Category Archives: Medical

Spring Forth

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“From heav’nly  thoughts all true delights doth spring.”                                  ~ Thomas Cameron

By the end of winter, I’ve looked long enough at all the shades of gray, brown and white. I have grown weary of seeing the natural landscape wearing the same colors for five months or more. By the end of winter, I am color deprived and am ready for the earth to deck itself out in an assortment of pastels and greens, once again.

Floral paintings have a special place in my heart and my art collection includes many. In the dead of winter, I find botanical paintings especially comforting and meaningful. During the cold, gray days of winter, I find myself studying the floral compositions. They help me to remember that Mother Nature never fails to burst forth with a whole new landscape every spring.

Today, I am going to indulge myself and buy a bunch of daffodils from the Visiting Nurse Association. Every March, the VNA sells bouquets of spring to those in need of a splash of color in their lives. Nurses know alot about healing the body, but they also know how to heal the spirit. Their fundraiser of selling daffodils comes just when it is most needed. In my previous place of residence, one of my friends reliably showed up at my door, impromptu, bouquet in hand every March. She instinctively knew when I needed a lift of color and spirit after a long, long winter.

It was then, that we knew it was time to talk and plan for our upcoming season of perennial flower gardening.  Vermont has the best climate for perennial flowers – the days are not too hot; cool and dewy nights. I find fulfillment, like no other, out puttering in my garden from May til October.  There is something rejuvenating and life affirming about working the soil and the earth. To me, it is not toiling, it is pure pleasure! Any shreds of artistic talents I have, are best put to use in the garden.

The season of darkness has begun to diminish. Daylight Savings Time allows us to witness, for an extended period each day, the pastel hues that slowly paint the natural canvas, called earth. Watch in awe and wonder as Mother Nature does her thing this spring!

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Things that Mean the Most

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“Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

As Americans live longer and continue to work well beyond what used to be retirement age, the world has become a “melting pot” of four generations in the business world. Decision making can be complex. All four generations bring their own ideas of what they value, a different range of attitudes, expectations, habits and motivational thinking. No wonder it is difficult to reach a consensus on what matters most!

All of us get exhausted by hearing the squabbling between political parties. It concerns me that we can not come to a consensus on so many issues. Perhaps we ought to discard Republican, Independent and Democratic ballot voting!

I propose we start anew! Let’s form an alternative party  called the “New Party V.” Voting would be based on fundamental principles of what fulfills us most, as individuals. “The New Values Party” members must work within the truths of their conscience, and take an oath of no lobbying allowed. The new ballot would read something like this.

Choose 6 values which most resemble your own and rank them in importance. #1 being top priority, # 6 being the lowest.

  • Respect for elders and authority
  • Unquestioning and silent
  • Traditional (nuclear) family
  • Individuality
  • Being adept in technology
  • Flexibility
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Family – Centric
  • Achievement Oriented
  • Team Oriented
  • Attention Craving
  • Emphasis on Call me at Work
  • Communication through Technology
  • Instant Gratification and Satisfaction
  • Merged Families
  • Accepting of Intrusion of Space

I am not sure the outcome of an election using the new ballot would be much different than the situation we have right now. There could be some disturbing results using the new ballot, too. Personally, I feel the priorities and values of the American people need to be re-aligned.

Who are you and how do you define and express yourself in this world? What principles do you most closely identify with? Be honest!

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Amy’s Angels Remember

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“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”                          ~  Jeremy Irons

I am going to be in hot water with our regular blog followers if I do not mention the outcome of “Relay for Life: Nordic Style”  that “Amy’s Angels” participated in last weekend at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. It is hosted by the American Cancer Society as a fundraiser for cancer awareness and also as a way of remembering and honoring all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer.

The team we established in memory of our friend Amy, won the prize for the largest contribution in fundraising. How awesome is that? With our friend, Kathleen (Chatter as we call her) at the helm, we managed to raise almost $14,000!! Can you believe it? Well, I can! With little Miss Chatterbox at the lead, she chatted up the event to every person that she has ever encountered in life! She knows, first hand, the importance of finding a cure for cancer, and the need for raising the funds. Chatterbox- thanks for leading the way and remember “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” ~ unknown

It was a bittersweet weekend. It was a chance for our sisterhood of more than 30 years to have a reunion and to be there to support Amy’s surviving daughter during the weekend of remembering Amy on what would have been her 58th birthday. We had promised Amy two years ago, at our seaside reunion, that we would carry on with  the race, with her or without. Sadly, her absence was greatly felt and her presence greatly missed.

Next year, and hopefully every year,  “Amy’s Angels” look forward to reuniting and remembering our friend. While we, “the sisterhood” are apart fulfilling our daily routines, we will spend time in quiet reverence for all those who have fought the battles of breast cancer.

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Educating Women

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“Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint on it you can.” ~ Danny Kaye

On Friday, I had the honor of speaking to the Yampa Valley University Women. The title of my presentation was “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.”  I kept the presentation to the basics, but wanted to share with all the University Women the fact that the independent publishing industry was grown 40% since 2008 and it now represents almost 50% of the publishing industry revenues. I mentioned that desktop publishing software has become user friendly, short run printing is now available and freelance consultants are readily available to help with every part of the publishing process. We talked of the power of the internet and of selling books worldwide through e-commerce.

I set up a display table with examples of independently published books, DVDs and cds. After the women had a chance to see the publications, a remark was made that years ago, independently published books were quite “amateurish” in appearance. The group was astonished to see that,  now, there is nothing that distinguishes an independently published book from a book produced by a big-top traditional publishing house.  My comment was that “we could thank the advances in desktop publishing software for that.”

As I spoke, I looked around the room, and realized that there was not a woman in the crowd that did not have an interesting story to tell. I determined they were all “artists in life and living.” All were well educated and many have had extraordinary experiences throughout their time on this earth. Many have traveled the world – far and wide, and have parenting words of wisdom to share. Some have interesting multi-ethnic heritage, family histories or information about their own niche interests they could write about.

Women love to communicate, women love to share – is there a  “book inside of you?”

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What Would Your Eden Be?

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“All of us do not have equal talents, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” ~ John F Kennedy

Last week, the National Medals of the Arts were conferred on American citizens who have made outstanding contributions in the field of humanities. An architect, screenwriter, an actor, a dancer, a political speechwriter and others deserving of special merit in their fields were among the honorees. As I listened to the achievements of all those being recognized, I began to think how fortunate this group of Americans were. All have had the opportunity to work in fields that fulfill their need for creative lives. Each were highly respected for having advanced the understanding of the humanities and for having opened up opportunities in their fields for others. For more information, go to www.nea.org or www.arts.gov/honors/medals.

Wouldn’t it be a different world if no one was forced to take a job just for the sake of a paycheck. We would all be living in a Garden of Eden if each person’s talents and gifts could find outward expression through a truly satisfying  job. How could you not excel in the workplace and personally,  if you love what you do and are doing what you love?

I like the idea of a creative economy. No individual would have to find the courage to create, nor would you need to dare to believe you could create. Self expression of talents and gifts would naturally be utilized as people work. What better way to spend 50 or 60 years in the working world. Our quality of life would be greatly improved for many Americans. Working harder would be replaced with working happier. Would this not lead to employees really caring about their jobs and those they serve?

Is there some way you can nuture your talents through your daily work? If you could work in the Garden of Eden, how would you better utilize your innate gifts? How would you change your life’s path if you could?

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The Allusive Treasure

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“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” ~ Dale Carnegie

To a bibliophile, collecting rare books is a very serious matter. There was a time when collectors would drive all over the country pouring over cartons of old books piled high in dark, dingy, dusty attics, barns and shops. Great finds came from off the beaten path, and unexpected treasures were often found by just stumbling upon them. Today, through the power of the internet and e-commerce, locating that “prized” antiquarian book and other things of rare value are often just a few keystrokes away.

Serious bibliophiles are willing to pay very high prices for a book they have been searching for. Their reasons for collecting rare books are as eclectic as the publications that they collect. Some collectors buy strictly for the paper, vellum or parchment that the words are printed upon, others restrict themselves to the writings of a particular author, genre or field. Some bibliophiles even place  high value on unfinished pieces, in various stages of publication, such as advance review copies or galley proofs.

Abe  Books www.AbeBooks.com has reported some of their most expensive sales in 2010, and you will be greatly surprised to see that given this economy, rare book collectors have not lost their interest in paying top dollar for a much sought after publication. Here were the most expensive antiquarian book sales last month from Abe Books.

1- A collector paid $19,500 for an Ottoman Atlas containing 39 hand colored maps. The publication had been printed by the Royal School of Military Engineering in Istanbul.

2- A first edition copy of Titanic and Other Ships fetched $11,742 in the marketplace. What made  the book unique was that it had been signed by the Second Officer on the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

3- An antique version of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” – The Bible, reprinted according to the authorized version of 1611 sold for $7500. It was printed on unbleached rag paper.

As the Keno twins on Antiques Roadshow have proven time and time again, one never knows what treasures can be found in the abyss of the  most unlikely places. I have some antique cigar molds, darkened with age and tannin, that still reek of tobacco that I have put away for safe keeping. I often wonder if there is really any value to them.

 What do you have lurking in your basement, attic or garage that could be of great value of someone else?   Have you ever taken the time to explore what gifts you may have that could be of value to someone else?

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“Amy’s Angels” Rise

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“At the end of the day when we bow our heads, we are not so different at all.” ~ Judy Jones

This summer, regular readers of this blog followed the loss of my dear friend, Amy. She, like many other women each year, succumbed to breast cancer. I blogged about the dignity and strength with which Amy handled her illness until the very end. What she taught us all is a story of strength and inspiration. She demonstrated, in the most eloquent way, how to continue to live life in the face of terminal illness.

On March 5 in Stowe, VT at the Trapp Family Lodge, Amy will  be honored by a team of her friends and family in the Relay for Life, Nordic Style. “Amy’s Angels” have risen to the top in fundraising efforts. We have raised almost $8,000 to date, with several weeks to go! My sister and our friends will be doing a lap or two on my behalf on March 5, which coincidentally was Amy’s birthday. I will be remembering the beautiful and fun times we shared as friends for 30+ years, and all that she taught me throughout our friendship.

The money that has been raised for “Amy’s Angels” and by all the other teams participating in Relay for Life ,along with all the other fundraising events that the American Cancer Society sponsors each year, represents a joint belief among Americans that a cure for cancer must be found.

Go, “Amy’s Angels” Go! ! I will be with you all in spirit on the day of the event and so will Amy!!

A Return on Investment

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“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~ Angela Schwindt

I am headed this weekend to the Rocky Mountain Kiwanis International Mid-Winter Conference. www.Kiwanis.org. Although I have never attended a conference of this fine organization before, I am excited! All signs lead me to believe the weekend will confirm many of my deep-seated beliefs about raising children.

  • Leading by example is more powerful than words
  • Mentorship can change the outcome of a child’s experience in life.
  • Expect a lot from kids, and you will get a lot.
  • Children are our future. Investing in them is in our best interest.
  • Every child deserves a chance in life.

The weekend agenda looks educational, inspiring and fun. There are so many things that I look forward to learning about. I want to hear about some of the projects Kiwanis International is involved with around the world, how Kiwanis is revitalizing neighborhoods, about their youth leadership programs, how to grow local clubs and about the Kiwanis Children’s Pediatric Trauma Institute. Another attraction of the conference for me is the opportunity to see the documentary film Children of Peace International “A Necessary Journey,” which will air on PBS in April.

How fortunate am I to be a member of this worthy service organization?

Until Monday, have yourself a fulfilling weekend. I know I will!

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You Can’t Run, You Can’t Hide

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“Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” ~ C.E.Stowe

How did we ever survive without cellphones, I-pods, laptop computers, I-Phones, Blackberries and all other things that connect us 24/7 to the virtual world? And what makes us think we are so important that our circle of friends, business associates and family must be aware of every ounce of energy that we exert throughout the day?

Several months ago, I stepped out for a meeting for an entire day. I was indisposed! A friend, who knows I do not have a cellphone or blackberry or any of those things, had apoplexy because she could not reach me all day long. She called several of our joint friends, and had them all stirred up because she couldn’t reach me. By late afternoon, she was seriously ready to call the police to report  that I was MIA, all because I did not answer my office phone or return her emails immediately! I appreciated her care and concern. I said that “next time I decided not to be at her beck and call, I would report, to her before I left, my ETD and ETA back in front of my computer . ” Yeah -right!

I applaud Oprah for her declaration of war on texting or talking on the phone while driving. What did we used to do in the olden days when we needed to communicate with someone while in the car? We waited until we found a payphone to make a call or waited until we got to our destination, then we called. What a novel idea!!

There is nothing more valuable in life than a life! That is a no-brainer! So, why would you put yourself and others in jeopardy by texting or talking on the phone while driving? Have we as human beings evolved into such weak creatures that we can not deal with a little inconvenience or some self control?

Of all things, please do not text and talk on the phone while driving!  Are you listening my son? Your life is more precious to us than you can ever, ever imagine! Please, don’t do it!!

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Fulfillment at Any Age

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“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” ~ Aristotle

Have all of you seen the documentary film “Young at Heart?” Has it come to your PBS affiliate state yet www.pbs.org? Over the holidays, my son and I had the opportunity to see a screening of this film together.

The documentary is about a group of senior citizens in western Massachusetts who form a chorus and travel all over to entertain. At the first organizational meeting, the chorus director promptly informs the members that they would not be singing any of the songs of their generation but rather, songs of today.  Oh, yes, songs from Cold Play, Jimi Hendrix, Sonic Youth and other relatively current hits became the repertoire of this “Lawrence Welk generation” of singers.

Did they like it? Of course not, not at first! But things began to rock and things began to roll, as the seniors slowly began to get an ear for what they first thought were raucous, discordant sounds.

Seeing movies with my son is a bit like a chef eating in competitor’s restaurants. He tends to be more critical than the “average Joe.”  Never the less, our consensus was that it was a heartwarming and poignant film, worth seeing.

To me, this film well-demonstrated what Art is all about! Finding courage in doing what you love, and sharing it with others, at any age!  To order this DVD go to www.youngatheartchorus.net.