A PBS donation has benefits beyond keeping KCTS alive!
In 2000, my donation's bonus premium was to tour Dale Chihuly's Boathouse. I could take one guest. My choices? Mom or Gordy. Guilt abounds, but Gordy won the "coin toss". It was a brilliant time. Join us now..!
I purchased "The Wild Divine" a while ago, and have revisited it recently. This is exciting biofeedback work that I recommend you check out ASAP! ..Zoe Enchanted Journey Meets BioFeedback Check out Wild Divine NOW! Visit my Amazon Storefront
Watch the 47th
Grammy's and look for DVR's Wife and Producer, Andrea Vuocolo
Vanronk, and our beloved Christine Lavin [who helped edit it] February 13,
2005 8PM on CBS.
My Father's Eyes (..Shirley Temple's dimples)... I finally motivated myself to create a banner for my 'blog. I tend to avoid having my photo taken, so this is a rare occurrence.
As I edited my banner in Photoshop®, I noticed that my eyes truly are my Father's! The color, the shape, the furrowed brow.
If I look really hard, I see his compassion for others, his pragmatic outlook on life, his work ethic, his sense of the ridiculous, his wisdom, his worries, his striving to be the best he can be (but never feeling he ever succeeded) his tenacity (read: stubborn), his rare but wonderful laughter, his love of all living things, his music and art appreciation, his curiousity about new technology, his belief that one's word is to be taken as a binding truth, his putting his family & friend's needs before his own, his ability to figure things out, his intuition, his love, his innate sense of style, his "happy girl". People think I look just like my Mother, but I don't have her effervescence, her joie de vive, her artistic talent, her ability to live life so completely and fully without fear, her ability to explode, on a moment's notice, into anger or into laughter with equal exuberance. I don't have her talent to draw people into her world without even trying; people want to be near her, want to make her laugh, make her happy. I don't have her exquisite beauty, her sense of style or creativity. Nor do I have her her youthful appearance; her energy, her sheer brilliance.
But, all things considered, as I look at this photo on the banner, I do note that I really do have Shirley Temple's dimples after all. ##
I dunno if this is some statement on my current outlook on life or not, but I've been on Facebook a lot of late. I have neglected my blog.
Part of that is due to the easy software that FB has that allows me to just "share on facebook" what I find around the web..it posts and adds a link, *and* let's me make a comment. No need for me to have to do html code, or download photos to my /images directory, or copy and paste and embed code for video posting, or audio .. just PFM!
I also get to find a lot of long lost people with a simple search, or they find me.
And, the privacy settings allow me to send messages instead of email, as private conversations. How kewl, er lazy is that? But I like it.
I dunno, but I may be going to the "dark" side after all, and continue to post to my blog less and less. Is this the equivalent of going to Kindle v. book?
So, for those of you who care, or follow my blog at all and want to know what goes on in my life, or what I've been posting and talking about, feel free to ask me to add you as a "friend".
Click on this link, and then make sure you send a message of "blog follower" as you "request" me to add you as a friend. I'll do it if you want.
Else, I'll see you next blog entry! ## PS Did I mention the addictive games???
Although Tim Burton is not my favorite film director, he has a certain je ne sais quoi. To that end, I'm very intrigued by this photo of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in the spring 2010 version of Alice in Wonderland as shown here -- this is fabulous (but so is Johnny D):
I just fired off a care package to our SIL, William Valdez via Treats for Troops. He's married to Jenny, and is Robyn and Evan's treasured of a Dad.
While he's gone, Katie and Mike will be moving to CO., and Katie will be helping Jenny out with the kids while Jenny works full time.
She and Mike came over for waffles and strawberry shortcake the other day, and I must admit that I got all "leaky-eyed". I'll miss them horribly. Everyone seems to be leaving - the separation anxiety is nasty! We should get another bit o' time with them on Wednesday if all goes as planned.
I'm happy for the kids and their kids, as this shoud be good for alluvem - but, selfishly, I want them all here on the Island! At least Robby is still on island, as is Megan...now if only we could get him to come visit....?!?
If any of you are looking to do a good deed, feel free to send a care package to William and his batallion in Afghanistan.
TFT is going out of business, which is an awful shame.
I remember well when they were first starting up, before the TV exposure etc. Such kind folk, and such hard work to navigate the bureaucracy to get things to the troops. Their going belly up is so wrong on so many levels; Bah Humbug.
Nonetheless, there is still product and time, until the end of this month -- Take advantage if you can!!
William Valdez is our Son-in-Law Extrodinaire. TFT ID=1912192 He's been to Iraq twice and currently is in Afghanistan. You can support individuals and troops via the Treats for Troops foster program, or, feel free to send a package to William directly, using his TFT ID 1912192 He shares with his Unit ;-)
Send love and light and prayers to William for us? Peace ##
i can't believe it's here on youtube...! I found this eons ago, and decided to use it for "our song" and our vows when I married JCP! Not the best vid /audio quality, but kewl beanz:
Recall -- Firm Press Release FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Nutro Products Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Dry Cat Food Products
Contact: Monica Barrett Nutro Products, Inc. (615) 628-5387
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Franklin, Tennessee (May 21, 2009) -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.
Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.
This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.
Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.
Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST, or visit www.nutroproducts.com.
Recalled Pet Food
The varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods listed below with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010 are affected by this voluntary recall.
One of my Zeta sisters, Karen, who I met playing SL on FB sent this to me for Miz Olivia:
RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to some- one here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
We just got back from taking Olivia to the vets to put her to sleep. I awoke about 6:00AM hearing her "mau" -- she couldn't move herself. I woke Gordy and we were with her until the Vet's opened, then we met with Dr Bishop, he gave her something to keep her calm, then Gordy stayed in the room while I went to the car. I am so ashamed of myself. I'm glad Olivia had Gordy. I hope and pray she knew I loved her and didn't just judge me by my cowardice act of leaving.
I love you Olivia with the O's on your sides, your question mark tail, your bobcat belly, you lioness, princesses, beauty, sense of humor, the way you "rubbed us in", your catmagic finding my lost things.
Be safe come home soon... <--singing "Livia Olivia, have you met Livia, Livia the tatood pussycat..." ##
"In 1993, May 12 was designated as the International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases, to memorialize the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the English army nurse who inspired the founding of the International Red Cross. The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) joined the Awareness Day effort in 1997 and has led the call for increased recognition of fibromyalgia each May 12 since then.
The theme for this year’s Awareness Day is “Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone.” The day will focus on the far-reaching effects of fibromyalgia.
This year will mark the second annual Walk of FAME (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything), a 5k event hosted on May 12 to raise awareness of the disease. This year’s walk will expand to increase participation and maximize outreach efforts by consisting of hundreds of walks in local communities across the country. On May 12, teams of three or more will walk at an array of popular destinations including shopping malls, the perimeter of Disneyland, and high-profile college campuses wearing Walk of FAME t-shirts and handing out information cards about fibromyalgia.
The NFA has other events planned for Awareness Day that range from a group road trip up the coast of California to a candlelight observance.
In an effort to request a proclamation declaring May 12 International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, the NFA provides a customizable proclamation template to send to local and state government officials for support."
As a person having been dx'd with FMS for ~20 years, I appreciate your support in this effort! Peace! ##
Department of Family Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana. PMID: 19398377
Fibromyalgia (FM) has been associated with alterations in brain morphometry and abnormal dopaminergic neurotransmission. Evidence from preclinical models has demonstrated that dopamine plays a role in promoting neuronal integrity. We therefore sought to confirm previous findings of reduced gray matter density in subjects with FM and to determine whether variations in dopamine metabolism might affect gray matter density.
Voxel-based morphometry was used to evaluate anatomical magnetic resonance imaging data from 30 female FM subjects in comparison with 20 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. In addition, data from a subset of subjects from both groups who had previously participated in our positron emission tomography study using radiolabeled DOPA (n = 14; 6 FM subjects and 8 control subjects) was used to determine whether correlation might exist between gray matter density and dopamine metabolism.
We found a significant reduction in gray matter density within the bilateral parahippocampal gyri, right posterior cingulate cortex, and left anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, a positive correlation was demonstrated between an index of dopamine metabolism from the ventral tegmental area wherein cell bodies of corticolimbic projection neurons originate and gray matter density, specifically in the bilateral parahippocampal gyri and left pregenual cortex.
The current results confirm our previous findings that FM is associated with altered brain morphometry. Alterations in dopamine metabolism might contribute to the associated changes in gray matter density.
PERSPECTIVE: Fibromyalgia is associated with reductions in gray matter density within brain regions ostensibly involved in phenomena related to the disorder, including enhanced pain perception, cognitive dysfunction, and abnormal stress reactivity. Given mounting evidence of abnormal dopaminergic neurotransmission associated with the disorder, the strong correlation between dopamine metabolism and gray matter density provides insight as to the pathophysiology that might contribute to these changes.
I am thrilled to say that there is a brand new video released by the engineers who made the "engineer's guide to cats" -- enjoy and learn (ps 2 of the 3 kitties look just like 2 of mine...!):
PS I'm secretly in love with this guy, because his cat techniques are mine too! A kindred spirit? >^^< ##
This came at an opportune time. My step-daughter, Katie, sent this to me just when I felt I can't eek out another bit o' energy, like today to take 'Livvie to get some more subQ fluids:
A Women's Flaw
By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on Diet Coke and leftovers, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart and she will do everything with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I can't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick and can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected,"that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, there is one flaw in women, THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Miss Olivia Rose Gillman was taken to the vet's on Monday 'cuz I noticed she was losing weight and looked wrong. Although she looked and felt "right" to the vet, they took blood, 'cuz ~4 lbs in 6 weeks is bad.
The results were she's in renal failure. They are saying 6 months to a year. It was not caught because they had never done full bloodwork on her. I suggest to all pet owners to get a baseline earlier than during a crisis.
I spoke to Julie and she says we have time to try to make her feel well, and build up her energy. I will be contacting Beverly too -- she has gobs o' animals as well. So I will be looking for alternate approaches to help our little girl feel well, and dare to dream? be well.
As a kitten, often her tongue would hang out -- Mom said "Her tongue must be too long...". Later I learned, from a vet, that they find an energy spot in the house, and voila, the tongue - zoning out - kind of finding their bliss.
If you know of anything that has helped your kitty with kidney issues, alternative or "vet medicine" please write me with your story.
As always your prayers and light and energy is encouraged. Thank you all. >^^< Peace ##
Just a quickie of a catch up about Mom et al. To acclimate Mom to living at Bright Family Home, Nick has suggested I stay away from her for a bit which makes sense. So, she arrived safely, albeit late <--insert pacing here, on Thursday last. We spent a long time with her, and she was nervous and very chatty (that's one way she copes with her nerves) but that is ok. She did raise her voice in anger /anxiety a couple times, but that should be expected in a totally new new new environment.
She seemed tickled by her room that Kim and I set up.
We left her in good care, and I've been chatting with them regularly. We will see her in 2 days!!!! I can't wait until Wednesday.
Jim and Mary phoned yesterday, and left a message with Nick. I checked with Nick, and he is having phone issues (lucky he has 2 lines) and so I passed the info on to Nick. Jim sounded good, and he and Mary were doing well. We are all eager to meet the newest Gillman who is expected in August. Maybe he'll join us on Gordy's b'day?
Jenna and Haley married Ray this past weekend! FABULOUS NEWS! I can't wait to get some snaps. I hope the family will visit me /us here on the Island!
This week is Brenda's baby shower! A new "cousin" to add to the Coalekids kids! Busybusy times ahead. AND, my b'day is next Monday, the 27th. I just had one!!! Another so soon?
Olivia >^^< has a vet appointment today -- she's lost so much weight -- I don't think it's a health issue as much as behaviour mod -- it scares me to pieces now. Please send light and love her way - she's such a good girl.
Suggested DVDs Books et al -- [not always current, and subject to whim(sy)]
With the latest DVD players coming out with all formats compatible -- I delightedly found the funny and full version of Season one of Ally McBeal at Amazon.uk
[the US didn't release any full seasons] -- enjoy!
Yet Another (and another...) Must See Flick (YAMSF):
[Blazing Saddles - Limited Edition is the one to get because the Commentary by Mel Brooks is priceless ..enjoy!]
