Don't Wish Your Life Away

Since my birthday was yesterday I've been reflecting on getting older. The birthday gifts and greetings were great but now I'm left with writing a bigger number for my age. (Although you won't believe this, I actually got carded at a restaurant on Sat. night!)

I was lamenting the fact that I'm on the downward slide toward another number ending in zero when my husband said "yes, but you are one year closer to retirement..." He's right. I should be looking at my age more positively. However, I shouldn't be wishing my life away.

Looking at how fast my grandchildren are growing up makes me realize time moves too fast. My little grandson is so adorable (two yrs.) I wish I could freeze-frame this time for just a little bit. My flowers are in full bloom, the raspberries are just beginning to ripen and butterflies are starting to visit. Really, could life be much better? The calendar tells me that summer is already more than a third over and I haven't crossed much off my to-do list. But why am I worried about that? I need to stop wishing for another day and really just enjoy today.

A good example of this is a couple that I taught with. They did a lot of traveling before and after they retired. Now 5 years later, Don has Lou Gehrig's disease and their traveling days are over. I can imagine how they would give anything to turn back the clock. I'm also sure they are not wishing their lives away and are making the most of every moment they have together. While we are dealing with the setbacks dealt us, life goes on and good memories can still happen.

So...I want you to pack as much joy and happiness as you can into today. Stop and be grateful for all your blessings. Share your good fortune with others. I'm not going to think about what might be ahead, but enjoy the rest of the afternoon. I've got some ripe raspberries calling to me...

Michael, Farrah, Ed and Billy

Donna Marie at the IndieBusiness Blog wrote a really inspirational article about these four. You definitely need to check it out: http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2009/06/28/what-i-learned-from-fawcett-jackson-mcmahon-and-mays

You're Just Five Minutes Away From Happiness

I have to piggyback on my last post and write about happiness again!

Is there such a thing as a happiness fix? I think so and I think you can get your "fix" in just a few minutes. Here are some things to try when you need to boost your spirits.

1. Blog. It can give you a place to journal about life, your family, whatever is important to you. You can also get a boost from positive comments that other people leave you.

2. Get outside and soak up the sun. (I know that I get very crabby when it is rainy or cloudy for too long.) Even standing in the sunlight coming in through a window can brighten your spirits. Sunlight also gives us Vitamin D which keeps serotonin levels high. (This is a feel-good hormone.)

3.Exercise. Just being able to move your body and work up a sweat can make you feel better. Sometimes just being done exercising puts me in a good mood. I know I've accomplished something good for my body.

4.Listen to music. Your favorite tunes can make you feel happier right away! Music activates the part of our brain that's hardwired for pleasure.

5. Garden. It's hard to have your fingers in the dirt nurturing something and stay feeling blue. Studies have been done that show being around flowers can relieve stress and increase calmness. It works for me!

6. Be generous. Once in awhile leave a bigger tip or pay for coffee for the person in line behind you. I tried the 29 Days of Giving Challenge where you had to give something away every day for 29 days. It made me feel good every time I gave something away.

7. Volunteer. There are nursing homes, shelters and other charitable organizations always looking for help. Knowing that you're helping others will make you feel good too.

8. Spend time with your kids, grandkids or the neighbor's kids. Experiencing little joys through the eyes of a child will cheer you instantly.

9. Pamper yourself. A new shade of nail polish, a good haircut, a new pair of earrings...little treats for yourself will definitely improve your mood.

10. Look at photos displayed in your home or in your photo albums. You can't help but smile when you look at your favorite people and remember the good times spent with them.

These are just a few ideas to bring about instant happiness. Which of these would work for you? (Can you tell I love looking at photos of and spending time with my granddaughters?) What's your favorite thing to do when you're feeling down?

Happiness is Contagious

I had the privilege of watching my 3 grandchildren this week. We had so much fun! It's great to experience all the little joys through their eyes. Listening to my grandson giggle puts me in an awesome mood. I wish I could bottle that up and pull it out when I need a little lift.

Research from the Harvard Medical School has determined that happiness is indeed contagious. Your good mood can spread to your friends and then to their friends, etc. etc. Think about the times when a stranger has smiled at you and you've smiled back.

What are you happiest about right now? Here's my top 5: (no particular order)

1. Summer is here and I can sleep with the windows open.

2. We can eat on our patio and porch.

3. I have time to take my grandchildren to Storytime at the Library.

4. My son and daughter are coming home to visit.

5. Fresh fruit and veggies in season. Can't wait for fresh strawberry pie!

Do you have a "happiness" story to share with us? How are you spreading happiness? Who has spread it to you?

Big Girls Don't Cry

I was watching the news last night. A story came on about a 95 yr.-old woman who had her necklace stolen right off her neck. Turns out it had been give to her by her husband when he returned home from WWII. The good news is that they caught the thief. But when the police called to tell her about it they told her not to cry.

Why not? Sometimes the most healing, cleansing thing you can do is to have a good cry! Crying releases your emotions, slows your breathing and has a calming effect. I'm sure if this woman had cried, it would have been tears of joy.

What about when your tears are not for joy? Sometimes you cry because you need support. You are letting others know that something hurts. It's good to find a sympathetic ear and unleash some feelings. Talking about what's going on and getting a smile or hug in return can help the healing begin.

I come from a family of women that cry easily. I used to be embarrassed by it but not anymore. I know it is just a part of me. I've cried at my daughters' weddings, my grandchildren's births and in situations where the tears were tears of anger or fear.

However, there are some things we can all do to control our emotions a little better if we want. Before heading into a stressful situation, concentrate on breathing calmly and steadily. Tell yourself you are not going to cry. Reminding yourself that you are a strong person can help you stay calm. Remember that you can let your feelings out later and have that good cry.

When was the last time you had a good cry?

Secrets to Staying Young

Aren't we always looking for the magic product--the Fountain of Youth? In the March 2009 issue of Health Magazine (health.com) scientists studying aging share some of their latest research.
One tip they list is to stop eating so much. Cutting calories and exercising can lead to weight loss and also lowered production of T3, a thyroid hormone that can slow the aging process.
Another tip is to use your brain. We've heard this before; do crossword puzzles or Sudoka. Even taking a new route to work can wake up brain cells.
Drink more wine. You've probably heard this one too. Red wine and grape juice contain resveratrol, a compound that seems to slow aging. Drinking red wine in moderation will benefit your heart.
Lose the belly fat. Scientists tracking people for 30 years have found that having a big belly can raise your risk of dementia.
They also tell us to eat more plants. People living the longest tend to eat less meat and more plant foods.
Get your zzzz's. Seven hours a night will help your body repair damage from stress and sun.
Straighten up. (a hard one for most of us to remember) Rounded, hunched shoulders make you look old. Stand tall!

For more tips and info check out the article in the Health Guide section of Health magazine.

Happiness is a Decision

These words from Micheal J. Fox in the April issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine. You only have to read a few pages to be greatly inspired by his story. It would be easy to understand if he was bitter or depressed or angry but he isn't. He says he has much to be grateful for. He really appreciates the love his wife and family give him. I think he is one incredible guy!

It really makes me want to look around at what I have to be grateful for. In the ordinary daily grind that can get lost. I used to keep a gratitude journal but that kind of went by the wayside. I should blow the dust off and start to use it again. There is too much goodness in my life not to appreciate it and thank God for it.

Micheal J. Fox also goes on to say that even with his Parkinson's, he asks how he can be of service to others. He decided to use his star power to start a foundation to help others with his disease. He has testified at Congressional hearings about Parkinson's being underfunded. Seems like we could all ask, "How can I be of service to others?" and make a difference even in a small way.

Throughout all of this his wife Tracy has been there by his side. He also talks about having faith in a higher power. I think these two are the most important. Having someone to love and share the good and the bad. Knowing that God has a plan for us and he is with us through the good and bad too.

Micheal J. Fox has a tv special coming out on April 23 on ABC . He travels the world talking to people who have overcome great obstacles to live happy lives. It's called "Adventures of an Incurable Optimist". It sounds like a very interesting and hopeful show!

Dream It, Do It

Spend more time focused upon your dream than upon the reality.

The reality gives birth to the dream --

but the dream is where you are wanting to put your attention.

Esther Hicks & Abraham

Words to Live By

ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may try to destroy overnight. Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Do it anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them, anyway. - Anonymous

This seems like a great list of easy things to do to make life better for all!

Earth Hour
Saturday the 28th of March between 8.30pm and 9.30pm is Earth Hour. This year the goal is set to have 1 billion people turn off their lights for 1 hour. Such an amazing initiative which we definitely support. So for once DO NOT visit us but join this global celebration and light your candles!

You're Never Too Old

As I glanced over the news yesterday at HappyNews.com, I found the sweetest article about giving. June Pearce of Florida was coming up on her 84th birthday and like many elderly, had no need for baubles or trinkets. Having suffered from strokes that robbed her short-term memory (as well as lung cancer), she remembered having a good time riding on the back of a motorcycle during the Depression. She placed an ad on Craigslist asking for someone to "give granny a ride on your hog". A very sweet man, Ron Borowski, had lost his own mother to cancer and decided to fulfill Junes' birthday wish... Click Here to read the full story

This reminded me of my dad and his 80th birthday. We asked him th think of something he really wanted that he had never gotten. At first it was the usual "You don't need to get me anything." But after some persistent questioning he finally admitted that he had always wanted two things: an army ring (he was in the army during WWII) and a ride in the rumble seat of an old car. A cousin of mine suggested calling a local fellow,Roy Bernick, a collector of old cars. Roy very generously brought out the most beautiful red and black Auburn to my sister's house where our family was gathered. My dad had tears when he realized we had arranged for him to get a ride in this car.

So through the generosity of folks like Roy and Ron dreams can come true. It seems a shame that we don't make dreams come true before people are either very old or very sick. I'm going to

make that one of my goals...care to make it one of yours too?

I'm Older Than Barbie!

Barbie turns 50 this year. I can remember wanting that new doll so bad. I had to wait a bit but I did get my Barbie. She looked much different than today's Barbie. She had short, brown hair modeled after Jackie Kennedy.

Today my granddaughters play with their Barbies. These dolls look much different than mine and have a ton of more clothes and accessories. Barbie sure has endured and for being 50 she looks pretty good!

Just for fun here are some trivia facts about Barbie:

*The person responsible for coming up with the "Barbie" idea was Ruth Handler, one of the founders of Mattel.

*Barbie's boyfriend Ken was named after Handler's real-life son. (He hated being compared to Ken.)

*Barbie's last name is Roberts.

*Barbie's best friend is Midge.

*The first Barbie cost $3.00--I don't remember what mine cost...

*A girl after my own heart--Barbie has had more than 1 million pairs of shoes!

*Mattel estimates that 3 Barbies are sold every SECOND!

*I'll share this with my friends at school tomorrow--Teacher Barbie was recalled in 1995 because she wasn't wearing underwear. What was she thinking?

* And if you have a Barbie from 1959 you could sell her for an estimated $27,450!!! (She has to be in mint condition.)

What is it that makes Barbie so popular with little girls? Do you remember your first Barbie?

Do you still have her?

DID YOU KNOW? The first Women's Day was held on the last Sunday in February 1908, initiated by groups of American socialist women for the purpose of demanding the Vote and to call attention to the political and economic status of women. When the Russian Czar abdicated in 1917, the provisional Government granted women the right to vote - this took place on February 23, according to the Julian calendar then used in Russia, but on March 8 according to the Gregorian calendar used by most of the rest of the world.

Every year, the 8th of March marks a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. It is an important occasion to celebrate the achievements and gains made by women and to focus on the job still to do in working towards equality for women around the world.

IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding. Go to internationalwomensday.com for more info.

Rockin' Robin or the Twitter Bird...

I have been Twittering for awhile now. Starting out I didn't know too much about what or how to Twitter. So if you are new to Twitter like I was, or just want to maximize your Twitter efforts to promote your business, you can find a sea of info on the Internet to help you. It can be a daunting task finding the good stuff so I thought I would share the blogs and info that I particularly like on the subject.

TwiTip: http://www.twitip.com/
Twitter Handbook Blog: http://twitterhandbook.com/blog/
Twitter Handbook: http://twitterhandbook.com/
Blog of Mr. Tweet: http://blog.mrtweet.net/
Several free e-books on using Twitter for business:http://www.ariwriter.com/2008/12/8-free-ebooks-on-twitter/
Have fun!

Audrey Hepburn's Advice

I don’t remember watching Audrey Hepburn movies when I was younger but I have seen snippets of her movies. She always seemed so full of grace and charm. She left behind these Beauty Tips that still work today.

Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn:

For attractive lips,
Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
Let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise,
Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anybody.
Remember: if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

Great advice for any age. Are you an Audrey Hepburn fan?

The Pink Tree

I came across this site and thought this was a fun idea for any of us that are creative and make things. It's called The Pink Tree. Here is what it is all about:

Welcome to The Pink Tree, product review site. The concept is simple, send your small products in for review, their picture will be taken, a review will be written about you (your company) and the product, and you will have the satisfaction of seeing your product numerous times in the review pictures. Readers will be able to do a back search for the other products shown on the tree.When the tree is full, certain products can be donated to proper charities, in your company's name.It is a simple concept that can bring joy and publicity to your company. http://thepinktreefrommilkandcookeez.blogspot.com/

Any kind of products that women or kids would like are welcome--they don't have to be bath and body products. When the "tree" is filled, the products will be donated to a charity. So you can get some publicity and help someone in need too. What of yours could be put on the Pink Tree?

Spreading the Happiness Virus

Research shows that writing down just five things every day that you are grateful for can lead to a healthier mental state. A website called ButterBeeHappy.com makes this easier than ever. There are tools on the website such as Honeycomb, which looks for postings from people who share happy thoughts similar to yours. It can reinforce your own good feelings. There is also a blog with the latest news in happiness research. It's all free!

This from the Butterbeehappy site:

"Positive emotions and psychology help people thrive. In life there are many factors that can get people down, such as the economy. However, psychological research shows that economic factors are a poor predictor of overall happiness. Can you guess what is a good predictor of happiness? That's right, gratitude. When you jott down your 5 happy thoughts each day you are really practicing being grateful, and are thus appreciating your life to its full extent. "

I have been keeping a gratitude journal for several years now. In the past few months I've gotten kind of lazy about recording my five things. This will inspire me to get back into the habit.

Do any of you keep a gratitude journal?

Celebrate You!

In the January issue of Redbook magazine (redbookmag.com) Anna Davies writes about ways to celebrate yourself. If you watch little children, they do it all the time. They want everyone to notice their specialness and what they can accomplish. We as adults, don't do that often enough.

I once went to confession and the priest I met with said, "you take care of your students, your children, your husband--who is taking care of you?" Those words really made me think. It's easy to wind up putting yourself last. Ms. Davies has some good "Yay,me" ideas...here are just a few of my favorites.

*Write down three favorite traits about yourself to pull out whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

*Keep a wish list of dreams both big and small. You can post it to listography.com.

*Start a weekly ritual of pampering yourself.

*Change your desktop screensaver to a photo of a place you've always wanted to go.

*Read an inspiring blog.

*Look through your closet and ditch five things that don't fit or flatter you. Donate them to Goodwill. You'll gain some more closet space and do something good for others.

*Get a free make-over at one of the make-up counters at the mall.

What are some ways you celebrate yourself? I definitely need to go through my closet! I also like the idea of keeping that wish list. Yay, me!

Two Websites You Shouldn't Miss!

When I visited this site: http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html I just had to pause a minute and reflect. You've got to see this fellow--he is amazing. I guarantee it will move you.

On another note, if you go to www.lifeorganizers.com, you will get a month's worth of tips to organize your life and home during the month of January. (one for each day) Very basic, simple to do ideas that will make a difference. I guess we could all use a little more organization. I really am trying to clean up the clutter in my workroom!!

Quotes for the New Year

Here are some interesting quotes from some interesting people...

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right." Oprah

"Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world." Ann Landers

"I will seek elegance rather than luxury, refinement rather than fashion. I will seek to be worthy more than respectable, wealthy and not rich. I will study hard, think quietly, talk gently, and act frankly. I will listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with an open heart. I will bear all things cheerfully, do all things bravely await occasions and hurry never. In a word I will let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common."
William Ellery Channing

I really like the last one. I think if I could attain all of the goals, life would be just about perfect!
Do you have any great quotes for us to start off the New Year?

Snail Mail Valentines for a Good Cause

I was over at fredflare.com/blog reading about their super fun Valentine idea. They are asking folks to make a valentine and send it to them. They are going to sell the cards and donate the proceeds to Elder Craftsmen,an organization based in NYC that brings craft workshops to local senior citizens. (I wish we had something local like this but since we don't, I'm sending my valentine to them.)

Here are the details...(more info at fredflare)

1) MAKE A VALENTINE You can make it out of anything… Construction paper, collage, paint, crayon, a print of a photo you took, write a poem, make a mix tape, whatever ya feel like! Just make it fun and from the heart and easy to send. Be sure to include a matching envelope. Have fun with that also!
2) SEND YOUR VALENTINE + ENVELOPE TO FF BEFORE JAN 15TH Ya can just pop both in another envelope and send it regular mail to SNAIL MAIL VALENTINES c/o fredflare.com, 300F Kingsland Av, Brooklyn NY 11222. Hurry! Your valentine MUST be postmarked no later than Thurs, Jan 15th to participate. That’s only 10 days away. DON’T flake on me, peeps!
3) YOUR VALENTINE WILL DEBUT ON FF THE LAST WEEK OF JANUARY All valentines will be sold online and in our new Brooklyn store for the super friendly price of ONLY $4 EACH and ALL the proceeds from the sales of these valentines will go directly to Elder Craftsmen!

Doesn't this sound like fun! Won't you join me in using your crafty skills for a good cause?!?!

Dom Perignon

According to "The Little Blue Book" (www.littlebooks.org) Pierre Perignon was born in France in 1639. He took the vows of a Benedictine monk at an abbey that produced a variety of wines.

Pierre soon became an expert on wine. Maybe because he was blind he used his extraordinary sense of smell and taste to tell which grapes came from which vineyards. He worked with mixing wines so that the qualities of each added to the qualities of the others. In particular, he studied the grapes from a region of Champagne. When he was 60 years old, he succeeded in producing what we now call "champagne".

Years after Pierre died, the wine company that bought the monastery vineyards gave the name "Dom Perignon" to its finest vintage. On New Year's Eve, many will without realizing it, celebrate the memory of this monk and wine expert.

*"Dom" was a title sometimes given to monks and other religious leaders.

How About A Year-Long Project?

An interesting concept. Pick a project that takes you all year to complete. Wouldn't you feel a great sense of accomplishment come the end of December? For some great ideas go to:
http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/
I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet--I have a day or two--but I'd like to see if I could stick to a project that long! Let us know if you are going to try it and what project you're going to try...

2008 A Year To Remember


Looking back at 2008, it was really a year to remember. From natural disasters, elections, the economy, war-- to the Olympics, a lot happened! Check out this website to get the year to remember in pictures...

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/12/the_year_2008_in_photographs_p.html

A Christmas Prayer

Now that Christmas is officially over I have to reflect on just how blessed I am. My whole family was together--my children and grandchildren and my son's girlfriend. We had our traditional Christmas dinner and opened gifts together on Sunday. Then on Christmas Eve my siblings, nieces, nephews and parents were together. On Christmas Day my husband's family was all together. We are all in good health, have jobs and homes. Life is exceptionally good.

Unfortunately it is not that way for everyone. My prayers go out to all who are experiencing heartache and hopelessness this year. Here's a musical video "A Christmas Prayer". It's my wish too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FibFdAWrgUQ

A Week of Worthy Advent Activities

As we count down the days left to Christmas it's good to stop and reflect on what we have really done to get ready. (Besides the shopping, the wrapping, the baking,etc.) Woman's Day magazine (womansday.com) has a list of things we can do to make our final days to Christmas really count.

Sunday--Give something away.

We all have some things we are using that someone else could. I have a winter coat hanging in a closet that I know could keep someone else warm.

Monday--Shop consciously.

I know Walmart has great prices but can we buy US not China-made? Buy fair-trade coffee and chocolate. Think green and help our planet.

Tuesday--Read for inspiration.

Find an e-newsletter for an organization whose mission you admire. (Have you got one you could share with us?)

Wednesday--Click for good.

Do your online shopping at charity malls such as igive.com and buyforcharity.com. I must admit I was not aware of these...

Thursday--Spread the word.

Your children can check out Kind News Online(kindnews.org) which teaches kids about animal welfare. Tell your hairstylist about Cut It Out (cutitout.org), a program that helps salon staff identify domestic abuse victims or check out some happy news we all could use (happynews.com)

Friday--Be a silent Samaritan

Shovel the snow for a neighbor while they are gone. Leave treats or Gathered From the Garden products (anonymously) for a friend, do a kind act for someone without getting credit for it.

Saturday--Support local programs.

Put some money in the red kettles, donate to Toys for Tots, buy a little something at the grocery store for the food shelf.

It's easy this time of year to get a little stressed (if you ask my husband he would probably say a "little"? when he describes me...). I think doing something good each day will help me stay focused on what Christmas should really be about. Are you in?

Creating Family Rituals
For years, stockings have hung by our fireplace. First we had stockings for our children. As they grew up and some started families of their own we added stockings for our grandchildren. This year I decided that the mantel was just too small for so many stockings. I sent an email telling everyone I planned to only put up the stockings for the grandchildren.

Two of my three children laughed it off and pretended to be upset. The youngest (who is nearing 30) made a comment about getting rid of the stockings for the other two but keeping hers. I heard in that comment a little undercurrant of sadness that a family ritual was about to end.
Delicious Living Magazine (deliciouslivingmag.com) has an article about creating your own family rituals. They can be symbolic activities or just everyday routines shared by family or friends. According to research done by the American Psychological Asso., rituals and routines are linked with marital satisfaction,health,academic achievement and stronger family relationships.

The article also lists tips for creating your own rituals.
*Rituals don't have to be time consuming to be meaningful.
*The ritual shouldn't overshadow the spirit of the event.
*Include kids in the planning. (No matter how old!)
*Consult older family members about their childhood traditions and see if you can recreate them
*Adopt new holiday customs.

For more ideas check out Jennifer Trainer Thompson's book, The Joy of Family Traditions (Celestial Arts,2008) She offers more than 400 ideas for creating family rituals. Or check out joyoffamilytraditions.com

So our stocking tradition will continue --only in a smaller sense. My daughter will have to start her own traditions as she gets married and has her own family. Until then, I've decided to surprise her and keep her stocking up one more year. We'll ease her into giving up that one tradition! (We have other rituals that our family will continue.)

Thought for the week
At this time of the year we all rush around to get our last minute festive season errands done, and our levels of irritation seem to increase proportionately with the amount of things that we need to get accomplished.

Since our lives and needs are important to us, we tend to think that they are far more important than those of others and we forget that others have needs too.

So when you join the hustle and bustle of this festive season, take a deep breath and count to ten every time you are about to lose your cool. Keep in mind that the person next to you is also looking for that perfect gift, making their money stretch, getting everything done, and would also rather be at home having a quiet and relaxing afternoon or evening.

To help make your Holiday shopping easier, check out gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com You're sure to find something for everyone on your list. No crowds, no parking worries!

Gratitude Website

Since this is the week we think about all we should be thankful for, here is a website for you to check out. http://www.gogratitude.com/masterkey/

Chocolate Cake in a Mug

Thanks to HowAboutOrange for finding this cool recipe on Haydee's Chocolate Journal from the Traverse City Record. So this is now a fourth-hand shared recipe! TCR says:Why is this a dangerous cake recipe? Because chocolate cake is now less than 5 minutes away!

Dangerous Chocolate Cake-in-a-Mug
1 coffee mug (microwave-safe)
4 T. cake flour (plain, not self-rising)
4 T. sugar
2 T. cocoa
1 egg
3 T. milk
3 T. oil
Splash of vanilla
3 T. chocolate chips, optional
Add dry ingredients to the mug; mix well with a fork. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix well. Add chips, if using.
Put mug in the microwave, and cook for three minutes at 1,000 watts. Cake will rise over the top of the mug -- do not be alarmed. When finished, carefully remove mug from microwave and allow to cool a little. Tip onto a small plate prior to serving, if desired. Yields one generous serving or two "more virtuous" servings.

Your own chocolate cake in 3 minutes. What could be better than that!?!

National Family Caregivers Month

President Bush declared November 2008 as National Family Caregivers month. We would like to extend our well wishes and Thanks to all those that take care of our loved ones. Whether they are being taken care of in their own home, in special care facilities or hospitals, the wonderful folks that take care of them hold a very dear place in our hearts.
Caregivers can be husbands & fathers, wives and mothers, sons, daughters and nurses and nursing assistance and the list goes on. You need to pamper yourself and take care of yourself too! We know how special you are, but do you? Don't ever think that what you do is 'just a job' as it is way more than that. You are the ones with the loving touch, the simple smile and more, that make our loved ones know they are being cared for when we can't be there. Each day you need to take a few moments and smell the roses!
When was the last time you had a relaxing bath? Where you filled the tub with really warm or very hot water and just sat there and soaked, undisturbed? With candle light? and soft music? Close your eyes and cover your face with a dampened cloth and just sit back and relax. Stay as long as you like and tune out the world. You deserve it. Don't have time for a bath? How about a foot soak and a little foot massage?
Gathered From the Garden has some great products to pamper yourself or to give to caregivers to show your appreciation. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com for more ideas.

I Like Your Hair...

I finally got a haircut that I have been trying to describe to many different stylists! I'm gone to a myriad of stylists over the past year--a trendy salon, one who does hair in her home, a cut and run place in the mall, a beauty school...and each time I leave with a different cut but not the one I was after.
But today on a whim, I stopped at another cut and run place at the mall. I got right in, described the cut I wanted and miracle of miracles--I got THE cut!! All for a very reasonable price and it didn't even take very long. Needless to say, I got this stylist's card and will be back to see her again.
I can't believe how happy a haircut can make me! I am looking forward to going to work tomorrow just because I think I look pretty good! (Yes, I'm a little vain.) It makes me wish I could pay for a good haircut for someone in need. Do you suppose there are any support organizations that deal with hair?
If you need some help with your hair; ideas for a cut or color, hair products, advice etc. check out www.hairfinder.com You'll find everything you've always wanted to know about hair. Maybe it will inspire you to get a new cut that will make you look and feel wonderful!

Celebrations

We have just finished celebrating Halloween. I was in Walmart and Target today and the Christmas decorations have already replaced the orange and black. As we look ahead to celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas here's another reason to celebrate.

In her book Living Juicy, SARK says we should "learn to celebrate ourselves. Each of us is outrageously wonderful and delightfully imperfect." We are pretty much untrained to be "self-celebrators". We are often told not to get a big head or be selfish. We forget how we celebrated little things when we were children. (It was a big deal to find a little frog or celebrate rain by stomping in puddles!)

Have you ever stopped to celebrate yourself? Baked a cake in your own honor? I think sometimes as women we got so caught up in celebrating others we never think to "celebrate ourselves". We are so caught up in looking good, achieving more that we don't think about being imperfect as being delightful! So I think we need to stop and plan a celebration!!

I think I am going to write a little tribute to myself in my journal. No one else has to read it but just writing it for myself with validate that I am outrageously wonderful! What are you going to do to celebrate YOU?

"The Shack"

I just finished reading a good book called "The Shack"written by Wm.Paul Young. It's about a man who has an "encounter" with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit after a horrible tragedy in his life. While I am not usually big on discussions of religion--to me it is more of a private issue--I would like to recommend this book to you.
Reading it will definitely give you some food for thought and maybe even change your life and your relationships with others. It started out a little bit slow but once you get into the book you will enjoy it's beautiful imagery and prose. Famous people like Wynonna Judd and Michael W. Smith have written recommendations for the book.
For more information you can go to www.theshackbook.com

Chiropractor of the Year

I am so very proud to let you all know that my sister Mary has been chosen to be the MN Chiropractor of the Year!! Our family surprised her at the award ceremony by showing up to help celebrate. I can't think of a more deserving doctor than Mary! If you want to read some great articles written by her, check out www.docminser.com

The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood

Ever since I saw an Ophrah episode about the Fistula Foundation I have been a supporter. If you haven't heard of fistula go to ( http://www.fistulafoundation.org/). It will break your heart to see how it affects young mothers in Africa because of poverty and lack of medical care for laboring women.

The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood (http://www.whiteribbonalliance.org)is/ an organization that builds alliances, influences policies and harnesses resources to save the lives of women and newborns all around the world. The white ribbon is dedicated to the memory of all women who have died in pregnancy and childbirth. Worldwide, every minute of every day, a woman dies of pregnancy-related complications. Most of these deaths could be prevented.

The Fistula Foundation is a member of the White Ribbon Alliance. Hopefully they will be able to work together to raise awareness of the tragic deaths of women that happen every day and underscore policies and investments to help save lives.

My youngest sister just had a baby girl. Lucky her to have all of the medical resources she needed for a safe pregnancy and healthy delivery. She had access to prenatal care and obstetric care to help ensure a safe delivery and to deal with any complications that could have arisen. In many parts of the world access to prenatal care and emergency obstetric care is often unavailable.

This is not like a disease that we are still searching to cure. We know what can save the lives of mothers and children. They need the ability to make wise choices about their reproductive lives and access to medical assistance to make safe pregnancy and delivery possible. (On a global scale there is a shortage of 4 million health workers.) We need to create the political will to do something now about this terrible problem.
Please take the time to check out the websites listed above. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General says "Health should not be seen as a blesssing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for."

Good Neighbors

I am still trying to do each of the Monday postings taken from everymondaymatters.com. Monday 36 was about being a good neighbor. We've lived in this neighborhood for 13 years. The only neighbors we really know are the family next door. In this neighborhood it seems like no one is ever outside. So we don't get to know or greet anyone. This seems really sad, doesn't it?

So here are some good tips for getting to know your neighbors taken from the mondaymatters website:

"Does your mailman know your neighbors better than you do? It’s not enough to just drive by and wave to neighbors from your car window. To get to know your neighbors, you need to have personal interaction with them. But these days, people spend more time indoors watching TV and surfing the Internet than they do outside playing catch, taking walks, and talking to their neighbors. Change that pattern…

*People spend less than 15 minutes per day doing outside chores and gardening compared to over 3 hours watching TV or movies and surfing on the Internet.
*The average American person or family has friends over for dinner about 45% less often than people (they?) did in the 70s.
*The increased number of fenced backyards, coupled with the disappearance of front porches and verandas, has privatized residences more than ever.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
*Meet a neighbor you’ve never met before. Simply knock on the door and introduce yourself. *Take over something you’ve baked or grown in your garden, or invite them to your house for a *beverage or a snack.
*Make yourself more available to your neighbors.
*Mow your front lawn, wash your car, go for a walk, or play with your children outside. Or, if you see neighbors doing the same, go out and visit.
*Plan a neighborhood yard sale or a block party.
*Write a quarterly neighborhood newsletter.

Remember, you have to be a good neighbor to have a good neighbor. "

We do have someone who printed a neighborhood directory and put it in our mailbox--anonymously--so we can't even thank them. A block party would be fun but since it's October already we will have to wait until next spring or summer. So it looks like I will have to try some of the other tips. What is your neighborhood like? Do you have any other tips for us?

Support for Great Women

I called my sister today to see how she was doing. She is in the middle of a huge project (ourvsn.com website launch). She said it has been stressful but that she really appreciated the support I've given her. I told her we needed to support all the women we knew that are working hard.
Later today I was in a gift shop and saw a sign about women with a clever saying:

"Here's to great women.

We need to know them.

We need to be them.

We need to raise them."

I know many great women in my family. I know many great women in the education field that I am in. I know many great women as friends. As a mother I can say that I have raised two very great women. As a grandmother I can say that I see my two granddaughters being raised to become great women.

There are days when I really don't see myself as being a great woman. Daily stresses at work, in my small business, in my personal and spiritual life seem to point in the other direction. That's why I think it is important to have a network of great women that can mentor you, pray for you and lift you up when you are down. I'd like to say a huge THANKS to all the great women in my life! Some of them I need to thank personally. What about you? Who are the "great women" in your life? Have you thanked them lately?

New Website Published By My Two Sisters!

My two sisters, Dr. Annie Becker and Dr. Mary Minser have collaborated on an amazing project! They have launched a new website called OurVSN.

"OurVSN.com is a social network bringing families together to promote shared caregiving and aging independently. Unpaid caregivers and their families in a virtual support network can track the personal health of every member. OurVSN offers a simple way of tracking health for oneself and loved ones. Because families are better informed, they are more likely to assist in caregiving activities."

Our family has been using this website for some time. I have aging parents and siblings that live in other states. It has been a great way for all of us to keep track of mom and dad's health no matter where we live. My parents are pretty computer illiterate yet they can use the simple commands of Our VSN to fill in data about their blood pressure, how they feel each day and activities they participated in. This data can be specialized for each family member.
If you have family members that you would like to keep in touch with, I highly recommend using this site. It is free and very user-friendly! Go to OurVSN.com or check out PRWeb.com for more information.

Start the Day Right!

Now that summer is over and I am back in the classroom I have to get up at the crack of dawn. (I have a 35 minute commute and have to be at school by 7:30. I usually get there earlier.) My mornings have gone much smoother since I started using these tips...
*Eat breakfast. A healthy breakfast regulates blood sugar levels and gets your body ready for the stresses of the day. Choose a combination of protein and fruit rather than caffeine and carbs.
*Listen to Music. Hearing a few tunes first thing in the morning can energize, refresh, soothe or get you motivated. Research suggests that music can reduce stress and improve your overall health.
*Stretch in the shower. Stretching helps relieve tension and gets your muscles ready for another day. An added benefit is not water loosens mucles for a better stretch.
*Take a walk. Walking first thing in the morning can help you feel good all day. Walking can help you sleep better at night, helps control blood pressure, lower weight and stress and can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
*Practice yoga. Yoga uses a variety of stress management techniques. A 10-15 minute routine can center you for the day ahead.
*Prepare ahead of time. This is especially important if you have kids. Don't leave everything until morning. Pack lunches, even your own, decide what to wear, coordinate bathroom schedules the night before. You'll have more time in the morning to eat breakfast and leave the house much more relaxed.

Teach an Old Dog How to Twitter?

I have been trying to come up with some creative ways to promote my small business--Gathered From The Garden. One way someone suggested was to use Twitter. So I signed up and am now "Tweeting". I have a few followers and I am following only 3. When I look at some of the other "Tweeters" they have hundreds of followers and they are following hundreds!How do they do this?
So I thought I was being pretty techie. Then I found out that you can't just Twitter. You can Twirl, Twellow, you can Twittersearch. There are Twitterpacks and widgets that you can add. It's enough to make my old head spin.
And if that isn't enough, I could be using Plurk, StumbleUpon,Digg,You Tube, Slideshare, Friend Feed, My Space and Facebook. I've probably missed some others. There aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with all of this, blog,work a regular job, eat, sleep,make products and maybe relax a little! So which of these are really worthwhile using?
A little help from those in the know would really be appreciated. I can't be the only "mature" person to feel a little out of the loop. Can you help? Post your recommendations or opinions PLEASE!! Maybe it would be possible to teach an old dog to do more than just Twitter!!

Missed Opportunity
I was catching up on my reading today. I had the August issue of Redbook magazine and I came across an article about change. It suggested going to first30days.com if you needed tips to help you get through any life change.
It sounded interesting so I did check it out. I found out that today was a day to pray for change... Ever wonder what would happen if everyone in the world joined hands and said a prayer for peace at exactly the same time? We can only imagine, but it would have to generate some seriously positive energy!The closest we may ever come to this type of worldwide prayer is the Earthdance Global Peace Festival. This year, participants were supposed to unite in their annual Prayer for Peace at 4PM Pacific Daylight time. In an effort to promote peace and humanitarianism, Earthdance events ranging from living room gatherings to huge concerts were going to take place in 60 countries.
This sounds so great. But alas, I didn't read it until way after 4pm Pacific time. I sure would have liked to have hosted some type of prayer gathering. I am going to mark it on my 2009 calendar and hope that it takes place next Sept.13th! And instead of the gathering, I'll just say my own prayers for peace. Join me?

A Beautiful Mind

Looking after the health of your mind is an important part of your road to balance and well-being. Maintaining mental health is extremely important. Here are some ways to make your mind beautiful to match your beautiful body.
Improve your diet: What you eat and drink can protect against feelings of anxiety and depression. Cut back on refined sugar, white flour and alcohol.
Maintain friendships: Just listening and talking to friends who are feeling down can make a huge difference-for you and for them. With email and cell phones you have no excuse not to!Exercise: The effects of exercise on mood are immediate. Whether it is a workout in the gym or a simple walk or bike ride, exercise is uplifting and a can be a great social activity.
Rest: Sleep is essential to our health. Sleeping is the time when the body can renew and rebuild its physical and mental energy. If you have problems relaxing and falling asleep, perhaps our Sleep Well Blend (essential oils) can help you find your peace.
Laugh: A good laugh does amazing things for the mind and soul. Cry: It's good to let everything out of your system and to release pent up feelings. Most of the time, we feel much better after we have allowed ourselves to cry.
Take a bath: The mental health benefits of a comforting bath are well known. Allow yourself to escape in a soothing aroma infused bath. It will help you reset and re-energize. Try our Stress Relief Blend in your ritual and experience the power of the bath.
Make time for you: Make time for your hobbies and interests. Scheduling time for yourself is sometimes hard, but it will increase a positive attitude and self image. Remember, work isn't everything!
As I head back to my classroom, I’ll try to remember that!

Go Ahead, Save a Tree
Delicious Living magazine says that in 2008, each office worker living in a Western Country will use more than 10,000 sheets of paper. Doesn't that seem incredible? That's about 1.2 trees per person, per year. Maybe that doesn't seem like much but think how long it takes a tree to mature!
The magazine also lists some tips for us to cut down on our paper usage. Here are a few of them:
*Print only when necessary.
*Use 100 percent recycled paper when possible.
*End the flow of junk mail by registering on greendimes.com or catalogchoice.org
*Learn which paper-product companies use sustainable practices at nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp
What do you do with used wrapping paper, cereal boxes and magazines? I reuse wrapping paper whenever I can (much to the chagrin of my family). We recycle cereal boxes and other cardboard. Our library has magazine drop boxes. You can drop off your magazines and pick up ones that others have left. This is great for me. I love to look at magazines! This way I don't have to subscribe to a ton yet I can read lots!
Here at Gathered From The Garden we are trying to cut down on our paper use too. We get many cardboard boxes. We reuse them to pack bigger orders. Like most of you, we are trying to be ever earth friendly.

Monday Mornings


Check out this website : everymondaymatters.com It will give you a list of something to think about or work on for the 52 Mondays in a year. Since today is Monday I decided to give it a try. This is the 32nd Monday of the year so the topic for today is Safe Driving-Slowing Down. Here are a couple of statistics they list on their website:

The #1 killer of people ages 4 to 37 is car accidents
75% of drivers admit to driving over the speed limit
Over 43,000 people die in car accidents each year, and 2.7 million are injured.

I am usually pretty good about following the speed limit when I drive around in town. When I am driving country roads on my commute I tend to have a little heavier foot. I am going to really try to slow down and use my cruise control more.

On Monday's website they tell us that "You can’t get a speeding ticket if you don’t speed. It costs you nothing to slow down, and you might even save money on gas and brakes. Also, you set a good example for other motorists and for anyone who is in the car with you. The accident you prevent or the life you save just may be your own."

Be Your Own "Safe Driving" Diva! Slow down, obey posted speed limits and leave early to allow yourself more time. With all that extra time you can check out Gathered's new aromatherapy blends on our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Words of Inspiration from JKRowling

I have to admit I did read all of the Harry Potter books and have seen all of the movies made so far. I really enjoyed them but I know of some who didn't or some who had no desire to attempt them. Even if you aren't a Harry Potter fan, you should read the commencement address JK Rowling gave to Harvard Grads last spring. To find the address she gave go to: www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2008/06.05/99-rowlingspeech.html
Along with giving some of her writing background she has some pretty good advice for grads that also applies to most of us. This is my favorite quote from her speech "As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters. "
Gathered has added some new aromatherapy blends to our website. Check them out at gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Cupcake in the Microwave?

This just seems too cool! A cupcake made in the microwave. I haven't actually tried it but it looks great. Here is the recipe. For more info go to widowspeak.livejournal.com


Microwave Rum Cake in a Mug Recipe

Glaze first:1/4 cup rum (dark Bicardi in this case)

3 Tbsp. butter

1-2 Tbsp., or 1/8th cup if you can manage it,

sugar (turbinado raw cane sugar here)

In a pyrex measuring cup, heat this mixture in microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between each cycle. You're looking to achieve a uniform slightly translucent simple syrup mixture here. Just keep mixing and heating until it is homogeneous solution in consistency. (Do NOT take your eyes off the microwave for this. You WILL have boil-overs if you do not take great care here.)

Once that has been achieved, set aside and get to the cake part.

Cake:1 cup yellow cake mix

1/4 cup Bicardi rum (clear)

1 egg

a couple pats of butter

In a microwave-safe heavy-duty mug or bowl NO LESS THAN 16-oz in capacity, combine cake mix and rum until well blended. Add in the egg and mix again until well blended. Cut pats of butter into cubes and fold into batter. Place mug in microwave and cook for 4-minutes at 70% power. (Worry not, it *is* supposed to puff up like that. Trust me.) After that, zap it on high for another 50 seconds.

Remove from microwave and let sit for 1 minute.Turn out onto plate.
Carefully.Poke holes in cake with bamboo skewer or fork. Gently spoon 1/2 the glaze onto cake. Let sit for at least 1 minute to let the glaze soak in. Or, douse the whole cake in the glaze and immediately DECIMATE FOR INSTANT NOM.

Nuts are optional. Enjoy. :)

How To Stay Young
I found this article in an old newspaper clipping. There is no author listed. I think it has great ideas for any age...

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of the grouches.)
3. Keep learning: learn more about your computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let your brain get idle.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath or cry. If you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him/her.
6. The tear happen: endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is yourself. LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love: whether it's family,pets,keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home should be your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. It if is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

New Hope For Beating Breast Cancer

I was at my sister-in-law's house on Sat. and I saw half a dozen pink roses on her table. She explained they were from her daughters in honor of the anniversary of her breast cancer surgery. She has remained cancer-free for seven years now so it is indeed worth celebrating!

Coincidentally, I was reading the Sept./Oct. issue of AARP magazine. (aarpmagazine.org). There is an article about new research findings and breast cancer. It lists how to lower the odds of your getting this illness. Here are some things to try:

Lose weight--a Harvard study suggests that losing weight and keeping it off after menopause will cut your breast cancer rate by 57%.

Exercise--it also reduces your risk and it's never too late to start.

Love those fruits and veggies--Survivors who exercise and eat five servings of these a day are less likely to have a recurrence than those who don't.

Dim the lights--(this one is really news to me) Women who live in brightly lit cities at night are 73% more likely to get breast cancer. So keeping your bedroom dark might protect your health.

Get those mammograms!--Mammography offers survival benefits even to women in their 80's. Men should also report any lumps to their doctor.

Speak up--ask your doctor about all your options and seek a second opinion if necessary.

AARP Magazine says that 89% of women with breast cancer will survive without a recurrence for at least five years. That's a good percent but I'm thinking it should be better. Pass this info along to the women in your life and for more info check out the article in the AARP Magazine.

If you've read our blog or checked out our website (gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com) you know that pink is our favorite color!

Bonjour!

Jerry and I just spent the most awesome week in Paris. We saw most of the tourist sites, ate French cheese and pastries and of course had some wine. We observed many differences and similarities in the French people and Americans. The French lifestyle is marked by frequent family gatherings, an appreciation of life's small celebrations, a love of good food, wine and healthy living. (They do however, smoke a lot.) Being that we are in the beauty and skin care business we had to check out some French beauty tips for you.

French Skin Care
Compared to the average American woman, the French view investing in their appearance as an absolute necessity, not an optional luxury. They're more inclined to pamper themselves. Their biggest focus is on developing a beautiful, glowing complexion. French women take pride in their skin, whether that means getting regular facials or buying the best moisturizer their budget allows. (I think this in part to combat the effects of their smoking.) They use sunscreen religiously. Fighting cellulite is a big deal for French women—much more so than for Americans. Any Parisian drugstore is stocked with various creams, lotions and other products meant to minimize cellulite. The French are known for preferring a natural face over a "done" one. While French women do wear makeup, they do so in a way that isn't necessarily obvious. So while you might start with foundation (to give a flawless-skin finish), you'd go easy on the blush, dab on some mascara and a light lip gloss. We rarely saw eyeliner/shadow at all in Paris. At night, they might favor a little bolder look but still less is more.
The French in major cities (Paris, Nice, etc) tend to be much thinner than their American counterparts in major US cities because they walk everywhere. We felt like we had walked miles and miles each day. Using the metro requires many staircases and lots of walking to get to your train! The French utilize portion control, and don't snack. We never went hungry at any café or restaurant we ate at but we didn’t need a doggie bag when we left either. We never saw a sign to “super-size” anything!

*****So-- to look as fabulous as some of the French women we saw, we recommend using Gathered’s Facial Moisturizer, Toner and Clay/Dead Sea Masks to give your skin a beautiful, glowing complexion. Don’t smoke, use sunscreen, go easy on the make-up and snacks. Add some extra steps to your daily rountine. Check out our products: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

People Are People...

I just got back from a fabulous trip to Paris. We visited all of the tourist spots and explored some side streets on our own. The food was delicious--from crepes to pastries and of course wine! We especially enjoyed being able to sit at a sidewalk cafe and people watch for hours.

In the course of a week we met many people. Some were native Parisians, some visitors like us and a wonderful American who had moved to Paris 20 years ago. He helped us navigate the menu at a cafe one afternoon along with giving us tips about Paris. We saw young professionals, the elderly and families with small children.

Although their language is different I think people in Paris are basically the same as Americans. For the most part they were friendly and we had people stop on the street willing to help us find our way. One waiter at our hotel was very up on current events in the U.S. Interest in the Olympics was evident. We saw the French enjoying each other's company, hurrying off to work in the morning, shopping, touring Paris on their "holiday" and worshiping in the churches we visited. Such common threads woven in the pattern of daily lives.

We truly enjoyed seeing another culture and learning from it. While there are things about the French we didn't agree with (seems like everyone there smokes) we could still appreciate the differences and similarities. It just doesn't seem so important in the grand scheme of things to let those differences and similarities keep us from enjoying each other. Why can't people in the world recognize that?

I had such a great time. I hope that I can travel abroad again to see more of the world. It does make you appreciate home so much more. Have you traveled abroad? What were your experiences?

Gathered From the Garden products made it to France too. We took some along with us to be sure we could pamper ourselves after a long day of sightseeing. Our foot products were especially appreciated after a long day of walking. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com