exposure, especially before bed. Another is investing in a pair of blue light-blocking glasses. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">On the flip side let there be light; the correct light. Light box therapy has stood the test of time as a treatment therapy. Dr. Rosenthal, based on his research, recommends the Carex Day-Light Classic which can be found on Amazon. This is due to its size, angle, and Lux intensity. This particular light box angles down onto you to mimic natural sunlight. It is recommended to be used in the morning, working up to 30 minutes of exposure (not staring directly into the light), and use with caution for those with a diabetic condition due to retinopathy issues and bipolar disorder.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">If light box therapy isn’t for you there are plenty of more subtle changes to increase light exposure. Get outside; even when it looks cloudy out it is important to get in nature. Set the mood in your home with extra candles (even the electric ones in the windows). If you don’t have a fireplace, many kinds of electric fireplaces can be found online to enhance your space.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Aside from these changes, it can be beneficial to maintain a balanced routine. Maintaining good sleeping habits is paramount. It is also important to maintain regular physical activity. One way to promote exercise is by focusing on enjoyable ways to move your body. Finally, be mindful that carbohydrate and sugar cravings are part of SAD; being aware that this is part of the disorder can help one to find alternative choices when the cravings hit. A cup of tea with honey may just be enough to take the edge off. Plan now on what you know brings you joy and get items on the calendar to have winter events to look forward to. A little planning can go a long way to help ease the winter blues.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Lastly, talk about it. This is my greatest advice; do not suffer silently because you are not alone. Those that love and care for you may know what is around the bend. Seasonal Affective Disorder is not something you must deal with every year. As more research is done, we have a better understanding and more treatment options. There is always hope when you have the right tools at hand; and when at our best we help each other suffer a little less. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">In closing, SAD can severely impact one’s quality of life. Be sure to contact your primary care provider if you think you or someone you love suffers from these symptoms. </span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">“Autumn whispered to the wind, I fall; but always rise again.” Angie Weiland-Crosby. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Dr. Heather Dreske, Naturopathic Doctor</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #141414; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Patient-centered health consultant. Contact <span style="color: #0e24b2;"><a href="mailto:lettierome@gmail.com">lettierome@gmail.com</a></span></span></p><div><br /></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-5546642619112356782022-03-30T13:59:00.003-07:002022-03-30T13:59:48.877-07:00Thank You Martin, Paused_ME<p>( Martin of @paused_me (Instagram tag) asked for photos of those suffering from ME for a video he is creating for his foundation. I don’t know all of Martin’s story; I know from our friendship and following him on Instagram he is a lawyer, a talented musician, he has a gorgeous kind girlfriend supporting him every step of the way ( a beautiful partnership), he was mild/moderate until he pushed himself ( as any young 20 something would do ) partying hard-living loud on a vacation with his friends drinking, laughing, smoking pot, jumping from cliffs into crystal clear Mediterranean water. Never could he imagine that trip would be the defining moment. How could he...I know he’s tried HELP apheresis having access living in Germany. I know he is tube-fed. I know he is tenacious, wicked smart, and relentless for a cure. So when he asks - I answer. This is what I shared with him and said if used or not the process was cathartic. Thank you for coming along.) The text below is taken from my Instagram Post in response. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65gI2irwSumBi81UtpPNng8EWpG3PEVSVTTSWqEU95V-9G4ZecVLkXcOnDAhWrGdw1s7hwx9Kvs-ZrpbhL1oBGH7HoTw9YUKhy4flcgH7-AcDh_3I0R3IpKupvr1Llj23VGAPC9t_3cZ_fs6oyZyKBPbBA7F74BTGJwOKeSqK2Gu5oSql_7X2Hbv1/s1800/441141F2-45B6-4206-B134-ECA7D618FC48.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65gI2irwSumBi81UtpPNng8EWpG3PEVSVTTSWqEU95V-9G4ZecVLkXcOnDAhWrGdw1s7hwx9Kvs-ZrpbhL1oBGH7HoTw9YUKhy4flcgH7-AcDh_3I0R3IpKupvr1Llj23VGAPC9t_3cZ_fs6oyZyKBPbBA7F74BTGJwOKeSqK2Gu5oSql_7X2Hbv1/s320/441141F2-45B6-4206-B134-ECA7D618FC48.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always by my side. Bed selfie.<br />My sweet girl Sophie <br />Miss her every single day</td></tr></tbody></table><p> @paused_me Does so much advocacy from the confines of his bed. He asked for people with ME ( pwME) to share some photos of themselves how this disease impacts them. Perhaps being of a different generation I said I don’t have a lot - I won’t let anyone take my picture at my worst. But when I look thru my camera roll on this phone which is from 2014 I can see how many are taken from bed. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuULxqh5DTxe7tYOSDXtkAYz2eIa7Ygw8Lu37oALcu4veQ_ROANFwxSswMoUoROUrO6Jk-HOeg6jh6iDhGPCPSARAXhAs3foxjK1xnrj610-xHUt4SNH8rCSGEcWhHpPMF3isDf-jig7lG08eWzu8AzoeZOHnBgIA6f8RbHF3pU3kluZUgi6gx8LY/s1592/BB0B1EDE-8E3D-44CF-A095-AEB71B9BED63.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuULxqh5DTxe7tYOSDXtkAYz2eIa7Ygw8Lu37oALcu4veQ_ROANFwxSswMoUoROUrO6Jk-HOeg6jh6iDhGPCPSARAXhAs3foxjK1xnrj610-xHUt4SNH8rCSGEcWhHpPMF3isDf-jig7lG08eWzu8AzoeZOHnBgIA6f8RbHF3pU3kluZUgi6gx8LY/s320/BB0B1EDE-8E3D-44CF-A095-AEB71B9BED63.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark thick blood; sometime maybe 2018<br />Given long covid is looking at micro-clotting may give some answers<br />why this treatment has always been effective for me</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UC28FOTBgo5J3RG1-WnVy9LkO15kvJq1YZm5U5VCL5PhBY5-X2DulcUXvjc1xtLZfmkcHzyri326JZ_px1VMkxNR60x2hJuhiz5NMpQj-nsAPHwekxVtGPWbLX6kpSxX5T8-rp3Q-V90WEQmrgjK-SfpnLI307Phvk_NN-mjErIcTKprqDL25Nqx/s1800/BE380AD1-6E6A-451C-B0D5-612942C3EABB.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UC28FOTBgo5J3RG1-WnVy9LkO15kvJq1YZm5U5VCL5PhBY5-X2DulcUXvjc1xtLZfmkcHzyri326JZ_px1VMkxNR60x2hJuhiz5NMpQj-nsAPHwekxVtGPWbLX6kpSxX5T8-rp3Q-V90WEQmrgjK-SfpnLI307Phvk_NN-mjErIcTKprqDL25Nqx/s320/BE380AD1-6E6A-451C-B0D5-612942C3EABB.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home IV Saline biggest blessing and boost<br />Incredibly difficult veins that look good and deceive<br />Grateful for my friend who would do them for me <br />Slow drip<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>But what I notice most is the missing. The endless photos I’ve saved from things I haven’t been at; the fact that my nieces and nephew only know this one version of me. I need to think long and hard how it can be still a vital one. Today is hard. Yesterday I made it with my mom to two stores close to home when she was trying to pack for FL and realized she had nothing for hot and humid weather to walk thru Disney Land. It is the first normal mother/daughter shopping we have done in I have no idea years and years. It was important to me because after all her caregiving I wanted her to feel comfortable and nice for my parents vacation with my sisters family. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCOhPLGzProczagZBvTphMuPP0Q83S-0z3fZFLSe91R0KCVX36Qr78lCCizdQbU3Jrl31sUT8B4o2Yq5pZYCIOcZexA6uM-x9qwH61aTJGnWZjCiwn9n-AmFeeUWkaaxK_ziSXrvEr7cuEiZZIOgeExY5ufREviPPZ2Ls-cd2ij43uMKo6EqvMT22/s882/76FF6F3F-A311-4E85-AF81-33033E3FE715.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="706" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCOhPLGzProczagZBvTphMuPP0Q83S-0z3fZFLSe91R0KCVX36Qr78lCCizdQbU3Jrl31sUT8B4o2Yq5pZYCIOcZexA6uM-x9qwH61aTJGnWZjCiwn9n-AmFeeUWkaaxK_ziSXrvEr7cuEiZZIOgeExY5ufREviPPZ2Ls-cd2ij43uMKo6EqvMT22/s320/76FF6F3F-A311-4E85-AF81-33033E3FE715.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornucopia for our Forgotten Plague Premiere<br />Never did I think I would have gotten worse </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietc4ocawyi29976yalBINffFr3owG25tyIDWd04w0atPTECkf4TBV4KSa-a9aiFJXJyto1I0yRvLJGYAbME7vPUhPzX4PlOzCIpxBK6Xwmq9z9l1h3m6tSCzd5fnU2Ss9LyB6ejee2UpPeXB6GhAquwVLOuAW4C9qmSOtS04vIXzItCaIDnWP4yrs/s1592/EA6B4E09-F70B-461A-9B63-B977AF9A51EE.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietc4ocawyi29976yalBINffFr3owG25tyIDWd04w0atPTECkf4TBV4KSa-a9aiFJXJyto1I0yRvLJGYAbME7vPUhPzX4PlOzCIpxBK6Xwmq9z9l1h3m6tSCzd5fnU2Ss9LyB6ejee2UpPeXB6GhAquwVLOuAW4C9qmSOtS04vIXzItCaIDnWP4yrs/s320/EA6B4E09-F70B-461A-9B63-B977AF9A51EE.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post UV Blood Treatment<br />Often worse before better - Healing Crisis<br />Weak - Tired - Grateful</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My body is wrecked today but not beyond repair. Tonight Christine arrives from AZ leaving her family for 10 days to help me. Those who know me I’ve never been a Disney or theme park traveler; but I would have gone and popped in lol at the spa ! Another missing. Another my parents stressed that all goes okay. Another in your face reminder I can not care for myself. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAff_9VcyyeXc2e_CjAT98zeHqpGUDJpek1yp71Sh7_Pr0f3H8XSDnOm10Y30Rt5y2OHddAN6F-yHZFAX479vwgOQ8Xey3-Muh5Hn_xXrMZiOpRqsPox5JvZljINZ5vXjIYaJNhayoP6Yd5SH5gqlP_-CGFAAHLsBhDXG9rKujvtpAPzFnAXmaAXIF/s1800/B42DF31A-6916-4231-BC35-301289E1AEF5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAff_9VcyyeXc2e_CjAT98zeHqpGUDJpek1yp71Sh7_Pr0f3H8XSDnOm10Y30Rt5y2OHddAN6F-yHZFAX479vwgOQ8Xey3-Muh5Hn_xXrMZiOpRqsPox5JvZljINZ5vXjIYaJNhayoP6Yd5SH5gqlP_-CGFAAHLsBhDXG9rKujvtpAPzFnAXmaAXIF/s320/B42DF31A-6916-4231-BC35-301289E1AEF5.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 Days post the sore throat and "flu" that changed everything<br />March 2020</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82NcCB2shA_8ISS0Ff-WBYb-JhaURD-j7bPawkxsHYG_xJaCJozlrd8swRPI4jTbaedimNltvB3GDs-81DFIWLVDf_2aOojj4NT5mBHo55o4N7sDlONiFcjZ7MzcsTvveA7CNuEwb8pKbB6sA6OO1kGqEIb_vGZ7x0JWzD0EGjGZHKUxwB2x6O9_h/s1800/AD4BBCD3-1D82-4DD7-A96E-1331B10E9CFF.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82NcCB2shA_8ISS0Ff-WBYb-JhaURD-j7bPawkxsHYG_xJaCJozlrd8swRPI4jTbaedimNltvB3GDs-81DFIWLVDf_2aOojj4NT5mBHo55o4N7sDlONiFcjZ7MzcsTvveA7CNuEwb8pKbB6sA6OO1kGqEIb_vGZ7x0JWzD0EGjGZHKUxwB2x6O9_h/s320/AD4BBCD3-1D82-4DD7-A96E-1331B10E9CFF.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today watching the world go by</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So @paused_me ask was a therapeutic look back; sometimes it’s important to acknowledge what has been lost. It is painful. To pretend otherwise is not living the truth. Each day we all pwME do our very best to live our best or some days just get to tomorrow. #mecfs #postcovid #invisibleillness #stoprestpace #chronicillness #millionsmissing #dotoday #dyingtolive</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXhcVgZF-Nexbv6xiv4FaiYsqRaYRE_otCRgTKmwb3I7Q2nx-PbhVVNVWtexMvjnv4lXYQiO2bFcFxZgC1dTl8k-KScOV6RGL0xECq-_FlQdaFzf0aXrTrDr2mw2YNoc6oS1y7iCP-NH4cXvbSRy6fdpkGHQxbJG_2nMQViPYUVVDreAZ23kqBqD7/s3264/9744D1D5-EE37-4815-B5A1-DABD460D89FB.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXhcVgZF-Nexbv6xiv4FaiYsqRaYRE_otCRgTKmwb3I7Q2nx-PbhVVNVWtexMvjnv4lXYQiO2bFcFxZgC1dTl8k-KScOV6RGL0xECq-_FlQdaFzf0aXrTrDr2mw2YNoc6oS1y7iCP-NH4cXvbSRy6fdpkGHQxbJG_2nMQViPYUVVDreAZ23kqBqD7/s320/9744D1D5-EE37-4815-B5A1-DABD460D89FB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine in 2014 when she would visit for 2 weeks that summer to help<br />Life before her husband and children. Eight years later still coming to my aide.<br />Fierce protector - Looks that could kill - Knows what I need before I know<br />Observant - Supportive - Wicked funny - <br />Family we choose</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-58494932985246816792022-03-16T13:13:00.042-07:002022-03-16T13:58:25.602-07:00Storm is Coming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWrT-DFfinpMLKLSsx3vtYPXCWPBmz_QAzR0CI-7e2MQeMwUYjWS9aQKjWa8vBQyciJ5oNei5LFJ-EwG-1GFVf2EBtx9HU-ALFemL7-PtAWizSsl-6I5PDJ3P6_yFmMieRk8ahC-_lf0k7zsKBan1HjR992s_BqTVV2UF-22TyLKuSv8Fh_FK3TvDS=s2932" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="2883" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWrT-DFfinpMLKLSsx3vtYPXCWPBmz_QAzR0CI-7e2MQeMwUYjWS9aQKjWa8vBQyciJ5oNei5LFJ-EwG-1GFVf2EBtx9HU-ALFemL7-PtAWizSsl-6I5PDJ3P6_yFmMieRk8ahC-_lf0k7zsKBan1HjR992s_BqTVV2UF-22TyLKuSv8Fh_FK3TvDS=s320" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Painting<br />Simon Lutrin </td></tr></tbody></table><p>It is another worldly vibration that is always humming in the background. Lurking beneath my skin deep into the cells of disarray. The storm is coming; the storm is here, the storm never leaves it continually teases its power and forbearing. You are forced to prepare for the wrath while trying to enjoy the calm. Is there ever a calm? There is an illusion of safety that we create to manage to take on another day. It is no wonder one would end their day in the ray of sunshine; the finale to be luminous rather than dark and alone. We do not live by the same rules. We are here but so very far away. Smiling but no longer from the eyes caught up in unfettered joy. A prisoner with a warden always looming. Toe the line; the imaginary constantly moving line between living and surviving. </p><p>When did we leave this world for our own little kingdom? When was the moment we breached the boundaries and there was no coming back? We live in your world but we are no longer of it; yet so few notice our fading. We don't let them see us fade; because then we would truly disappear. Until then we put pretense of this is enough. It has to be enough because we are told it is and too tired to fight the narrative.</p><p>We are no longer alone but we are lonely. We have a community where we never meet in person. Avatars of varying degrees of abilities and we celebrate when one breaks through to the other side; no matter that we know they will return. A temporary reprieve. I'm so tired of them returning. A few break truly free; the young who have headed the warnings to rest until they can't rest anymore add a dash of luck they are truly free. No matter they will always be on probation; they know what was almost lost and play by the rules to keep their freedom. For how long? That question is never far from their mind. But for those few, very few the storm blew thru and they have a chance to rebuild. The wise ones with a firmer foundation, a newfound awareness the next time the winds will move slightly north and they will feel just a breeze. The breeze their reminder this freedom can be taken away; the next wind may be the hurricane. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEwx2NwsS_nkXCtiLSOCuJcgbLrR8P6oJPn2q5lYUIBrr0E5KYJfaJDtbCHMNmxdTHLdyLoVDmyYM4CCf8IvwTPJSZO0B15-JS04mTsDLIVIgiKSb54Kve5e25FTFECbPyiz9Is_1WOY3L-f5HIqh19Wx6F0OyLid69-aKsPVMxO_BJKxqMTe7TiUJ=s3537" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3537" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEwx2NwsS_nkXCtiLSOCuJcgbLrR8P6oJPn2q5lYUIBrr0E5KYJfaJDtbCHMNmxdTHLdyLoVDmyYM4CCf8IvwTPJSZO0B15-JS04mTsDLIVIgiKSb54Kve5e25FTFECbPyiz9Is_1WOY3L-f5HIqh19Wx6F0OyLid69-aKsPVMxO_BJKxqMTe7TiUJ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original photograph <br />Cheryl Juech <br />( poor photo of the photo )</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I have lost all illusions I will ever live without the storm rustling inside of me; perhaps one day our eyes will meet in peace. Until then we battle and we break. It barrels I take refuge. It passes I feel the calm behind the destruction. We look out the window tasting the breeze hoping it has whispered freedom to a fellow traveler and offered the comfort of relief.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA9wpKzJhCnfT7pCtP7gnTqZPWno03ZHNusQLCqE2Sr6QoJZVgUjR03eFOqbWV2Ks3WcN9fUjf4ACIHAhCpno3cMr9Qalexf-Qy8yHyq03polI4KKj6WMDMIt7sikhUArzkMxTXIRmrp3s4UJWaMvmKJVqb9d747WyYBD0726vCo2EUjg2AMqu2QR-=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA9wpKzJhCnfT7pCtP7gnTqZPWno03ZHNusQLCqE2Sr6QoJZVgUjR03eFOqbWV2Ks3WcN9fUjf4ACIHAhCpno3cMr9Qalexf-Qy8yHyq03polI4KKj6WMDMIt7sikhUArzkMxTXIRmrp3s4UJWaMvmKJVqb9d747WyYBD0726vCo2EUjg2AMqu2QR-=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring </td></tr></tbody></table><br />hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-91249657708170804402021-12-31T21:01:00.001-08:002021-12-31T21:12:59.975-08:00Omne Trium Perfectum<p><span style="color: #181818; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: times;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">I’ll leave 2021 with those that left us with so much. Our shared humanity has never been more important moving forward. Wishing us all a happy and healthy New Year. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaCq81cGZhDwa8WVEk_yadIFPXexICNMDJjdQgHTZByr3b7Prw8krfVmIk5TthUzhD2dhZtKcKoZFi-YwgMg4uXHLBbmZpMNPEBwfNBOhRJVru-v8KT5xfVvi__Fy4WM4Qg81X8tw5ap8Xb8gmY4wuVhFZPvT0pt_E2T9PAVXL61SXSIaKpdt3662K=s1244" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaCq81cGZhDwa8WVEk_yadIFPXexICNMDJjdQgHTZByr3b7Prw8krfVmIk5TthUzhD2dhZtKcKoZFi-YwgMg4uXHLBbmZpMNPEBwfNBOhRJVru-v8KT5xfVvi__Fy4WM4Qg81X8tw5ap8Xb8gmY4wuVhFZPvT0pt_E2T9PAVXL61SXSIaKpdt3662K=s320" width="319" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Betty White </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 50, 62); color: #26323e; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">You can lie to anyone in the world and even get away with it, perhaps, but when you are alone and look into your own eyes in the mirror, you can’t sidestep the truth. Always be sure you can meet those eyes directly. Otherwise, it’s big trouble, my girl.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 50, 62); color: #26323e; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">If You Ask Me: (And of Course you Won't); Betty White</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/if-you-ask-me-and-of-course-you-won-t/9780425245286" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 50, 62); letter-spacing: 0.5px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Bookshop Link</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span face="freight-text-pro, serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 50, 62); color: #26323e; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKjQ53MeS3onCaKje873oGgL-hUWyNyBmmI6OIkTtLxuHIsRz90a7lmzZ92FEDy90oAbfZrV1K82OdOp_488SZVIYo7qyHokscb3ZoMyIvUXtt0JTit3IsATKux2fR_a8QzAwAVKu3BYEuVZy-lQsqZd6NYWLVNfbMczFfoYWyvsYYohjrQ9qmpvkx=s1242" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1242" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKjQ53MeS3onCaKje873oGgL-hUWyNyBmmI6OIkTtLxuHIsRz90a7lmzZ92FEDy90oAbfZrV1K82OdOp_488SZVIYo7qyHokscb3ZoMyIvUXtt0JTit3IsATKux2fR_a8QzAwAVKu3BYEuVZy-lQsqZd6NYWLVNfbMczFfoYWyvsYYohjrQ9qmpvkx=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/12/26/1047748076/desmond-tutu-dead-remembrance" target="_blank">Photo from NPR</a><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Archbishop Desmond Tutu</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">October 7, 1931 - December 26, 2021</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: times;">If you are setting out to be joyful you are not going to end up being joyful. You’re going to find yourself turned in on yourself. It’s like a flower. You open, you blossom, really because of other people. And I think some suffering, maybe even intense suffering, is a necessary ingredient for life, certainly for developing compassion. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: times;">― </span><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: times;">Desmond Tutu </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">The Book of Joy: </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/49782515" style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #333333; font-family: times; text-decoration: none;">Lasting Happiness in a Changing World</a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: times;">; His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-book-of-joy-lasting-happiness-in-a-changing-world/9780399185045" target="_blank">Bookshop Link</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #181818;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVUb0VTJfa3YEuuzrtQx-hoVNdC3rr2PL-ygvdLflo1unb3jHOd2IltYThk3u3BqD2hf6TqM9s4pdVJLKHDBljjZDAmRw6U05jDa5aMYdpjuHr7nuhpgnNGBwqjh6H-DKvVkVposDDm6l46a1Vt6xBNq_CZmnFaSpVPNU4Q-WnG4q5PybNoz0gkhl=s1197" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1197" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVUb0VTJfa3YEuuzrtQx-hoVNdC3rr2PL-ygvdLflo1unb3jHOd2IltYThk3u3BqD2hf6TqM9s4pdVJLKHDBljjZDAmRw6U05jDa5aMYdpjuHr7nuhpgnNGBwqjh6H-DKvVkVposDDm6l46a1Vt6xBNq_CZmnFaSpVPNU4Q-WnG4q5PybNoz0gkhl=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Joan Didion</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">December 5, 1943 - December 23, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: times; text-align: left;">We are imperfect mortal beings, aware of that mortality even as we push it away, failed by our very complication, so wired that when we mourn our losses we also mourn, for better or for worse, ourselves. </span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: times;"><div style="text-align: center;">Joan Didion - The Year of Magical Thinking </div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-year-of-magical-thinking-9781665168663/9781400078431" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); font-family: times;" target="_blank">Bookshop Link</a></div><div><span face="Google Sans Text, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Google Sans Text, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Google Sans Text, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Google Sans Text, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Google Sans Text, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-32289509984220002192021-12-27T21:13:00.330-08:002021-12-28T15:31:41.936-08:00When the dog bites ...when the birds sing...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaz6UOO_sGTgX2sNwl3I9zg_5QLpN97yRvUJ-tUkjvBuVWDiHnwZHwHrdp20OFzYhxhuY60YNfE7Hy8xm9QvjXr9HDjtAcGU2ZtjQ4G1XAueEF-Z9P52DFHY9q0ypnUGUPi-lYkK_UIBl0MgDrKWYxWL52Hg0IAhWKrWVVfHuHKIpSV9sXFSCfqiMi=s3694" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3694" data-original-width="2572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaz6UOO_sGTgX2sNwl3I9zg_5QLpN97yRvUJ-tUkjvBuVWDiHnwZHwHrdp20OFzYhxhuY60YNfE7Hy8xm9QvjXr9HDjtAcGU2ZtjQ4G1XAueEF-Z9P52DFHY9q0ypnUGUPi-lYkK_UIBl0MgDrKWYxWL52Hg0IAhWKrWVVfHuHKIpSV9sXFSCfqiMi=s320" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cerulean Sky<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>My goodness the acoustics are great in here and damn I can sing! These simultaneous revelations ran through my head while I was belting out the chorus from My Favorite Things. I was singing it as if my life depended on it for that golden ticket to Hollywood. I can't ever recall singing in the shower before right now; sure I may have hummed a few lines or sang along under my breathe to something on my playlist. This however is all disconcerning; it is the day after Christmas my body ravaged by the sustained energy of extra stimulation that comes with the holidays and I am legit singing at the top of my lungs with the confidence of a Broadway star. If you read no further; the take home message is I highly recommend this form of therapy.</p><p>The preamble is it took a few hours to get to the shower. I didn't have the energy but my body felt as if it was vibrating from exhaustion and a bath was too much effort. So I turned my head to the right where I can see my shower door and willed my aching body to the bathroom a few feet away. It turned out those few feet transported me into another world. </p><p>So here I am with no conscious thought; the warm water melting my tired nerves and as if Julie Andrews herself possessed me I belt out "when the dog biTes, when the birds sinG when I'm feeling SADDDD I SIimPLY REmember my FAVoRITe things and thennnn I DON'T feeeellll So baD!" What the actual fuck am I doing? But I do it again. I sing it again and again louder and louder more guttural each time. It has no longer become a song but a mantra. A chant. I also ask myself what is so bad about birds singing? Oh, haha it's the bees sting; makes much more sense. Is it bad or sad...no matter. I know no other words even if I had tried and I didn't care. Each time I belt out this chorus emphasizing the "T" on biTe I feel better and better. No wonder Keith Richard defies all odds; who doesn't want to be a rock star? I'm getting high and my only audience is my voice echoing back at me from the white subway tiles. And I no longer feel bad or sad. I feel alive; there is nothing better than feeling alive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgge3NQqGNnGuT8_7GfTo13OVGK7L-kSpACMxWxaXMn7rIFXM0IBy_UZe821uRcQDKh-SPGWynAiKUCalasxeVJXPg8XY_rgkyG9fKrxRhuG2dU_J_c4FZIXosmS6B8ZVbF0qn39PZJN5NzkwuXl2btg3nW49x-P12IE743DiUWlDCNCjzJWPf0p1DZ=s1167" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1167" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgge3NQqGNnGuT8_7GfTo13OVGK7L-kSpACMxWxaXMn7rIFXM0IBy_UZe821uRcQDKh-SPGWynAiKUCalasxeVJXPg8XY_rgkyG9fKrxRhuG2dU_J_c4FZIXosmS6B8ZVbF0qn39PZJN5NzkwuXl2btg3nW49x-P12IE743DiUWlDCNCjzJWPf0p1DZ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>My vagus nerve must be rocking. There is an entire theory for ME/CFS based on the vagus nerve. Long story short the Vagus nerve is really important. Think of it as Golden Gate Bridge important without it your connection is lost. It is the longest of the cranial nerves. Vagus, from Latin meaning wandering and wander it does all the way from the brain stem to the colon. It is a major regulator for sensory, special sensory motor and parasympathetic functions. <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318128" target="_blank">Everything You Need to Know About the Vagus Nerve</a> The link is a bit of an over reach for the title but I would encourage you to read more about this fascinating 10th cranial nerve. For example ever wonder why deep diaphragmatic breathing brings a sense of calm; thank your vagus nerve decreasing the stress response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The ME/CFS theory is that an infection may damage or silently take residence in the vagus nerve hence the wide range of multi system organ dysautonomia. I mention this because many in the ME world do a lot of Vagus nerve work. There are exercises to strengthen ie stimulate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve importance stretches far beyond ME/CFS medically but it has been circulating in this sphere for a long time. Voila; you guessed it singing is an excellent vagus nerve stimulator. Many people with ME have difficulty speaking and swallowing; swallowing in particular controlled by the vagus nerve. When I am incredibly fatigued those close to me notice the second I say hello no matter how hard I may try and hide it what kind of day it is; my voice has a different tenor. I also for years had moments where I would be eating and it would be as if my brain forgot how to swallow. It is an awful bizarre feeling and like a poker player it is a tell that my body is crashing. So the fact that I could sing and sing loudly was a great gift that it energized versus depleted me; pure joy.</p><p>I got back into bed reflecting again wondering why this song? I hadn't just watched The Sound of Music or even seen an advertisement for it this holiday season. In fact there are a number of famous movies that I do not like; never have. In no particular order: ET, The Sound of Music, It's a Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz. I only tolerated the Wizard of Oz for the cute dog, the fabulous shoes and Glenda. But the Sound of Music never enjoyed. Mainly because it's so damn sad and at a young age I was not immune to the cruelties of the world. The suffering of others based on hideous actions by their fellow humans rocked my nerves to the core. Then just add the obvious: Julie Andrews horrible haircut, that song the children sing to get to bed - my goodness do we need the production just go to sleep. I can pin point many reasons but those were just discrattionary critiques of the horror beneath the musical governess efforts. The meat of the story I never would be able to shake - the war, the escape and the journey ahead. We know they made it based on the true story of the Von Trapps but the movie always left me numb to those that didn't. Just because they sang through the hilltops it wasn't the end of the story it was actually the beginning. I still get a pit in my stomach knowing their refuge wasn't everyones. (Side-note if you haven't read Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale do yourself a favor it's beautiful historical fiction on the war and mountainous efforts; soon to be a movie) I would go to bed as a child not humming I am sixteen going on seventeen but rather my brain immersed in the the suffering avoided in a vacuum; reflecting on so many stories untold. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdWMhvF-pZg8BWt0sBJpijagaX9hOkTccbS5_abOmcuVbZBJh62SZTK2OD8psUVhctu2CP3kWDiN74FUcDefeBFXvG_D5pBbRePau-6bKJ69bfJFe1eNwJwXZRqMS270rHhuJwctn-5WfEdfO6jOBf4ijIhvJdaVIIdRa3f3OA7iLUtFTX4c3gQc8=s769" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdWMhvF-pZg8BWt0sBJpijagaX9hOkTccbS5_abOmcuVbZBJh62SZTK2OD8psUVhctu2CP3kWDiN74FUcDefeBFXvG_D5pBbRePau-6bKJ69bfJFe1eNwJwXZRqMS270rHhuJwctn-5WfEdfO6jOBf4ijIhvJdaVIIdRa3f3OA7iLUtFTX4c3gQc8=s320" width="212" /></a></div><p><a href="https://bookshop.org/books?keywords=The+nightingale+" target="_blank">The Nightingale</a></p><p>This is a hard time; and just when we think it is getting better a little spiked virus says not so quickly my deary. Who wouldn't want to be lying in a field of poppies or befriending an alien with Reese's pieces? This past 19 months way too many angels have gotten their wings with bells ringing literally as people took to their windows to applaud health care workers. I thought about all my not so favorite movies and how the melancholy felt disguised as beauty. Lessons of love and loss; sacrifice and longing are playing out in front of us while we all wait for the ending. We all have entered a chronic condition and living with one I know how many people don't want chronic. They want the bell curve; the beginning, middle and end. We are currently in a state of recycling the middle at a mind numbing pace. Chronic is not an easy place to live. </p><p>We have been here before in history; the demarcation of pre and post. The days we don't forget and alter our lives in ways both big and small. These demarcations extend to our personal lives and just like history they aren't all bad or good. The most difficult pre and post lines in the sand are when the line keeps moving. The lack of a clear ending and ever evolving information puts our coping and tolerance to a test; a painful one. Some are more effected than others; and like the Von Trapps some escape while others are left behind. It is a time when we need a lot of grace for ourselves and others, sometimes we see that beauty and triumph and yet often all we see is the anger and pain.</p><p>During the pandemic Amanda Kloots would share her morning ritual of starting the day off singing with her son. I then adapted that and each morning send my helper Chrissy in AZ a good morning song. This morning there was no doubt what song but I hadn't anticipated the breadth of artists that have covered My Favorite Things. Take your pick of genre: Kelly Clarkson, John Coltrane, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, The Supremes, Audra McDonald with Carrie Underwood to name a few. From Kenny G's saxophone to Tony Bennet's swooning I listened to a lot of them; but not one had the grit. They were bouncy and jolly; in my mind rewriting the history. These favorite things aren't really things at all they are life pre...when it was safer and kinder. Julie Andrews' version has that sing song feel but the chorus has the fortitude that behind sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles we have a whole other story really being told. The other versions all sugar coat the song; missing the desperation the pain behind the favorite things. Will we once again be effortlessly seeing girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes? Or are these favorite things going to be willful memories? This is not an Annie Hall La Di Di, La Di Da oh shucks remembrance. Those are real dogs showing their teeth and when this was written they didn't even predict murder hornets. This song is demanding joy while fighting for survival; willing there will be a day we reclaim our favorite things without looking over one's shoulder. I have lived the last decade plus missing my favorite things and adapting to new ones. I know the pain of missing fluidity, normalcy and predictability. Many of you know it too...so we do remember our favorite things or add new ones; gratitude for a grey day to become a breathtaking Cerulean sky and a new Dolly mug where Icon meets Coffee. These little things make the day not feel so bad. <a href="https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/winter/von-trapps-html" target="_blank">National Archives Von Trapp Family</a> ( Spoiler alert; they didn't travel across the Alps)</p><p>I'm not sure if I'll continue belting things out in the shower; and highly doubt Julie Andrews will mysteriously overtake my body again. However, I do know that birds singing sure as hell beats bees stinging. Wishing us all better days ahead and plenty of favorite things; the most important things not being things at all - each other. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW2djCwM1ofsB4nOeXcjCJz6IojSu1jNPUpBzxKtnHFHhewGPYwyjKmTFyh0pzeHFcmW8UPOcxezPfCyPawJW2fp1pRgPlXKZrUwlC5AK7zHNz61s8Jium7RuDNGkwFq0McBPezEdVqT8chPraSjXsfag5DYnPhCB7K3v1HEFIkCjq9cYbdeHAo-cI=s4030" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4030" data-original-width="2847" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW2djCwM1ofsB4nOeXcjCJz6IojSu1jNPUpBzxKtnHFHhewGPYwyjKmTFyh0pzeHFcmW8UPOcxezPfCyPawJW2fp1pRgPlXKZrUwlC5AK7zHNz61s8Jium7RuDNGkwFq0McBPezEdVqT8chPraSjXsfag5DYnPhCB7K3v1HEFIkCjq9cYbdeHAo-cI=s320" width="226" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my new favorite things<br />Coffee plus Dolly....Heaven.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>xo Heather </p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-46987538933889507812021-12-21T19:20:00.019-08:002021-12-22T12:06:44.299-08:00Cortisol Calm - Supplement Highlight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSQkiS2SHvCXEDyeUCWBHgKo8Kk65mmGzLxEuH2sDpcEjs_AIu3A4xMPI0lrUUD4mQgCcrdku-AUW-z9iim9JzOAdxDcs2QPHDjT8iDunIZ-SwvbijPvAek3ym6e4OUU1JBkl_8-Z1ZSEvOXBEIMD7hA8eCdllbxayyafqNr0QVjy2nvwBzMTXIjaf=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSQkiS2SHvCXEDyeUCWBHgKo8Kk65mmGzLxEuH2sDpcEjs_AIu3A4xMPI0lrUUD4mQgCcrdku-AUW-z9iim9JzOAdxDcs2QPHDjT8iDunIZ-SwvbijPvAek3ym6e4OUU1JBkl_8-Z1ZSEvOXBEIMD7hA8eCdllbxayyafqNr0QVjy2nvwBzMTXIjaf=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy trying hard to keep eyes open</td></tr></tbody></table><p>If you are reading this and are not experiencing a little extra stress or find yourself wrapped tightly as the presents under the tree; then please send me your elixir ASAP. I have always used this blog as a safe space to reflect and inform on living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. I found the biggest thing you learn in medical school which then I fast tracked to being a patient (where I learned more) was how much you don't fucking know. I feel it would have been much easier to write a health blog without a medical degree; especially a Naturopath where one size does not fit all. However, I have decided to start using my knowledge both personal and schooling to highlight products and tools I have found useful; and hope you will too. There of course will be an disclaimer at the end of this post; but goes without saying please discuss any medical decisions with your physician.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipnoDec71_x0C0-QFIKRllno-W2O5R7YPXky3gmtDxezqbD11sxaxN5hHJPKBwBr0xoeFMxCqcPcsIztJ9XNJFvgu3KiCSmU_bKyAXS1toF4BmSEDmnJo5eWQUsTEhNPTNhg7cT_SBlI8vYFsvkUFxU4aAkY7oX3bRtOHAEcx6uurPlPadI6EvgYvi=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipnoDec71_x0C0-QFIKRllno-W2O5R7YPXky3gmtDxezqbD11sxaxN5hHJPKBwBr0xoeFMxCqcPcsIztJ9XNJFvgu3KiCSmU_bKyAXS1toF4BmSEDmnJo5eWQUsTEhNPTNhg7cT_SBlI8vYFsvkUFxU4aAkY7oX3bRtOHAEcx6uurPlPadI6EvgYvi" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consult with Physician before adding any medication or supplement</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>So thank you for joining me on the first ever supplement highlight Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm. When I first was ill; I was medically anorexic. That was about the only useful diagnosis that Mayo Clinic gave me; however they missed that minor subclinical hyperthyroidism. Bravo brainiacs. My point that I am getting to was I was too weak to handle any supplements except for two herbs that are known to decrease thyroid output. (That's for another day) Even years into this illness the traditional herbals/supplements and even medications either did way to much and aggravate or did absolutely nothing. It is only recently I would acutely notice shifts when taking or stopping certain supplemental protocols. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrWGUOvoFjYQHYyLzYSi5A_xVU-EI_2tatduJoBgOtXjbJXz3QJJP6lNZ6LQt0WZiAi6jX29Ox9llUaNrR3ecFD0nqeQ1FDZSessYcGB-owEd3Me7X4SvGXt3VCNjVw7iKg9PjyY5bbuPMVh_Ee5ynH8uQC1SqZ3k5hwiCxjuliaJo3LPrYGXhi_eq=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="640" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrWGUOvoFjYQHYyLzYSi5A_xVU-EI_2tatduJoBgOtXjbJXz3QJJP6lNZ6LQt0WZiAi6jX29Ox9llUaNrR3ecFD0nqeQ1FDZSessYcGB-owEd3Me7X4SvGXt3VCNjVw7iKg9PjyY5bbuPMVh_Ee5ynH8uQC1SqZ3k5hwiCxjuliaJo3LPrYGXhi_eq=w200-h157" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don those are berries"</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first thing you learn in herbal medicine is the synergy of the plant. It's fascinating how they have all these natural built in protections to balance out potential toxicities. While most medicines come from plants; the most famous being aspirin. Aspirin's origins date back more than 3500 years ago when the bark from the willow tree was used as a pain reliever and to reduce fevers. Ironically the Spanish Flu bolstered the use of aspirin. <a href="https://n.neurology.org/content/86/16_Supplement/P2.391" target="_blank">Aspirin History</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28106908/" target="_blank">From Willow to Wonderdrug; Pub Med</a>. The previous two articles are one among many of the history of aspirin. The science of finding the "active ingredient"worked in isolation for aspirin. But often it doesn't; removing the parts of a plant to create a drug at times could be compared to saying just eat a bunch of vitamins instead of food. We can see the current shift with cannabis and medicinal mushrooms. It’s not to say pharmaceutical companies aren’t going to continue to try to mimic the “essential molecule” and package it up; but demand and education of these medicinal plants is speaking louder. Have you ever listened to a weed pharmacist? They will give you a god damn headache so big you will be shouting just give me a fucking aspirin! The art of medicine.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxQ8jNq9fwFA64FxxHuFqHHFHj1d260Z1ms2SLEDbB1wzdEA1VrMP-wIKzZSAS4iV0I7BP06Yh5MwNNDCX4AapuWo7X958vXxAOrh7fSjG59fwflKRCVW87t5J068ulHL05h0q5OVMb7IiRcGSYcJ8rfm_7n3oe0ankwRvm7QzyNf-JepJ35zRYrbB=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="462" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxQ8jNq9fwFA64FxxHuFqHHFHj1d260Z1ms2SLEDbB1wzdEA1VrMP-wIKzZSAS4iV0I7BP06Yh5MwNNDCX4AapuWo7X958vXxAOrh7fSjG59fwflKRCVW87t5J068ulHL05h0q5OVMb7IiRcGSYcJ8rfm_7n3oe0ankwRvm7QzyNf-JepJ35zRYrbB=w144-h200" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhodiola</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So to our product de jour; Cortisol Calm. Cortisol Calm combines: Vitamin D, Ashwaganda (little side note also known as winter berry; cue last post...), Rhodiola, Magnolia and L-theanine. Per the label the product is recommended to support relaxation, sleep and mood. My personal opinion is Pure Encapsulations did an excellent job of synergy with this product. The herbs listed are all under the broad category of adaptogens, ie: help the body adapt to stress. They work on the GABBA neuropathway. GABBA keeps us cool; like sunglasses on a beach cool. Vitamin D more and more research is popping up every day; from immunity, depression and anxiety. It’s currently the Belle of the Ball vitamins; I’m always a little mindful when someone is named Prom Queen. Therefore please use caution if someone is recommending the excessive dosing of Vitamin D. It it is not always about consumption but absorption; Vitamin D is fat soluble high doses should be carefully monitored. I am very comfortable with Cortisol Calms amount. L-theanine a non protein amino acid is found primarily in green tea and some mushrooms. It helps to increase mental function and simultaneously decrease anxiety. All these ingredients rolled up into one capsule I find a really well rounded product.</p><p>These herbs have been used for centuries. An interesting fact about the Magnolia species; is this tree is rooted in history before the introduction of bees! Can you believe that? Beatles were the trees' source of pollination. Ninety Five million years ago these roots were planted; if the supplement doesn't ground you perhaps that little factoid will.</p><p>If you are fist starting out in the world of supplements and herbals it can be a bit overwhelming. A helpful way to begin is to find a framework. One such framework is getting an overview of your Ayruvedic "doshas" Vata, Pitta and Kapha. No one fits neatly in one box, however we all tend to have our predominant leanings to these ancient categories. In the most simplest terms Kapha's think earth mother grounded and calm, Vata your easy breezy head in the clouds feet off the ground and Pitta the little fire pistol with a short fuse. If anyone has had toddlers I bet you can spot their dosha mood in a hot minute. There are plenty of places online that can help you find you overall type which is a good starting point of where to best support your current state. <a href="https://www.youveda.com/what-are-the-doshas-vata-pitta-kapha/?utm_campaign=15298068950&utm_source=g&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=&utm_term=&seg_aprod=&ad_id=562349708046&gclid=Cj0KCQiAk4aOBhCTARIsAFWFP9GzabKj2d3APoS9RUxp5I9cMKKzZtCrwwtcX8NS9yR729MqoM152nAaAk9vEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Dosha Quiz</a> This was a quick google search, there are many more.</p><p>The reason I took that little diversion besides the fact that I'm a “tad" Vata myself is that this formula is helpful in the Vata or Pitta state. If your head is spinning and you are screaming at the cashier because they grabbed the wrong bag or if your mind is buzzing around faster than you can keep up this may be the formula to aide you. However, if you feel heavy and slow, having difficulty getting motivated would tend towards an excess of Kapha energy and this wouldn't be my first choice. This is a simple example of how knowing your baseline constitutional state is a helpful place to begin.</p><p>The biggest dilemma when dipping your toes into holistic and preventative medicine is thinking you need it all. Between bloggers (wink) and influencers there is a huge market and payday for "wellness culture". Wellness culture don't be fooled is currently being monetized by everyone that is healthy and health conscious; a genetic goddess selling you CBD gummies. I used to call it the Reader's Digest Syndrome; to get with the times the Gwyneth GOOP. My grandmother was the queen of that particular affliction. I would come over and she would have pages torn out of what was good for what. This for her eyes that for her bones this for her stamina etc etc. The problem is it is true; these vitamins, minerals and whole foods are all good for you; however that doesn't mean you need all of them all the time. When I was in school we would ask patients to bring in all of their supplements. They almost always left with fewer than they brought in a more efficient protocol. </p><p>The other important factor is dosage. Just like prescription medications too much or too little yields ineffectiveness or side effects. With a product like Cortisol Calm I would personally do what's called a loading dose. For the first week take more a few times a day especially if in an overly stressed state. Then slowly decrease til you find your sweet spot. Please remember herbals and supplements are medicinal therefore can react and enhance or decrease medications you may already be taking. It is wonderful if reading this you want to begin to take more control of your health and well being. Preventatively and acutely however please do it with care and respect. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiH02l-K9zml9Z7DJwy93Bzv7zsH3muO2J83QI8Hlww8Xv04zGfDSICO1qJth5s6EF6zPnnEBmzOzNTsVcskNTOdNOl7y84hs30XlWUxSeN23-8462ZEIoluOndCbUSJMpt7J4n_IBo5OfU522dKcDQ2Adluukytx29vQQaLJP5JXarq7WtKi9y_2sx=s1133" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1133" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiH02l-K9zml9Z7DJwy93Bzv7zsH3muO2J83QI8Hlww8Xv04zGfDSICO1qJth5s6EF6zPnnEBmzOzNTsVcskNTOdNOl7y84hs30XlWUxSeN23-8462ZEIoluOndCbUSJMpt7J4n_IBo5OfU522dKcDQ2Adluukytx29vQQaLJP5JXarq7WtKi9y_2sx=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbal use is the bark; but this is just so pretty</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday season. This is not an easy time; try and find your breathe, and root in what and whom you love. Remember the Magnolia Tree and persevere. <a href="https://gardenerdy.com/magnolia-flower-meaning/" target="_blank">Meaning Magnolia Tree</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/nkKuhAxcH7g" target="_blank">Sugar Magnolia, The Grateful Dead</a><br /></p><div class="xaAUmb" style="line-height: 20px; margin: 16px 0px;"><div jsname="WbKHeb"><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" jsname="U8S5sf" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: "Google Sans Text", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Sunshine daydream</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Walking through the tall trees</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Going where the wind goes</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Blooming like a red rose</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Breathing more freely</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Light out singing</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">I'll walk you in the morning sunshine</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Sunshine daydream</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Walk you in the sunshine</span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" jsname="U8S5sf" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: "Google Sans Text", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" jsname="U8S5sf" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); font-size: 14px;">Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not </span></span></span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical or health care provider before seeking any new treatment or changes to medications including OTC supplements. Consult to make sure there are no herbal/drug interactions. I am not affiliated with Pure Encapsulations or any of the websites I provided. Do not self diagnose and immediately seek medical attention if anxiety or depression is life limiting or thoughts of suicide. All medications herbal or otherwise should be monitored by ones own personal medical doctor and any change to medications are done at the readers own risk. Do not discontinue any medications without aide of your physician. </span></span></div></div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-45469367792269414662021-12-16T18:10:00.005-08:002021-12-17T18:06:51.426-08:00The plans that we made<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLls6zF2i1yWvId6eIvC17BgiZi2sQgtwkK2VG_aDBHysW6gxOhz-wJT-djye0tWV8P5VnymtCo_EM5LFV4aPIlnCe_LX-prmEbGsBv0knqzDIEBSH1rs07eKROm7qxM_J33zun3DoHsvu4U0MfQVaUyfZdopZQkb-pXFm30paijyoOcZb7uk8w-cj=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLls6zF2i1yWvId6eIvC17BgiZi2sQgtwkK2VG_aDBHysW6gxOhz-wJT-djye0tWV8P5VnymtCo_EM5LFV4aPIlnCe_LX-prmEbGsBv0knqzDIEBSH1rs07eKROm7qxM_J33zun3DoHsvu4U0MfQVaUyfZdopZQkb-pXFm30paijyoOcZb7uk8w-cj=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px;">When it was everyone that was pained with isolation the world opened up for all of us. Now that it’s back to some of us the doors slammed shut again; slamming us in the hearts. I am disabled. I have never until this pandemic really thought about it because I had so many coping strategies to trick myself and everyone else I wasn’t; it was a lie. This all started very funny; hysterical actually. Maybe that’s how all the best cries of the soul happen from laughing to crying all in a matter of seconds that amplify </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px;">the circumstances. My sister texted me she accidentally got locked inside the auditorium where my niece’s winter concert is tonight. She walked in with my niece early because they practice beforehand and decided to go up to the balcony and get seats. While she was inside they locked the doors. I chuckle while I write this as she was texting me and hiding because she didn’t want to make a scene.</span></span><p></p><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;">Meanwhile over in my bedroom my parents are both here having dinner before they head to the concert. My mom may have made me an early dinner and headed home but we had horrible high winds last night and they among thousands were still without power. This lead to the discussion that they hadn’t gotten my niece flowers and weren’t sure if our local grocery store had opened back up yet. I had left my room and told them not to worry since my sweet friend Renee had sent me 19 red and white roses for Christmas that arrived yesterday. I said you can take some of these for my niece. Well a half hour later my dad is antsy so he decides he will go see if the store is open. So I am back in my room; Daisy fast asleep perhaps sensing she doesn’t have to leave yet tonight deeply snoring. I am in the midst of 007 texting me about her hi-jinx at the Wilson Center and I hear “Don those are berries” … again I burst out laughing. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmz1C0lF1Q9BJUMu8U5kjO58eORjPulaNP4Q8TIh6TVfyEvwfmnomefaUfN6l4zkkRf2P4PtAsvFpNthlcYqj_r6AixuQnyh088M3hSmtZAJozwyT74Bh08VbsZ5ElFBX1182X22RLkfHOWiICkdRdMXBvytodSt_3gLwv425r0tEZ2fLlgriPv6Jf=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmz1C0lF1Q9BJUMu8U5kjO58eORjPulaNP4Q8TIh6TVfyEvwfmnomefaUfN6l4zkkRf2P4PtAsvFpNthlcYqj_r6AixuQnyh088M3hSmtZAJozwyT74Bh08VbsZ5ElFBX1182X22RLkfHOWiICkdRdMXBvytodSt_3gLwv425r0tEZ2fLlgriPv6Jf=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><span class="s1"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimq6vW210SJOmzS14cQIPhXi4Aa934BSrP-qQEKzm4tBU06YgGGhd7LywXL-UpMn6nvX94XPQTz42IlZEUZgcr-VbohKKYf9A-8teq1TSmHCTBYaWmKKyp_7-eguGpZXNwWTi_Z-iS_RDOFtRUzevBQImjoH5lnf_Sk8Nccv6XvAzLOVg3TtUZyo3Z=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimq6vW210SJOmzS14cQIPhXi4Aa934BSrP-qQEKzm4tBU06YgGGhd7LywXL-UpMn6nvX94XPQTz42IlZEUZgcr-VbohKKYf9A-8teq1TSmHCTBYaWmKKyp_7-eguGpZXNwWTi_Z-iS_RDOFtRUzevBQImjoH5lnf_Sk8Nccv6XvAzLOVg3TtUZyo3Z=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><div><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">So now the exchange between texting with my sister trapped in the auditorium and my dad making a special trip as my mom explains these are fillers; no not mini roses it all feels like a bad sitcom playing out before me. I yell to my mom and tell her to just add the roses not wanting my dad to feel badly. Well soon enough they get ready to head out and my sister texts me again. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">My phone beeps; this time she texts a video. I click it without any anticipation of any other emotion than being excited to see a sneak peak of her bootleg recording. Then I see my niece; hair pulled back, oversized glasses, white button down shirt looking so earnest as they sing “in the meadow” and it starts. I start. </span><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWHvwNey2SWSNe5r4sGvw3B07G8hfIK53TmxWxPk-TSUrGCm4dkdjkb5WSWZEt70b7ZxyRyz3j3PZOY1YqLpu8yv7soKqXI_Ii3Cedqqdp7bViW57Ooe79obw9OUf2gA52IW4GluJvWsZfuj6FVKYp8Jr9GrVbabUdavgjp1qInEJq6KXfoasg-usC=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWHvwNey2SWSNe5r4sGvw3B07G8hfIK53TmxWxPk-TSUrGCm4dkdjkb5WSWZEt70b7ZxyRyz3j3PZOY1YqLpu8yv7soKqXI_Ii3Cedqqdp7bViW57Ooe79obw9OUf2gA52IW4GluJvWsZfuj6FVKYp8Jr9GrVbabUdavgjp1qInEJq6KXfoasg-usC=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is chronic illness. It’s ugly and brutal and breaks every part of you. And then you put yourself together again. This is the moment we spare for a few. It’s embarrassing, lonely and some day I wonder if it doesn’t kill me my broken heart will. </div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">The tears and the shaking and the other 1,000 of things missed and then the anger that if this had happened a year ago w seating restrictions it most likely like everything else would be live streamed. But no; us the most vulnerable have been sliced open again to have our pain pour out of us as we continue life in purgatory for a crime we didn’t commit. The pain in this moment knowing maybe I could have pushed it when I shouldn’t have to but with COVID it is a risk I can not afford to take. There is no mask mandate in the auditorium. There is a more contagious variant looming. I am still not close to recovered from becoming acutely ill with COVID March 17, 2020. I don’t have the luxury of chance.</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;">The emotion surprised me. It clearly has been festering hidden in the recesses not allowed to show its face because getting through most days has been often too much. I had tricked myself that I was lucky I didn’t have to sit through a middle school winter concert. I had fooled myself I was use to missing things and perhaps they will have a recording so that will work. No it’s not okay. It’s not fair; because there is the capability I could have been there “live” from home. But how quickly everyone forgets what it felt like. The abled. This is the term I’ve learned; the equivalent term that would be unkind to call disabled. I was in a pretty bubble of denial that I was one of them. Tonight I am acutely aware that there comes a time when the smoke fades and the mirrors crack and you can finally see clearly; and you must remember it was a beautiful sight despite the plans that you made…to face unafraid this new wonderland.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(189, 193, 198); font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">In the lane, snow is glistening</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">A beautiful sight</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">We're happy tonight</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Walking in a winter wonderland</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(189, 193, 198); font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Gone away is the bluebird</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Here to stay is a new bird</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">To sing a love song</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">While we stroll along</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Walking in a winter wonderland</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(189, 193, 198); font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">In the meadow, we can build a snowman</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">He'll say, are you married?</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">We'll say, no man</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">But you can do the job when you're in town</span></span></div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: times;"></span></span></p><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(189, 193, 198); font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Later on, we'll conspire</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">As we dream by the fire</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">To face unafraid</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">The plans that we've made</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Walking in a winter wonderland</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(189, 193, 198); font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"><i>Jeremy Stuart Smith </i></span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(189, 193, 198); color: #bdc1c6; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-71972292205198249372021-07-14T13:54:00.003-07:002021-07-14T15:14:30.184-07:00The Place Between<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClLlb7IRg_ONVyB-Z2pcmplFGT5ZvyoAJJIKJCMw_h9cjjuGrqY_UJspHLWrgXEPur3257NP3JuBWY52Vkiurl3h5xGx0GF3y2_pzH41X2Jnu_ixA2dcc1pCzQi9FpEob88wrRYfU2RQ/s2048/6524945C-0CFA-4FEA-B30A-859CDE6D611C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClLlb7IRg_ONVyB-Z2pcmplFGT5ZvyoAJJIKJCMw_h9cjjuGrqY_UJspHLWrgXEPur3257NP3JuBWY52Vkiurl3h5xGx0GF3y2_pzH41X2Jnu_ixA2dcc1pCzQi9FpEob88wrRYfU2RQ/s320/6524945C-0CFA-4FEA-B30A-859CDE6D611C.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">There’s a space between I can’t and I won’t. I’ve been in this space before; under different circumstances. The time I would not jump off the high dive at the public pool. I couldn’t; but I knew I probably could if I had really wanted to. But that was the thing; I didn’t want to. Therefore I took the the humiliation of antsy children staring at me, no applause as the lifeguard defeated escorted me down the ladder. Inside I had won. There was so much pressure to jump and I changed my mind and would have stood on that tiny board with my toes over the edge until the sun went down. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">So here we are today; forgetting when you feel awful most days how much worse it can get. I’m alone with myself and thoughts as my head hurts too much for even music. My body still my lungs heavy. In comes the thought like a cloud without wind I don’t want to do this anymore. Not I can’t. Of course I can. The space between I can’t and I won’t is a choice. This no longer feels like a fight I can win. So I let the disease takes its win; I won’t do a thing. I will be still and hope for a sign that in a minute or an hour or a day I can again. But for now I am done. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.7px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Thy will be done. I’ve heard it a hundred times at funerals and weddings. The majority of when I’ve been in a church. But never really thought about it until reading Amanda Kloots Loving and Losing Nick Cordero. Thy will be done. Not being religious thy will has been my will. For today it feels a bit less complicated to hand it over to someone else.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.7px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">As I lie still contemplating everything and nothing and the space between I can’t and I won’t it begins to pour rain. I turn my head to watch the gusts blow the drops heavily soaking the earth. What if this was the last time I saw rain? That thought was heartbreakingly unexpected. I can’t. But I will.</span></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-27604135475096460312021-06-29T18:04:00.004-07:002021-06-30T18:08:49.571-07:00Community <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-zMxMnXupPXw27vfLKA0odypCopHEduFFtoR9zhZixYQy-8RWsbPa6_HenUAF696_WJdkNVqX0ZBKBbO4cTqFLRJbK5Ka8kBuTjk6Ec6UbMgVf23GHS0GXQ0BIr6G5aax6zhXWzcWw0/s2048/F8FC4997-1F7E-4A37-AC9C-AD8D66FA1D2A.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-zMxMnXupPXw27vfLKA0odypCopHEduFFtoR9zhZixYQy-8RWsbPa6_HenUAF696_WJdkNVqX0ZBKBbO4cTqFLRJbK5Ka8kBuTjk6Ec6UbMgVf23GHS0GXQ0BIr6G5aax6zhXWzcWw0/s320/F8FC4997-1F7E-4A37-AC9C-AD8D66FA1D2A.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy; like an invisible illness don’t let her fool you<br />Just taking a toddler nap</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One of the immeasurable losses of having Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is imaging all the people I would have met without this illness. I miss knowing the person at the local coffee shop, I miss the bartenders that always seem to grab me extra food from the places I frequented. I miss the grocery clerks the hairdressers the friend of a friend you may have run into at those places. I miss being missed. </p><p>The age I have been down and out has spanned a time where most of my friends communities have expanded. They expand through a marriage, a career, neighbors and children. Yet my world has closed in on me. I am receiving high school graduation notices from my previous life inner circle and these children I barely know. Some I have never met except before they can remember. I am a mirage. I feel often as I exist merely in an abstract way the way unfortunately often the elderly are looked upon; as this life of solitude defines their existence. What is most upsetting is I would have known these children now nearing adulthood because I would have traveled. I would have shown up. I would have loved to be present. It’s not that I didn’t try; I could only try so much. </p><p>This leads me to the situation at hand; Instagram. I left Facebook a few months ago for good. I finally walked away from the empty promise of we will be better next time. I received some hateful messenger because I dared to use a Tom Hanks quote and don’t follow QANON to know he’s a known child abuser. Also, I found it just too painful. I got the jist people want to like happy things but anything that seems to matter to me went silent. So I was a bit shocked to find I enjoyed Instagram. One of my helpers ( lol one that quit because well; I was too difficult ) had asked if she could set up an account for Daisy. She was caring for her a lot and spending the nights when Daisy was a puppy. And as a 21 year old she wanted to share this little darling puppy. So I said sure; in my head thinking it was absurd and probably an eye roll...I wonder why she quit...</p><p>Then I realized it was kind of like the new version of People magazine. I don’t follow a ton of people by Instagram standards is my guess and most I don’t know. But oddly some I came to know and in a much more meaningful way than I had ever expected.</p><p>I also ended up finding one fierce and bold ME/CFS or MAST cell or fill in the blank chronic illness community. Unlike FB where people discussed treatments or advice these were chronic illness influencers and they weren’t messing around. I learned words like ableism and dynamic disability and don’t you ever tell me to do yoga or suggest treatments because it’s harmful - we live this support don’t doubt. One of my recent favorite quotes was “if you can change your diet consider it a privilege” I was blown away - ugh these were my people. They weren’t having any of this being treated less than. Be better; learn. And here I was learning from this younger oddly often European “Kids” that I myself was an ableist. I was discriminating against myself and I had taken way more emotional harm than I deserved. I didn’t know any better. I was learning an entirely new way to be within this diagnosis. At times I cry because I don’t want to viscerally understand their stories, their messages. It still is a double edge sword but it has done way more good than harm. And I am so thankful for their community. And begrudgingly had to admit I know them all I needed was the mirror.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4smgwfJMgfPeNbScdwzuaaJYjU2YBd4SM6-YUAxNrtEBQJcQw_lGzZvF3TgvlV0uGMBcdIhhXBgejQGXgykdVxXi-v8YnPX23Ml-UMey-84uqxNE_4z-TyIAkm7mDV4kHN0wcgMSR8E/s2048/D4BFE67D-600C-47A2-AC34-527E7EEFC7C0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4smgwfJMgfPeNbScdwzuaaJYjU2YBd4SM6-YUAxNrtEBQJcQw_lGzZvF3TgvlV0uGMBcdIhhXBgejQGXgykdVxXi-v8YnPX23Ml-UMey-84uqxNE_4z-TyIAkm7mDV4kHN0wcgMSR8E/w181-h320/D4BFE67D-600C-47A2-AC34-527E7EEFC7C0.png" width="181" /></a></div><p>Simultaneously it has been a crazy time; a confluence of events were happening the world was living our world. Shut down. Told no. Physical discomfort ( if we really can call a mask a hardship). Those everyday interactions gone. The isolation concerns about it and all of a sudden the world found a way to open up in a way it hadn’t ever before. So your world got smaller and I finally could “attend” more events more concerts more gradations than I have in the last decade.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA7xIasce9wgWcnHkD4OuZLv9YxA32kqz9TZCK7aQ_if2OLrQeplrD2tVU8fzmG1-ppFeBAyyNnnl1Xi8fzYcuFQgAv6U81wI7OlwGtXLEvImyahO7yHKL39zHB7IH1pHrYyZNHcfbDI/s2048/F2B2EC75-43A4-40A6-9028-4FC8E7F3210B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA7xIasce9wgWcnHkD4OuZLv9YxA32kqz9TZCK7aQ_if2OLrQeplrD2tVU8fzmG1-ppFeBAyyNnnl1Xi8fzYcuFQgAv6U81wI7OlwGtXLEvImyahO7yHKL39zHB7IH1pHrYyZNHcfbDI/s320/F2B2EC75-43A4-40A6-9028-4FC8E7F3210B.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyIlIxoxxol6B91M3apP41Lo3pR4Ksq0BeqpOsjqykAcXR8J82TFgt7vNwHShoNdpeT75zq3WmuqWOKmIMzUgSRoDmOB7aqZY0H0SjMgoLcSKYYFDJSxqRbfb4qQ9wb1mM0hcG0iMgkg/s2048/FA480F35-58DE-4C76-8E4F-30D47B7A9899.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyIlIxoxxol6B91M3apP41Lo3pR4Ksq0BeqpOsjqykAcXR8J82TFgt7vNwHShoNdpeT75zq3WmuqWOKmIMzUgSRoDmOB7aqZY0H0SjMgoLcSKYYFDJSxqRbfb4qQ9wb1mM0hcG0iMgkg/s320/FA480F35-58DE-4C76-8E4F-30D47B7A9899.png" /></a></div><p>So this brings me to Tally Sessions. Some of you may have gotten an email, text or message from me asking if you would donate to his GoFund Me page to help save his mother’s home. I “met” Tally because I happen to follow Selma Blair on Instagram; one because she exudes that born cool and also to follow her coping and living with Multiple Sclerosis. I believe it was there I saw her like or share a post from Amanda Kloots. Amanda’s husband Nick Cordero an actor and musician was fighting for his life due to COVID19. You can read her story here<a href="https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/live-your-life-amanda-kloots/1137979260">Live Your Life; Loving and Losing Nick Cordero</a>. Amanda met Nick on Bullets over Broadway and started this rallying song at 3pm singing Nick’s song Live Your Life. I will say I often watched but I am no fan of the selfie let alone self singing but hundreds would join in; the most ardent cheerleader fellow Broadway actor Tally Sessions and David Josefberg. The two of them would sing and dance often over zoom their hearts out hoping their dear friend Nick would wake up. I began following them both. Tally more often as he was always so full of joy and life. Life; something this past year has seemed elusive. My health declining combined with the stresses of covid for everyone his page always seemed to make me smile.</p><p>And all of a sudden I felt like I had a little community again; many of these individuals I have never met most never will. I had stumbled on to a very obvious way to expand my network. To have interactions with a world bigger than my own. As I followed Tally his journey took a turn I hadn’t known prior; his mother was battling stage 4 cancer. He took her to her appointments and didn’t over share just used social media in the best way possible to spread some love make some laughs and make a clearly difficult situation have a bit of levity. I adore Tally Sessions. I began looking at some of his Broadway clips and his voice blew me away. I wondered was there anyway I could adopt an adult son that someday would care for me the way he cared for his mother the way he rallied for his friend? Clearly a Broadway Actor would be hit extremely hard economically during COVID. Which leads me to about a week ago when his mother’s chemotherapy needed to end and hospice to begin he did what was clearly painful for him; he asked for help.</p><p>It is really hard to ask for help. But in typical Tally fashion he did it with such Grace and Humility and at the core to give his mother some peace; to save their family home. And you know what he is almost there...a $150,000 loan that will be due upon her passing is under $5,000 away from the goal. </p><p>I hope after I finish this and check again like waiting for an exam grade to be posted outside your college room door that the goal will be reached. </p><p>Tally’s mother passed this morning. She was peaceful surrounded by her beloved sons. She will rise up if there is another land with Tally’s father who he lost when he was just 20 years old. I cried. </p><p>Perhaps pre pandemic this would all sound strange to you all. But I’m guessing you have a bit of a better understanding to what it feels like to have your world shrunk in size. I have pushed away the idea of an online community for a very long time because it felt like I had thrown in the towel. I had no interest in getting to know others with my illness I don’t want to be in their club; but I have found a lot of badass well dressed don’t mess with me allies. </p><p>While most days I grieve my old life with pain I can’t put into words. As time goes on I get less comfortable and more exhausted by the longevity of these circumstances. However today I am grateful. Today I will find the silver lining that without this online medium I wouldn’t come to know this amazing human with a big voice and deep heart; who is grieving something else completely. A grief that I am so blessed to not yet encountered; being on this earth without my parents. Today I am grateful for the friends I wouldn’t have met most likely without this illness and they are weren’t my idea of what friendship and community looked like I’ve dipped my toe and the water is refreshing.</p><p>Rest in Peace Bert. You raised one amazing son. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dSrOZqk4-s884AiFAA9sPE9hpzCPl12es29Q4fUhaCEkyDZfRsVh9URONLioOc3x3ih6fZJXNWcc0SVyYXm1sBuGJmLtJzkqKF2LW65sBOD-COuwW5DzZS4xF4eO7d2571PiJf3QI1I/s1828/FCDE7BFA-DFE2-4B76-94FD-C56DA09A94C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1828" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dSrOZqk4-s884AiFAA9sPE9hpzCPl12es29Q4fUhaCEkyDZfRsVh9URONLioOc3x3ih6fZJXNWcc0SVyYXm1sBuGJmLtJzkqKF2LW65sBOD-COuwW5DzZS4xF4eO7d2571PiJf3QI1I/s320/FCDE7BFA-DFE2-4B76-94FD-C56DA09A94C4.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This just happened<br />Love wins <br />❤️🌈❤️</td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://gofund.me/910dacae">Tally Sessions Go Fund Me</a></p><p><br /></p>Note: if you subscribe to my blog; blog spot is no longer sending notifications.. and a bunch of tech jargon I don’t have brain power to understand so please email me at hkdreske@aol.com if you would like me to notify you) I also note when I have written on my Instagram page - <div>Instagram handle : daisymae.33 </div><div>Like I said a 21 year old set it up 🌼</div><div><br /><div><div><p>(I would like to thank everyone for reading; it’s been a long time since I’ve written and doing it from my phone so thank you for slogging along with my rest assured typos and grammar and brain fog that leaves me frustrated how easily words use to come)</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmulRmOXnBPZNEVggeI1KN3eUOfuKwP7v82AcSqBWyd0xGoj-4x2IN79qoeI3Ro1cdRfsbIbh24HhmxSiMGPASAKvG5H2B4zJHum6BLN3H8VNCzHp1C_kNGWXIYTPSgMS-3P0FkeBJFwI/s1996/6774C10B-CCCD-49E9-9FD6-A0FF88ED298C.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmulRmOXnBPZNEVggeI1KN3eUOfuKwP7v82AcSqBWyd0xGoj-4x2IN79qoeI3Ro1cdRfsbIbh24HhmxSiMGPASAKvG5H2B4zJHum6BLN3H8VNCzHp1C_kNGWXIYTPSgMS-3P0FkeBJFwI/s320/6774C10B-CCCD-49E9-9FD6-A0FF88ED298C.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Begin and End with Daisy 🌼</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2a4LV1Kl7D2yp0Kc6iM88xLdRSIyoD8CCs2jvkDB23OeZIoLs1BvfnwfLbE0j27VH7sP2Dxmj0ZKa7N_tFmn0EwBkjuZNqpITkJOS6GO7wBnAmZQCOnoI30tltGokXVM56fFT-WhWvc/s2048/F37D5CAD-18C5-4652-9672-F5E76627F9FC.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2a4LV1Kl7D2yp0Kc6iM88xLdRSIyoD8CCs2jvkDB23OeZIoLs1BvfnwfLbE0j27VH7sP2Dxmj0ZKa7N_tFmn0EwBkjuZNqpITkJOS6GO7wBnAmZQCOnoI30tltGokXVM56fFT-WhWvc/s320/F37D5CAD-18C5-4652-9672-F5E76627F9FC.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-8154764992806280012021-03-17T21:40:00.007-07:002021-03-18T10:18:53.485-07:00One year <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBd_iKplStCPutkL-GCUKja1gQV4VloBxEa9AdMiuTbj6DrFkvRfKCEq1UxK4JmoUYDZDf6uQAm165pTZNtFtKlFraPFKr8lE-ARQ1649iLsW9KYP0drQNiWOlFe-P1JzKXcle6_lHIk/s2048/85695131-8BCF-462F-A053-FD0ECDF4FEC5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBd_iKplStCPutkL-GCUKja1gQV4VloBxEa9AdMiuTbj6DrFkvRfKCEq1UxK4JmoUYDZDf6uQAm165pTZNtFtKlFraPFKr8lE-ARQ1649iLsW9KYP0drQNiWOlFe-P1JzKXcle6_lHIk/s320/85695131-8BCF-462F-A053-FD0ECDF4FEC5.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 16 2020 <br />Calm before the storm </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj110Pc1ANL9k0rn4BrISQdbI0ccuXpqgqIRg63d0rD9HGv5YNOrtuUPmvRRj-gegebOSbAGbIu_FBlsAa-lGQg8TxKnqcEYi12NbfYPZahiVYfxSIzhXPqZHOwQGiEJTzsR9haH8SD9tY/s2048/FEF5D4DC-2382-421E-8120-4548C0E5B6C2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj110Pc1ANL9k0rn4BrISQdbI0ccuXpqgqIRg63d0rD9HGv5YNOrtuUPmvRRj-gegebOSbAGbIu_FBlsAa-lGQg8TxKnqcEYi12NbfYPZahiVYfxSIzhXPqZHOwQGiEJTzsR9haH8SD9tY/s320/FEF5D4DC-2382-421E-8120-4548C0E5B6C2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 17 2020</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I remember March 17, 2020 like it was yesterday and a lifetime ago. I remember my mom arriving from Milwaukee as the world was starting to turn upside down and one of my main help quit with no notice. I remember coming down the stairs as she walked in wearing little black boots, dark blue jeans a black cashmere sweater with a little rhinestone green shamrock pin. I remember giving her a hug and feeling relief and guilt but most of all I remember the vicious sore throat.</p><p>She had just flown with less than twenty four hour notice across the country for an indeterminate amount of time and all I could do is give her a weak hug thank her and said I have to go back upstairs my throat is killing me and I don’t feel well. </p><p>Today, one year later, my mom came in my room this morning with Daisy in tow and flowers that had arrived on the front porch. This time she was wearing blue jeans a white top and a white sweater with a shamrock scarf. It took me a few hours before I had the energy to tease that she was channeling Dr. Birx. My list for today not feasible after waking at 5am sick was a long list of blood work from a ME mainstream specialist. It’s been a year, lots has happened around me however I now have a demarcation line I had never had before in the course of the last jumbled fifteen years. A new before and after. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqtNrCnNukY9bp7R6-PClrw3p-EtQRODnodoGQ7SAtUnfE1KwhONC4176NDd7oNZf-Iy8bn-RtGUm2ItglC_eJ2byjzgP-wvaZD7uO8HSY79lVuvCtcCaDqk3P6N1ggocKLzK8j1jAwY/s2048/20394347-DF95-4DAE-A5F6-640B3FBB2CFB.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqtNrCnNukY9bp7R6-PClrw3p-EtQRODnodoGQ7SAtUnfE1KwhONC4176NDd7oNZf-Iy8bn-RtGUm2ItglC_eJ2byjzgP-wvaZD7uO8HSY79lVuvCtcCaDqk3P6N1ggocKLzK8j1jAwY/s320/20394347-DF95-4DAE-A5F6-640B3FBB2CFB.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 17 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p>While others get frustrated about what will open when and when can life get back to normal and a sense of stability. I wonder above all things will I get back to the progress I had made before March 17, 2020. And it breaks my heart. </p><p>I could taste freedom. I thought I may be able to reclaim some independence. It has been a cruel tease and I have to decide when to succumb and when to fight; and what does that fight even look like? </p><p>There are many things that like most are apart of our DNA we didn’t try to be a certain way it’s just our walk, our laugh our smile we are born with these characteristics. Then there are the choices that we make that fill us in like a coloring book we get to decide if we stay in or out of the lines. What colors do we choose? I feel like someone stole all of my crayons the bright and vibrant colors. The silver and the gold. Didn’t even give me the primaries because then you could create more. I feel like all my crayons were stolen and I’ve been left with an old stubby pencil and lost trying to make a rainbow life. </p><p>I really believed those crayons were one by one slowly being replaced. The winter and spring of 2020 I wasn’t daring to dream for the 120 count green and gold super box of Crayola’s. But the 24 count was becoming a reality and I thought I could make a pretty interesting life if you just bless me with twenty four. </p><p>Note: This is my experience this last year when I went from finally making significant improvements in my health and what all signs point to developing COVID-19 or some acute illness and now continued non recovery. I want to acknowledge how the pandemic has touched every single person in different challenging and heartbreaking ways. Thank you to those tirelessly working to keep us functioning, safe and finding the light in the dark. Wishing all much peace and extra love during this time. Always. Heather </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GrZbe0ztgJK8YCnyzwPDbS5yD7ABQSinNqNPvoGDBYQIQLeHBC55JA0yoLU17jm__AGdbOgYhPT1Cr-w6j8Ux_d5RvHSUEKyZyQb1j6_kDhTwW2d1emqohVWzniYvdDduzqyfOroewo/s1044/E438AE76-F20D-4CA3-89F2-1D0AF80FA5DD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GrZbe0ztgJK8YCnyzwPDbS5yD7ABQSinNqNPvoGDBYQIQLeHBC55JA0yoLU17jm__AGdbOgYhPT1Cr-w6j8Ux_d5RvHSUEKyZyQb1j6_kDhTwW2d1emqohVWzniYvdDduzqyfOroewo/s320/E438AE76-F20D-4CA3-89F2-1D0AF80FA5DD.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQpysbnpZZo9kTSY0AS49qiPVZSlS6Qkt1ToD3Z6pLVBLVZeos1LnPraqzMHNXpQxsyNMU66ac4cCa2GrROnbFua8K1urzvx6Rmt0zy4mPCS2hSdR5srP9BrhZxCtfZ15rDhPCvIeHDM/s2048/874E8749-CCFC-4841-823C-325875245EF4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQpysbnpZZo9kTSY0AS49qiPVZSlS6Qkt1ToD3Z6pLVBLVZeos1LnPraqzMHNXpQxsyNMU66ac4cCa2GrROnbFua8K1urzvx6Rmt0zy4mPCS2hSdR5srP9BrhZxCtfZ15rDhPCvIeHDM/w225-h400/874E8749-CCFC-4841-823C-325875245EF4.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">❤️<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-23884445938052642072021-03-07T13:46:00.005-08:002021-03-07T16:54:18.253-08:00All One Time Live <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EuZrcokRuowmaMHigfT35?si=2BS8RFVKTuaucFxxq4V0Eg">Podcast All One Time Live by Ken Jenkins </a><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Gw_UWxKL7k2yHWHR9-AZR00Th-uRk-bmm9bByMLP_9Ab9V0w0WpR5ciYFA6gwR0acoYIFkPE6vCkNwGPZ8TCfQxY4Qy2UFHBr_YIn36gjKRLWhgtGC200rLDVvz_JFMFtDDkfOPtCQ/s1427/F7AAFD60-6F30-4D5A-823D-FFAB394B23FE.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Gw_UWxKL7k2yHWHR9-AZR00Th-uRk-bmm9bByMLP_9Ab9V0w0WpR5ciYFA6gwR0acoYIFkPE6vCkNwGPZ8TCfQxY4Qy2UFHBr_YIn36gjKRLWhgtGC200rLDVvz_JFMFtDDkfOPtCQ/s320/F7AAFD60-6F30-4D5A-823D-FFAB394B23FE.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5j2d49T3IuVV0hwSYhtlL4?si=zRJVSLygRmWI-kWE67PSvA" target="_blank">Link to Trailer</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I wanted to take the time to thank my friend Ken Jenkins for asking me to be a part of his podcast All One Time Live for a two part conversation of the journey of my disease Myalgic Encephalomyelitis formerly labeled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and my use of energetic healings and experiences with messages from those that have passed. </p><p>The latter something I keep quite private as I don’t feel these experiences are mine but a gift that came to me for reasons I will never know and don’t pretend to understand. Therefore it is with much gratitude I thank those that gave their permission to share essentially what is their stories. Ken does such a thoughtful presentation and has a curiosity for life that is infectious. I felt strongly his platform was a safe honoring place to share this experience. I hope it makes others feel less alone as they travel the road of grieving. </p><p>While speaking with Ken it was easy to forget this was not a conversation between just the two of us but one that would be shared; and I hope I did it justice. I appreciated the opportunity to expand the knowledge of ME especially as it is on a collision course with Post Covid Sequelae.</p><p>If you enjoy podcasts I encourage you to start at the beginning to hear Ken’s story and hope you find his episodes as calming and interesting as I do. As Ken would say... In Joy, Enjoy.</p><p>Ken asked me for a bio to include with the podcast ... little trip down memory lane. Where does the time go? Thank you all for your support. </p><p>Heather Dreske has a meaningful story to share to give light, insight and comfort to her readers and listeners in this warm and wonderful conversation.</p><p>A bit about Heather: Major in Psych and a Minor in Africology, in 1994 volunteered in office for Public Allies in Milwaukee (which Americorps was based on), worked as an Ally as Economic Development Coordinator in a Milwaukee neighborhood organization and was rewarded with a Proclamation for a day in her name by the Mayor of Milwaukee for her work there. Through this work Heather became acutely aware of the poor health of adults and children due to economic insecurity and stumbled upon Naturopathic Medicine with a plan to come back to that area to create a holistic clinic (though that path would eventually lead elsewhere).</p><p>Heather attended Blue Sky massage school and opened an independent office, went back to school for pre med prerequisites and lived in Nice, France during winter break through the Hofstra Univ of NY exchange program.</p><p>Heather attended Southwest Naturopathic Medical School in AZ, passed the boards and maintains her license.</p><p>Around 2003 she started noticing she wasn’t completely well and within a few years discovered through her own research that her symptoms aligned with what was then called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS, now more appropriately understood in her case as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME (which is in the news a lot at the time of this episode publication relating to Covid-19 long haulers).</p><p>This lead to Heather committing to as much advocacy work as her health allowed to promote better understanding of CFS (broad spectrum) and ME (more specific) including facilitating the first showing of the documentary The Forgotten Plague by Ryan Prior , being filmed for the Sundance award winning documentary Unrest (though she does not appear in the final cut) and promoting ME organizations, advocates and writers.</p><p>She has and continues to blog BEAUTIFULLY about her direct experience with the challenges she faces with ME at HeatherDreske.com - her writing is sincere, accessible, informative and moving. Her main priorities are now her dog Daisy (after a heartbreaking loss of her fierce friend and canine companion and attentive healer of 15 years, Sophie), friendships and family and showing up the best she can, missing most the ability to travel, spontaneity, eating out and the feel of having a healthy body.</p><p>Please enjoy this conversation with gratitude and consciousness in all of the joy that it has to offer.</p><p>www.HeatherDreske.com</p><p>https://www.meaction.net/</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-4694833283431167312021-03-07T11:58:00.007-08:002021-03-07T15:20:38.367-08:00I’m yours you’re mine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTGrwRrUvIHIG9hNo4-sRCeefZt7KA-1Rk2k6xfey8LgNQqX8akg8CNWWdSn8jz0yAy2Ft7V9ozF7e9evT8MI9O3MUankLfHdARfjngTFNyKy1AP9p7EWkt5_1jndSw-ozA_reAkMSqk/s2048/9DE255E0-238B-4C2A-B9F0-9287F09EE460.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTGrwRrUvIHIG9hNo4-sRCeefZt7KA-1Rk2k6xfey8LgNQqX8akg8CNWWdSn8jz0yAy2Ft7V9ozF7e9evT8MI9O3MUankLfHdARfjngTFNyKy1AP9p7EWkt5_1jndSw-ozA_reAkMSqk/s320/9DE255E0-238B-4C2A-B9F0-9287F09EE460.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I decided to get another dog it didn't come easily. Most decisions with an illness that leaves you unpredictable and searching for energy don't come easily. When deciding what rang most through my mind is how many people would comment that Sophie only wanted to be with me; Sophie didn't really like anyone but me; Sophie was indifferent to anyone but me. I heard that as a bad thing. I internalized that subconsciously as if I ever get another dog I want to make sure she loves everyone. Daisy loves everyone. What I hadn't factored in was where did that leave me? In an illness that many can begin to understand the effects of isolation has one one’s self worth. I knew how vital Sophie was to my well being; I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to replace this void.</p><p>Living in a body that refuses to cooperate; where you are dependent on others all the time to do for you is a humbling experience. This illness in particular does not reward pushing past ones limits. What I hadn't realized until recently is that Sophie was the only "being" I never felt that I didn’t constantly let down. She needed only one thing, me. I needed only one thing, her. Even as through the years as I would need to have others take her to the vet or grooming appointments I had made a promise that it would be me that was with her when it was time to let her go. I fulfilled that promise where I have had to break so many others. It is an act in my former pre illness life wouldn’t have been a concern; showing up was something ingrained in my personal moral code. Showing up now looks very different as many can now acutely understand being forced to show up at a distance.</p><p>So now that her absence has grown longer and my illness post covid has taken a challenging turn the void is palpable. She was the last thing that was just mine. I had one little being that depended on me and I her and now that is gone, what is left that is just mine? There is a pride and purpose of a having something that is just yours. I have always been inclusive and what is mine is yours way of living. But then you may have your career or a hobby or a garden to tend. I share nearly everything, even if I don't want to because I can't function alone. And now the vacancy of that connection that was mine alone is gone. And without it a daily sense of purpose and accomplishment missing. I knew everyday that one little being needed nothing from me except my presence. I struggle to feel that anymore. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb0OnmocxmE_EWwucDodJmwYwJ9HTGt_XGYJPyFXwf_CEcUvmIZqQ8goZwUokX39SAOddLalI4OQ-DEpn239pP_nvwgt4Pcb71V8eEufRWTybDmpkSDZ7YZZYTj5rxhkTTU7fw9T96JU/s2048/4968B091-4C73-4525-9941-1D4F75691AC9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb0OnmocxmE_EWwucDodJmwYwJ9HTGt_XGYJPyFXwf_CEcUvmIZqQ8goZwUokX39SAOddLalI4OQ-DEpn239pP_nvwgt4Pcb71V8eEufRWTybDmpkSDZ7YZZYTj5rxhkTTU7fw9T96JU/s320/4968B091-4C73-4525-9941-1D4F75691AC9.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7oHH2cts8N6RnVao9nFAF6BigQd-h04AjZ2o0FTpWHWuANJzKnHUZ8LdleI6TxYGVsRdlbVwibxyzJ66LpmttKJQ7ZhLHoWcu6Fc-9Q30gHJ49JsJjqIqKMtkmGWkkHlbHlgbOsVUyU/s2048/DAB87561-AE61-4F68-8DD0-5B2134BB1A28.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7oHH2cts8N6RnVao9nFAF6BigQd-h04AjZ2o0FTpWHWuANJzKnHUZ8LdleI6TxYGVsRdlbVwibxyzJ66LpmttKJQ7ZhLHoWcu6Fc-9Q30gHJ49JsJjqIqKMtkmGWkkHlbHlgbOsVUyU/s320/DAB87561-AE61-4F68-8DD0-5B2134BB1A28.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7h70P-nKWKxPAnDaDwL1GNmTM57JdWRUHWp03gULt-A1ls40gfk1Yc7VVp4X_cVHsa813Wzzzyl1IhMQP8x4Aa2xOUTG7qdSNqJ8OuFD54Oqh4PAM-aKamta1r6ZovcDo1FTvXABbbo/s2048/85994C91-1A20-43C6-81C3-0AADA144AC58.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7h70P-nKWKxPAnDaDwL1GNmTM57JdWRUHWp03gULt-A1ls40gfk1Yc7VVp4X_cVHsa813Wzzzyl1IhMQP8x4Aa2xOUTG7qdSNqJ8OuFD54Oqh4PAM-aKamta1r6ZovcDo1FTvXABbbo/w150-h200/85994C91-1A20-43C6-81C3-0AADA144AC58.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Daisy is everything I had put out into the universe. She is joyful and happy and loves everyone and everything. However, she needs more than I can give. She has become one more mirror of my inabilities. I didn't see that coming. But how could we see some things coming? A few people thought it wasn't a good idea I get another dog; that it could take too much energy from me. But that needed to be factored in what an animal gives. When I had Sophie I often felt lonely, but never alone. Daisy has bounded in and her joy ripples like a stone thrown into a pond. But it is in the ripple I feel a longing of the distance waves. I berate myself wondering why I didn’t get the same breed ? But my health had also been improving and wondered would it be odd to look at another little white fluff ball that wasn’t her.</p><p>Daisy currently doesn't even live with me full time. She lives with my parents now during COVID and my mom brings her in the morning after their walk, mostly my mom takes her to play in the backyard with my sister's dog or throw the ball 100 times. She takes her for her afternoon walk. And I have once again become a witness to rather than a participating in the life of something. I feel like the outsider as I do so often, the observer. Why didn't I say thank god Sophie only wants to be with me, only likes me, she was the only thing I hold on to from life before this illness and after that didn't change. It wasn't because I got this disease that she became that way, she was always that way and just became more fierce in her loyalty as so many others dispersed. I'm realizing she was the only relationship or aspect of my life that was unaffected and perhaps enhanced by my illness. Why didn't I want that for myself again? But perhaps like human relationships some are just never going to be duplicated; wouldn’t that in fact diminish the inexplicable bond. Similar to friends or partners we meet and feel like we’ve known a life time in an instant. And yet there are enduring relationships that start as mere casual acquaintances and grow deep roots out of the initial surface connection. </p><p>But then dinner comes which I mainly eat in my bedroom. Daisy by this time like a toddler that has had her fill and crashes on my bed as I eat. It's been my inner mantra in the last few months to get to dinner. When I wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed; I tell myself just get to dinner. After dinner I have some independence. I normally feel a bit better and can take solace in a few hours that I can pretend I truly live by myself, not the reality that I live in my own home where nearly 12 hours of the day someone is here or coming or going from here to help me with meals. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDbzJWiVdCvNOzCn2U94MmxZlU3MnlnKcgxec0dR6WH4jZ6Jh9RvSkIrNRuf42PElxAtgIXSknEpJJO22_res2KWGpzdLDjtOzYaRwc08ZQzN5txjDhef-0vBvpDih-OQx840udKmGlA/s2048/B308CB58-60BE-4C1A-9868-85F6AD0234D4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDbzJWiVdCvNOzCn2U94MmxZlU3MnlnKcgxec0dR6WH4jZ6Jh9RvSkIrNRuf42PElxAtgIXSknEpJJO22_res2KWGpzdLDjtOzYaRwc08ZQzN5txjDhef-0vBvpDih-OQx840udKmGlA/s320/B308CB58-60BE-4C1A-9868-85F6AD0234D4.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>This is when the little brown eyed girl though decides to remind me perhaps I have this all wrong and I am hers and she is mine no matter the circumstances. Daisy has gotten into the habit as soon as she hears my mom come towards my room currently with winter boots on from wherever she is on my bed she huddles right beside me. She often will lay down and completely ignore my mom's presence. The first few times she did this we laughed and my mom went to pick her up and she gave a little Sophie snap. Daisy is the most gentle dog I have encountered and yet this little “get away” from me is straight from the Sophie handbook. So then I will try and pick her up and once again like a toddler's silent tantrum she will go limp. I now take my plate into the kitchens she will follow me and give her a little treat. Then I pick her up and thank her for being so amenable. Sometimes I think hmm, you are a lot like the person I use to know and crave to be that person again: adaptable, amiable, never in one place. So it is Daisy not me currently flitting from person to person house to house happy to be free. But she has given me a little non verbal sign; don’t worry I still am still yours. It may look different and feel different but I’m yours and you’re mine. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237336583897611926.post-14566796962445610982021-01-01T17:10:00.006-08:002021-01-02T00:07:17.630-08:00GREENLIGHTS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnbD99QUS2rVMWeD5-jUc5EdV0B32ctVft9FYc6gH6pN0-rmwYzOwH1rkLxfvTCgsb4xil3aMk1lKJI2fKwGGzksaPkBTcAuwrpYRvoof5XVZKOv9_RSLjA4pc9M6JvIBzo1Zc-QZu-Y/s2048/F2FA2DE3-FA85-4EB1-B6B2-1DEE1C2FEE2E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnbD99QUS2rVMWeD5-jUc5EdV0B32ctVft9FYc6gH6pN0-rmwYzOwH1rkLxfvTCgsb4xil3aMk1lKJI2fKwGGzksaPkBTcAuwrpYRvoof5XVZKOv9_RSLjA4pc9M6JvIBzo1Zc-QZu-Y/w200-h320/F2FA2DE3-FA85-4EB1-B6B2-1DEE1C2FEE2E.jpeg" title="Green Lights" width="200" /></a></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://greenlights.com/">https://greenlights.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it was the new sweatshirt. I’m not much of a sweatshirt girl; baseball hats either. I’m firmly convinced there are the women that can pull off the alma mater sweatshirt and baseball hat looking chic and reminiscent of younger days; I never was one of those girls. I certainly don’t own a hoodie. When I went to order myself a copy of Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights book and it was back ordered I figured I’m guessing I get the gist; but decided a white hoodie was in my future and a baseball hat. So today with my jeans and unusually not completely unflattering crisp white hoodie with the motto of Mr. Alright, Alright, Alright I had the energy to do what I have been wanting to for the last 6 months; organize my closet. Found a few little gems; this one of them and a lot of old belts that may have fit in 1995.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxEdivAK3w4gjoCPsdBB6FC-a42P03y1Zb53jQXrjsFQm8-1ngtY77QpVLwbyTr5kANIZTFWNjeyfWiBCTBQRPYjYUz_V_H67qo5XHRdNmQ9ge0YFhoxYbF-C1483pCOZBq4tntm1ctk/s2048/E74E9E7B-3748-4B52-87F7-F5B263C61FCE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxEdivAK3w4gjoCPsdBB6FC-a42P03y1Zb53jQXrjsFQm8-1ngtY77QpVLwbyTr5kANIZTFWNjeyfWiBCTBQRPYjYUz_V_H67qo5XHRdNmQ9ge0YFhoxYbF-C1483pCOZBq4tntm1ctk/s320/E74E9E7B-3748-4B52-87F7-F5B263C61FCE.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>I know many people this was among their first COVID tasks; apparently there is some show about the joy of decluttering - bet a number of people were cursing her advice as they looked at their de cluttered house when a pandemic hit. This has been a theme I’ve discussed when you are mainly homebound your space is your world and your world is more enjoyable if visually appealing. However, the art of organization is not one of my strong suits. Too much organization or perfect cabinets definitely make me a bit edgy. However, in Phoenix I am spoiled by the OCD nature of Christine. Prior to that in WI neighbors would stop and complement my x on how clean our garage was....I once took a photograph of our bathroom drawers when the two of us were in a rental in Phoenix for my treatments. Damn it; wish I had that picture. Well I do it’s just on some thumb drive that is possibly been in my wallet zipper pocket for a decade, or a computer I don’t know how to get it off of, or that other thumb drive that just appeared out of nowhere. It was a good picture. I just found it funny; like what would it feel like to be thar organized? He had lined the already pristine clean drawer with a perfectly folded white towel. Everything was in a straight line in a logical order of use. And then a leather dob kit fit perfectly next to the rows of toothpaste, toothbrush, razor etc. Sometimes it’s best not to share toothpaste. Solves a lot of problems. My drawer on the other hand; a variety of misaligned items searching for some order. But drawers close right ?</p><p>Anyways, I’m not messy but highly organized I am not. Heck, I’ve had the same address book for 20 years so scribbled and most people filed under an order that only makes sense to me. But I’ve been getting a bit overwhelmed with the lack of color aligned closets and everything having a particular place the longer I’ve been in WI.</p><p>I also realized this is the longest I’ve lived in one space since I lived in the home I grew up in. Twelve years; it kind of gives me a mini panic attack thinking that. Then I calculate that the last 8 have been only half of the year...so technically this peripatetic loving individual has had 6 years of one home. By the way that’s my new favorite word thank you Michael J. Fox and I’m not ashamed that I needed to look it up. The dictionary always one of my best friends pre google. </p><p>So today, after 5 days of mainly bedridden I didn’t think I just acted. That is when you know it will be a decent day. The lack of thought behind each and every move. I’ve been reading Michael J Fox’s memoir and he discussed how deliberate every action is with Parkinson’s and I could relate. On bad days there are these long delays between thought and action. On very good days there is no thought; only action. Today in 9 months was one of the few non thought days I have had. </p><p>It is impossible to explain what this freedom feels like even if I still hadn’t left my room. Well now it is 6:40pm and for the past half hour I was motionless deciding if the effort was worth the reward of telling this mini story the New Year accomplishment. Prior to that my parents made dinner and I thought I was okay until I tried to eat. Eating always a tell. The first swallow I felt nauseas. This wasn’t going to work. So after my parents ate my mom had to make a second meal; simple French toast and an over medium egg for me to give a second try. It was easier; and then everything started to ache. Not pain, so grateful I’m not in pain but just hurt like I had done much more than I had. Then the stillness. Then the reality; I haven’t been lazy or not wanting to clean out my closets today is the first day I could. Never - it never feels real. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5aGwgt5mQpcT0y10nU_mLnDZVnqT5-o3PexKIVyk-KKIXDeked9YYDnq_uP8vWu6Ewo681D4h2COm_U9TfSOrhyphenhyphenQ5d5KLPEEXTvJAe2wquvEefHurekcPMDAFJBn-O63f36xu1hlwac/s2048/CE907FC2-D6F5-406A-B030-23AD61E8B254.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5aGwgt5mQpcT0y10nU_mLnDZVnqT5-o3PexKIVyk-KKIXDeked9YYDnq_uP8vWu6Ewo681D4h2COm_U9TfSOrhyphenhyphenQ5d5KLPEEXTvJAe2wquvEefHurekcPMDAFJBn-O63f36xu1hlwac/s320/CE907FC2-D6F5-406A-B030-23AD61E8B254.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>I know what I need to do now. I’ve been here before; well actually not in awhile because at least today there was a cause and effect. Stillness. Over the years I have been forced to get use to stillness. I would be proud of my yogi like abilities but it hasn’t been a choice; it’s survival. If I’m lucky tomorrow I will be cleaning out bathroom drawers. Today was a good day. Green light baby; catching it when I can. </p><p>Happy New Year. </p><p>“Just keep Livin” Matthew McConaughey </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>hkdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606859927429573387noreply@blogger.com0