le femme FOCUS
A Global Experience
The 12 Days of Christmas Ashly Torian Says‌
Leap into the Holidays with Body Love
THE NEW GOLD STANDARD IN ANTI-AGING femme to femme November december 2015
Honoring All Who Served and Those Protecting Us Now. Land of the Free, Home of the Brave because of YOU.
Happiest of Holiday Seasons to You and Your Families.
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November December 2015
ON THE COVER
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Publisher & Editor femme = femme, sister = sister Robin & Becca
The holiday season is rushing in as quickly as the leaves are turning and the weather is changing. Such a season of giving! This month, we give heartfelt thanks for family, friends, and bounty, followed by December giving in its many glorious forms. We give our love. We give gifts, not only to family and friends but to strangers, with charitable donations or goods. We give our time to causes. We share our beliefs. The Dallas Arboretum partnered with the Dallas Opera and will again present the inspirational 12 Days of Christmas. Our Editor in Chief, Becca Menig, shares her photographs of grandeur in the gardens. What a gift the arts have given to our city with this outstanding artistic display. We give in to temptations! Holidays mean food, drink, and celebrations, so we’ve featured articles in this issue on all of those. There are recipes for soups to warm your body and soul, and an introduction to the Mystical Coffee Club. Experience for yourself global coffees from exotic locales, and then consider giving a gift of java. Maybe holidays mean vacation time and you want to pack a bag and travel … Discover the winter wonderland of New Mexico. Deborah Ricci will get you dressed for any event, profiling what’s hot in fashion this cold season, and Ashly Torian discusses how you can enjoy the culinary moments and still remain your healthy best. Read about the benefits of Vitamin D3, the power of water, and how cosmetic procedures might just raise your holiday spirits. Three writers, Kim Andrews, Kathryn Eriksen, and Cynthia Michel, give us their personal stories, circling us back to thoughtfulness and reflection. We hope each of you, our valued readers, enjoy the holidays. May they come to you wrapped in peace, hope, and love.
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Leap into the Holidays with Body Love by Ashly Torian
Suzie was fed up with the holidays. She knew she should be excited and thrilled that they are here, but truthfully she couldn’t wait for them to be over. She knew at the end of the holidays she will be feeling tired, bloated, frustrated and just plain worn out from keeping up with the intense schedule, eating rich foods, and not getting any sleep. She wants to get motivated for the new year so she can lose weight, but to be honest, she doesn’t have the energy for that either. She is at a loss and feels defeated. All of these things led Suzie to feeling hopeless and that she will never reach her desired weight or feel the way she wants to feel: joyful, energized, loving her body, and ready for anything that life brings her way. Do you feel that way? Do you feel you are ready for anything life brings your way? Do you have the energy, confidence, know-how, inspiration, and/or direction, that living for your highest goal demands? The answer to this is typically no. For one, most people tend to gage the way they live their life according to the needs they have in this moment ... not the needs to attain their highest goal. Your highest goal is your reason for being. The small goal is how much weight you can lose this week. See the difference? This is the time of year that calls us to evaluate our lives. Are you focused on how much weight you want to lose for your New Year resolution or are you thinking of the bigger picture? Suzie, she is thinking of the small goal. When our focus is on the small goal, it keeps us stressed and in a state of panic. As a food and body love coach, I urge you to put away the small goal and focus on your reason for being, and there is no better time to adopt this way of thinking than this time of year. The holidays are beautiful and filled with love, joy, peace, and grace.
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I wish I could bottle this, for then there would never be a reason for diets. People wouldn’t feel pressured to go on a diet because when they are filled up with these, metabolism is sky high, the body burns fat for energy, the body digests, assimilates, and eliminates, perfectly. You end up with the body you always wanted. Instead, it seems as though people get stuck on the stress merry-go-round, kind of like the life of Suzie, and by the end of the year when it is time to get motivated for a new year, they don’t feel love, joy, peace, or grace. Instead they encapsulate disgruntlement over finances and weight gain. They are worn out and defeated because the weight they wanted to avoid has found its way onto their backside …or frontside. The stress of this can put any woman in a state of panic. I want to forewarn you, if you decide to go on a diet in the New Year, with the sole purpose of losing weight, most likely you will not achieve that goal. Only about 20 percent of individuals, who set weight loss goals or New Year resolutions, are shown to follow through with those goals. An even sadder statistic is only 2 percent of those who go on a diet with the sole purpose to lose weight, maintain that weight loss after two years. It sounds like a lost cause, doesn’t it? Statistics do not bring hope. They only bring disillusionment. Well, I am here to tell you …this is not your future. At least it doesn’t have to be. You can decide right now, that it will be different this year. You have that power; the power to choose. When you shift your perspective about the foods, you are able to adopt a new way of eating during the holidays. Most importantly, you’ll be eating what feels healthful. You will eat what leaves you feeling vibrant, alive, joyful, and well, and still have those wonderful holiday treats and celebrations to enjoy. It’s about finding that balance and living in the middle; take on the understanding that you are beautiful and perfect just as you are, in this moment.
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The uplifting news is all you have to do is take the step and shift your perspective from punishment to nourishment. You see, dieting takes the fun out of living. It brings on more stress than the holidays. My suggestion is release this small goal and the stress surrounding it, and instead, leap into the holidays with confidence. Here are a few holiday tips for you:
Move your body daily:
Workout everyday (5-6x/week) for at least 30 min Combine cardio with weight training. Walking or yoga for a more meditative workout. Stretch and/or foam roll daily DO NOT give up your workout hour to make room for other things.
Plan your Food:
Adhere to good eating every day until a special day … party, event, or Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Eat foods in their whole state 80
percent of the time. Stay away from packaged foods containing artificial preservatives. They cause mineral imbalances that result in the belly bloat and excess water weight, they are addicting by altering the neurotransmitters in the brain, and they cause toxic waste to be stored in the digestive tract. Limit grains to 1-2 servings/day and eat them early in the day. Stay away from caffeine as much as possible. It can raise cortisol levels in the body which promotes belly fat. Eat only when you are physically hungry. It is so easy to eat just because food is being offered. It is ok to just say no, and not eat, especially if you are not hungry. Take 5-10 deep breaths before you eat. This way the body is relaxed and in full digestive power. Eat slowly and with awareness. Avoid doing two things at once; when you eat, only eat. Pay close attention to the needs of your body this time of year. Typically, the body needs REST, not food.
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E.N.D. Mindset (Embrace~Nourish~Digest):
Set aside quiet time, or what I call soulful time, to bring a peace and calm to your spirit. This is the powerhouse for stress reduction. DO NOT give this time away! Journal your thoughts and the stressors that come at you. Write down your reaction and come up with an alternate response that will lead you to healing. Find your inspiration and keep it close, so the next candy cane around the corner doesn’t pull you off track. BREATHE …oxygen is the single most metabolic enhancing nutrient you have at your disposal. Our bodies need oxygen to maintain balance, reduce stress, digest, assimilate, and eliminate food. Every process in the body flows positively with the presence of oxygen. Breathe deeply, filling the diaphragm and the lungs. Exhale 1-2 counts longer than you inhale to release the stale air. Get plenty of SLEEP. Sleep will reduce stress levels and give you the ability to maintain a positive mindset during the hectic times.
Party Time:
Right before the party, eat cut up vegetables to curb hunger. Eat from the veggie tray first and then hit the other party foods. Limit yourself to 1 small plate. Eat 1 dessert; pick the one that is your favorite, the most desired, the one that literally makes you drool. If you do not experience that reaction, then skip dessert. Drink plenty of water and limit party drinks to 1.
Follow these guidelines throughout the holiday season and you will feel inspired, healthy and free in a body YOU love! If you walk through the holidays the same way as you did last year, you are going to wind up right back where you are now. It takes action. You can do this. You can make this shift using the E.N.D. Method for keeping the holiday weight OFF. Leap into the holidays with confidence. I will be right along-side you. May peace be with you and fill you up. Ashly’s Bio-Balance is designed to help each individual find inner peace with their body and soul. www.ashlytorian.com
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Ingredients
Directions
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Ingredients
Directions
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Ingredients
Directions
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HUNGER LI STENS TO MUS IC , TOO . 1 IN 6 AME R IC AN S STRU GG L E S WI T H H U NGE R.
TO GE T HE R WE’ R E
Hunger is closer than you think. R each out to your local food bank for ways to do your part. Visit FeedingAmerica.org today.
ENHANCE YOUR MYSTICAL COFFEE JOURNEY
Mystical Coffee was founded by a few friends who love coffee. Good coffee. Rich, “flavorful to the last sip” coffee. Coffee made of fresh beans from exotic locales. These friends discovered one evening, each other’s experiences and shared knowledge about the history, art, and science of coffee, which led to a collective desire to educate and improve awareness of just how amazing a personal cup of coffee can be. The Mystical Coffee Club was founded from that night of coffee conversation. The history of coffee dates back to the 10th century, with a number of stories and legends surrounding its first use. The native origin of coffee is thought to have been Ethiopia, yet the earliest substantiated evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree is from the 15th century, in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. By the 16th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, Horn of Africa and then northern Africa where it was primarily consumed by the Islamic world directly related to religious practices. Coffee then spread to the Balkans, Italy and Europe and across the Atlantic to America. As Bill DeWhitt and Rusanna Craig, friends and co-founders of Mystical Coffee Club, state, “We want everyone to be able to enjoy coffees from a global perspective, with specially selected beans roasted by masters who are the most respected in the industry. Our desire is to allow people to taste coffees specially chosen for their rarity, uniqueness, and exceptional quality; coffees which are, freshly roasted, sealed, packaged and shipped within days.” As DeWitt explained, just as the wine industry grew into the wide array of wonderful selections in American vineyards with knowledgeable connoisseurs, the coffee industry is experiencing early stages of the same. Consumers know 17
great coffees exist, most have just not been introduced to them nor educated to develop a discriminating palate. But the day is here and Mystical Coffee Club is leading the way, so to speak. So what is Mystical Coffee Club? It is a monthly coffee club offering coffees from around the globe, specifically chosen for you to enjoy. You choose your level of enjoyment based on your desires, but it is DeWhitt and Craig’s hope that each member will truly enjoy varietals they receive monthly which may be from outside their norm. Let your taste buds be surprised by
aromas, hints of rich bold or quiet subtle flavors, and after delights that remain in your mouth awakening certain senses.
Understanding the history of coffee, or at least the basics, helps you understand the flavors you enjoy the most and the Mystical Coffee Club will help you learn what you like, letting you experiment with coffee from countries that grow outstanding beans and opening the coffee connoisseur lying in wait inside of you.
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As seedlings went from the Middle East to Europe and Africa, they then reached the Caribbean Islands circa 1720s and 50 years later there were 18,680 coffee trees in Martinique enabling the spread of coffee cultivation to Haiti, Mexico and other islands. What became the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, supplied half the world’s coffee by the late 1700s. Different topography developed a variety of beans, different in size and shape, color and flavor, but only two main species of coffee exist: robusta and arabica. Less expensive, and naturally less flavorful, the earthy robusta is used for more commercial coffee production while the fuller-flavored arabica beans are preferred for their distinctive flavors, cultivated in just a few ideal regions for which they are often named: Guatemala, Jamaica, Indonesia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Brazil became the largest producer of coffee in the world by 1852 and it has had that status ever since. It dominated world production, exporting more coffee than the rest of the world combined, from 1850 to 1950. Since then the playing field has widened due to the emergence of several other major producers, most notably Colombia, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Vietnam, which became the second-largest producer in 1999 and reached 15% market share by 2011. And we are now seeing the emergence of coffee plantations in the United States. Hawaii with its tropical weather is ideal for coffee plantations while California and Georgia are throwing their beans in the roaster!
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How exciting to have the world’s best coffees each morning! Able to try a different one each month as you develop your taste palate. The Mystical Coffee Club membership assures rare and unique coffee roasts are delivered to your door from the featured roaster each month. You will receive luxury coffee, freshly roasted, packaged, sealed and delivered to you in 5-7 business days. A club membership gives you access to specially selected coffee beans from around the world at a level designed to fit your needs.
Our goal is to consistently deliver the highest quality of coffee and we are proud to use local coffee roasters, Eiland Roasters and Full City Rooster, for the freshest quality for you, our customers. Eiland Coffee integrates old-school roasting equipment retro-fitted with modern technology to specialize in roasting rare and unique coffees from around the world and selecting only the finest single origin coffees from micro-lot growers and socially responsible farms, Full City Rooster delivers to our studio for us to begin roasting in our state of the art Loring Roaster. It is the most environmentally efficient, sustainable roaster available on the market today. With engaging education, informative events, community involvement (Mystical Coffee Club supports local charities with a special program which provides the non-profits with a product sales page and percentage of all resulting sales going to the charity) and monthly selections of luxury coffee, Mystical Coffee Club is a winner! For detailed information or to sign up please visit www.MysticalCoffeeClub.com
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The Business of Staying Current by Susan Hamilton What’s the latest? In business, we have to be on our game, baby, but I feel compelled to shatter a myth. If you don’t know the latest whatchyamakallit or doo-hickey and are not currently on 20 various forms of social media - it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your edge. I remember when my grandmother used to tell me that life went “so fast.” She always said she felt like a teenager in an older body. She acted like it, too. Set a great example for women to age gracefully, but with as many reasons to laugh as possible. Her generation lived a much slower life. When my children were home, I used to freak out about their Facebook activity. Now, I only HOPE I can catch them on Facebook. They’ve grown and moved on. I went on to build a media platform made up of audio, video, and digital magazine stylings to strengthen American brands. This requires immediate, regular attention on social platforms to be successful. Didn’t see that coming five years ago. No matter how fast I move, no matter how long I keep my nose to the grindstone, the minute I look up, another newer thing is being mastered by my peers. And you know what? It’s as it should be. I’m not going to kill myself to be first at everything or the best at the newest, and I hope you don’t either. Keeping your business current is tremendously important. Helping American small business do that is why The OffBeat Business Show & Magazine exist. I love helping people develop authoritative reputations using smarter media. But I’ve learned that there are two currents. Pun intended. And they run at two different speeds.
Decide What Current YOU’RE Riding On The second biggest danger to American business right now, right after over-legislation, is the misuse of social media. Yup, I said it. We’re wasting too much time. We don’t know how to use it effectively, and quite frankly, most people still do not care. Business owners throw themselves in the water long enough to get cold, disillusioned and exhausted - neglecting other equally important facets of their business. But we cannot influence what we will not participate in. If you are the best at what you do, then everything you promote about your business should educate and inspire people to work with your company. And they ARE online. But they don’t buy like they used to, and social media is not advertising.
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If your main concern and objective is to learn to communicate more effectively so you can influence a higher paying customer, make more money working less hours, and make a difference in your community through some form of outreach or mentorship, you’re riding the right current. You’ll succeed. You don’t need every form of the latest whatever to do it. All you really need to do is very simple: Pare down your education. Get ONE good coach, listen to ONE good podcast source regularly, network with ONE group until you know everyone well - and allow yourself to get off the information overload merry-go-round. Distraction stops action, and Gramma was right when she warned you there were too many cooks in the kitchen. Determine to master ONE area of social media for business use. Delegate. If YOU are wearing all the hats in your company, you will never have enough time to grow your company, and I hate to tell you this but I see it all the time - it’s a slow death. Once you have chosen a networking group, have deliberate conversations with people who do what you wish you could afford them to do for you. Have several conversations about what it would look like to work with one of them to take a specific task off your hands. This doesn’t have to be scary, and no, you may not be able to afford it immediately. But this is what growth looks like, and you have to be positioned to take the next step the moment you can. Take daily time to plan your plan, and then hold yourself accountable to walk it out. Time block. 1-2 hours every day, the phone goes to voicemail, Facebook is OFF, no checking emails - focus on developing and working your plan. Get really good at articulating WHY you’re the best choice in your industry or service area. Write it. Say it out loud. Remind yourself constantly, and if you have employees - remind them constantly, too. This is not a vague ‘why’ but a very specific ‘why.’ Seriously, do this and the natural force of this current will take you further on your journey towards where you want to go.
But Avoid This Current with Everything You’ve Got Shiny button syndrome doesn’t mean you jump on each bandwagon for each new thing - it means you let it depress you. Everything’s moving so quickly that you feel powerless and incapable. Instead of doing that ONE thing, you see 20 things and get overwhelmed. Get off this current. It will only paralyze you. Dabbling. Dabbling means that in an effort to learn the too many things you’ve given yourself to do, you do a little of everything and never finish or master anything. It’s not your best you, my friend. You need focus. If you find that you’re floating through your life in business like this, get off this current.
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Voicing opinions on current events of a divisive nature in an attempt to make a stand. With that said, make a stand. You can stand for good without being divisive, hateful, hurtful or pointing fingers. Rise above the noise. Don’t get yourself engaged in conversations on social media that are only degenerating. If you have something helpful to offer, do it well. If all you’re doing is stirring the pot, realize that your social media ‘flavor’ absolutely impacts your business, even if you’ve only got 50 ‘likes’ on your Facebook page. Have salt, my friend, but leave the fire to the Most High. Don’t demean yourself by getting caught in a conversation with a confrontational jerk. And don’t be a confrontational jerk, either. Listen, time really does fly by, and I bet you’re feelin’ it every bit as much as I am. Two weeks ago my husband of 19 years had a stroke at 52 years old. He was paralyzed down the entire right side of his body. All he did was not set any goals for himself in regard to personal development. He’s basically healthy. But he’s been on a project that taught him a lot about being the single point of failure. See, any size business can be guilty of this. If every approval process runs solely through us, we’re wearing a pretty big hat. It’s a bad idea, and it can cause you to wear down. His was a stress related injury. All work, eating on the fly, no exercise, fitful sleep - all make a prime candidate for illness. Then he let a cough get out of control. Before we knew it, he had coughed until an artery had dissected at the base of his skull; Could happen to anyone. He’s a walking miracle. Back at work today a smarter man, very aware that we have to be wise with our minutes. As I got around this morning, I realized I wasn’t immune to the things he went through. So I had a decision to make. I allowed myself time to envision what the next stage of growth for The OffBeat Business Show & Magazine will look like. I was getting overwhelmed, and it was time to get off the wrong current so I could stay current. That’s real growth and authentic value, and they’re far too easy to miss. Life in business is happening at an extremely fast rate, and if you can’t feel it, it might be time to make faster, better choices that protect your health, family and overall quality of life.
Susan Hamilton is the owner, editor and talk show host of The OffBeat Business Show & Magazine, a business to business media company spotlighting what’s working right in American business today. To learn how audio, video, digital magazine articles and ads can help you build a strong, influential brand, contact Susan@OffBeatBusiness.com or call 214-714-0495.
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WHY Would Someone Use Your Company? By Rose Colarossi
I have been networking for many years and have attended many different types of networking groups. I am also asked to be a guest speaker at networking groups to talk about the successful way in which to network. Usually, I start by asking the attendees if they think they will build their business without building relationships? If you have networked, you know what I mean. Typically at these meetings, people will walk up to you and regurgitate an infomercial about their business or product and then walk away. How can anyone think that approach would grow their business? Well, it is my experience that a lot of people think that way. Either they just don't know any better or have not been given good feedback or perhaps they have not asked for it. What I tell groups is that you have to ask yourself this question ... Why would someone use my company or service vs. the hundreds of other companies or services that are my competition? The answer is because of the relationship you have built! Let's face it, in a room of thirty people there may only be one person in that room that you can do business-to-business with. Is that the only person you are going to focus on? I hope not. I would suggest that you focus on every single person in the room as though they are a part of your sales force. Every person in that room has someone in their personal or professional life that could use your product, business or service. 25
Effort is a key component to networking. So often people come to networking group meetings and after a few meetings stop showing up with an excuse that they have not gotten any business from the meeting. I then ask them who they have provided referrals to or who they have given business to. It is no surprise that they have not helped anyone in terms of giving referrals or business. I simply tell them that they reap what they sow. Honestly, you will get so much more out of a networking group when you put more effort into it. Always check yourself. Ask yourself if you are you truly trying to think about who you can connect someone with or how you can help someone in that room or are you simply there to sell yourself or your product? People are more likely go above and beyond for you if you help them, get to know what their likes and dislikes are, learn about their family life, hobbies etc. Make a human connection, build that human relationship, and then you can truly build your business. Let's talk about the so called must have 1-on-1's. No thank you. I tried it twice and both times they turned into 45 plus minutes of listening to people give infomercials. Many of you have experienced this situation. I call them 1-on-"nones". Not once did either of them ask me about myself or my business. In fact, I never saw them again. So, when asked to participate in a 1-on-1, I respectfully decline. Instead, I prefer to get to know you by seeing if you show up for networking meetings on a consistent basis. I like to see if you participate and contribute to the meetings in terms of discussions and ideas. I like to see if you are promoting the meeting on social media and inviting guests. If you just sit there waiting for someone to give you business - I am really not interested. Integrity matters. If I do see all of the aforementioned, then I like to get together with three or more people vs. the 1-on-none. I find that it promotes better conversation and brainstorming, and more importantly fosters a better chance of give and take. In terms of referrals ... I will personally make introductions to people explaining how I met you, but I will not make a referral unless I get to know you, have used your product or business, or know someone personally who can vouch for you. Again, it is only after I witness you participating in meetings, engaging in true conversations, sharing ideas with others and genuinely trying to help others grow their business, that I will go out of my way to promote and help your business. I am happy to say that I have fostered incredible relationships via networking this way. People who truly understand networking as a way to build relationships in order to build their business truly succeed. We constantly help one another with our businesses, events, etc. That is what networking with integrity is to me. Rose Colarossi is the Owner of three The Egg & I Restaurants in the Dallas area. www.TheEggandIrestaurants.com. She is a partner at lefemmefocus.com a company that specializes in marketing women entrepreneurs.Rose also owns Outside the Fishbowl looking In Consulting Company and is currently working on starting a non-profit organization.
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Join Us! Live Music | Dancing | Dynamic Speakers | BBQ | Give-Aways
1st Annual Celebration of American Business April 22, 2016 Early Bird Pricing Going On NOW!
$47 GO TO http://OffBeatBusiness.com/BusinessBASH
Fall Fashion Forecast by Deborah Viapiana-Ricci
What’s old becomes new again! What can I say … the past, steps on the heels of the present, doesn’t it?
These looks have an updated feel with a romantic touch; bell sleeves and shorter lengths, much like the fashion icon Margaux Hemmingway rocked during her reign. Tweeds, plaids, and checks are at the forefront in dresses, suits, and coordinates. Mix, match, and coordinate. Don’t be shy, these looks can take you anywhere ranging from Lady Lumberjack to time tested Tommy.
Each season, I head out to do the investigative process of my work to see what’s up and coming. And what I’m seeing is a blast from the past with lots of 60’s and 70’s influences, Boho inspired and very reminiscent of my high school days, in fact!
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Boots, boots, boots of all kinds! Short boots that are a bit edgy with a feminine take and Moto boots (my favorite) can run the gamut. Pair them with silk dresses or jeans and leather … your choice … it’s all good! They are also the more feminine version of what I like to call a “gender bender” look; you know, as if James Dean and Madonna had a clothing line together! Animal prints never seem to leave the scene. Just don’t overdo it with head to toe dressing … you might get mistaken for a leopard on the loose! Leather and fur are also showing up in a big way, especially with the reemergence of sherpa and shearling! Vests are a more sedate way to don these warm alternatives to their bulkier counterparts. Continuing with the 70’s inspired era, ponchos of all kinds are back; anything from soft and cozy fabrics to a more textured ethnic look. Either way, grab one for yourself, they are very versatile. Of course, this is all fun, but if you have not yet figured out what your signature style is, your look will not reflect your life. Put together a core wardrobe with staples that mix, match, and coordinate. Add a splash of a few trendier items just for fun. But, remember, your wardrobe has to fit properly, look great (not the same thing), and work for your life-style, because without fit, fashion, and function, it’s just clothing! Deborah Ricci is a fashion stylist, freelance writer, radio host and speaker. www.theclotheslines.com
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le femme PROFILES Susan Hamilton
What are three items always in your refrigerator? Milk, butter, beer Tell us two things we don’t know about you. I grew up in Wisconsin, and my family lived on the road in an RV for 2 years while my dad decided where he wanted to raise us. What is your signature perfume? Don’t have one. Pantene hairspray, lol! If money was no object, what car would you drive? I like the new model Audi - not sure which What’s a book you’d like to recommend? Dean Lindsay’s The Progress Challenge Diamonds or pearls? Rock, jazz, pop, or country? Salty or sweet? Work or play? Pearls, all music, salty & sweet, Could use a little play right now! Best day of the week and why? Monday – Focus/Vision What three dishes define Thanksgiving for you? Turkey, stuffing, apple pie What’s an ultimate vacation, yet to come? 2 weeks on the beach followed by 2 weeks in the mountains Where do you go to be alone? My office or a walk Tell us why you love le femme FOCUS! I love the women I’ve met through this group for so many reasons – laughter, support, inspiration, business acceleration – it’s a great group!
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le femme PROFILES Star Strong,
What are three items always in your refrigerator? Milk, b eggs, water Tell us two things we don’t know about you. Cartoon artist, 25yrs job experience of QA Inspector What is your signature perfume? Acura Di Gioia
If money was no object, what car would you drive? 2015 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe What’s a book you’d like to recommend? My Inside Is Better Than My Outside, How I Overcame Bullying By Simply Badd with John Cosper Diamonds or pearls? Rock, jazz, pop, or country? Salty or sweet? Work or play? Diamonds, all the above (rock, jazz, pop, country, etc), sweet, work/play. Best day of the week and why? Tuesday, less work What three dishes define Thanksgiving for you? Turkey, dressing, collard greens What’s an ultimate vacation, yet to come? California Where do you go to be alone? Home Tell us why you love le femme FOCUS! Network and awesome people
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from 3906 12 Days On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. 34
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
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On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixteenth day of December, two of my true loves gave to me, twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. Thank you Dallas Arboretum and Dallas Opera for the spectacular show (Photographs from 2014). Merry Christmas!
My name is Becca. I live in Dallas but I left my heart in Florence, Italy. I'd like to thank you for reading. www.from3906.blogspot.com.
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Cosmetic Procedures for Raising Your Spirits by Kathryn White, M.D.
Raising your spirits is easier if you feel good about your appearance. The aging process is often not very kind and gravity is not your friend! Fortunately there are a variety of non-surgical options that may erase several years in just a matter of minutes. We will focus on just a single class known as injectables. No one likes needles but there is really minimal discomfort associated with these treatments and they are some of the most common cosmetic procedures done every year. Injectables encompass products that add volume (dermal fillers) and also relax muscles to soften wrinkles. The most common of these is Botox™. Botox™ is derived from botulinum toxin but is extremely safe and also now commonly used to treat many medical conditions such as migraine headaches. For cosmetic usage, the most common area of treatment include the “11’s” which are those frown lines between our brows. It can also be used however to treat crows feet, 43
forehead lines, fine lines around the mouth and some other indications in the lower face. Not all of these indications are FDA approved but it is used off-label very safely in a variety of other locations. In general, it takes about three to five days for the effect to begin and it is optimal in about two weeks. Wrinkles are often significantly softened and in some instances, completely erased! The effect is temporary and will generally last about three to four months on average. With regular usage, you might even begin to space your treatments out to four to five month intervals. Adverse effects are extremely uncommon and generally resolve quickly. The most common is bruising but occasionally there can be some asymmetry of the face or drooping of the eyelid. There are two other products also derived from botulinum toxin which are alternatives to Botox™. They are Dysport™ and Xeomin™. They are very similar and can be used interchangeably. Another group of injectables are the dermal fillers. While Botox™ and related products are used to treat wrinkles caused by facial movement, fillers treat wrinkles caused by volume loss. Loss of facial fat and volume are a very common consequence of aging. Dermal fillers are used to replace the volume, plumping up the facial contours for a more youthful appearance. This effect is also temporary however they generally last significantly longer depending upon the product used. There are many different fillers available and we will focus on only a few of them. One class of fillers is made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a normal component of our skin and attracts water. That is how it maintains the volume for a period of months. There are several different fillers of this type to choose from including Juvederm™, Restylane™, Voluma™ or Belotero™. There are also fillers made from other products as well, such as Sculptra™ or Radiesse™. These types of fillers are also able to stimulate your own collagen production which provides long lasting results. None of these fillers require any skin testing prior to injection like the collagen fillers of years ago. Any type of allergic reaction is extremely rare.
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Fillers are most commonly used in the nasolabial folds which are the lines coming from the sides of the nose down to the mouth. They are also used for lip augmentation and to soften those “smoker’s lines” around the mouth. Some fillers are meant to be injected deeper than others and are great for correcting volume loss around the cheeks and mid face. Other areas commonly injected are the temples, along the jaw line, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth and even the chin. Radiesse™ has also recently been FDA approved for injection into the hands for rejuvenation there as well. Serious side effects with dermal fillers are rare. It is often possible to have some swelling and bruising for several days. The injected areas may be tender but that generally resolves quickly. On occasion, there may be lumps or asymmetry. Some fillers have lidocaine in them to help with discomfort during the injections and topical anesthetic creams and ice are also used. Overall, they are well tolerated with these anesthetics. Dental blocks can be performed for lip augmentations if necessary as well. The length of time that fillers will last varies depending upon the type of filler used and location injected. In general, they can last between six to eighteen months. A combination of a dermal filler and one of the agents to block the wrinkles of motion can give very nice cosmetic results. There is minimal downtime with this yet it can result in a much more youthful and rested appearance. Since there are so many options available, it is best to discuss your desires with a knowledgeable practitioner. Go ahead … treat yourself and raise your spirits not only during the holiday season but well beyond!
Kathryn E. White MD is a Board Certified gynecologist practicing for over 20 years in the Plano/Frisco area whose practice focuses on women’s health/wellness, hormone replacement therapy and weight loss. She provides surgical services at Baylor Medical Center Frisco and is also the Medical Director of Azure Med Spa in Frisco, Texas. Dr. White personally performs all injectable procedures in her spa.
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Enhance Your Well-Being with Essential Oils For Stress: Lavender, Lemon, Bergamot, Vetiver, Peppermint, Pine, and Ylang-Ylang
For Low Energy: For Pain: Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Green Apple, and Peppermint
Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Angelica, Jasmine, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Sage, and Citrus
For Insomnia: For Anxiety: Lavender, Bergamot, Rose, Clary Sage, Lemon, Orange, Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile, Rose Scented Geranium, and Pine
Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine, Benzoin, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, and Ylang-Ylang
For Nausea & Vomiting: For Depression: Jasmine, Lavender, Chamomile, and Peppermint
For Memory & Attention: Sage, Peppermint, and Cinnamon
Mint, Ginger, Lemon, Orange, Dill, Fennel, Chamomile, Clary Sage, and Lavender
The Importance of Vitamin D3 A Three Part Series
by Dr. Donna S.Barsky, PharmD Vitamin D, often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin,” is different from other vitamins in that it influences your entire body. Receptors that respond to vitamin D have been found in almost every type of human cell, from your brain to your bones. Optimizing your vitamin D levels could help you to prevent as many as 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers. In fact, a previous landmark study from the Moore’s Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), found that some 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancers could be prevented each year, if only vitamin D3 levels among populations worldwide were increased. Beyond cancer, the researchers pointed out increasing levels of vitamin D3 could prevent diseases that claim nearly 1 million lives throughout the world each year! And other studies showed that you can decrease your risk of cancer by MORE THAN HALF simply by optimizing your vitamin D levels with sun exposure. Further, optimal vitamin D levels are also known to positively influence the following conditions:
Heart disease Diabetes Inflammatory bowel disease Rheumatoid arthritis Multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis
How Much Vitamin D do You Need? Your doctor can measure your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to determine your vitamin D status. Your vitamin D level should NEVER be below 32 ng/ml, and anything below 20 ng/ml is considered a serious deficiency state, which will increase your risk of breast and prostate cancers and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In the United States, late winter 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels generally range from 15 to 18 ng/ml, so this vitamin deficiency affects a very large portion of the U.S. population. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l), but previous research has suggested that maintaining a slightly higher level of 55 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter) is optimal for cancer prevention. RDA Too Low for Achieving Optimal Vitamin D Levels This latest study, published in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition points out that many African Americans simply cannot reach optimal vitamin D levels under the current recommended daily allowance (RDA) guidelines. 47
The 1997 Panel on Calcium and Related Nutrients considers 2,000 IU’s as the upper limit of intake, with a recommended daily allowance of just 400 to 600 IU’s per day. In fact, the new dosing algorithm that this study proposes calls for a daily dose of 2,800 IU’s for African Americans with a serum level of at least 45 nmol/L, and 4,000 IU’s per day if your serum level is below 45 nmol/L. In addition to this one-measurement, one-dose adjustment algorithm, they point out that given the individual variability in your response to vitamin D, the best result would be expected if your 25 (OH)D was measured and your dose of vitamin D is adjusted. I also recommend you check your vitamin D levels regularly as overdosing on oral vitamin D supplements IS possible. (There’s very little risk of overdosing on vitamin D from the sun, however.) What is Your Best Source of Vitamin D? Sun exposure (without sunscreen) of about 10 to 15 minutes a day, with at least 40 percent of your skin exposed is your best source of vitamin D. Sometimes, however (such as if you happen to live in the Chicago area like I do), you may not be able to get enough sun exposure during certain parts of the year. In that case supplementation is an option. Obviously, it will be very difficult for many to get adequate sun exposure in the winter, which is why I also advise using a safe tanning bed to have your own body produce vitamin D naturally. The most important thing to keep in mind if you opt for oral supplementation is that you only want to supplement with natural vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the type of vitamin D found in foods like eggs, organ meats, animal fat, cod liver oil, and fish. Do NOT use the synthetic and highly inferior vitamin D2. To find out more about the crucial importance of sunlight and vitamin D for your health, my forthcoming book Dark Deception will explore this topic in detail, and expose why the conventional wisdom on the subject, which encourages you to stay out of the sun, is dead wrong. Vitamin D is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States, and most physicians are clueless about its importance. If you can answer the majority of these questions correctly you are doing better than the majority of physicians. Please remember that without question the best way to optimize your vitamin D level is with regular exposure of large portions of your skin to the sun. However, with Labor Day behind us it is time for most of us to consider using supplementation. If you have any questions concerning your Vitamin D3 levels, or want to know how you can reach your best physical health for a longer life, please, call us at Texas Star Pharmacy, 3033 W. Parker Rd., #100, Plano, TX 75023, 972519-8475 or fax 972-519-8477 and make an appointment with our Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Christina. She will be happy to see you.
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The Dance of the Spheres by Kathryn Eriksen Has the sun ever said to the moon, ‘You never give back?’ (Anthony DeNealo) Remember when we had a total lunar eclipse on September 27, 2015? It was an event that could be seen by most parts of the United States and was widely anticipated. People in my neighborhood sat outside on the front lawns and watched the moon slowly turn red. It became darker and redder, and the earth blocked the sun’s rays until it was completely engulfed by darkness. I texted my brother (who is an amateur astronomer) and he described it this way: It’s quite poetic to me. Talk about the music of the spheres … that arching shadow is being created by the movement of three bodies separated by millions of miles. It’s a dance taking place in a realm that we cannot control or even influence. The dance of the spheres. 49
You are I are part of that dance, but the spheres are not astronomical bodies of mass or matter. Instead, we dance between the seen and the unseen, the physical and the non-physical. You could even call it the dance between what we perceive and the same energy that moves the planets and stars. There is an unseen energy that connects us. It created the sun, moon, stars, earth, gravity and everything we know. It knits the DNA inside the womb, creating a new physical form. This universal energy is part of every living creature, a deep, infinite river that supports everything. That same unifying energy is also part of your body, silently growing your hair, beating your heart, and making sure that your systems remain healthy. Your body is constantly shedding old cells and creating new ones, fighting infection and digesting the food you eat, extracting the nutrition you need to continue living. Your body is a marvelous creation, imbued with the same energy that infuses everything. What about your thoughts? Have you ever considered that your thoughts may be the same energy that keeps the stars in alignment, tells the salmon when to start their long journey upstream to their birth place, or the monarch butterfly to migrate as soon as the temperature changes? The only difference between the energy that fuels the universe and your thoughts, is that you have control of what you think. You have free will to decide whether you will hold a grudge, take the high road when someone irritates you, or smile at a stranger. The power of choice does not belong to nature. An oak tree can no more decide that it would rather be an aspen than a dog could choose to become a cat. The unifying energy that connects us all is a thread that can only be redirected by humans. You direct that thread of energy by your thoughts. The emphatic statement by Descartes, I think; therefore I am, is quite literal in its meaning. You are what you think. But who is it who is doing the thinking? If your thoughts are controlled by you, who are you? Dare I assert that you are the same energy that holds our world together, that aligns the sun, moon and earth in an eternal dance? You are more than your thoughts, grander than your dreams, and stronger than you know. When you consider that none of the planets would have light except that which comes from the sun, it makes you stop and wonder, doesn’t it? Neither the earth nor the moon generates their own light. Every bit of energy can be traced back to the sun. It is safe to say that earth would not exist without the sun’s light energy traveling thousands of miles across time and space to reach our small speck of matter. Light is energy. The sun’s light energy becomes part of every living thing on Earth, from the caterpillar that emerges from the cocoon as a butterfly, to the ocean tides that predictably rise and fall with the moon’s pull. We are dependent on the same light energy that glows as a firefly or grows the food we eat. Without it, we do not exist. But what is this energy that connects our world? That indescribable energy is love. Robert Browning, the famous poet, said that love is the energy of life. The energy of life is everywhere when you start looking for it. It reflects back to you just as surely as the moon reflects the sun’s light. The trick is to allow it into your awareness. How do you do that? By making a decision to change your thought energy so you are open to love’s reflection. When you make this choice to see love, you will discover that you are engulfed and surrounded in a sea of love. 50
Have you ever noticed that babies will stare at you without blinking? It’s almost as if they are contemplating your openness to love. Wisdom and fearless shine from their eyes, but what is the energy that they embody and reflect outwards? Love. Babies reflect love back to us. A baby is pure love in human form. A baby is closer to being than we are – closer to love’s light. There is never judgment in a baby’s gaze, just curiosity and wonderment. A baby reflects love’s light, just as the moon reflects the sunlight. What are you reflecting in this moment? Simple questions contain the power to change your life. It is a question that only you can answer. Love’s light always shines in you, but have you connected to it? It is always there, but you have to make the choice to step into a relationship with it. And having a relationship with love is the key to your joy and happiness. You are here, in physical form, to express love’s energy … as only you can. No one else can express love’s light like you can. You are the unique vehicle through which love comes into the world. Just as the sun does not ask the moon to give back its light, you are not asked to return the love that was freely given to you. Your only task is to give it away, without hesitation, consternation or reservation. You are like the moon - your purpose is to reflect love’s light. When your thoughts are negative, judgmental or fearful, love’s light is blocked. Your fearful thoughts are like the earth blocking the moon from the sun, creating an eclipse similar to the lunar eclipse in September. But there is one major difference – the moon did not have choice to be blocked by light. You do. The only way to remove the block is to change your thoughts from fear to love. You are the embodiment of love. You decide whether to reflect love’s light, or block it with your thoughts. When you choose love, you see love all around you. When love is seen, the music of the spheres begins to play. Stay still for a moment, breathe deeply and you will recognize the melody. You are designed to dance with your life, to flow and expand on love’s light as you reflect it out to the world. Listen well to your thoughts, for they are the first step in the Heart Dance. Kathryn Eriksen is known as the “Story Alchemist,” because she discovered a process that transforms limiting stories from lead to gold. Heart Dancing: A Story Alchemy Adventure is her latest inspirational book and her philosophy of life. You can learn more by visiting www.KathrynEriksen.com or www.HeartDancingNow.com.
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High Spirits by Kim Andrews
My mother had a stroke two months ago followed by a massive stroke three weeks later. The week after that I made the decision to start palliative care and hospice. Just two weeks later she passed away. At the time it seemed an agonizingly long six weeks. It now feels like it all happened in a flash. Now that my life is shrouded in grief, to have high spirits seems otherworldly. I keep thinking of holiday dinners, parties, and drinking. So I looked into it more deeply. Etymologyonline.com indicates the word spirit has its origin in the Latin word, spiritus, meaning "a breathing (respiration, and of the wind), breath; breath of a god." High spirit is synonymous with character, vigor, courage. Now the phrase has new meaning for me, and I realize the role high spirits has played in my life these last three months as I move forward in my new normal. I consciously, and purposefully, had to take a deep breath some days to clear my head and find my footing. Grief has a way of pressing down on me such that I feel like I am suffocating. My chest feels tight and it seems the only way to regain my strength of character, vigor, and courage, is to step outside, feel the sun or a breeze, and take a deep breath. High spirits is not libations or parties. It is a state of being. It is available to us at all times, good times and challenging times. We step into it by simply taking a deep breath, feeling the life force within us, and depending on what we believe, accessing the very breath of God. Yes, circumstances can weigh us down any given day and threaten to suffocate us. We only have to come up for air.
Take a breath. Take a deep breath.
Kaleidoscope Shards of colors gently falling all aroundDistorting all vision, all sight and all sound, Ever-changing images forming and revolving, The scene does not hold – it keeps on evolving. A vision before me that won’t last forever – I can grasp it for a while – try to hold it together. With the pieces still moving and changing direction, Another moment has passed to memories’ collection. What image do I seek, and is this one real? Will I know through sight or by how I feel? Should I choose to follow my eyes or my heart? Are they one in the same or separate and apart? What’s wrapped in my horizon, and how will it unfold? How do I distinguish between foolish and bold? Will I recognize the signs or blindly turn away? How will I know if it’s the right vision to play? No facing the future, I must reveal what I see. I must now come to terms with who I will be. Time to settle on a new vision and follow its path. No more fear of mistakes wrought with personal wrath. Uncover my true desires through faith or with proof. Open my eyes, heart and mind to know what is truth. The past as I saw it, no longer clear in my mind. Ready to know what I want – not what I might find. The kaleidoscope of my life now wanting to slow. Spiraling images move to expose all that I know. My life’s evolutions now revealed in color and hue – The visions muddled, overlapping and slightly askew. To sort out these images and shades of my past, I would seek for my goal, but a new spin is now cast. Cynthia Michel 2005
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I wrote this at one of the lowest points in my life. I was struggling against a world I had lost control of, and had spent many dark hours asking why, only for the answer to so many hard questions to remain empty and unanswered in my mind. This was my heart and my mind coming to terms with the fact that no matter how hard I had tried, no matter what I sacrificed – things were never going to be the way I once envisioned them. I knew I had to get out. I knew there had to be a way. This was the turning point. This was the pivotal place. Notice, I do not say moment. This was a process. The process being overcoming my fear, finding myself, and finding the courage to do what I knew had to be done, but could not yet see a vision or even feel the warmth of conviction that I was heading in the right direction. My world truly felt like a kaleidoscope with all of the images swirling together, and making any sense of it all had escaped me for several years. I was lost! I was alone! No one was there to reach out and show me the way – to tell me it would be ok – or even to offer comfort for my pain. Most could not conceive the pain or accept the truth if they knew it. My life was the stuff that horror movies were made of, and I don’t mean “The Creature from The Black Lagoon. No, this was far more sinister! Reaching beyond a realm that of normal human comprehension. This was a dark and terrifying place. And yet on the outside, I was forced to project an image that may not have been perfect, but was so far removed from the truth of the abyss that had swallowed all of my hopes and shattered all of my dreams. I’m certain this poem was the result of an epiphany I had experienced just a day or two earlier. I had stepped out of the 9’ glass and marble shower in my bathroom, which by itself was the size of most master bedrooms with two walls predominately covered by large mirrors that rose above the counters, and suddenly realized that I did not know the person in the mirror. My legs trembled as I walked closer to the mirrors, finally resting my hands on the counter. I stared at the eyes of the person in my reflection only to be shocked by the revelation that I could not find a flicker of who I once was. It was heart-wrenching. I fell to the cold and now wet floor, sobbing uncontrollably. I have no idea how long I lay there. It seemed an eternity as I am not one to give over to tears or emotional breakdowns. See, in my world it wasn’t an option. The lives of my three young sons and myself had been dangling precariously by a hair for so long, I am certain that fear of losing control and not being able to regain it, had built a wall of steel around my pain and anguish. As I lay there I cried out in my mind for God or whoever it was out there to reach out and put his hand on me. That whether HE was an idea in my head that had the power to control my mind, or if HE was hope that was supposed to live in my heart and give me courage, or whether HE had the power to
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physically reach down and raise me up – I knew at that moment in my life that I could not go any further on my own. I had been raised in a very strict Southern Baptist home, and had been baptized at an early age. But, it’s easy to have faith and believe when you are young and full of childish ideals. It’s another thing when the world continually beats you down and robs you of all that you once held sacred and true. To finish the story, as I cried out, I felt a warmth come over me and I began to stop shaking in spite of the cold, wet floor that I lay on with no cover. No, it wasn’t a burning bush, or a bright star in the sky. But, I heard the words in my head telling me to get up. That yes, my life was upside down, but the answers now had to come from the future not the past. I lay there a little longer – exhausted and spent from the flood of pain and fear that had washed from my soul onto that floor. Then, I felt the strength as if some one was pulling me from a drowning flood. I looked back into that mirror, and realized that I didn’t have to know right then who I was going to be or where my path would take me. I suddenly understood, that the one saving grace to losing yourself is that you have the freedom to determine exactly who you will become. All I had to know to begin was who I didn’t want to be, and what I didn’t want to incorporate into who I would be. The epiphany of that day would take another five years to perfect into a strong, courageous and determined woman who would walk away from the nightmare that once encompassed everything that I knew. I would emerge from the burned out ashes of my heart and soul to embrace a new and amazing life filled with more blessings than I can count. Was it easy? Absolutely not! Was I scared? You bet you! Did I know that whatever the world now chose to throw at me I could conquer? Without a doubt. We all live with struggles, and our own nightmares that bind us to the past or present, holding us back from becoming so much more. The potential lies within us all, to rise above whatever tragedy, or chains that bind us and make us believe we aren’t good enough. You’ve heard it time and again; this is the only life you will get, and each day that is passed is gone forever. A friend once told me, “Follow your dreams so that your life doesn’t become a nightmare.” Follow your heart …. follow your dreams! Make the promise now to let go of whatever holds you prisoner, and free yourself to embrace who you really are. And if you are afraid, reach out and tell some one. To heal we have to trust! Have faith that you are not alone, and understand that the only way evil wins is through silence. Once it is spoken and out in the open, it cannot control you any more.
Cynthia M. Michel is a business professional with a penchant for writing. Her brave story motivates and inspires all who hear her.
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New Mexico - A Winter Sports Playground by Julese Crenshaw Skiing in New Mexico? Because of the reputation that much of the American Southwest holds for heat (“Oh, but it's a dry heat!"), many people are unaware of the excellent options for winter snow sports. Most people are clueless that it even snows in the Land of Enchantment. They think of New Mexico in the U.S. southwest as part of sunny Mexico. Rock mesas and arid plains, rather than its snowcapped peaks and steep mountains which are part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range in the northern part of the state, are regularly featured in media and movies, yet New Mexico is a diamond in the drifts; snow that is! For skiers, this land is enchanted from late November through early April. Everything that makes a ski day perfect is here: deep blue skies, abundant soft snow, varied terrain and uncrowded slopes. Hardcore ski buffs probably know of Taos Ski Valley, but few realize that the state’s elevation and rugged terrain compensate for its southern latitude to provide a setting for memorable snow sports. Its elevation also extends the typical ski season through the month of April. New Mexico's low humidity creates great conditions for snow sports and beautiful blue skies.
Nearly a dozen ski areas dot the mountains of New Mexico, including two that are dedicated to cross-country skiing and others to Alpine skiing and/or cross-country skiing. Several are clustered around the Enchanted Circle, an 80-mile road with the state’s tallest mountain, 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak, at its center. The Enchanted Circle route whirls deliriously through passes and alpine forests, overlooking valleys and mesas, with boulders and scrub and sage dotting the way. Unlike the impersonal commercial ski resorts, the northern New Mexico ski areas are homier, in all the right ways. They are comfortable and unassuming but well-tended—especially where it matters most, on the slopes. Many of the areas are family owned, supported by the history and pride that comes from knowing one's name is tied to a business. In these family-run resorts, the passion for the sport is apparent, too. Picture a kid whose first skis are bronzed instead of her baby shoes, who has snow in her blood, who hears snow reports at dinner instead of stock reports, and a picture will emerge of the owners and operators of two of the ski areas, Taos Ski Valley and Red River. Even the seasoned instructors here embody the passion of those who have made their sport their livelihood. The entire state boasts more than 400 trails for Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. Distinctive New Mexican features create excellent conditions for winter sports: high temperatures in January reaching the 40s during the day, particularly in the “lower” elevations, for a
comfortable day on the slopes; plenty of sunshine and deep blue skies; high, rugged mountain ranges; 200 inches of snowfall a year; and low humidity, for a dry, powdery snow. In addition, the slopes and lifts are less crowded than those at many of the betterknown resorts, and lift ticket and rental prices are lower. These are five of New Mexico's popular ski areas: Red River, The Enchanted Forest, Angel Fire Resort, Taos Ski Valley, and Ski Santa Fe. Red River’s Family Friendly Skiing and Mountain Town Red River’s slopes rise above a friendly, quiet little town. Many of the hotels and restaurants are within walking distance of the two main lifts. Beginners, intermediates and expert skiers find slopes they can enjoy, in fairly equal balance. Red River’s close attention to the science and technology of snowmaking and grooming create superior conditions. Be sure to hit the slopes early to take full advantage of each morning’s unadulterated fun. The Enchanted Forest, Dedicated to Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Just off of the Enchanted Circle, cross-country skiers find an area designed just for them, The Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, nestled in Bobcat Pass. The Enchanted Forest has more
than 18 miles of trails groomed for cross-country skiing, featuring mountain views of Wheeler and Latir peaks. The area is also open to snowshoeing, one of the fastest-growing winter sports. Angel Fire: Alpine Ski, Cross-Country Ski, Snowboard, and Other Winter Sports Angel Fire also offers cross-country skiing at the summit of the mountain, with views of Wheeler Peak. Beginners discover excellent skiing for their level, but there are runs for every level, with half of the total being rated for intermediates and a quarter each for beginners and advanced. The 13mile trail system features skating as well as single track. For the adrenaline junkies, Angel Fire has two freestyle terrain parks, Lowrider and Liberation Park, of short rails, fun boxes, jumps and rollers, and a half-pipe, as well as glade skiing. Taos Ski Valley: Legendary, Challenging Ski Slopes Taos Ski Valley is legendary for its challenging expert drops—“slopes” would be a misnomer. Here, many expert skiers may feel humbled. Even the beginner and intermediate trails are more difficult than in many other ski areas. The rugged mountain leaves little allowance for wide beginner trails, and drops from the trail seem omnipresent. However, any confident but careful beginner can navigate and enjoy the trails, with only a bit of elevated heart rate. The stats at Taos tell more of the story of this challenging mountain. Ski Santa Fe, Extra-High-Elevation Skiing Ski Santa Fe is among the highest ski areas in the United States. It’s base is situated at 10,350 feet and The New Millennium triple chairlift takes expert and intermediate snow enthusiasts to 12,075 feet. The ski area is kid friendly, with a Chipmunk Corner Children’s Center and a Children’s Adventure Land loop off of the Lower Broadway Trail. They have a freestyle terrain park, dubbed “The Bone Yard.”
Planning Your Ski Trip to New Mexico A winter trip to northern New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment will please the serious skier and the determined tourist. The ski season in these high-elevation New Mexico areas extends through the end of March. Lowlanders, remember that the high altitude will leave you more breathless and can create adjustment issues. To avoid this problem, remember to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, juices, and sports drinks, before and during the travels. Be careful with alcohol, which not only contributes to dehydration, but at these heights, its effects are exacerbated. Those who aren’t accustomed to aerobic activity or have heart issues should take it easy the first couple of days.
Julese Crenshaw is a freelance writer from Tennessee.
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