STROKE OF LIVING

To join or not to join...THAT is the question!

2012-02-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hello blog world. Yes it has been quite a long time since my last post. That is largely because I've been uninspired to document what I've been experiencing lately. Well the time has come for me to share - things are getting pretty interesting.

Over the past 12 months I've been tithing my time and resources to a particular organization [pretty much neglecting the other worthy organizations to which I have pledged my loyalty] and what I've learned from that experience is that it is important to set boundaries and to continue to display a level of excellent resilience. When it is time to move on, listen to that inner voice and move on. Volunteering will always be a part of my life and I'm happy to be of service but it can wear you out in the pursuit of chasing revenue. To join or not to join...?

I've also pursued a "green" education through a scholarship paid for by a waste management organization and have been certified in sustainable information and organization. I pursued this complete change of career focus due to my being out of the Hollywood networking loop for several years recovering from a traumatic brain injury and although I've made life long friends in the sustainable waste management industry, it is not my passion, but I was willing to settle for that life. All the while watching my friends take advantage of fantastic employment opportunities. I was secretly horrified at the possibility of becoming employed in this world because it did not make me leap out of bed each day with bright possibilities to change the world. Sustainability is their PASSION and it shows in their lifestyle choices, and conversation. I am grateful for my "green" education and socialization [I love my friends] but after contemplation I know it is NOT my passion. To join or not to join...?

Well bloggers getting to my point, several months ago, I was afforded an opportunity to yet again learn a completely new industry for a career change, so I studied and ultimately attained my insurance license. The leaders in the organization that encouraged me to move forward, left me to "figure it out" and moved from LA to Chicago. It's funny they periodically call and text me to catch up with what is happening in my life. Although it is sweet for them from time to time, that connection is essentially dead. In all due respect, these are very nice people who decided that Los Angeles was not a place for them to raise children so they followed their heart and kept moving forward with their family plan. Few others in this organization have made efforts to stay in touch with me and that's fine. Fast forward to several months later when I decided to not waste my license, I pursued another path by breaking away from nontraditional organizations [NMO; Network Marketing Organizations] and aligned myself to a proper insurance organization to give it one more try.

This new organization has a fantastic product, phenomenal training and has a proven system of success to follow which is fun and interesting. It is interesting because I've been following this system since their structured training ended in November and I've had some success which is great. Understanding that nothing is perfect I've always been an observer, a voyeur if you will. Not much gets by me; visually or audibly. That being said this organization is indeed a sales organization. My first time being involved in sales with commitment. There is a bit of that Glengarry Glen Ross, Boiler Room, Pursuit of Happiness, type of SELL, SELL, SELL rah rah that I detest. Detest simply because underneath all of the pomp and circumstance, underneath all of the "we are a team so we are here for you," there is a bottom line energy of - Please just do your job! We've trained you so go out and do it! We are a team but you are an independent agent representing us. We are here for you but you are on your own. Really?

I've tested the "we are here for you" theory and found that I'm really alone out on a limb to figure it out - but with support. Once anyone tells me that they want me to win or they are invested in my success, it is up to me to discover if that is TRUE. So far in this particular organization I've found that all leaders are not created equal and everyone is not really invested in my success. I say that because I've gone around to a few leaders to get genuine help but also to test my theory. I must say that with this company it is true that most leaders are interested in the success of new associates/agents but there are the one or two who cannot be bothered. At least not with me. With all that people are going through this interest must be authentic if I'm on your team or not. I mean anyone who has met Barack Obama consistently says that they are impressed with the fact that he listens and is engaged with you while he's with you. If the president of the free world has the time to make each person feel special, why can't insurance agents? LOL right?

Now in any organization there is the unknown human aspect of work so it is smart to making friends if for no other reason than to make the experience bearable. So I've been making friends but also holding people accountable to their word. Occasionally calling people out when their word is inauthentic. Ah humans. Bottom line I think I'm not matched properly with leadership. It is important who mentors you. Rather who you allow yourself to be mentored by.

The other issue I have is the spirit of competition and this constant warning of "be careful with whom you fraternize" within our organization coupled with the other issues that causes me to ask myself daily: to join or not to join...?

I am also part of a public speaking organization that I love [Toastmasters]. However I have not given the program my full attention. And with half my heart in the club, I've been consecutively winning the best evaluator ribbon. So it's not just me who realizes that I have a knack for observation. My club votes on me each time I'm evaluation among others. I've found my calling, now I just have to tie commerce to that talent. This year I have made the decision to be fully involved and to complete the competent communicator program and move on to the advanced communicator program.

I'm conflicted. Insurance sales is a tough, tough gig no matter how much rah rah is sugar coated over it, coupled with the fact that I have no history in this genre of business. I'm in unfamiliar territory and am almost ready to make a decision about weather to leave my old career behind forever. A career that I loved, whose culture I know, and in which have invested 20 years. It got me out of bed early, every day, with excitement and PASSION. To pursue this new unfamiliar career with my full time, full attention, and full energy that I don't really love.

Tick, tock...

Random brain power inspiration

2011-11-26T11:25:00.000-08:00

"READ EVERYDAY, SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE IS READING. THINK, EVERYDAY, SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE IS THINKING. DO, EVERYDAY, SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE WOULD BE SILLY ENOUGH TO DO. IT IS BAD FOR THE MIND TO BE ALWAYS PART OF A UNANIMITY."

- CHRISTOPHER MORLEY

Sometimes a lull happens...

2011-08-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

...but then a revival can occur. My last post was back in March. Since then many things have occurred in my life. Here's a snippet.

I've been studying on a scholarship granted by the department of labor to attend Santa Monica College, I graduated, and now I am a certified green professional. As a result of that, I was traveled to San Diego [a few weeks ago] to blog/write/document for a "green" Resource Recovery/ Recycling conference which was quite fun. Funny as this sounds, I did not take one picture myself but tons of photos were taken by the conference photographer. [I'm sure those photos will surface in a future post.] Read my conference blog HERE. Oh and I celebrated a birthday.

Currently I've been hibernating, studying, regrouping, learning how to meditate properly and am figuring out my life - which inspires many new blog posts to come BTW. More later, I promise.

Be well, good and breathe...until next time.

Health Freedom Expo 2011

2011-03-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

After planning to attend this important expo for several years now and due to scheduling conflicts having been unable to in the past, I finally attended it this year! You all know how I feel when I stumble upon a new favorite thing and how I love to share with you well the following is just me beginning to add to my list. Enjoy!

Rooibos Tea from The Red Leopard Tea Co.
This tea distributor, local in Los Angeles, harvests and distributes 100% Certified Organic Tea. What makes this a new favorite is the fact that their tea comes with proper education along with their presentation. I.e. this tea does not stain fabric if spilled and the bags can be left steeping in water without the flavor becoming too strong and bitter to enjoy. I like drinking it without sweeteners or cream in order to enjoy the robust naturally sweet or grassy flavors [depending on the "mood" of my palate]. Two enthusiastic thumbs up to The Red Leopard. I am looking forward to evangelizing this brand. After tasting all flavors [ which are outstanding] I purchased the Bush and Green teas for my home. Read all about the health benefits of naturally caffeine free organic Rooibos tea here.

The Red Leopard Tea Co. Corporate logo:

This is how the tea is packaged: Fun tins that you can either reuse or recycle.

More favorite products to come later this week.

E-book anyone?

2011-03-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

courtesy of veer.com

Last week I attended a fantastic round-table panel of talented local authors. It was facilitated by indie book editor, writer, and publishing consultant Robin Quinn. The round-table had a menagerie of writers from southern California, all with impressive histories and accomplishments.

I bet you didn't know that you could write an Internet book, self publish and make money. Well the author who stood out most from my perspective was the one who did just that. In researching "how to" write an e-book she found that THAT process brought her deliberate as well as passive income that she never would have imagined. To recap some of her presentation:

"There are approximately 77 million baby boomer's shopping on the Internet; and billions worldwide who search for books on line because it's private, immediate and convenient. Edited books are polished and direct and e-books are wordier, more conversational rhetorically of course. Edited books have a market and so does e-books. The most popular books sold are romance novels however the most lucrative genre is instructional or "how to" books. Edited books are unchangeable vs. e-books that can be edited continually at any time. Always perfecting the process.

I think that is pretty outstanding. How many times have you read something that you wish could be further edited but can't due to final edit, a run of copy, distribution, and sale? How many times have you said something you wish you could take back? Well writing an e-book will give you that opportunity. Similar to updating a "published" blog post. You can always alter it for the consumer to make it better, without having to write a retraction or a second volume.

With so many book store franchises closing [as what is happening to Borders Books, more and more are now liquidation stores] e-readers are the future, similar to the fate of music stores. Downloading is what will exclusively happen in our lifetime, it's both great and sad. Maybe I'm strange but I enjoy going to a library and walking into a book store, staying for hours searching through titles and looking at text on bound paper. I like opening and smelling the pages. I even like seeing my favorite books in my home on my shelves, referencing them and recommending them to others. After several harsh lessons I don't lend or rent books from my personal library anymore. People have no respect for private property.

Now due to my recent disability I will most likely invest in some type of e-reader because it's getting harder to hold books open with only one hand while reading. I'll not only move forward downloading new books on to my soon-to-be-purchased e-reader, but will repurchase my entire private library. Granted this will be a timely and costly process but I am willing to make the lifestyle shift. Especially since I'm considering becoming an author.

Why not, after all, [trust me] I've been through more than most people who I know, I have learned many lessons [and I'm still learning], and I have teachable moments [paying it forward] which is why I'm partaking in the Toastmasters public speaking organization and am blogging semi regularly again. 800,000 titles are available on many e-readers now, that's a host of knowledge at your fingertips why shouldn't my e-book be one of them?

Now which one do I choose? The I-Pad [which holds many e-reader apps], The Kindle, The Nook and many others. We are living the information age people, it's time to get with the program. On a hysterical side note, I have an I-pod that I've never used. It's pretty and is still in the original box. I still have CD towers in my house filled with my favorite music. And I have CD cases in my car. John Grisham, Cormack McCarthy, Elizabeth Gilbert and Anne Lamott are in no danger of me (wink, wink).

Toastmasters Speech #2

2011-03-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

In a prior post I wrote about joining the Toastmasters public speaking organization. In this organization you follow a program of rules and techniques. And then you practice, and try it out in front of your club members a.k.a. - the audience. It's a fantastic organization and I'm inspired each time I attend.

Several weeks ago I gave my first speech [The Ice Breaker] where I spoke from 5 to 7 minutes about myself and I basically choked. It was sad... they were kind.

Well last night I presented my second speech [Organize your speech] from the competent communicator manual. I'm happy to report that I spoke for about 6 minutes with no problem and it was reported that I didn't use filler words [uh, like, well, ya know]. It's funny when you run through practice and everything goes really good. In your head you anticipate a certain response from the audience. Well I'm no exception. I went over my speech many times timing it at 7 minutes and 23 seconds. I used visual aids, solicited audience participation, and attempted humor as well. I felt lost after my first shot at humor didn't go as planned. One of my mentors told me that there are ALWAYS three speeches that you give: the one you practiced, the one that you deliver, and the one you wish you'd have delivered. And then LET IT GO. Many people were kind but I knew that I was "all over the place" and I easily lost my focus when a joke didn't work. Didn't know how to gain my focus back so I rushed through and finished on time, with time to spare. After the speeches there is a host of evaluators who give feedback that is supposed to help you improve while praising the things you did well.

That didn't really happen last night unfortunately. You see, it doesn't help a novice speaker when people are just being kind. What we need is tactful criticism which will aid our improvement. Last night I felt the nice, nice of the evaluators and didn't feel the help :-( That's probably because there is a disconnect between mentors not teaching novices how to deliver helpful criticism; and a disconnect between novices seeking out mentors advice and taking it.

What I learned about my technique was just because I find something funny don't assume...and cover myself in case I get crickets. I have to practice that.

Yes, as a club we hold each other up and work out our techniques in front of each other however when we are afraid to bring helpful tips and risk sounding like "the bad guy" it's counter productive. That being said, it's important to schedule as many speeches as I can as well as practice giving constructive criticism, with tact and grace. Bad news will not cause me to run away. One can't improve if one doesn't know what they are doing wrong. I repeat, I enjoy my club very much and the love is fantastic but the tough love would be even better.

Can I get an Amen?

School is in...

2011-03-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend me and a few friends tried a new spot in LA for bio-dynamic spirits that are considered to be green and sustainable. I'm always on the hunt for environmentally friendly/green drinks.

photo courtesy of Google

Public School 612 is a bar/ restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. We started with the wild mushroom and Taleggio Lavash pizza and continued with a fantastic Thai noodle salad. Paired with our meal we ordered a few beer choices. None of us are actual beer drinkers because of the heavy and bitter after tastes but we all loved these yummy choices:

Hitachino Nest White, Japanese beer - light taste of orange, ginger, pear and spice

Caracole Amber, Belgium beer - light taste of orange peel, and caramel

Maui CoConut Porter, Hawaiian beer - heavier tasting flavors of toasted coconut, vanilla and coffee

This beer list should come in handy to all of the readers who seek beer choices but are unhappy with what is constantly marketed to us. I'm here to say that there is life beyond Heineken, Corona and Miller Lite.

Now for the red and white wines:
"Eco Balance" Bio Bio - Sauvignon Blanc, Emiliana

Sustainable Red - Mendocino

Cheers!

Absence

2011-03-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

I've been taking periodic breaks with my blogging because with the ABSENCE of the creative process nothing worth while can be written. My ABSENCE has had a purpose. I've been rebuilding and re-branding myself which just might lead to the re-branding of my blog. But first things first.

Several months ago I wrote about my interest in joining Toastmasters [TM] International. Well I've done that, last November [2010] and as a member you are encouraged to give enough speeches to hit certain goals. After your first 10 speeches you are considered to be a competent communicator and the TM organization recognizes your achievements with awards, certificates and opportunities to enter local regional and national speech competitions. Goals that excite some and freak out others. The ABSENCE of such emotions do not motivate us to change. So the moral of this short post today is act - do something to eradicate the ABSENCE of such fear. With that information I'm gave my first speech several weeks ago and my second in a week. In the interim I'm giving evaluations [positive feed back with tips to improve].

More of my re-branding process:
1. I've launched my "green" event planning company.
2. I've completed my business plan - which is an ever expanding document
3. I'm setting up a non-profit organization for a friend.
4. I'm working closely with four, yes four "green" non-profit organizations helping them gain momentum in the areas or marketing, PR and endowments for growth and expansion. The sacred four organizations are [Planet Lunchroom, Valley Green Building Task Force, Green Business Networking and Burbank Green Alliance].
5. To keep food on the table and gas in the car I've been hired to organize data for a company audit.
6. I'm taking classes at my local Economic Development Corporation. There is a women's business center that offers all kinds of assistance for businesses owned and operated by women. They offer free certification classes. Certifications confirm your knowledge about an area of business and puts you into an elite marketing category.
7. I also received a scholarship from California State to attend classes to gain another type of professional certification.

I'm enjoying meeting new people and exercising my brain. But Whew... all of this activity has its challenges and are the reasons that have kept me from feeling creative enough to blog. I'm creating my own "green job."

That's the skinny for now so forgive my ABSENCE from you all. I do miss corresponding and reading your wonderful comments.

Stalking is good

2010-12-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

After a long time away from you all, I'm back in action. Concentrating on a home based business, rebuilding and re-branding takes much work. Okay, let me explain why I think that stalking is a good thing. Here in Los Angeles the newest trend for true foodies turned chefs is to purchase a food truck and sell gourmet items that one would normally find in high end restaurants. It's more cost affective to purchase or lease a food truck than open a brick and mortar restaurant. Spruce up a truck, create a web page as well as a Facebook and a Twitter account. Broadcast where your truck will be and wait for the people to flock to it. And flock we do! Now let me back up a moment to define a few terms.
A) To stalk - To approach slowly and quietly in order not to be discovered when getting closer. To (try to) follow or contact someone constantly, often resulting in harassment.
B) A Foodie - A person with a special interest in or knowledge of food, a gourmet.
That being said, I love sea food but can't always go to my favorite restaurants nor do I always feel like purchasing seafood and then cooking it. So as soon as I heard about a young man who also loves sea food so much he was particularly moved by a seafood joint he visited while in New England which inspired him to open his own gourmet food truck specializing in New England lobster, crab and clam chowder I had to try it out. Anyway The Lobsta Truck offers it's patrons fresh lobster imported from New England for us lucky Los Angelenos to enjoy. Yes you read correctly not Lobster but Lobsta. Evidently those of us from the east coast pronounce the crustacean this way 'lob-sta.' Ever since that TV broadcast, I have stalked this truck several times and I'm happy to report that the food has been consistent each time. I've even seen other stalkers at the truck. It's a quirky way to meet new friends. Like summer camp you check your Facebook or Twitter updates to see where the truck is going to be on any particular day, drive to the location, stand on line and run into people you've seen before. You shake hands and reminisce about the last time you saw each other at the truck.

There are the staple trucks that specialize in ice cream, burgers and hot dogs. But now there are trucks that serve exclusive genres of food like Mediterranean Food and chili trucks. They even have food trucks that specialize in French fries. Really, imagine ... fries made any and all ways that you could possibly conjure. Chili cheese fries, sweet potato fries, steak and fries, vegan chili fries. fries with gravy, caramelized onion, chicken, pork belly, just dream it up and they can make it.

That's why I believe that stalking is a good thing. My stalking is not stealth, I email and spread the word because anything that results in a lobster sandwich or gourmet fries for under $40.00 is a great thing!

Happy eating.

Jiminy Cricket, Mushmouth, or Tony Robbins? You decide...

2010-10-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well I'm leaving my comfort zone by trying my hand at public speaking. Well more accurately, honing my public speaking skills. Okay most accurately, practicing speaking in front of a bunch of strangers and seeing if I like it enough to see if I have actually have a skill and then honing it.

One of the suggestions to stroke survivors right before they release you from the hospital is to learn a new skill. Any new skill. Speech class was one suggestion that I promptly scratched off photo copied list of things to do post stroke. However fear being irrational and all, [F=false, E=evidence, A=appearing, R=real] what did your girl do? I jumped right into the deep end of my fear and walked pridefully into my first ever Toastmasters club meeting with zero expectations. For those who are unfamiliar with the organization, read all about Toastmasters International here.

Okay I'll save you the suspense. I'm not on the heals of Tony Robbins or anything but it's monumentally important to become an effective communicator in life right? I avoided speech class all through college due to my (yes, I own it) fear. So after avoiding it for about [clearing my throat] years I've finally/recently made my way out to my very first Toastmasters meeting. And although I am fluent in English, feel that I've mastered the language, and am a rather self expressed writer, I managed to mangle my first attempt on a subject that I know better than anyone else on the planet... ME. Hysterical right?

I'm certain that there were a few folks in the club who felt my pain and rather than referring to self deprecating humor to cover myself (as I would normally do), I just caved by thanking everyone for allowing me to speak and simply sat down. [Cue the cartoon dejected sound here...wamp, wamp, waaaamp]. After which I received thunderous applause. Really?? Applause?? A technique they use to encourage everyone to continue attending the meetings - obviously. The support for everyone who attended was lovely and there were varying degrees of experience in the room as several members admitted to English being their second and in some cases third language. The club meeting was a healthy mix of award winning speakers, amateurs and guests. The atmosphere was non threatening and critiques for every speaker were full of encouragement. Because everyone starts where they start, the more you have an opportunity to speak the better at it you get. Duh, like anything else.

I don't know what happened I looked into everyone's eyes as what I was saying was obviously engaging because I had their undivided attention and noticed no one looking at the walls, the floor or their nails. They all looking right into my eyes and some smiled. That freaked me out! I'll repeat for the first time in my life I was speaking and had the undivided attention of everyone in the room. Once I realized THAT, I panicked, my self talk which happened in seconds went a little something like this, "What the hell are you talking about and why would anyone be interested? Remember there is someone counting Um's and Ah's" and my mind went blank mid sentence. Turn to your neighbor and say "Jiminy is in the building." Well Jiminy was Pinocchio's wise sidekick so more accurately the "cricket sound" is what happened. Let me recap there is a person designated to time your speaking (equipped with green, yellow and red flags to indicate how much time you have left to wrap it up) and another person to count how many times you vocalize your [what I call] ticks. Ticks are one's "Uhh, Ahhh, Um" during speech. How can anyone even introduce themselves with that kind of pressure? Thus the purpose of the 86 year strong organization to help people speak without flaw and to introduce speaking mastery techniques.

The first round of speeches which they call table topics was: What type of music do you listen to while you're either driving, cooking or when you have company over. In my mind I said score!" Easy peasy. Well I stood up after being called upon and started to wing it. I chose to speak about my driving music. What I realized was having something prepared would probably have been better. Of course defeating the winging it skill test. That first time out the box, winging it ain't for me just yet. I'll sum up my self critique by showing you these photos...

#1 Mushmouse... still no clue? Do ya'll remember Mushmouse and Pumpkin puss? Yes, I'm dating myself but whatever. How about this one...

#2 Mushmouth - Whaaba weeba gonna dooba?

Okay that's a gross exaggeration to make light of the situation. I didn't actually flub my words, nor did I uh, um or ah, I just forgot them. I went blank mid sentence. Thank the lord of hosts that TMZ has no interest in my life what-so-ever. The good news is I'll be back next week, maybe with something prepared or maybe off the cuff again. Either way - much work to be done. Plus I had fun. Cheers!

Regional event - No on Proposition 23

2010-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here is an event in which I was involved where no photos prove my involvement at all. Sometimes it's important to be seen as a part of an event and sometimes not so much. Anyway, I was asked to secure sustainable beverages at this event where Governor Schwarzenegger was supposed to physically attend but due to his busy schedule actually called in to show his support on this clean energy initiative. Unless you are a California resident this particular initiative will not mean much to you but I'm certain that your state has unique proposals to fight for clean energy. Without using this post as a political platform, here is information about Prop 23 if you are interested. Enjoy!

Proposition 23, which would Suspend AB 32, the Global Warming Act of 2006, is on the November 2, 2010 ballot in California as aninitiated state statute.^[1]

AB 32 is known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The act, passed by the California State Legislature and signed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is California's landmark clean air legislation. ^[2] ^[3] Proposition 23, if enacted by voters, will freeze the provisions of AB 32until California's unemployment rate drops to 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters. California's unemployment rate, which currently hovers around 12%, has been at 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters just three times since 1980.^[4]

AB 32 requires that greenhouse gas emission levels in the state be cut to 1990 levels by 2020. The process of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the state is slated under AB 32 to begin in 2012.^[5]

In their campaigns for and against Proposition 23, supporters and opponents have each adopted nicknames for the measure that clarify what they think of it. Supporters call Proposition 23 the California Jobs Initiative and opponents call it the Dirty Energy Proposition.^[6]

Louise Bedsworth, a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, predicted in April that total campaign spending on Proposition 23 could top the $154 million record set in 2006 by Proposition 87.^[7] Through the end of September, campaign contributions to both sides totalled around $20 million, with the "No on 23" organizations ahead in the money race by about $2 million. ^[8]

So there you have it. Please do your part to educate yourself about the importance of having certain clean energy initiatives passed in your local regional and national legs of government. A quick sponsor plug - Icebox water is one of the best green water companies in the US due to their non toxic packaging, their philanthropic efforts, zero waste philosophy. Read here all about Icebox Glacia water.

Breast Cancer Awareness month - part one

2010-10-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Since October is breast cancer awareness month I was asked to participate in an annual fundraising event called Cure In the Canyons. Me and a fellow event planner friends checked guests in and secured items for the fantastic gift bags [photos forthcoming].

Each year many vendors are asked to participate to have their wares and services available to participants and a select group of survivors. Enclosed are a few photos of the day that took place on last Sunday October 3rd 2010. This event was packed with people in spite of my event photo taking skills. I made sure that people were behind my back while I concentrated on vendor and venue photos. I think competing with crowds for photo opportunities makes for bad photos. All in all not bad for a Blackberry Curve phone. In these photos it looks like I was the only guest but trust me there were many many more.

The estate entry way was set up with the themed step and repeat.

The OPI vendor pampering booth. With USC's event coordinator Julie Davis.

The memory wall messages of Hope.

POM juice was a proud sponsor.

The live band played all afternoon.

Yes in Southern California people actually get spray tans.

The caterer who tried hard to keep up with the hungry crowd.

Part of the spread right before replenishing. Event photographers, which I am not, are vital.

Napa Valley Oliver products handed out the most delicious white wine mustard.

POP chips was a supporter as well. Great tasting non greasy non fried chips.

Miller beer had a strong presence.

The Man lounge had many people lined up for pampering. Since this was a women's event with male supporters we had to have some spoiling for them too.

Jack Black products were out in force.

Kiehl's had a space in the men's lounge too.

Luxury vehicles added a fun backdrop at this lovely estate.

My camera died :-( as I walked around to capture more vendors and the crowd of guests. Oh well, that's why event photographers are important. And there was an event photographer. Part deux forthcoming...

Zero Waste - part deux

2010-10-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

My hiatus from blogging is directly related to my philanthropic activity. Enclosed are photos of my first fundraiser that took place on August 25th 2010. The Zero Waste part one post holds the details about that event. To recap swiftly this event was an adjacent opportunities book launch, a green business networking and a Gulf coast relief effort event that was hosted by the Valley Green builders Task force, Global Green and Ron Schultz. Links enclosed for your reference. Please enjoy.

Large Marge Sustainables one of our two catering sponsors

No host bar sponsored by: Dry Soda, IZZE sparkling juice, O.N.E. coconut water, Aquamantra high vibrational water, Coors beer, and Icebox glacier Water.

Many companies that represented Solar energy, Bio fuels, LEED construction, photographers, painters, and other green non-profit organizations.

Green gift table

Zero waste with a three R concentration: reuse, recycle and reduce.

Guest sign in

Ice cream donation from Ohio: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

The fabulous Pink Salt event catering our other fantastic food sponsor

Round table business networking

Our final activity was our raffle prizes

Stay tuned for my forthcoming event posts: Proposition 23 event and Cure for breast cancer.

Cure In The Canyons

2010-09-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

With so much happening I'm keeping this post short by simply saying that the next fundraiser on which I am working is called Cure in the Canyons a breast cancer benefit. Here is the link. Cure in the Canyons is an annual benefit always hosted by the owner of a private estate in Beverly Hills. It's a ticketed affair for a Sunday afternoon of papering, great food and fantastic silent auction items. It's happening this Sunday and I am looking forward to participating.

If you are reading this post and are a Los Angeles local please click here to purchase tickets. If you are not local and feel compelled to support with a donation anyway, we welcome your donation. Either way I do hope that everyone has a great week!

Zero Waste - part one

2010-09-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.
Henry David Thoreau, poet, writer, philosopher

Hey people, I'm happy to see that my list of followers have not only not gone away but is continuing to grow. The enclosed photos are somewhat of an explanation of my two month absence from blogging. As a member/volunteer for the Valley Green Building Task Force I executed my first fundraiser.

This was truly a collaborative effort because this organization is made up of passionate volunteers in the southern California green and sustainable profession. Realtors, architects, designers, instructors, parents, community residents make up the interesting blend of members who all volunteer their time and resources to make up this wonderful organization. I've been learning titles and credits behind individual names like LEED AP and AIA. Both must be specifically educated on green building practices an must reflect the ability to specialize in a particular rating system. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. AIA is the American Institute of Architects. Like in any other licensed profession anyone who holds both sets of letters behind their name has a concentration on continuing education.

This event was threefold in nature therefore an ambitious undertaking. It was a book launch, green business networking breakout session discussion and Gulf of Mexico relief effort all in one night. Usually these types of events are considered three separate events. It takes plenty of work to just organize a book launch for an author. It is a lot of work to organize a networking event. And it is monumentally difficult to organize a fundraiser for one particular cause. For those of you who have worked on any of those types of projects individually knows the difficulties about which I speak. Please pause to imagine combining three themes in one event. Compound the task with various personalities who have valid resumes, careers, families and significant experience planning and participating in events on various levels. Suffice it to say NOT ALWAYS EASY to work with others.

Regardless of the phone calls, gas and mileage and tapping into established relationships as well as creating new relationships from cold calls and not getting paid for any of this time, effort, experience nor getting reimbursed for anything I enjoyed the evening. Most importantly, we raised money. After tabulating entry fees, exhibit fees and generous donations the amount was slightly over $5,000.

I think that is the point of volunteering to gain satisfaction from tithing your time to help someone else in some small way. Another point of volunteering is to enjoy diversity on all levels: culturally, ethnically and professionally. Our vast experiences, genders, and ideas culminated in a successful execution of efforts.

Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.
Anonymous

It's true that a part of my brain was stating that I am insane to put in this type of effort for free. And then the other part of my brain kicked in stating that "All blessings come from the relationships that you develop." While I've been behaving like a wealthy woman [over these past few months] who has nothing to do with her time other than volunteer, I know that most successful ventures were created from the clear blue sky. I decided to open my own event planning firm with a concentration on zero waste and sustainable education. I'll discuss that more in a future post. In the meantime, please enjoy just some of the following photos from the event.

Guest registration

Delicious catering by Pink Salt event Cuisine

Exhibit area: Habitat For Humanity and Transition LA

Fantastic organic gourmet ice cream from Jeni's splendid Ice Cream

Green "shopping" gift area = freebies from local green businesses.

Green business owner networking

Zero Waste theme and execution

More exhibits - Sterling Construction

More networking

Me making introductions

Announcements, introductions and thank you 'shout outs' from our chairman Jeff Gould

Philip PR/events my counterpart and volunteer bartender

More exhibits

This was a positive experience, chock full of education. And now that I am a self proclaimed expert on hosting a fundraiser for a non-profit organization I will include many more photos and event details in part two of my zero waste post. I hope to not be away from the blog-sphere this long in the future. I soooo look forward to your queries and comments.

Living is the art of loving. Loving is the art of caring. Caring is the art of sharing. Sharing is the art of living. If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. Booker T. Washington

A sneak peek

2010-06-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

So in my pursuit of an alternate career I've joined a local sustainable or 'green' organization of which I'm excited to be a part. The Valley Green Building Task Force.

The San Fernando Valley Green Building Task Force (SFVGBTF) is a subcommittee of the Valley Green Team. The VGBTF is comprised of public and private volunteers from influential organizations in the Valley that collectively stand as THE resource for green building best practices. The mission of the VGBTF is to inform and educate residential and commercial property owners and businesses in the Valley about the processes, procedures, rebates, incentives, financial benefits, and standards for green buildings and energy efficiency measures throughout the San Fernando Valley." The VGBTF strongly believes that building green can be the catalyst for the the growth of a prosperous, socially and environmentally responsible, healthy, and sustainable future for the San Fernando Valley.

This organization is an affiliate of The Valley Green Team. More to come...

Sunday Sitar - Crude or Cooking oil?

2010-06-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

First my apologies for blogging so few and far between post. But I've been busy beginning my new venture. Posts about that to follow.

Every person in America should be outraged by what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico. The daily images we see courtesy of our news wires are sickening, the animal and plant life have been compromised and the efforts by BP truly seem uninspired. If [and at this point I don't know who that could possibly be] you're not outraged and you like to educate yourself on statistics, history and alternatives, I urge you to get your hands on a copy of the film Fuel by Josh Tickell. It comes to DVD on June 22nd.

I recently attended a wonderful networking event tailored for women in the sustainable movement. And was fortunate enough to carpool with Josh's wife, Rebecca Harrell Tickell who is quite a force in the 'green' world herself.

She is not only an accomplished actress and producer [she produced Fuel], she is a passionate environmental activist [she gave us a lesson on how the bus operates off solar energy and Bio fuel], author and now talented bus driver :-). Rebecca drove several of us to the event in her husband's much larger version of his famous veggie van in Los Angeles weekend traffic. And she did it in 6 inch heels.

You gotta love that! Anyway we who decided to carpool were fortunately each gifted a copy of the DVD as a thank you for choosing ride on a vehicle run off Bio fuel as opposed to crude oil. Decreasing, in effect, the CO2 emissions from our cars. Now, before I digress to talk all about the event [and you know how I digress] I'll just say that Fuel is a history of how Josh became so passionate about the gospel of Bio fuel, how our government resists this easy and cost affective solution, and how we can all make a difference by educating ourselves and by making lifestyle shifts. It is emotional at times, comical at others but mostly infuriating because we all have the answer.

[Photo's courtesy of The Fuel Film and my Blackberry curve.]

Education or Fame?

2010-06-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

I've been watching interviews lately with Warren Buffett and his son Peter. Each time that the Buffetts are interviewed you become clear that Warren and his wife Susan didn't go for the child of privilege approach to parenting. So how can this be explained?

I've never met this young woman or her parents so I can't jump on the "she's an idiot" band wagon, because I don't know if she actually is smart or not. The PR machine put out an image and that's what we have opinions about. And admittedly calling the Hiltons "this" suggests that I buy into that popular theory. And it makes for comical blog content to defame someone whom is considered to be an intellectual junior. However, to me, access to a fortune means: anonymity, education, occasional indulgence in fun, philanthropy and empire building quietly behind the scenes. But that's how I think today with my past experiences in my current life. Who's to say that if I were born into widely publicized wealth I would be the same woman, mentally, physically, socially and spiritually that I am today. The truth is no one knows. Discuss...

Wait, I was going to stop my post there but then I received and email with the following information that was most appropriate for the subject of my post. This list is from a study and freely distributed PDF report 8 Reasons Rich People Hate Their Lives. This was written by the senior editor of my Copy Blogger newsletter, Sonia Simone.

#1 Thinking "It's Just Business"- Wise, happy millionaires know that real wealth, the kind that lasts and
multiplies, comes from creating value. They cultivate empathy rather than trying to amputate it. They focus on contribution. They solve real problems and make the world better.
#2 Fixing your Weaknesses - Wise, happy millionaires refuse to do things they hate. When they do
something they suck at, it’s because they get off on the growth and the learning experience. They partner with others who complement their strengths, so everyone is doing work that’s meaningful, that turns them on,
that’s fun.
#3 Measuring Against the Wrong Yard Sticks - Wise, happy millionaires know that the steps on the journey have to be fun. They know better than to short themselves on time with their families, days spent purely for pleasure, and even something as simple as a good night’s sleep.
#4 Spending Money on the Wrong Stuff - You don’t have to spend money on “luxurious” experiences. You don’t need to go deep-sea diving in Bali to be happy. A trip to the aquarium with your four-year-old might
bring as much – or more – satisfaction. But when you get to the point where a trip to Bali is in your budget, it will bring you infinitely more satisfaction (for much less money) than a $197,041 watch will.
#5 Identifying yourself as Smart and Talented -Wise, happy millionaires adopt a growth mindset. When they fall into fixed mindset thinking, they recognize it and change how they’re talking to themselves. They know that mindset can be changed at will. And they know that success comes from taking action, not from intelligence or talent.
#6 Failing to Make New Friendships - Wise, happy millionaires spend time with other wise, happy millionaires. They know that attitudes – positive or negative – are contagious.
#7 Sacrificing Relationships for Success - Wise and happy millionaires make their relationships a priority. They schedule time with family and friends, and they take that time as seriously as any business activity. They know that the business will always want more hours than any of us can ever give. They know that it’s healthy to set boundaries with our businesses, even if we’re passionate about them.
#8 Trying to Run on Fumes - Going without enough sleep makes you stupid. Worse, it makes you unable to feel how impaired you are. You think you’re ok. But actually, your judgment is terrible, your focus is worse, and your reaction time is a bad joke. Oh, and by the way, your immune system sucks and you’re radically increasing the odds that you’ll gain weight.
You eat crappy food. You don’t get any exercise. You let stress eat you alive. You don’t
make any time to do silly, frivolous things that bring you pleasure. Does that sound like someone who’s able to be on top of a challenging business? Does it sound like someone who’s having a full and happy life?
If something (anything) must get done, then you must carve out dedicated time for it. You, my friend, are a high-maintenance machine. You’re the complicated invention that can’t be replaced.

By now, I suspect you’ve gotten my main point. You have to schedule maintenance on
yourself. And you probably need to do that daily. (Sorry, workaholics. I don’t make the
rules, I just write them down.)
You are too busy for a psychic breakdown. And you’re not rich enough (yet) to cope
with being forced to take three months off to repair your damaged nervous system.
So start taking care of your machine every day. Starting today.
And there you have it. Now Discuss... [images are courtesy of Google]

Me= MEat free MEmorial day and a quote or two

2010-05-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day - now there is an ironic reason for a holiday and celebration. Regardless the first meatless recipe comes from a daily newsletter whose title may offend [so I'll spare you the title] but has great health tips tips and information. The second is from all recipes (dot) com.

#1 Drunk BBQ Corn

Ingredients:

10 ears fresh corn with husks
1 quart beer (non-alcoholic or wheat-free, if desired)
1 (7 pound) bag of ice cubes

Directions: Place whole ears of corn in an ice chest. Pour the beer over top. Dump the ice out over the ears of corn. Place the lid on the cooler, and let sit for 8 hours, or overnight. Preheat smoker to 250° F. Place the corn in the smoker and close the lid. Cook for 1 to 2 hours, turning every 20 minutes or so. Kernels should give easily under pressure when done. To eat, just peel back the husks and dig in.

#2 Double Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients

6 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 French baguette
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven on broiler setting.
In a large bowl, combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.
Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Top the slices with mozzarella cheese.
Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Now a few quotes just because...

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. --Unknown
Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come most alive, because what the world needs is people who have come alive. --Howard Thurman
In order to make anything a reality, you have to dream about it first. --Adora Svitak
If we do not lay ourselves at the service of mankind, whom should we serve? --John Adams
You must trust and believe in people, or life becomes impossible. --Anton Chekhov
Joy and happiness are the indicators of balance in a human machine. --Walter Russell

Be safe and have fun today!

Eat, Pray, Love and The power of suggestion

2010-05-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

This post is admittedly a different approach to a movie review but never the less there we go. Do you ever find it strange that regarding food, when you become aware of the aroma of an item you all of a sudden want to eat it?

For example, in a movie theater, after a large meal, you actually hold your stomach and waddle-walk to the ticket counter [okay maybe that's just me] and all of a sudden the aroma of fresh popcorn mixed with buttered flavored oil hits your nostrils and then you find yourself on line buying a bucket of it. Not a small single serving bag but a bucket. In my experience THAT is the power of suggestion. I am full after a meal, I enter a new environment and smell popcorn, my content body gets incoming information through my sense of smell and that aroma encourages a desire. That desire enables me to act. The act ends in an enormous bucket on my lap, yes shared with my companion. But never the less that means I eat something I didn't actually want. I don't know about you but I find that powerful. The placebo effect in the works? Maybe, but that's another conversation for another post.

There is one movie that comes to mind where this power is evident in my behavior every time. And that movie is Chocolat. I am not a chocoholic at all although I do like chocolate. But whenever Chocolat airs on satellite, I watch it [as if] and I must have chocolate in the house when I do. The scene where they pour chocolate sauce over the meat at the birthday party, when Juliette Bionoche pours hot chocolate for Johnny Depp in La Chocolaterie Maya and when they all prepare treats for the Easter festival gets me every time. I simply must have a piece of broken chocolate bar melting in my mouth when those scenes are on.

I was looking for that same effect while recently attending an advanced screening of Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. I read the book last year at the suggestion of Oprah. She just raved on and on about how one's third eye will open afterwards. Well mine didn't. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the book at all. I thought that it was a whiny and self absorbed account of a woman who no longer wanted to be married to a particular man, didn't want a life with him nor wanted children. The only part that I appreciated in both the film and the book was the EAT portion and that is because it took place in Italy. A place where I have been and a place where I ate well three times a day for 10 days. However I didn't gain a pound because I walked everywhere we visited in both Rome and Florence. I related to her indulging in the food experience there. One cannot imagine how fantastic the food is every place you choose. Every hole in the wall restaurant we visited had indescribably fresh and finger licking good pasta, sauce, cheese, fish and bread. And I would have to dedicate an entire post on the magic of eating Gelato. All I will say is that once you've had it sitting in Rome on the Spanish Steps looking down the street at the pedestrians and designer shops, you'll never eat American ice cream again. But I digress.

The film did not have enough of the EAT in my opinion. There were eating scenes with lovely close up shots of the food but there should have been much, much more. In fact the whole "groceries" nick name was given to her based on the amount of food that Richard in the PRAY portion of the book and film observed that she could put away. That was not evident in the film either. "Groceries" just came out of the clear blue sky. Julia should have been ravenous at every opportunity to "act" with food in the scenes. Food glorious food, why dost thou evade me?

Elizabeth was deeply emotional in the book having several moments of the ugly cry - snot on chin, red swollen eyes emotional breakdowns in her bathroom. Julia, as fantastic an actress as she may be, didn't convey those physical emotions. I can only guess because contractually she must be beautiful in every scene, with the lighting and filters just right. Because of that the film version was lovely and cinematic no doubt, with Julia droning on in voice over about the musings in her head. Julia gave me tears but not enough. In fact throughout the film Julia did display Elizabeth's selfish and unsure ways without much contemplation about the consequences. Karma being what it is, where was the payoff about what happens when you screw around with people, their emotions and ultimately their lives?

PRAY was a romp as well, first the depiction of some struggles with meditation and service were evident and then it turned into a social excursion with an elderly guru and a young bride.

LOVE was the payoff in both mediums [book and film] for Elizabeth, while still struggling with her selfish ways but now involving Felipe/Bardem, gets to be with him in the end.

So not liking the book, I did enjoy the film more but only because of the exotic locations and seeing cutie patutie (sp?) James Franco close up again. I'll have to give EPL, a far cry from the girlfriends night out that SATC was two years ago, only one star. I say save your cash and wait for it to come on cable next year. Bravo to Elizabeth Gilbert; writers dream of such success. That said, I can't even endorse this film for those who absolutely loved the book, because I don't get why you loved it. Sorry. Look if it's any consolation to the EPL fans, SATC 2 has been out for 48 hours now and I'm not pressed to see it due to all of the horrible reviews. One day though.

I'm actually looking forward to seeing the documentary "Babies". Hum, maybe today after food shopping...

Thursday thought - a brain test

2010-05-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

(www.veer.com)

I didn't plan to post anything today but a friend sent me this fantastic brain test today and I am compelled to share. [Since I copied this from my email the alignment may be off a bit. I won't know until I post this so here we go...]

FIND THE C BELOW...DO NOT USE ANY CURSOR HELP.
>
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
> OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

- If you already found the C, now find the 6 below.
>
> 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
> 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
> 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
> 69999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
> 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
> 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
>

Now find the N below. It's a little more difficult.
>
> MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMM
> MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
> MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
> MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
> MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

This is NOT a joke. If you were able to pass these three tests, you can
> cancel your annual visit to your neurologist. Your brain is great and
> you're far from having a close relationship with Mr Alzheimer.

Eonvrye whocan raed this rsaie your hnad.
>
> To my 'selected' strange-minded friends:
>
> If you can read the following paragraph, forward it on to your friends and
> the person that sent it to you with 'yes' in the subject line.Only great
> mindscan read this
> This is weird, but interesting!
>
> If you can raed this, you have a sgtrane mnid too
>
> Can you raed this? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The
> phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde
> Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the
> olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit
> pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a
> pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
> istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot
> slpeling was ipmorantt!

I've always loved brain twisters and exercises. Read the last paragraph out loud. I'm sure you'll be amazed that you don't miss a beat. If you don't get it at first just keep trying until you do. If you don't get it at all, I won't worry about it either. Sometimes it takes a minute or two to see it. Think of an optical illusion as a challenge not an evaluation.

Thank you Arthur... and keep them coming!

Me= MEat free Monday and one additional product review

2010-05-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

Monday is here again and with this day comes another meatless recipe. Yes I'm actually still supporting two campaigns simultaneously: meatless on Mondays and meatless in May.

This following recipe is from A ll recipes (dot) com and received five stars which comes in handy since I just purchased two containers of large strawberries for only $4.00. Can you believe that? Strawberries are usually so expensive. Needless to say that I'm excited. I just might switch the poppy seeds out for walnuts. I love walnuts in salads.

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

2 bunches spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
4 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions

In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and strawberries.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, paprika, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Pour over the spinach and strawberries, and toss to coat.

Now to a product that I really like. I recently attended an event that handed out samples of eco-friendly laundry detergent. The sample I received was enough for one large load. I have been using the Wonder Balls over the last several months and I love them because they use no harsh chemicals. After a load my clothes are clean and great but no fragrance. After all clean does not have a smell but I do miss fragrance in my laundry especially my linens.

So I gave my sample of Method a whirl on a load of linens and was pleased. Method uses "green" ingredients a high powered plant based formula using mostly renewable ingredients. The packaging uses less plastic and has a brilliant pump so no more detergent spilling on the floor which is also fantastic. Their log line is "For a jug-free America." Method uses smartclean technology. Method's smartclean technology™ is designed to be inside-out: detergent with the cleaning agents outside, water inside. the cleaning agents get to work right away: once they're released in the wash, they're like magnets immediately drawn to dirt and stains. and unlike traditional detergent, more of our cleaning agents are used, which is why you can use so much less and still get a great clean. 4 pumps to be exact.

[Disclaimer: I have no relationship with the manufacturer featured in this post.] I don't have any samples to share but here is a coupon if you care to give this product a try. My apologies if I sounded like a commercial. I don't want to sound cheesy. After all that's Carma Sez' job. When I like something I spread the word.

Sunday Sitar - unsolicited product review

2010-05-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

[Disclaimer: I am raising awareness of products about which I have recently become aware. I have no relationship of any kind with these manufacturers.Image courtesy of Google.]

So at the end of this, the first day of the week, I am giving short-n-sweet reviews of products that I like.

#1 FRUIT, NUT & FIBER is the recipe/flavor of this fist product a cereal by Dorset Cereals. It is a fresh tasting very good and hearty cereal that I liken to an unsweetened version of raisin bran with coconut shavings. The packaging is classy and mature, marketed to the elitist in us all. No cute bears or kooky leprechauns. The imagery is the Four Seasons hotel on an Autumn day. I look forward to sampling the other recipes/flavors.

#2 For those of you that are either not yet ready to compost nor have the space to compost. I am a fan of this biodegradable product by the Green Genius. Tall kitchen and outdoor trash bags. The following information was taken from their site.

DID YOU KNOW THAT NORMAL PLASTIC BAGS NEVER BIODEGRADE? WELL, NOT FOR A THOUSAND YEARS or so, which in our book pretty much qualifies for "never." But have no fear: Green Genius bags have been proven to biodegrade using ASTM D5511, the industry standard for determining biodegradability in a landfill environment. How do we do it? The magic ingredient is EcoPure, which basically turns our bags into food for microbes.

On top of that, our bags have everything the other guys have:

They're just as puncture resistant as national brands (3-ply strength, woohoo!).
They have our ridiculously strong drawstrings.
They're priced the same as the national brands.
PLUS, they're made from 40% recycled plastic.

About the only thing the other bags have that we don't is the ability to sit around intact for the next thousand years or so.

Please visit their site here to read all about this product and about the wonderful research that this company has conducted and continues to conduct in the name of sustainability.

#3 I may or may not have mentioned in earlier posts that I do not drink soda, I haven't in about 15 years or so. Now I can say that I don't drink toxic commercially available soda, you know, the kind that have been used in science experiments for stripping the paint off of cars and dissolving teeth in a jar. After almost 20 years of not consuming carbonated beverages I wanted to try a healthy soda. Several weeks ago I was dining at my favorite raw food cafe and there I tried Oogave "the original agave soda." I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't burn my throat as I swallowed and is not super sweet. The flavors are recognizable, are all vegan, and gluten as well as caffeine free.

Sticking to the short-n-sweet rule for today's post here's a photo. If you decide to try any of these items you will not be disappointed. Have a great week.

Dust to dust - recycle via compost

2010-05-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday the possibilities are endless for what can be accomplished today. I recently won a raffle at a belated earth day event that I attended. My grand prize was a compost bin!

Take a gander at my lovely new Soil Saver composting bin, pretty right? Just the finishing touch for any back yard. Well maybe with stickers or decoupage? This brand boasts of zero odor and zero rodent penetration. Hurray because I hear that rodents and stench can be a reason to not attempt to compost. Besides, although convenient, this would look horrible in my kitchen. Can you imagine? Don't even try.

For those unfamiliar with this way to recycle food scraps and yard leaves, per Wikipedia, composting in the early Roman Empire was to pile organic materials and let them stand for about a year, or until the next planting season, at which time the materials would be ready for soil application. The main advantage of this method is that little working time or effort is required from the composter and it fits in naturally with agricultural practices in temperate climates. Disadvantages (from the modern perspective) are that space is used for a whole year, some nutrients might be leached due to exposure to rainfall, and disease producing organisms, some weed, weed seeds and insects may not be adequately controlled.

In modern times composting is recycling waste [food scraps, yard materials-leaves, old newspaper] with and without the use of worms into decay for the purposes of fertilizing soil [in an organic way] to avoid contributing to land fills by creating bags of trash. A rapid attempt to correct some of the perceived problems associated with traditional, slow composting. Many advocate that compost can be made in 2 to 3 weeks.

Due to the fact that this bin must be assembled, this project will be put off another few weeks for I must solicit help with said assembly, after which I am looking forward to giving this compost thing a whirl. Let's see if I can make this

look like this in just three weeks

so that my flowers can look like this in a raised flower bed!

I'm not opposed to them but I do not plan to utilize worms for my first go round. I was thinking more of egg shells, food scraps, leaves, junk mail and newspaper. Worms actually do speed up the process though.

Do any of you compost? If so I'd love to hear your stories.
(photos courtesy of veer.com and Google.com)

ME = Meat Free Monday

2010-05-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well Monday's roll around so fast. Here are more delectable Meat free Monday and Meat free in May recipes for you and your family to try. The first one I created one day out of desperation and hunger. Two very fitting motivations.

#1 Deviled avocados for Breakfast or for a snack

(No actual recipe photo available yet, this one is courtesy of www.veer.com)

I created this recipe due to only having avocados one morning when I woke up remembering that I had still not gone food shopping. One large avocado per person. Peel and pit a large ripe avocado, with a fork slightly mush the 'meat' in a bowl, sprinkle Sea Salt and Cayenne pepper to taste. I like a pinch of each. And add a tea spoon of Agave nectar [for a little sweetness but not necessary]. Mince one garlic bulb and mush some more. Do not mush or blend into a creamy consistency, leave lumpy [avocado chucks] dollop onto whole wheat crackers, into the skin half or eat right out of the bowl. I prefer organic products [avocados, pepper and garlic] and crackers without many chemicals or additives.

Health benefits. Avocados add a tasty twist to your meals, and a 1-ounce serving of fresh avocados contains 0mg of cholesterol, 0mg of sodium and 0.5g saturated fat. See the chart for how avocados compare as a substitute on sandwiches, toast and in place of other popular foods. Sea Salt - here is research that I attained from health benefit of water (dot) com. There are benefits and warnings so read with caution and always consult your health care provider regarding your intake.

Dr. F. Batmanghelidj MD, the author of "You are not sick, you're thirsty!" explains that salt has many other important functions than just regulating the water content of the body. Here are only a few of it's invaluable benefits:

First, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj MD explains that salt is not bad for you. It does not raise the blood pressure. It is the insufficiency of other minerals that normally hold on to and keep water inside the cells that causes a rise in blood pressure. Given in conjunction with other minerals, salt will actually lower blood pressure to normal levels.
Salt can be very effective in stabilizing irregular heartbeats and, contrary to the misconception that it causes high blood pressure (in conjunction with water and the other essential minerals).
- One or two glasses of water with a little salt will quickly and efficiently quiet the racing and "thumping" heart and, in the long run, will reduce the blood pressure.- Talk with your doctor about the right balance of water and salt for your diet.
Salt is a strong antihistamine.- It can be used to release asthma. Put it on the tongue after drinking a glass or two of water. It is as effective as an inhaler, without the toxicity.
- it can also stop persistent dry cough and clear the lungs of mucus plugs and sticky phlegm, particularly in asthma, emphysema and cystic fibrosis sufferers.
- Salt is a strong antiseptic
Salt is vital for extracting excess acidity from inside the cells, particularly the brain cells.- if you don't want Alzheimer's disease, don't go salt-free and don't let them put you on diuretic medications for long!
Salt is vital for the kidneys to clear excess acidity and pass the acidity to the urine. Without it the body will become more and more acidic.
Salt is a strong anti stress element for the body. It is essential in the treatment of emotional and effective disorders.
- Lithium is a salt substitute that is used in the treatment of depression.
- It also essential for preserving the serotonin, melatonin and tryptamine levels in the brain - essential antidepressant neurotransmitters.
Dr. F. Batmanghelidj MD also believes that salt is vital for the prevention and treatment of the cancer. Cancer cells - he explains- cannot leave in an oxygenated environment. When the body is well hydrated and salt expends the volume of blood circulation to reach all parts of the body, the oxygen and active immune cells in the blood reach the cancerous tissue and destroy it.
Salt is also important for sleep regulation - it is a natural hypnotic
- If you drink a full glass of water, then put a few grains of salt on your tongue and let it stay there, you will fall into a natural, deep sleep.
Salt is a vitally needed element for diabetics.
- It helps balance the sugar levels in the blood and reduces the need of insulin.

*Warning! At the same time you must not overdo on salt. Always make sure you drink enough water to wash out the excess of salt.
As a rule of thumb, per day you need about 3-4 grams for every 10 glasses of water. An easier calculation is a quarter teaspoon of salt per quart of water.
Consult your doctor to determine the correct balance of salt and water for your diet!

#2 Napa Cabbage Salad - courtesy of all recipes (dot) com
Serves 6
Review - "This is a yummy, crunchy cabbage salad with toasted ramen noodles and almond slivers. The bowl is always licked clean at potlucks!"

Ingredients
1 head napa cabbage
1 bunch minced green onions
1/3 cup butter
1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles, broken
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions
Finely shred the head of cabbage; do not chop. Combine the green onions and cabbage in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Make the crunchies: Melt the butter in a pot. Mix the ramen noodles, sesame seeds and almonds into the pot with the melted butter. Spoon the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake the crunchies in the preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven, turning often to make sure they do not burn. When they are browned remove them from the oven.
Make the dressing: In a small saucepan, heat vinegar, oil, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, let boil for 1 minute. Remove the pan from heat and let cool.
Combine dressing, crunchies, and cabbage immediately before serving. Serve right away or the crunchies will get soggy.

ME= drink tea while being meat free!

2010-05-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

During my outings I happened to meet a representative of Zhena's Gypsy Tea, manufactured right here in sunny California. Click on their name to read more about Zhena.

My introduction to Zhena was their Coconut Chai flavor which I understand is their most popular tea. And I'll tell you why. It is what I'll call heaven in a clear glass mug. But before I dive into that explanation, let me tell you how they categorize their tea. First, I'll share their wonderful log line is that Zhena's Gypsy Tea is 'The Original Spirit of Tea.' And I believe that is because they are environmentally conscious and are committed to using all natural ingredients. Read more here about their process and awards. Second, their categories are Black, Green, Herbal, White, Chai and Oolong.

Okay, heaven in a clear glass mug, aka Coconut Chai which is from their Black tea category. Why a clear glass mug? Well the nerd in me [who has done this for years] likes to watch the satchel hit the steeping hot water while the herbs loosen the color and flavors into the water. You can watch this happen in an opaque mug from the top but the affect is not the same. And then I stir it a bit and put my nose over the brew and a symphony of delight hits my brain inspiring me to sip slowly adding nothing (sugar, honey, agave, milk) - nothing. My logic is if the tea is delicious without altering it, it is worth discussing. But I digress.

Coconut Chai is a bitter sweet delight. The package smells like coconut macaroons. The blend of Indian black tea, organic cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, orange peels, nutmeg, black pepper are the bitter portion. The sweet portion is the organic cinnamon essential oil and the organic coconut flavor and chunks. BTW these ingredients are listed on their website so I'm not divulging any secrets. When all flavors are combined the bittersweet result is lovely on the pallet and I didn't miss adding sweetener. But keep in mind that I'm a recovering sugar addict. Although adding sweetener to this tea is certainly not out of the question in my opinion it is not always necessary to enjoy the experience. Coconut Chai stands boldly on it's own. I get why this is Zhena's Gypsy Tea's most popular flavor.

And just look at the tea satchels. They are beautifully made from biodegradable, GMO free corn silk. A pleasure for the eye as well as the pallet.

The other two flavors that I've tried are the Bed & Breakfast Black tea and the Peach Blossom Oolong Tea.

Bed & Breakfast, what I had this morning, is a blend of gourmet Black teas. The package smells like spicy licorice [a scent that I love]. I added one table spoon of French deluxe vanilla powder to it while leaving the bag in the mug to stew a bit more and yum. This tea with a few vegetable crackers made for a nice quick breakfast leaving me not wanting anything more to eat. The perfect start my my day.

Yesterday I had the Peach Blossom Oolong. The package smells like peach sorbet. This tea has a great flavor mixture of Black teas and peach. It was a stronger experience for me. I liken Oolong tea compared to the others types of tea as the difference between dark and milk chocolate. It's all good :-). After a few minutes of stewing this was enough to capture the full bodied Oolong and the peach surprise. My opinion is if this flavor stews too long this may be overwhelming as it is quite robust. Because I enjoyed the peach surprise I won't make the mistake of over brewing a second time. If your pallet prefers strong flavors this tea is definitely for you. Oolong flavor is more akin to Green Tea than Black tea and the peach is the perfect compliment to the Oolong. I had this tea in the evening after dinner and it satisfied me. A few final notes about Oolong is that it is very beneficial. It is known to help control obesity, and is a good source of oxidation. Oolong is considered an honorary tea in Japan and has been enjoyed by tea connoisseurs in China.

I have several other teas to enjoy and I'm excited to let you know all about them because so far Zhena's Gypsy Tea is genius from their attention to detail in their research and beautiful packaging, to the unique blends, to their Fair Trade practices.

[Disclosure: I was invited to review this product by the manufacturer. All images courtesy of www.gypsytea.com]

ME = Meat free in May

2010-05-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

(www.veer.com)

Since I am supporting two meatless campaigns, Meatless Monday and Go Meatless in May, it is appropriate to post as many meat alternative recipes as I can. Therefore I have found a few others that you may enjoy with your family. I haven't tried these yet but the day is young and I must still shop for food.

Enjoy!

www.supportmfm.org

http://www.facebook.com/MeatlessMay?ref=ts&utm_source=Weekday+Newsletter&utm_campaign=dc60fa5853-Your_Daily_Thread_Weekly_Newsletter9_25_2009&utm_medium=email

The following are from all recipes (dot) com after I searched for the best/most popular vegetarian recipes:

#1 Candied Walnut Gorgonzola Salad

Prep Time:5 Min

Cook Time:5 Min

Ready In:10 Min

Ingredients

1/2 cup walnut halves
1/4 cup sugar
3 cups mixed greens
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 tablespoon raspberry vinaigrette
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Place walnuts and sugar in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves into a light brown liquid and coats the walnuts. Remove walnuts from skillet, and spread them out on a sheet of aluminum foil to cool.
Place in a large salad bowl the mixed greens, cranberries, cheese, vinaigrette, vinegar, and olive oil. Toss gently; add candied walnuts, and toss again.

#2 Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole

Prep Time:30 Min

Cook Time:30 Min

Ready In:1 Hr

Ingredients

4 cups sweet potato, cubed
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Put sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan with water to cover. Cook over medium high heat until tender; drain and mash.
In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, salt, butter, milk and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In medium bowl, mix the sugar and flour. Cut in the butter until the mixture is coarse. Stir in the pecans. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly brown.

[Alert - the following paragraph discusses physical and biological observations during a meat free lifestyle.]

I must say that I an not a vegetarian however over the past several months I've been enjoying delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine very much and have noticed a difference in my physicality. My skin is clearer, my menstrual cycle has normalized [the regulation of such a condition was the catalyst to having my having a stroke], and bowl movements are more frequent and healthier looking. Per my health coach Dr. Foster and America's doctor, Dr. Oz, they are supposed to have a lighter color, be a little fluffy in water and float, not have a dark color and sink to the bottom of the bowl.

I have more energy, purchasing vegetarian food is kinder to my budget since I must shop more regularly.

Habits. The rule is DO NOT KEEP PREPARED FOOD REFRIGERATED FOR MORE THAN TWO DAYS. This means more trips to the grocery store during the week. If I buy greens for salads, 'grain' meat [like Field Roast], or if I cook a meal [pasta] and there are left overs, those left overs are tossed away if they are not eaten up by day two. That rule is because bacteria can grow even in the refrigerator and can contaminate your food. What I do keep for about a week is fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, kiwi). Per my health coach even frozen foods are not recommended for preservation for more than 10 days.

Visiting the market several times per week is a lifestyle change but it does not have to be costly. It takes education [knowing that you must change], a mental shift [deciding to change], research [finding alternative meals], planing and budgeting. Bunches of greens, and other types of vegetables are pennies and you leave the market with quite a bounty for dinner. There is a market near my home that sells 10 cloves of garlic for $1.00. You can't beat that with a stick. Optimal health and wellness is a lifestyle choice and changing habits can be a challenge. It is for me. However like the no pain no gain philosophy at the gym, one can adapt to change in our nutrition plans order to lessen trips to the doctor and to discover how much fun it can be to eliminate meat for a day or so.

I used to think that vegetables were just a side dish but because of very talented chefs these days they are the meal. Take a look at these foto search images in order of appearance: cannelloni with oregano, hummus with cherry tomato sandwich, veggie lasagna, miso cake with beetroot sauce, veggie pizza, veggie burger, pasta, veggie sushi, this last image is from Plum Bistro in Seattle and I have no idea what vegetable this is under the sauce but look at it, does it matter? Yum.

ME = Meat Free Monday

2010-05-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

(www.veer.com)

Continuing with meat free [or meatless] Monday here are two more recipes and a link to the MFM campaign site for your perusal: Meat Free Monday campaign.

These recipes [that I have not yet tried] are from the California Department of Health Services. Enjoy!

#1 Italian Style Broccoli and Pasta

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

2 cups whole wheat fettucini noodles. uncooked
3 Tablespoons green onion (scallions), chopped
2 cups broccoli florets
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (14.5 ounce) stewed tomatoes
2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese

Cook noodles according to package instructions (do not include oil or salt), and drain. Spray a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray; stir-fry onion and broccoli for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add seasonings (but not the Parmesan cheese) and tomatoes; simmer until heated through. Spoon vegetable mixture over noodles and top with Parmesan cheese.

Serves: 4

#2 Springtime Saute


Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
1 teaspoon Olive oil ½ cup Sweet onion, sliced 1 Garlic clove, finely chopped 3-4 Potatoes, quartered ¾ cup Carrots, sliced ¾ cup Asparagus, cut into pieces ¾ cup Sugar snap peas (or green beans) ½ cup Radishes, quartered ¼ teaspoon Salt ¼ teaspoon Black pepper ½ teaspoon Dried dill
Heat oil in a skillet. Cook the onions for 2 minutes and then add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in potatoes and carrots. Cover, turn the heat on low. Cook until tender. Add aspargus, peas, radishes, salt, pepper, and dill. Cook, stirring often, until just tender. Serve immediately.

*Serves:* 4

ME = Meat Free Monday

2010-05-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

So I finally saw Julie & Julia. A very sweet film about a young woman [Julie Powell] who was inspired by a woman whom she didn't know [Julia Child] and in spite of their never meeting one another, Julia Child inspired Julie Powell to change her life by thinking out of the box and doing something new in order to find self actualization. Well as I've said before, I am carnivorous but I do enjoy the occasional vegetarian/vegan meal.

I am consistently surprised by the fantastic meal alternatives to meat. Today in my support of the Meat Free Monday campaign that was initiated by Sir Paul McCartney [a long time vegetarian] I am going to share a recipe and a restaurant. Now, I'm not a vegetarian so I'm not trying to convert you all into becoming one either. I just love veggie recipes. So I share my new passion with you.

Try this meat alternative meal tonight for you family - recipe I copied directly from the Meat Free Monday web site www.supportmfm.org

Spinach Pie ( Enough to serve 7 people)

Ingredients:

Pastry:
plain flour - 340g
butter - 170g
iced water to bind

Mix:
Onion, peeled and sliced - 2
Butter - 30g
Potato, peeled 2cm cube & par cook - 1ech
English spinach, picked & blanched - 180g
Montgomery cheddar, grated - 285g
Eggs - 3
Double cream - 6tblsp
Thyme/ parsley - few springs
Nutmeg - trace

Method:

Caramelise the onions with thyme. Cool. Rough chop spinach and add to onions and potato once cooled. Add remaining ingredients and season maybe with a little pepper easy on salt as cheese is salty.

Roll pastry out and line a mould as you would for a pork pie.

Bake 200c for 25 minutes

SERVE WITH PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI TOSSED IN EVO & LEMON JUICE ON A WOODEN BOARD.

THIS DISH IS TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SHOT OF ASPALS APPLE CYDER.

Also my friend T recently introduced me to a fun joint in L.A. called Pure Luck whose logo is a cute pig [of all things.] I was intrigued when T told me that I had to try their sandwiches/wraps because they were made from a fruit that when prepared correctly, looks like meat. You all know that I had to try this meat-fruit. So, I did and was very impressed because after some research this meat-fruit is actually Jackfruit. Jackfruit can simulate the LOOK of pulled pork or shredded beef. But it tastes like what it is cooked in much like escargot (snail). If you cook them in butter or in my case BBQ sauce, it tastes like BBQ'd meat. That may be a tad hard to picture so I've provided a photo of a BBQ Jackfruit "pulled-pork" sandwich:

Well I can confirm that it is delicious. I even took a piece of the fruit, rubbed off the sauce and ate it 'plain.'
it was tasty without sauce as well. Those are sweet potato fries, pinto beans, onions, cilantro and pickles on a gluten free bread. So for the nay-sayers out there, you CAN have thoroughly satisfying vegetarian and vegan meals without missing the taste and effects of meat. FREE YOUR MIND today and an animal while you're at it.

[Disclaimer: I have no relationship of any kind with Pure Luck or the Meat Free Monday organization. I'm just spreading the word.]

Le-e-e-t the sunshine in, le-e-e-t the sunshine in, the sun shine In!

2010-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hello my bloggy friends. It has been quite a while since I've written anything. I've been wrapped up in ME land. I'll explain the details of that later. Although my confession is a bit self indulgent it is not without due cause. While I'm still waiting for my license, [my fingerprints were lost by the state workers, so I must have them rescanned. Breathe... but I won't get into my rant about the sad, pitiful condition of the bureaucratic menagerie of California State licensing departments.] I've made a decision to launch my own Eco event planning business, utilizing the wonderful contacts that I've made during my blogging hiatus.

In case your wondering what the heck an Eco event planning business is here is the definition of Eco by the urban dictionary: Eco describes a sub-social group of people who are passionate about the enviroment. Like any other social group Ecos are identified by their group behavior, clothing styles, and in some cases dogma or activism. Related sub-social groups are Hippies and New Agers. Funny description right? All my life I've loved all things vintage and resonated with hippies of all kinds now called new agers. Rather than blankly labeling them as weired, I see them as conscious people who have spent significant amounts of time working on their respective causes. From the local and global environment to animals slated for extinction to recycling glass and plastic instead of further polluting our landfills. Hippies are the collective conscience of us all. Without their movements and causes we would not know how dangerous it is to breathe in the toxins from burnt plastic we just toss away. Our trash is either burned, piled in our landfills or tossed into our our oceans. Anyway my Eco company will educate clients on how to 'green' their events and then coordinate those events not only for those in the green community but also for those who are leaning into becoming green thus reducing their carbon footprint. We can all be sustainable on and under budget if we try, if we stay informed without compromising our personalities or personal styles. JUST MAKE BETTER CHOICES. Once I officially launch you all will be among the first to know.

To randomly quote one of my favorite movies Baby Boom, "I just want to turn on the faucet and know that water is coming out of it, I don't want to know where the water is coming from!" Well we should all want to know where our trash goes when were done with our meal. Paper, plastic goods, food scraps, decorations, etc.

Did you know that napkins and paper towels take about 100 years to disintegrate in our land fills? It's better to use cloth and wash them. Or that the amount of livestock production responsible for greenhouse gas emissions is 18% which is more than the entire transport sector? CO2 emissions are extremely harmful to our environment and by extension to our bodies. We can learn to compost our scraps of food, grow our own food and our own herbs so that we can know where it's coming from and that no pesticides were used to preserve it. Soon I'll recommend a few documentaries that you should watch to jump start you into becoming more 'green.'

Which brings us back to ME land. Rather than concentrating on myself, wollowing in my world, I find it's better to help others through volunteering, reducing my income rate to help a cause, or assisting green organizations with their missions. So for the month of May, ME stands for MEATLESS. By giving up one day of being a carnivorous person per week I'm doing my part to cut down on the amount of green house gas emissions that affects our world. There are two campaigns that I support:

1.

Sir Richard Branson [of the Virgin Empire] said it best,"I love eating meat, but I love our planet even more, so I will join this campaign and stop eating meat at least one day a week"

and...

2.
By supporting these causes I am decreasing my carbon footprint and increasing my health consciousness. I love eating meat but I love my body more and I'd like to leave the planet in tact for the next generation.

Other than not eating meat every Monday in May, or by giving up meat all together for one month of the year. I can also share great vegetarian and vegan recipes, restaurants with you that I've indulged in recently and give personal health progress reports. Won't that be fun?

So there you have it, it's good to be back. I'm excited.

The update that I promised

2010-03-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

(courtesy of veer.com)

Experiment with this mental model: It is my duty and privilege to be of service. I will do whatever I can to make life easier for all people who cross my path. --Srikumar Rao
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far place. --Russian Proverb

So after three months of studying and several headaches,cocktails, and missed blog posts and comments later, I passed my state exam!

After not being in any type of class for more than 20 years, I found it challenging at times but my 'sticktoittiveness' paid off. Yesterfay, my instructor, Marcello, trekked downtown to the exam site to encourage me, and waited around with me to get my score. Incidentally he has a 100% success rate of students passing the exam on the first round [you get several rounds in a year to pass]. That was not my story however because I just met Marcello two weeks ago. Before his class, I took an Internet class and engaged in independent home study. I did not pass the first time, although I knew the material. So the on line school reimburses you part of your fees if you fail. I'm anticipating a check any day now.

The racket is that the Internet class does not work, so you tend sock more cash into Internet cram courses, etc. before you even realize that. The cram courses were utterly uselesss as well. So what you must do is seek out an instructor to teach you the material and teach you how to pass the state exam. As I've discovered these exams are set up for you to fail unless you know how to correctly answer the questions. It's truly a process. Regardless, I'm a winner!! After we were told that I passed, my instructor took pictures of me at the testing site - very cute of him.

Not only that, he asked me to accompany him back to the school to address the new class and to share my experience. Encouragement comes from the oddest places.

Now that I am daring to try an alternative career, I'll be in training to do this job to the highest standard, which means that I'll be out of the blogshpere a little while longer. But in the mean time in between time I'll be visiting and commenting on your blogs periodically as well as being social with my friends and loved ones in order to maintain the balance in my life. My dear friend and health coach, Dr. Daoud, took me out to celebrate my hard work at a fantastic vegan/raw food restaurant called Sun Power Cafe'. Click on the restaurant name to see photos of the food and restaurant interior. They have the most yummy raw pizza I've ever had. That may sound gross to you but it's truly delectable. Flavorful, pretty and good for you due to the live enzymes in the uncooked products. Uncooked does not mean cold. [woo, woo alert] It means higher nutrition/higher vibrations. All you have to do is erase the pizza experience you've had so far and dare to imagine a better/different experience. Now, to me, raw means tasty and nutritious. Click HERE to check out their menu. Please share any raw food experiences you'd had, I'd love to hear about them.

It can't all be about work now can it?

Thank you for your encouraging emails, comments and concerns. I do miss all of my blog friends but I'll never be too far away. My life is shifting and all I'm doing is navigating the adjustment.

Big ((hug)) to you all!

Sunday Sitar - That's what's up!

2010-03-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today, I am filled with gratitude but not with my own words. So as I document my current life in this photo essay I've used the words of others to present my story. Enjoy, and I promise to eventually keep you posted in my own words as things develop.

1. In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. --Aaron Rose

2. Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. --George Smith Patton

(all photos are courtesy of www.veer.com)
3. Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. --Vincent Van Gogh

4. I don't see the human as hopeless. There's a general tendency to presume people just act for short-term profit. But anyone who knows about small-town businesses and how people in a community relate to one another realizes that many of those decisions are not just for profit and that humans do try to organize and solve problems. --Elinor Ostrom

5. If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction. --Martin Kornfeld

6. Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. --Martin Luther King, Jr

7. Think about the role competition plays in your life. Find ways to replace that competition with cooperation in a way that you and your peers can both thrive. - Author unknown.

8. Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on earth to do. --Virgil

9. Consider a situation you're struggling with, and come with new questions to ask that challenge the status-quo.- Author unknown.

10. The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

11. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. --Leo Buscaglia

12. Oneness is very simple: everything is included and allowed to live according to its true nature. --Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

13. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. --Lao Tzu

14. Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. --John Muir

15. If nothing else, my life has taught me one thing: The mind and body that I have are the only mind and body that I have. They deserve my attention. And when I give it, I receive so much more in return. --Matthew Sanford

16. If we can really understand the problem, the answer will come out of it, because the answer is not separate from the problem. --J. Krishnamurti

17. Consider your own life and where you might've fallen into the 'efficiency trap;' take a step towards 'slow' and 'small.'- Author unknown.

18. Try to push beyond your comfort zone to make a difference for someone else today.- Author unknown.

19. The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides and gravitation, we shall harness the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire. --Pierre Tielhard de Chardin

20. Learn more about Roots of Peace and how one penny can can go a long way.- Author unknown.

21. To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. --Joseph Chilton Pierce

A picture is worth 1000 words, right? Like a good Hollywood movie, draw your own conclusion until further notice. BTW, the quotes that resonate most with me today [and there are several] are #2, 3, 7, 13, 16, 19 and 21. Have a fantastic Sunday!

Is this mic on? Crunch, crunch, crunch

2010-03-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

I'm still in my own little world making things happen. BTW my friend Jon did not win the academy award for his documentary short this year. Maybe next year :-)

In the interim, a few quotes from Help Others.org and The Daily Good publications for your reading pleasure.
#7 and #9 are particular favorites of mine this week.

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. --C. S. Lewis
I have a personal philosophy in life: kindness begets kindness. --Drew Johnson
"So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind, while just the art of being kind, is all the sad world needs." -- Ella Cox Wheeler
To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. --Joseph Chilton Pierce
I don't see the human as hopeless. There's a general tendency to presume people just act for short-term profit. But anyone who knows about small-town businesses and how people in a community relate to one another realizes that many of those decisions are not just for profit and that humans do try to organize and solve problems. --Elinor Ostrom
Oneness is very simple: everything is included and allowed to live according to its true nature. --Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. --Jon Kabat-Zinn
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. --Dalai Lama
I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution. --Andrew Carnegie
If a woman can only succeed by emulating men, I think it is a great loss and not a success. The aim is not only for a woman to succeed, but to keep her womanhood and let her womanhood influence society. --Suzanne Brogger

And I have a new snack to add to my favorites list. I just picked it up from my local health food market. These are great with [on the side of] or crumbled on top of a salad. Introducing wheat free, gluten free, whole grain curry Sticks and Twigs by Mary's Gone Crackers [No monetary relationship, I'm a new fan.]

God Winks

2010-03-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

God has the cutest ways to let us know that he hasn't forgotten about us. He'll send someone our way to be kind, a phone call will come just as we need it or we'll read something so RIGHT ON TIME with your thoughts that no doubts or questions have room to enter in.

Over the past few days there have been a parade of God winks in my life. For a long time, I thought that God had forgotten about me, and then a peaceful thought came to me "Remember who you are!" This thought came out of the blue as I was comfortable in my negative self talk. When life blind sides me I feel like my radar should have been razor sharp. Having a stroke in my sleep and surviving that trauma is no small life event to overcome.

Everything was interrupted: confidence, esteem, drive, career, personal life, everything! All the traits that made me ME turned topsy. But then a whispering in my spirit came to me one day, stating "Remember who you are. You are who I SAID that you are. You can have the things I SAID that you can have. MY WORD is alive and active. I never speak things into the atmosphere that don't come to pass. When your negativity rises in your thoughts/actions just stop a moment to remember who you are in me. Live that truth every day and keep watch."

I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag too soon about what's going on in my life so THAT will have to be a separate post. And since I'll most likely be busy with Academy Award parties tomorrow, here is my Sitar a day early.

Saturday [usually Sunday] Sitar.
I've been reading many publications about personal development. If we stop working on ourselves we become uninteresting. While I don't mean to be the conscience for others at all, I do mean for people to have a pleasant experience whenever they encounter me. Light after all is better than darkness. Although darkness, like all things, has it's purpose it just has no purpose with me. Was that corny?

Well regardless, I literally stumbled upon the writings of Jiddu Krishnamurti who was widely known for his philosophical and spiritual thoughts and teachings. He rejected the notion of being a guru or leader, which I admire. All that he wanted was to think critically about things that concern all of us every day. He pointed to the need for bringing to our daily lives a deeply meditative and spiritual quality. He was not interested in beginning a movement. Because I find his thought process interesting I'd like to share just a few excerpts of his philosophies on Skillfulness and Clarity from his book The Wholeness of Life.

We have become very skillful in dealing with our daily life; skillful, in the sense of being clever in applying a great deal of knowledge which we have acquired through education and experience.

...skill becomes, through repetitive action, routine. Skill, when it is highly developed – as it should be – leads to self-importance and self-aggrandizement. Skill has brought us to our present state, not only technologically, but in our relationships, in the way we deal with each other – not clearly, not with compassion, but with skill.

Is there an action, in our daily life, which is skillful yet which does not perpetuate the self, the me, which does not give importance to one’s self-centered existence? To answer that one has to inquire into what clarity is; when there is clarity there is action which is skillful and which does not perpetuate the self.

Clarity exists only when there is freedom to observe. One is only capable of observing, looking, watching, when there is complete and total freedom; otherwise there is always distortion in the observation.

As long as there is the center as the me, every action must be distorted. Acting from a center you’re giving a direction, and that direction is distortion. You may develop a great skill in this way but it is always unbalanced, inharmonious. Now, can consciousness with its movement undergo a radical transformation, a transformation not brought about by will. Will is desire, desire for something and when there is desire there is a motive, which is again a distorting factor in observation.

Have a great week!

Out on a Limb Day #3

2010-03-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

So today was my third day of volunteering at radio station KPFK. Yes the pledge drive is over [no more ~~begging for money~~ anticipating tax deductible financial donations] however, for many reasons, the morning hosts have no consistent help. The host whose show airs at 7:00 am preps her show at 6:00 am, lining up guests, researching material and writing copy to read on air. No wait I'm lying. She lines up guests a day or two before the show airs. How ~~pissed off~~ delighted would you be to receive a call [while getting out of the shower] from a radio talk show host saying that your conversation was going to air in five, four, three, two...and you're on!

So guests lined up before hand, yes. But the copy [you see that's news lingo for a sheet detailing the news stories to be discussed] is always prepared the day of the show. Well that was my volunteer gig today. At 6:30 am I prepared copy, never having done it before. And although it was a tad lengthy [we don't want to seem like we have little-to-no erudition] she used it, editing her dialog along the way. The copy was a subject about which I was quite unfamiliar but the volunteer veteran that I am jumped into the deep end of the pool. She even thanked me on air quite unexpectedly.

Stay tuned for more stories from the hot seat of morning radio.

(courtesy of veer.com)

Sunday Sitar - Out on a limb day II

2010-02-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories" -- George Eliot
The beginning of this new week enables me to be grateful that I have the opportunity to tithe my time, talents and abilities. Last [this past] Friday was day two of my participation as a volunteer for the radio pledge drive. The personalities/hosts of each show pitched their hearts out for donations to keep the operations of the station alive.

Before the hour, each host came into the phone room to inform us of what premiums they included and that they were anticipating a flood of calls. The hosts even stayed after their respective shows to help answer phones, which was great to witness. They do care. So When Michael Moore called during one of the programs the steam of calls went from trickle, to flurry, to flooded to BOOM in a matter of moments. The excitement was palpable without feeling panicked. The phones were already trickling due to the fantastic premiums that were attached to certain donation levels when suddenly the writer/director of one of the gifts calls the station and is put on air to speak with the host of the show - BOOM - pandemonium!! That was a fantastically crazy 40 minutes of calls. We didn't have enough volunteers to answer the phones during the rush. Reception ran into the phone room saying that the lines were flooding at the front desk so we all became individual machines. Show hosts, volunteers, staff, and visitors were all answering phones. Many people were calling from the freeway, grabbing their credit cards while navigating their cars. I encouraged every caller who told me they were driving to pull over, stop and then continue the call. Now whether or not they complied was their decision. However the monetary target goal gap decreased tremendously during that time span.

I-had-no-idea that radio programming was so expensive. This commercial free station must host a pledge drive three times per year in order to stay afloat. And they have existed for sixty-one years. Now I'll do my part.

Today, Sunday February 28th is the last day of the fund drive for KPFK which means when you tune in the hosts will not ask for financial support until the next drive. However they appreciate our donations at any point during the year.

KPFK/Pacifica radio is a commercial free*, progressive and independent news, talk and music station that grew in the 1940's from the peace movement surrounding WWII. Can you imagine if blogging was restricted? I'd be frustrated if I could not write about the things that mattered to me. I gather that you would too. What if you couldn't share your arts and crafts, family photos, religious beliefs, recipes, books or promote other blogs on your site? That would be a drag and ultimately everyone of our blogs would morph into one format... Bor-ing. Yeah I want to read two or three hundred of the same blogs day in and day out. Vive la difference!

To read more about the mission and history of KPFK click here.
If you'd like to familiarize yourself with the station, listen to a live broadcast click here.
If you have a heart for independent thought and would like to pledge a donation [while receiving some interesting, informative and fun gift premiums] please click here.
They also have a program where anyone can donate their vehicle to the station as well the profits from those donations are just like giving cash. To find out more about that program click here for details.

Am I the primo pitch woman or what?

*Free from corporate sponsorship. This enables independent, progressive thoughts to be shared.

Thoughtful Thursdays

2010-02-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

I posted this subject on my Essential Bindi blog and thought it was so special that I wanted to post it here as well. Yesterday, my father was having a day of events that did not align the way that he set them up. Needless to say he was annoyed. Have yaw'll ever had one of those days? So when he received this gift from me, in the midst of his day, it lifted his spirits and put a smile on his face. Yes that's my Dad holding my gift delivered special from the equator. For all of the skeptics - that rose is real; no digital special effects, plastic, wire, silk or paint was involved. He told me how wonderfully fragrant it is as well as being beautifully colored.

I did plan for the gift to be delivered yesterday but of course I didn't know that my Dad's day was going to be Topsy. So I was happy that it all turned out so well. Dad resolved the kinks in his plans and received a surprise bonus from the coolest person in the family. God winks at us and lets us know that He is there and that He cares.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. --Cynthia Ozick

[Photo courtesy of Wayne Ottley]

Out on a Limb Day #1

2010-02-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

(photos courtesy of veer.com)

I am pooped I just came home from an all day volunteer shift at the radio station. Since they let me set my own schedule so the words slave driver doesn't apply. I met about 20 dedicated, funny, helpful and accommodating people whose personalities were wonderfully colorful. The station is having an annual pledge drive. There were lulls during the less popular shows and crazy busy times of phones ringing off the hook during the more popular shows. Nothing unmanageable though. I spoke with the public all day long. Have you ever done this? It is an exhausting task to undertake for free. The station did pay for our meals all day, which was thoughtful. Restaurants and local cooks donated all of the [mostly vegan] food. I was happy to not have to shop, chop, & cook for myself in order to eat tonight.

The public is such a trip to deal with on a moment by moment basis. I was labeled as "the poor new volunteer who received most of the weird calls" today. The fantastic Volunteer Coordinator J. showed me the ropes and asked me to step into the ring. I obliged, answering the calls of mostly very nice but I did get some doozies. One man had turrets syndrome, a few folks called just to hang up in my ear hang and my favorite story is next.

A woman called during the regular evening news program of a male host. She had notes on the hosts topic. Funny right? Drive time editorial content producing. Using a tactic taught to us by J. the Volunteer Coordinator, she was asked if she wanted to simply make a donation. She refused, only wanting to get her point across. She asked us to take notes of her thoughts and opinions, walk them into the booth while the man was on air to tell him that 'he was wrong and should recant his commentary, make an on air apology, and then discuss her thoughts.' Um sure, we'll get right on that task lady. She was offered to be transfered to the COMMENTS LINE. This was set up to not indulge these types of callers. Can you feel the pain of the person whose job it is to answer the COMMENT LINE? There is an extension for folks like her especially set up in order for them to rant onto a VM as to not bug anyone at the station. Well she didn't take that option. She was then asked if she wanted to be put on the air with the host to discuss her thoughts with him on a national platform. But no, she swiftly back peddled from that suggestion, she ranted a tad more and then she hung up. Thwarted! Or so we all thought. Now that would have made interesting radio.

Moments later, she called back to MAKE A PLEDGE! After all of the drama she actually donated cash. Unbelievable I tell ya. People are funny!!

I enjoyed the experience so much that I scheduled myself to go back on Friday. I look forward to the kookiness that awaits. Stay tuned...

Out on a limb

2010-02-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will be stepping out of my box to volunteer at a national radio station. Back in the 90's I volunteered at a hospital in the pediatric ward for a year and that was more fun than I imagined it would be. I thought I'd cross the line by becoming attached to the children especially the babies. I assumed I'd be a heaving mess when any of the illnesses progressed or when the children were discharged. Nope, I was cool. Among all of the children I only had about three favorites [two toddlers and one baby]. I spent more time with these particular three than any volunteer should have. My attachments to them were authentic but controlled. Eventually the two toddlers passed away and the baby girl was put into foster care. I used to purchase dresses for her since she was left at the hospital by her parents who were substance abusers. That was encouraged by the volunteer coordinator. Since the nurses where aware of my shift they'd dress the baby in the clothes that I provided her so I'd have the chance to see her in them before she was placed with a family. I never shed one tear over the children which surprised me but I have fond memories of our story time and our play time together.

So, I look forward to sharing my new venture with all of you. I know absolutely nothing about the radio business. Maybe in this case ignorance will be bliss. We'll see. No pun intended but stay tuned...

(photos courtesy of veer.com)

Monday Moxie

2010-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

All of the people quoted in this post have gumption; a very admirable quality. Enjoy!

(photo courtesy of veer.com)

The greatest distance in the world is the 14 inches from our minds to our hearts. --Agnes Baker Pilgrim
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. --Eleanor Roosevelt
The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose. --Heda Bejar
Happiness is a journey, not a destination - Alfred D. Souza
When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.--HH The Dalai Lama
True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. --Martin Luther King, Jr.
I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness. --Mother Teresa
Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you. --Augustine of Hippo
Courage is grace under pressure. --Ernest Hemingway
The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides and gravitation, we shall harness the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire. --Pierre Tielhard de Chardin
There are two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.-
Albert Einstein

I have to admit that #3 and 6 are my favorites today.