Holiday Musings + Meaning in the Season

This year, I am purposely taking gift-giving in slow gear, setting the intention to consciously plan how much time, energy, and resources I use to select gifts for those on my gift list. This feels right to me, especially when I purchase items that don't exceed my budget and dispense with ego, which tells me to select gifts that may be received favorably or draw attention to me. Today, I look for gifts that serve a utilitarian as well as a pleasurable function. And if my gift is for a child, a toy that adheres to safety standards and is durable rather than flashy, is of the utmost importance to me.

Vitally Alive to see the World with Gratitude

 I recently had a cataract operation, and am thrilled it was successful. I feel as though I have a new lease on life, especially since one of my great loves, reading, is easier to do. Today, I have a sense of being vitally alive, anxious to see the world and my life and relationships more clearly and with gratitude.

What changes have been going on in your lives and what impact has it had on you?

Quote for the day comes from Thoreau “Only that day dawns to which we are awake.”

Where Does Time Go? Sense Each Second

It seems like just yesterday...the last time I blogged here. I've been occupied by work, play, and introspection. My activities have taken me to the middle of Oct. and I finally have a free moment to blog.

I discovered a blog which is new to me, but which I note has been in existence much longer than mine (at least since 2009). Here's the link for the Original Blogger Tips and Tricks. Many helpful ideas and information. http://www.bloggertipsandtricks.com/

Today my goal is to really see everything that comes into my line of vision. To sense whatever I am doing, to acknowledge my feelings, and live in honor of this one day only.

Quote of the day: "Till I loved I never lived—enough." - Emily Dickinson

In Health & Peace, Nan

On the Anniversary of September 11th

Remembrance

9/11/11

by

Nan

Lift up our country and keep us safe.

Give us grace to remember 9/11 without hate.

Recall and bless each soul that was lost and honor the valiant who defended our nation.

Continue to lead us down a path of healing and hope.

Help us discover ways to live in good will and transcend the past.

Grant us strength to deal with the future.

Protect our citizens from violent inclinations,

yet help us maintain our alertness and preparedness.

Create peace in our hearts, minds, and actions.

Peace, a force that reverberates in others, until it spreads to every corner of the earth.

Snap Judgements, Live in the Here and Now

I recently spoke to a friend about my desire to view all things that are presently taking place as neither good nor bad, just as happenings. I have discovered through past experiences, when I'm able to look at events and other people's actions without judgement, I tend to stay centered and respond appropriately, rather than react. After all, the only one I can control is me. 

Quote for today: "I have lived in this world just long enough to look carefully the second time into things that I am the most certain of the first time." Josh Billings, American humorist

Hot DVDs for Summer

Following is a list of DVDs I've seen this summer, ones I found the most interesting.

Casino Jack- Both the documentary and the one with Kevin Spacey
Company Men-Ben Afleck at his best
Kings Speech- Academy Award Winner and deserving of it.
Down Low- Robert Duval in a juicy role
Freedom Writers- Redeeming
Crazy Heart-Love that Jeff Bridges in a gritty, strong part
Gran Torino-Clint Eastwood plays a racist Korean War veteran who's forced to confront his own prejudice.
All Good Things- Murder Mystery-suspenseful
Up In The Air- George Clooney being charming and surprises to come
Conviction- The critics missed the boat with this one. Hilary Swank and Sam
Rockwell give fine performances.

This list doesn't include movies I've seen in a theater, only those watched as DVDs. These films were entertaining and helped me stay cool indoors. Thanks go to my local Blockbuster video store for my frequent at-home movie viewing. Blockbuster offered a customer appreciation "free viewing" period through July 4th. Here's their website, in case you're interested. http://www.blockbuster.com/

Now the quote for today- "Everything I learned I learned from the movies."
Audrey Hepburn

Happy viewing folks!

Hazy, Lazy Days of Summer, Books Fascinate Me

I'm grateful during these hot (110 degrees) days of early summer, I can put my nose in a book and be transported, learn something new, recall something I've forgotten, and/or be entertained or inspired. One such book I'm currently reading is Anne Lamott's, Plan B Further Thoughts of Faith. This collection of essays rings true for me and contains the qualifiers listed above.
See some of Lamott's work at http://dir.salon.com/topics/anne_lamott/

I'm also intending to re-read Elizabeth Berg's novel, Once Upon a Time, There was You. She's one of my favorite authors. I like to revisit her characters, who are chiseled with vivid qualities that help me understand others and myself better.

What books are you reading this summer? Can you recommend any and what are your reasons?

The quote for today was listed on the Quote Garden. Look for other great quotes there too. http://www.quotegarden.com/


"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. " Charles W. Eliot



In Health and Peace, Nan

Time to Write, Motivation for Writing

Today I'm supplying 6 writing prompts for the creatives out there or would-be writers. An invitation to get your feet wet and go wild writing.

Here they are....

1. My pet peeve or peeves are blank
2. I remember how he or she looked, spoke, acted.
3. When will I learn  blank?
4. If I knew blank before, I would or could have blank.
5. I wish I could go to blank and here's the reason why.
6. Happiness is increasing because blank.

Today I have two quotations. The first is from Steve Jobs, founder of Apple. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."


The second quote is, "Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation."
Oscar Wilde

And before you go, remember to comment, offer other writing prompt suggestions, or share what one of the prompts inspired you to write about.

This post has been shared at the Merry Monday Linky Party #23. Here's the link
Merry Monday Linky Party. See many great DIY projects, recipes, helpful tips for home, garden, and family friendly ideas for fun.

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Cured Naturally,

Our bodies have the ability to heal themselves. This is one way I've affirm this to be true.

This post originally appeared on April 10, 2011, with the title "self-empowerment." After you read it, I suggest you keep it on file. Use it if and when you or someone you care about has these symptoms.

This natural carpal tunnel cure worked for me and I attest to the fact that I have not had another attack of CTS (now it's June 26, 2014). I continue to do a select few of the exercises detailed below to help maintain dexterity and prevent a recurrence of a condition that was both painful and debilitating.

Image from Microsoft

In Nov. of 2010, I couldn't use my computer, fold the wash, or prepare a meal. My dominant hand was in so much pain. At first, I tried conventional treatment methods. For several months, I followed Dr's. orders and put my hand in a splint, had an RX, and took an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, plus rested my hand and wrist. I went to two different acupuncturists, which turned out to be the wrong treatment; it was too harsh for acute symptoms.

After I had Nerve Conduction Studies, the doctor determined I had severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A hand surgeon recommended an operation. However, that did not sit well with me. My body wisdom guided me to explore other options before surgery.

After more research, I finally discovered a treatment that came out of a study from the U of Penn. Results show it's just as effective as surgery to treat symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/280/18/1601.full.pdf


http://www.mycarpaltunnel.com/?c1=PPC&source=Google&kw=carpal

Both of these methods have proven to lessen Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in me. In fact, after three months of doing these things, I was totally free of pain and
filled with a sense of satisfaction. I kept the faith and stayed on tract, and found a treatment that worked without having to undergo an operation!

Today's quote is by Lewis Carroll. I selected it, because this cure was a gift to me!

"There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents ... and only one for birthday presents, you know."

This post has been shared at the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop #31

In Health and Peace,

Nan

Academy Awards is my Super Bowl!

Fantastic, stupendous, and hurray. Today I smile, because it's one of my favorite days of the year. The Academy Awards. I love the glitz and glamour that Hollywood stars exude and can't wait for the big night to begin. I have no favorites this year, but do want to see it all. How about you? Are you going to watch? My favorite way to do it is to get comfortable in my pj's and warm robe, snuggle up with my honey, and let the festivities commence. Wishing you all the best.

Quote for today: “If you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? ---- Carpe -- hear it? – Carpe, Carpe Diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.” – Dead Poets Society

the quote was part of an article found at  http://www.lifescript.com/Life/Timeout/Entertainment/Top_10_Movie_Quotes_Of_All_Time.aspx?gclid=CMv4rca5qacCFQEMbAodfn5WDQ&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=RidNatfTqVsAAAaP:20110227230518:s

Valentine Flowers

Heart to Heart, Valentine

A Valentine's wish for you...May you open to the love, joy, and abundance of life which resides innate in your wonderful being. Then, spread that gift to whoever you meet with kindness, peace, and love to all.