LTL??

June 3, 2009 at 8:12 am (Entertainment, Off Topic, health, opinion)
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Laugh To Live :D   I definitely subscribe to this one. I think, it’s something even children know, instinctively, if not intellectually. I mean, I certainly did :D It’s sad how we forget about our childhood wisdom. Good news is, wisdom is there and doesn’t just go away. It’s recoverable, I think! :D I sure can use all the wisdom I can get!

Good for the mood; and, reportedly good for health, literally! Cool Beans :D .

Live longer? Maybe. Forming positive, loving relationships can be key; if not, it certainly makes life more filled with joy — who wouldn’t want that? Yea, I’ll buy that ;)

How can we add more humor and belly laughs to our lives?!

Here’s another to give you a chuckle today:

Now tell me you didn’t smile after these vids! ;)

There is SO much to be worried about, so much to stress about, so much to be unhappy about — give yourself a break! How about actively seeking some good? Health is not just all about food! You know, sometimes all it takes is a smile. I’ve had my day made by a simple smile from a stranger. I try to do the same for others. Sometimes, when I’ve just smiled at someone, I see their entire face change! It looks as if a load has just been lifted from them. And I recognize it! I’ve felt that too. Have you? A simple smile :) Power!

Here are some things to read — just for giggles ;)

What do you do for laughs? What makes you laugh? Please share! I can always use another laugh or smile!

Have a fabulous, silly, smiley-infused, laughable ( :D ) day!

Strix

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BeStitched!

May 31, 2009 at 2:05 pm (Eat to Live, Homemade Products, Off Topic, Sewing)
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Okay, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve sewn :( :( :( Way too many  months since this stitch witch has sewn a darned thing! :( Since I moved, nada — unless you count hand sewing one of Noodles’ suits that he chewed up. And, of course, me being me, I’ve got a backup of “must makes,” complete with patterns galore awaiting me!

For summer, of course, I want simple, quick stuff, though :) I’m very into summer dresses, but have a hard time finding patterns I like, much less the proper sizes — double UGH!…AND, finding perfect fits in stores is really, really hard for me…I seriously need a class on pattern adjustment! Or better — pattern making. Hmmm…maybe I should do that this summer. Time, time…

Funny thing is, I have no “expertise” altering patterns — honestly, I’d be afraid to say that I know how! It’s so tricky — and yet, I adjust stuff I make all the time…haha. Not that it’s done “properly”… Oh, to be a pro! :D

Anywho, so many styles, so little time! Here are a few I’m liking this year; you’ll see a definite theme…

First, this one isn’t a favorite dress, really; what I like is the sleeves and bodice…okay, I know…let’s see…okay, what I don’t like is — something about the collar…not sure! But there’s something I love about this dress; yet something that bothers me. Maybe it’s the cross over??? Probably a “No” after all ;)

Botanique Dress

Botanique Dress

Cute shoes, though!

Okay, next…

I LOVE this dress  AND I love the fabric! Love that blue — more at indigo; reminds me of the blue and white porcelain, famously attributed to the Ming Dynasty. Interestingly, it actually originates from the Middle East.

Personally, I prefer this gorgeous Japanese porcelain. That little hibachi costs over $400. Ha! Okay, off track again :D

Back to the dresses:

Three In One Dress

Three In One Dress

It’s called 3-In-1, though it’s only 2. I think it’s adorable, but elegant. Could I wear it? I think so. I do like the length. I think it could go with some (nice) sandals or heels. Would love to find a pattern! This one doesn’t look difficult to make, actually…it’s the friggin fabric that would send me high-tailing it on my broom! That fabric is tough to work, lemme tell ya. Anything slippery is gonna work ya  — ya las’ nerve, that is!

Speaking of fabric, lol,

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this is one I’ve had for a while, just sittin’! It looks quite a bit like the pattern on the dress! The fabric, however, is thick, too heavy, and not conducive to such a dress.  I love it, though, but still haven’t come up with the perfect use for it…I don’t want to “waste” it (roll eyes). Initially, I liked it for an apron; but then when I realized I need(ed) a new sewing machine cover, I thought that would be nice…Hmmm….what do you think? Apron vs machine cover? Help me out, Folks!

Next one, I LOVE. I am thinking this will take me through Autumn! Top it with a nice sweater or jacket, and appropriate footwear…yeah…

Beaute Du Jour

Beaute Du Jour

Since my favorite colors are Autumnal, I just love this fabric print too. Really like this type of sleeve. Interestingly, normally, I despise ties/bows or scarf-like, around-the-neck-area stuff; but it works for me here. This one, though — speaking of work — will totally work me! That piping…eeGADS…and the flimsy-ish fabric…uhhhhm…I dunno, Folks. Can I do it?!!??! I’d love to make it! Maybe I should just buy it, haha. Def, my favorite.

This is called a jeans dress, but it’s a soft denim…

Tencel Blue Jeans Dress

Tencel Blue Jeans Dress

Not really a fave; but I love the simplicity and comfy-ness of this type of dress. This is the kind you literally throw on with some sandals and go. No adornments, no belts, accessories, etc. Good for lounging on the patio or just puttering :) Easy to make too! Varying the length would be nice.

Lastly, I like this as well. The colors are great; but not my favorite print…

Marrakesh Cotton Dress

Marrakesh Cotton Dress

I like that it’s cotton; but other fabrics could work very nicely. (Cute sandals!) Another one not so easy…for moi. Would be a lot of work for me…I think. I could use the practice on the skirt, though! I do buy patterns for that reason, actually — simply for practice!

Okay, next, I am going to attempt — ATTEMPT, mind you :D — to make a swim suit…yes, it must be emphasized. I don’t imagine I’ll be wearing it! I’ve never made a swimsuit, and working with spandex doesn’t inspire confidence! But, how else to learn? :D

Here are some suits I like, for various reasons:

Charlotte, by Shan, 2008 Collection

Charlotte, by Shan, 2008 Collection

Like the coverage! Haha. I’m not big on my butt hanging out — in fact, I prefer nothing “hang” at all! I like full coverage; I like to be comfortable, and not constantly worrying about how “stuff” looks or how, with each step, each movement, I’ve got to adjust, pull, or fix  something. You know the deal. I don’t wanna think about it, you know?

Next –no, I do not like a bikini for me :) What I do like is the top….

Papillon, by Tissage 2009

Papillon, by Tissage 2009

It looks secure and has good coverage; so comfy. I also happen to really like straps that tie around the neck; they seem to look best on me, I think; I like them for dresses too. A pattern for this type shouldn’t be hard to find.

Now this is totally cute!

Euphoria Martini by Tara Grinna 2009

Euphoria Martini by Tara Grinna 2009

I’d love this: I would, however, prefer a small boy short :) .

And speaking of shorts…

Blue Skipping Stones by Swim Systems 2009

Blue Skipping Stones by Swim Systems 2009

I’d wear this in a heartbeat! No altering needed…well, maybe a little nip-tuck on the V-neck area ;) Or rather, maybe a little stretch-widen…yeah. Lol. Love the shorter top to show off the cutie shorts. I’ve seen similar patterns for blouses like this. Would be cute as a non-swimsuit: just pick some nice easy-breezy cool fabric. Nice!

I like this one, buuuuuut…

Jet Set by Asha DeMarco

Jet Set by Asha DeMarco

Something about it is a turn-off…Certainly, I do not like the colors…but there’s something else…Okay, I do like the top/straps; like the one-piece; the bottom’s not bad…I think it’s the cut of the center/sides ?? No, I like that…I think. Hmmm…maybe it’s the pattern, too? Or and/or colors. I’d like to see this suit in a different color, same pattern; a different pattern; and in a solid as well.

This one is also nice…

Sea Club by Lidea 2009

Sea Club by Lidea 2009

…but I have to admit the color is a big influence :D . I love oranges and orange hues. I prefer the shorts style of the Blue Skipping Stones suit above; though, this would be okay. The little tie works here.

And then of course a good cover! I really like this tunic:

Good Karma by OndadeMar 2009

Good Karma by OndadeMar 2009

VERY cute! There are so many nice tunics. I like long ones, too. The one above is nice with the embroidery embellished fabric. Very cute and probably not too diffucult. This would be a fun one to make. Lots of fabrics to go crazy and make a ton! Would be cute as gifts, too. I could (and have) wear this with some boy-style shorts and be good :) Definitely comfortable and no need to feel self-conscious in tunics.

Of course, a cool top and good pair ‘o’ shorts is always reliable! Slap on some sandals and I’m good to go.

Okay, so now I have to get to the fabric store and start lookin’! I hate purchasing patterns online. I’m sure I could find something in-store. Then it’s on to finding vegan, and as-earth-friendly fabric as possible that I like…daunting, but doable: there are actually more and more earth-friendly and organic fabrics coming to market — yay! Gotta dig, though.

Oh, did I mention I still haven’t gotten my sewing room completely unpacked and organized? whistle
ACKkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!

Time, time….

Okay, so what are you wearing this season, with your new ETL-Nutritarian bod? ;) Please share!

Ahh…eating well has so many benefits! Eat your heart out Valerie Bertinelli! Who  needs Jenny Craig frankenfoods??!!

–

Strix

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Wet Noodle…

May 11, 2009 at 2:02 pm (Noodles, Off Topic)
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“Saturday Night Bath”

Oh, no…

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Ma-ah-om! Not now; not while I’m wet and nude! You know I hate taking pictures…

wet_noodle-6

Geez…Must you?

wet_noodle-3

Okay. Happy?

wet_noodle-copy_text
~ *** ~
Mama Bird
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The Power Of Resignation…

April 25, 2009 at 3:22 pm (Food, Nutrition, Off Topic, health, opinion)
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Richard Nixon Letter of Resignation, via WikiMedia Commons

Richard Nixon Letter of Resignation, via WikiMedia Commons

Resignation

I was reading about the aged and how, if they are resigned to negative thinking about aging, they are actually actively programming their mental and physical decline*:

WOW.

Just…wow. Wake up call! Not just for the aged, but for all of us. In many, many ways. The belief = the reality — regardless of its “truth”; regardless of its factuality; regardless of reality.
We all know the power of intent — yes, it’s powerful; But many have an intent, yet “cannot” bring it to fruition. Why?

What you say to yourself = what you believe = what you act out = your reality. If you label your challenges as “failures” — that’s what you believe, that’s what you act out, that’s what they are…that’s what you are.

Perhaps some of us have been programmed since childhood to believe certain things about ourselves — things people told us we were/are. What are those things? Are they true? Do you believe them? Do you — have you acted them out, regardless of intention? Regardless of the irrationality of them, regardless if you “know” logically they are not “true” — have you made them true?

Who are you listening to now? Do they tell you, encourage you to be your best? to do your best? to be all you can? Do they encourage you to give and be 100%? 90%? Or maybe just 70% is good for you? Do they tell you or insinuate you can’t do 100%? Why? Why do they — why would they tell you something like that? Would they say that to a — or to their — child?  Maybe that’s all you’re capable? Is that what they tell you? Is that what you tell you? Is that what you internalize? believe? resign?

Maybe the time to actively change that is now. Resign to that. Hand in your resignation to your boss, that “Mr./Mz. Negativity.” Resign to change those beliefs; untruths; those resignations…

You are what you believe — not what you parrot you believe. If you believe you can only achieve 90%, that’s all you will yourself to achieve. You will it.

Most of us know the right things to say and are supposed to subscribe to  — the pc things; the mantras; the “m hm’s” –  but are our results manifesting this?

~ * ~

“The ancestor to every action is a thought” _Emerson

~ * ~

If you give 100%, there is no need for, no room for self-disappointment and shame; no room for guilt or excuses, or reasons for giving up. Give all you can give and there is no more. Let those thoughts be positive and what you truly want, in order that the actions you truly want proceed them.

~ * ~

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

The current way to say this:

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

~ * ~

What do you believe? What are you resigned to?

If you believe you can be ALL you can be, then you can. You can. You WILL.

These are lessons my Dad taught me…Still, it’s an ongoing learning experience, this life, isn’t it? Sometimes, I’ve had to re-learn or strive to apply this to all areas of life AND remember to apply it to myself, and not just “pep up” others with it…because then it just gets…trite, cliché.

Make it happen.
DECIDE.
Believe.
Will it.
Do it.
Strive.
Act.
Are.
Am.

Hand in that resignation of negativity smile

Strix

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* The MacArthur Study (also, Successful Aging, by the authors, John Wallis Md Rowe and Robert L. Kahn)

Read more about aging and nutrition

Successful Aging

Previous post on Aging

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By the sound of Train Tracks…

March 15, 2009 at 9:52 pm (Diet, Eat to Live, Food, Off Topic, health)
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What a beautiful sound…

Postcard of the Waterloo Station on the Sussex Railroad with the John Blair engine, WikiMedia Commons

Postcard of the Waterloo Station on the Sussex Railroad with the John Blair engine, WikiMedia Commons

…a sound can bring back a flood of memories.

~ * ~
One of the benefits of Eating to live is the ENORMOUS emotional lift one gets from sheer nutrients repairing one’s organs — especially the brain — and having them operating properly. Do not underestimate the power of nutrition to drastically increase one’s mental and emotional state, if not completely heal whatever ails it. This one area of healing branches into so many areas, it’s remarkable — whether it’s just moodiness, or real happiness being realized when the food addictions are no longer there to bury and back-burner your anxieties –  It all comes forth, ready or not: You are going to deal with your “stuff.”

I mention this because the memories of and dealing with the passing of a dear loved one prompted the following to occur to me:
For those — for some — struggling with nutritious eating, it can be analogous to — but obviously not the same — the Five Stages of Grief:

1. Denial/Isolation

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance.

Of course, as Kübler-Ross reminded, these are not stages that necessarily apply to everyone or to every situation; it’s sort of a framework. One may or may not experience any of these. No response — or non-response — is “typical”; like our selves, our responses are all different. I see this as applicable to eating healthfully — or not — too.

DENIAL: Living in denial — “I’m not THAT unhealthy.” “I don’t have to be so “extreme”; “This is so ’strict’”;etc. Or, “This whole thing is damaging because it leads into this whole ‘perfectionism’ thing which is really mentally unhealthful” and other similar justifications  (looking for and embracing ideas that confirm what one wants to believe — looking for reasons not to do it –  seeking out people  with whom to bond and commiserate and cement this faulty thinking. Misery loves company). ISOLATION: Feeling alone on this quest; no support; no one with whom to bond,  share food/eating/socializing. Disliking standing out; being critiqued, “different”; etc.

ANGER: Ooh, lotsa this one, right? Angry about this new information that they cannot now forget. Angry at whomever brought them the message; Angry that they now “have to” do this — this awful, bland eating…can’t go out, can’t enjoy “X,” can’t-can’t-can’t, etc. OR anger turned inwards — “why did I do this to myself” (make self so unhealthy, etc.); Guilt (Ugh! that one needs a whole volume!)  Just… anger.

BARGAINING: “If I eat well 6 days, then I can binge on the seventh.”  Oh, heck, I can have a “treat” every now and then. It’s not going to hurt me…”  “I will do this 80% of the time because that 20% won’t hurt” “…it’s better than most people eat..”; etc. “I’ll just do an extra set at the gym…”

DEPRESSION:  This one can be split many ways. There’s sadness at the “loss” of your old self; of the “good times” with friends, family; of comfort food; of memories tied to those foods; of socializing… this, then, of course causing and adding stress…And, depression over other life struggles, that one has been stuffing down with food, maximizing because they are being brought to the fore….Blame, blaming…

ACCEPTANCE: well, hopefully this stage. I guess, acceptance of self? of the reality of one’s situation/health? of what needs to be done? This is how I would relate it to Eating healthfully, I reckon — more at “realization,” I guess.

GRIEF — The grieving of the loss of your old friend, who was always there for you. There to spend time with you, keep you occupied instead of leaving you all alone…to think. There to pass the time, when you’d otherwise be…engaged. Say farewell to your old “friend,” food, ie, distraction.

Just some thoughts, by gentle stroke of memory at the humming of a distant railroad…

Poxacuatl


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Truly Magical Night…

February 28, 2009 at 11:45 pm (Off Topic, Random)
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distraction-limited_feb27_2009_moon_venus

Moon and Venus (with clouds) February 27, 2009

Photo by Gene Spesard, Distraction Limited

I gazed upon this gorgeous site last night as I casually peered out to the sky. I was so surprised and instantly felt mesmerized and drawn to the glow. It was picturesque, almost unreal looking, breathtaking beauty; a bit of child-like wonder; and a touch of romance …  I got lost in wonderment. Makes you kind of believe in magic, love, and all that other stuff  sort of lost in the day to day grind :)

Strix

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Fear. And Success…

February 28, 2009 at 3:36 pm (Off Topic, Random)
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I have activated a reply option in the  comments section of the blog: this just means readers have the ability to reply to certain person’s comment. If you want to respond to a comment someone leaves, just click the new “reply” field right below their post.

Fear of Success

When I first heard that there are some people who actually fear “success,” in whatever their definition happens to be — such as in a career, a relationship, and for many, fear of weightloss — I was stunned! It was confusing to my pre-teenaged self to relate to; however, I did intellectually understand it after reading and hearing more about it. I think it was one of those old Oprah shows, haha. Anyway, as I got older I heard about it more and more, but still couldn’t relate to it…

There is a woman who worked with my father and was his friend for several years. She was obese and a classic case of this fear. She was beyond intelligent — my father considered her genius. I so admired her intellect…it was her self-sabotage in different areas of her life I couldn’t comprehend… But, eventually, I did learn and come to understand her better.

So, I’ve come to realize there has been at least one time I feared of success. It was as a child. It had to do with not wanting to stand out so much in school (I’ll save you the ramble). It lasted for no longer than a couple weeks, I confess, but still…Anyway, I defy any cut throat banking fatcat to survive the unforgiving grammar school playground, complete with “mean girls,” status, and “cool kids”!

Anyway, as small as that experience may seem it was significant; and it allows me to have some empathy and a bit more understanding when I read or hear about it. I quickly realized it was foolish to do this, and thank God I have parents who always encouraged me to give 100% effort to whatever I was doing.

So many people go through an unfortunate side effect of losing weight — being successful. Tragic.  Others treat them poorly, whether it’s jealousy; resentment; seeing that person as a threat; or even seeing it as a “loss” of that person or who they think that person “used to be”… as if their self had changed…
As well, many who lose the weight, are, themselves, uncomfortable for various reasons, whether induced by external forces, or from within themselves – self-induced — “Maybe I don’t deserve to be thin? What do I do now that I’m healthy? What do I do now that I’m thin? People are looking at me now, what does this mean? Others are attracted to me suddenly…is this good or bad? Are people sincere? Do I feel exposed? I have nothing to hide me any longer. Now I have to be __ and I’m scared. Can I do it? Can my inside live up to my outside?”

I wonder how many people sabotage their “diets” or goals and, perhaps don’t know it’s fear-based. Or maybe they do know, and it’s a way to — protect themselves?
Maybe they like not reaching certain goals… because it’s easier, because it’s comforting/able, because it’s what they’re used to. What will they do when they no longer have weight to lean on?

What positive things can we do to deal with it? Maybe sharing will help others going through this. I could wax on — Y’All know I could :D — but I’d like to hear from others. Becoming healthy — not just thin, of course — should be a good, positive thing! We all know about fear of failure…what about success?

Strix

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