I'm Still Collecting Milk Bags...

Nine months ago and eleven mats later; the
“Milk Bags = Sleeping Mats Project” is still going strong!!! If you were wondering whether I’m still collecting milk bags for this initiative, the answer is “Yes!”, please keep them coming!!! I have two attachments with a) photos showing milk bag samples b) frequently asked questions c) links on how to prep. milk bags for crocheting d) videos that describe how to crochet a mat. If we don't work together, or see each other often, contact me via email or this blog so we can make arrangements for me to email the documents or to get bags from you.

It also looks like good news travels fast because, in addition to my sister crocheting mats in her spare time, the “Sleeping Mats” initiative expanded its boundaries in late November when a women’s crocheting circle in Vernon, Ontario decided they would make this their winter project.

By the way, did you know it takes 300-500 bags to make one adult mat?

What this means is that to-date, between 3,300 and 5,500 bags have been collected! That is A LOT of milk!!!

If you wish to contribute to this initiative or take the bull by the horns and start making your own mats, let me know.

It's fall...Give me some bread with those potatoes and gravy!!!

An analysis of human biology shows that the human species has not changed in over 100,000 years…our biology reveals that deep down our species is still nomadic.

Here’s a thought...Historically, nomadic man would follow his food source to warmer climates, but because we don’t migrate with the animals any more, we instinctively go into a type survival mode that prompts us to stock up on carbs., sugars, sleep…everything and anything that will help our body make it through the long winter; including staples like pastries, French fries and cake – right? (wink)

Observe what's happening in the environment around us – at the trees and the animals. We’re essentially doing what they are – preparing for hibernation by putting on a few extra pounds! I wish to remind you that for me this is totally unacceptable and that since weight gain avoidance is now my focus, tomorrow I'm hopping on the first flight headed to South America where I will live for next 6 months. Migration, here I come! :-)

Onions, Onions, Onions...

I just received an email with the subject heading, “Onions fight flu virus”. I’ve included it after my commentary so you can read it.

Given that I have no idea if vampires really despise garlic, I’m not convinced that an unpeeled, uncut onion sitting on my table will ward off the flu. I did a bit of online research and it appears that my ‘poo pooing’ might be a bit premature when it comes to the beneficial qualities of onions in helping with colds and the influenza virus.

According to a study in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, quercetin, found in onions, may benefit the immune system by protecting against the flu.

The emal text (below) goes on to say that if you get the flu, you may simply get a mild form of it. OK, but how’s this different from what we already know – most of us who get the flu will experience mild symptoms. Given that the flu is primarily spread by touch and proximity, will placing unpeeled, uncut onions throughout my house and in my office at work help minimize my chances of getting the flu?

If don’t have to eat raw onions and have onion breath all day, I may just try this one for fun…if anything it’ll be a conversation starter; especially with the folks at work. (smile)

If you're someone who likes food, or interests themselves in natural remedies rather than drugging your body into submission, here are a couple of links:

http://possumsal.homestead.com/colds.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Make-a-Soup---A-cure-for-Colds-and-Flu

And now for the infamous email I received today…

Onions fight flu virus

OK. It's true. After reading this you will think that I have really lost it. However this is a true story. In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the Doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn’t believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under a microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)

The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this keeps you and your loved ones from getting sick – great! If you do get the flu, it might just be a mild case.

Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!

*Unpeeled, uncut onions don’t smell up the room

Why I Paint...

I've been writing poems since May and after scanning what I've written to date, I think the entire lot have the makings of a cathartic series of paintings. With each poem I see associated images, so at some point I likely do some sort of match up - images with words - similar to what Romantic Age artists like Caspar David Friedrich and William Turner did during late 1700's to mid-1800's when they took excerpts from poems and texts and painted scenes that best captured the emotions brought forward by the text. Back then, they called it "the sublime".

I know that every cloud has a silver lining and have been making wine out of the remains of the day ever since I learned this at the age of thirteen. Essentially, the process of creating something with something else turns into another facet of the healing process. Everything builds on something else.

But why Caspar and Turner? Every artist has their influences and these fellows are two of my many. Besides, since art school, both gents have held a special place in my artistic heart; it seems a shame not to pay my respects to their greatness in my own way.

Proud of my Politician...

I've emailed it and I've posted it on Facebook...the Rick Mercer Report on the City of Mississauga’s Mayor Hazel McCallion. This woman is amazing! Hey, what would you expect from someone with a nick name of “Hurricane Hazel”!

Zero debt, 31 years in office, still active both mentally and physically at the age of 88. She’s one smart cookie and I want her as my mayor!!!

Excuse me Miss...

Last week after work, I waited outside of my building for my husband to pick me up (we commute together); my bags were heavy that day so I sat on a bench to wait.

I was only there for five minutes, but during that time a man, who looked like a beggar, happened to walk by. I looked at him briefly (like I do with everyone who walks by), and then looked back to intersection my husband would be driving through.

When I heard a voice from the opposite direction say, “Excuse me Miss.” I turned my head to look. It was the man…

…he had walked past me and obviously decided to come back and introduce himself. His name was “David”.

David’s message was brief. He told me that he had worked hard all his life and showed me his worn hands in response. He said that although he enjoyed the work he’d done, the work that brought him the most happiness was the work of the Lord.

“Hmmmm…” I thought.

“I ask for no money.” David said as he proceeded to rip out a page from a small booklet - that resembled a daily devotions to the Lord-type of publication - and handed it to me saying, “The only thing I would like you to do is read this and take it to heart.” With that said, David walked away.

Messages come to us in many shapes and forms and even though this one had come from someone who appeared to be homeless, in my opinion it was just as valuable as any other message I might receive from a ‘known source’.

“What the heck. I have time to kill.” I thought.

I scanned both sides of the page, focusing only on the bolded text, to see what I could learn or be reminded of. One side read, “Your children are your legacy” and the other said “We always get what we ask for.” I thought, “Now that’s cool.” Although the two statements are not rocket science, both are very applicable in my day-to-day life.

That’s how it works for me...my answers always come and the format I get them in is ever-changing.

How about you? Have you ever had the experience of getting an ‘answer’ to a question from an unusual source? I’d love to know.

Strangely Silent....

I've been spending more time on Facebook over the past three months than on entering thoughts into my blog. For the past two weeks I've been thinking about the various topics I could be commenting on - interesting, controversial, funny and sincere subjects, but nothing evolved. Tonight I decided...I would simply write.

Could I have writer's block? Not likely. Not only have I been active on Facebook, lately, I've been writing a lot of poems.

Speaking of writing...I received an email from an old boyfriend this week via my Facebook account. It was one of those messages that comes out of the blue and presents itself for consideration. In the past, my relationship with this person ended poorly; however in time, I was able to release it and move on.

Given that the world is a small place, people know people. Three months ago a friend revealed that this ex-boyfriend is still repeating the same pattern of infidelity as he was twenty years ago.

Strangely, now that this individual has touched base again via email, I see yet again that the world is a very funny place. My sense is that some aspect of this terminated relationship has come full circle for review. This time, I said "No" to it.

"No" means that I deleted the email message without responding to it. Why? Because this thing from the past is over. My Higher Self identified that there was no reason to communicate with this person. I have no attachment, no guilt and no strong emotion either way - finally I am neutral.

That said, even though I have released this person, I'm now writing poems to explore and express feelings related to other relationships and situations. When something ends, something always arises to take its place so that the lessons of life can be learned in their full capacity.