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a cup of coffee

The decision to drink coffee doesn’t come easily to some people. All the research and news about caffein in coffee, and the limiting of it to three cups, bring anxiety to those who can’t live with it and can’t live without it. Other people couldn’t care less, they just want it to taste really good. Still others will drink any kind from anywhere as long as it’s called coffee.

When I see people walking along the street holding a cup of iced or hot coffee, they look as though they’ve just found their best friend. Coffee does that for some people. It’s not the same as holding a bottle of water. And at the train station passengers with only a few minutes to spare before boarding will hurry over to a coffee counter not wanting to board without what’s to be their last cup of the day. They’ll spill some of it running for the train and that’s okay.

Then there are those delightful scenes of people sitting in cafes, often two or more to a table, coffee cups between them. They take small sips as if to prolong the stay, while smiling, conversing, relaxing as though they haven’t a care in the world. And there are people alone in cafes in cities and towns throughout the world scanning a book, a laptop, or a newspaper reaching for a coffee cup, eyes never leaving book, laptop, newspaper – good, sweet moments are these.

A cup of coffee brings pleasure to a lot of people; it would seem the enjoyment of it more than makes up for whatever it is caffein might or might not do to a coffee drinker. So, no matter what the latest research indicates, coffee continues to delight for many different reasons.

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a small list

What will we find at the following in no particular order websites? You’ll never know til you click on. Could be exactly the site you want or need. They come from reliable sources; they do indeed.

www.wowowow.com

www.revolutionhealth.com

www.manu-wildlife-center.com

www.laduree.fr

www.martinguitar.com

www.apartmenttherapy.com

I was going to add www.richart-chocolates.com from France to the above list. They’re considered to be excellent. Buit we don’t want chocolates. Do we?

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philadelphia

Last night I got up from a warm cozy bed because I couldn’t sleep. Does that happen to you? I broke my reading rule to not read anything before bed that stirs the mind in different directions. I’m glad I had a very old Hitchcock movie, RICH AND STRANGE, to watch. The actors’ exaggerated expressions, whether the movie is comedy or drama, leads to laughter. www.hitchcock100.com

I’ve been noticing that Philadelphia’s numerous museums are waiting for tourist buses to bring the people. Hallelujah, tourists are back. Winter has said its last goodbye, and the city’s looking alive again. People are walking, observing, and asking for directions. The meat and potato eaters will notice and delight in the many restaurants catering to their tastes. The music playing from churches will reach the ears of tourists passing by, perhaps giving their legs a sweet boost.

Lovely Rittenhouse Square Park is soaking up the activity. People are relaxing on the benches and on the grass, painters are painting, observers of life are sitting and simply watching, readers are reclining and smiling over a passage perhaps from a favorite book, snackers are enjoying munching under a blue sky. There’s a sense of dusting off the cold, and savoring the new season.
www.HelloPhiladelphia.com
www.gophila.com
www.philadelphia.com

The lesson learned late last night is perfectly clear – time to forget reading for a while – it’s the weekend, and the wonders of life are calling.

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moxie

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Have you ever had the pleasure of tasting a refreshing, rather unique drink, called Moxie? For the longest time it was a New England drink, and a favorite of many. Moxie’s the kind of drink they say you have “to develop a taste for.” You know what that means. It’s often love at first taste for only a few. Probably the ones who would also like Campari. (like me) Since my childhood I’ve watched people take their first sip of Moxie. It’s fun to watch. People are very expressive.

Moxie is beginning to travel to other States. This will make a lot of people who like Moxie and can’t get it because they’ve moved, very happy. And this is to tell you that should anyone offer you a glass of Moxie, take it. You’ll like it, or maybe not.
www.drinkmoxie.com

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waiting for baby

Oh, Alicia, you are up late. Can’t sleep? Thinking of the second baby soon to be a part of your lives? The first pregnancy was a breeze for you. You even strolled the streets of Paris for hours with Michael, and with a big belly, never minding it, having lots of stamina to walk, enjoy the museums, and late night dinners at bistros. Perhaps a relaxing island vacation is more in tune with baby #2. Indeed, no two pregnancies are alike; no two babies are alike. And why is it said that an uncomfortable pregnancy means a girl is on the way? I don’t understand. However, I do remember that a popular TV show, The View, once debunked some of the myths of pregnancy. We’ll see. And surprises are wonderful. A girl? A boy? Finding out at the time of birth is fun, too.

Alicia, you are a trouper. Even though you’re unable to sleep (I saw the time of your posting), the goodness of it all is what you’re pondering. I’m thinking of some of the things you’ve learned since Sebastian’s arrival – knowing how to put a baby to sleep through the night thanks to a book you read, and balancing being a working mom, and all that that entails. And knowing that Charlotte is accepting of a baby, and not so jealous anymore. Lovely long-haired, wide-eyed precious Charlotte, a loyal friend offering unconditional love any time of the day and night. And a dog everyone loves who will once again endure pokings this time from baby #2.

One thing is for sure, baby #2 will snuggle in the arms of a welcoming family, and will have something wonderful which Sebastian didn’t have – a sibling named Sebastian.

Sweet dreams, Alicia.

“Your children are not your children
They are the sons and
daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but
not from you.
And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love
but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.” – Kahlil Gibran

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Baby #2

I have been meaning to write for some time in this blog but life and other petty stuff has gotten in the way like it tends to do when you have something well intended planned. Michael and I are expecting our second baby this coming September. It is truly a blessing to welcome a child into this world.  Especially as we raise our son, Sebastian, and celebrate his milestones. We know what to expect and what to look forward to with our next beloved child. With that being said…

I had no idea how different each pregnancy could be. I mean I knew it could be different but this is nuts. Let’s put it this way, with Sebastian I was basically on a “happy” drug for the whole pregnancy. This one has been totally different. I have had morning sickness, I have been sick in general, I had acid reflux, insomnia, major food aversions and I can only manage to eat small portions — I mean tiny portions at each sitting. Oh, I am grumpier too… bless Michael for putting up with me.

The funny thing about the differences are that everyone thinks I am now having a girl because of them. I am kind of in agreeance with them but I am not convinced it is because of the type of pregnancy.

This time to just be different we have chosen to wait until the baby is born to find out the sex. I think it’s because we want to have the surprise but also because we don’t care what the sex is as long as the baby is healthy.

We will find out in September! I am now in my 15th week and have a OB appt. tomorrow morning so I will have to report more next time!

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mini-trampoline

Have you tried a mini-trampoline lately? Once upon a time, I bought Emi one for Christmas. There was no space in her mini-Manhattan apartment for a mini-trampoline, so she brought it to the place where she was working. And everyone began using it. And enjoying it. And when it was time for Emi to leave, well, how could she take that trampoline with her?

I decided after reading an article by Jennifer Derryberry Mann called Jump for Joy, in the May-June 2007 Spirituality & Health magazine, that I want one, too. She wrote that “bouncing lifts your spirits, elevates your heart rate, boosts your lymphatic system, is easy on your joints, leaves you feeling wonderfully grounded, and can be done anywhere, no matter how small the room.” (I’m not so sure about that point.) She told the story of Betsy Robinson who is managing editor of S&H who was a six days a week aerobics junkie for about ten years until two hand surgeries ended it. “Betsy jumps 14 minutes a day – the amount of time it takes to play tracks 6 through 12 on her favorite mini-trampolining sound track, Gabrielle Roth’s Tribe CD. In that amount of time, she gets cardiovascular benefits similar to those she’d get if she spent her time on a treadmill.” She also says that her “nails grow really fast and hard, her skin glows more, and gone is the hand-swelling that neither Western medicine nor acupuncture could alleviate.” She says also in the article, “For instance, if Betsy’s mad about something, she jumps really hard and the sheer joy of the expression transforms the energy into just that – intense energy without a story.” Now that sounds nice!

I’m thinking that besides the known benefits of using a trampoline, added benefits can be different for everyone depending on what’s going on in one’s body. I’m just beginning to research where to buy a good mini-trampoline. The benefits, plus the fun, sound wonderful. Would you like to just bounce, bounce, bounce, and bounce some more?

“Jennifer Derryberry Mann is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer, editor, and yoga teacher who likes to bounce on a big purple exercise ball in her living room. She has recently written for Pregnancy and FitPregnancy, and she is the former editor of Science & Spirit magazine.”

www.SpiritualityHealth.com

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a neti pot

A few years ago Sumi gave me a gift of a Neti Pot. To be truthful, I winced when I got it. And every so often Sumi would ask whether I was using it or not. Or not was the answer. Sumi studied yoga at Himalaya Institute once upon a time and learned how to use Neti. Now she’s dedicated. I, however, have a different relationship with Neti. The water tends to dribble down the length of my arm, or chin. Water, a little pot and salt – it doesn’t get simpler than that. Right?

A few months ago I was in Garland of Letters on South Street in Phila looking for a CD for someone when out jumped THE NETI POT FOR BETTER HEALTH book by Warren Jefferson. I really didn’t want to get a book on Neti, but felt I had to step up to the plate. So I ended up with that thin Neti book and no CD. And there it sat on my bookshelf. Then Michael, another dedicated Neti user, called and, in the course of the conversation, said that Alicia had a sinus inflammation, was leaving for California on a business trip, and whatever she was doing wasn’t working, so she resorted to Neti with great success. I was happy for Alicia. I couldn’t help wonder though how it is that they’re all pros at using Neti.

In his Neti book Warren Jefferson writes that he’s been using Neti for a few years, that his mother was a smoker, that he grew up with second-hand smoke, and he himself smoked for ten years. Because of this he’d been having respiratory problems (asthma, stuffy nose, and hay fever). He wrote that as he continues using Neti these problems are greatly reduced. He writes that Neti has a long history in the East and with all the toxins, and now chemical pollution worldwide, it makes perfect sense to use saline nasal irrigation to detoxify. I’ll list a few of the benefits from his thin Neti book:

removal of debris from the nose
relief of hay fever, runny nose and itchy eyes
increase general health of respiratory system
drains sinuses
creates proper conditions for the nose to do its work
improves sense of smell
helps treat certain ear infections
cools and soothes
using the Neti has a spiritual aspect

This thin Neti book answers many concerns, e.g. Sinusitis, Nose Blowing and Sinusitis, Swollen Inferior Turbinate, Bacterial Resistance, Hay Fever, Nasal Polyps, and at the end of the book he discusses Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, and he offers a list of resources: Neti Pot, Salt & Nasal Wash Sources, Medical Resources, and Other Useful Sources. It’s not just about Neti.

I like simple, so I’ll relate one thing from the this Neti book: “Swedish scientists discovered that “humming increases ventilation of the sinuses.” It was found that “humming sped up the exchange of air between the sinuses and nasal cavity. This may be one of the benefits of chanting Om.”

Tomorrow is another day. I’ll be with my Neti Pot, water and salt practicing so that I can do it like them. And you know who them are. If not, Neti and I will have to find our way to EastWest where there’s a Neti Pot demonstration Mondays – Fridays, Free in the Cafe! I see I’m not the only one who needs help. www.eastwestnyc.com

See you there?

Thank you for Neti, Sumi. I’m trying

www.himalayaninstitute.org/Netipot/NetiPotGateway.aspx
www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070426_350_106.jhtml

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zecharia sitchin, alex grey, gabriel cousens and more at eastwestnyc

A few years ago I watched with a hairy eyeball when EastWest closed its doors and put up a sign saying they were renovating. I’d been noticing that when this happened to a store what was usually meant was: Sorry, we’re no longer in business. We had to close. Well, the months went by and EastWest was still closed. And when I passed by, there was never any action outside that boarded-up building. I was beginning to think I’d have to stand directly across the street, and with flailing fists and the loudest voice I could muster, yell, “What are you doing in there?” Because had another nail salon opened replacing another of my favorite shops, I would have been terribly bent out of shape.

Hallelujah! They opened after a year. And what’s there is, well, you’ll see on the website. 78 Fifth Ave. @ 14thStreet www.eastwestnyc.com

The East/West website lists the Meet-ups and Ongoing Classes, and, just to whet your appetite, I’ve posted only three of the Special Events scheduled for March as copied from the eletter.

Meet Zecharia Sitchin!
Journeys to the Mystical Past: Sequel To The Earth Chronicles Expeditions
Thursday, Mar 6th, 7pm Free in the Cafe!
Listen as renowned researcher of metaphysical antiquity shares his own story of indefatigable dedication to uncovering secrets of the Giza pyramids & Sphinx. Hear Sitchin’s firsthand accounts of the inner workings of the Vatican, the enigma of a futuristic computer from millenia ago, and the secret handiwork of a Divine Architect at Stonehenge, at Malta, and in the Americas.
www.sitchin.com

Visionary Artist Alex Grey!
Thursday, Mar 13, 7pm Free in the Cafe!
COSM, the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is a space in New York City dedicated to housing and showcasing the transformative artwork of visionary artist Alex Grey.
www.alexgrey.com

Meet Gabriel Cousens!
“There Is A Cure For Diabetes”
Monday, Mar 17, 7pm Free in the Cafe!
Diabetes is supposedly incurable and affects millions. World-renowned holistic medical doctor Gabriel Cousens asserts it is possible to reverse type-II disbetes in only 21 days!
www.treeoflife.nu

They’re better than ever!

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palm reading

Have you studied palm reading? Once you do you’ll most likely catch yourself frequently glancing at hands, yours and others. When you look at your left palm you’ll notice it’s different from your right one since the left and right indicate the unconscious and conscious part of us. The length of our fingers and thumbs, the length between the joints of our fingers, the lines on our fingers and thumbs, the shape and size of our nails, the space between our fingers, the space between our fingers and thumbs, etc. are all indicators of what’s been our experiences, and where we’re headed. Also, nicely etched on our palms are our heart, head and life lines, our fate lines, chains, islands, stars, forks, dots and lines along our palms, all indicate things about ourselves. When something changes in our life, it’ll be recorded on our hands. Neat! Right?

If you were ever to begin studying palmistry, chances are your research and reading would be different from mine. I’ll just tell you what I’ve read: ‘William G. Benham, author of The Benham Book of Palmistry, is considered the father of modern palmistry (reissued 1988, New Castle). “Benham turned palmistry from an esoteric art into a codified science with its own laws and principles.” What a marvelous hobby palm reading is, or to take it a very big step up, after a lot of studying, what a fascinating career it could be if someone is so inclined.

Our bodies are truly amazing. What do you see when you look at the palms of your hands? It’s impossible to say until you begin unravelling what they are offering up to you.