Many Years Young: More older Americans have knee pain, replacement

Many Years Young: More older Americans have knee pain, replacement: (Reuters Health) Older Americans are increasingly complaining of aching knees, and getting those knees replaced, even though X-ray evidence...

have yourself a merry little...CHRISTMAS

I can't believe it's already December! This year flew by. Goodbye rabbit, hello dragon. (shhh...)

most of the time solstice celebrations dominate the season for me though I do occasionally have dreams of sugar plums, big ribbons and christmas pudding.

this year i'm driving down the coast to Monterey. We probably won't have a tree like one of these, I certainly don't and might not ever---but the festive, fun spirit is intriguing.

keeping us warm and uplifted through the darkest times of the season.

this year my prayer is for those who value material things to find the value in other things. and those who find the value in other things by circumstance, to have a minute to be wowed with generosity. Creativity overflows when budgets are tight. I wish this for all of us.

Merry Christmas & happy holidays.

an afternoon with a curandera

A few weekends ago I was invited to listen to a discussion entitled "the feminine face of shamanism"----naturally, I was intrigued. the arrival was the first process of initiation.

the lovely deer greeted us outside and munched on the apples.

Here, we hear stories that touch on ethnobotany, shape shifting, little people, technology and lack there of, risks and rewards and healing.

day of the dead 2011

this year my altar was maybe the most meaningful it's ever been.

As usual, a combo of remembering my ancestors and those who recently passed, but largely a solo process.

I'm in a new home this year and didn't feel all that comfortable setting up my altar in the shrine room. Luckily, a few years ago a darling friend of mine who had also lost her brother suggested keeping our altars in a suitcase so that it could travel along wherever we ended up. After moving, many items have yet to be rummaged.

The suitcase called out to me. I spent all morning assembling the feathers, the flowers, the stones, the food. I spent hours staring at photos and tearing up. I spent the morning conversing with my Granny and Pappy, who I haven't talked to since I was five. And then I went to work.

driving over the san mateo bridge is one of my favorite places to envision landcape in the bay area. the expansiveness to the left and to the right and the lovely bird habitat reminds me of cycles of life. that morning I phoned my mother. something wanted her to be part of my process. I needed her to be part of my process. though we've never discussed honoring the deceased in our family, I've carried and adopted the transition for years now. Only this year it occurred to me what a significant process the construction of the altar is. The bay area also being home to so many artists touches on the holiday in a unique and integrative way. i honor my process, my cycle, my grief and my family. this year my altar carried new meaning because for once I could share with my mother a tool i've used to help me through the grief that has plagued our bloodline.

thank you san francisco for reminding us of the community we are part of before it is our time to walk alone.

manifesto for men to the earth mother

( A manifesto for conscious men) by Arjuna Ardagh and Gay Hendricks, Ph.D.




Dear Woman:



I come to you today as a man committed to becoming more conscious in every way. I feel deep love, great respect and a growing sense of worship for the gifts of the feminine. I also feel deep sorrow about the destructive actions of the unconscious masculine in the past and present. I want to apologize to you and make amends for those actions, in order to bring forth a new era of co-creation with you.



As I become more conscious, I grow more aware of the play of masculine and feminine energies: within me, within you and in all of life. I know that we all have access to the full spectrum of these energies. I also have a growing awakening to the dimension beyond all dualities, free and open as the sky.



I commit to owning and stewarding a masculinity that honors and celebrates us as equals. I know that in order to truly honor you as a multi-dimensional woman, I must stand fully present in myself, and own the gifts I have to share with you. We can create great miracles together by nurturing each other in a conscious way, by treating each other with reverence and respect, and by worshiping the divinity expressed in both masculine and feminine energy.



I acknowledge that the religions of the past several thousand years have been mainly founded by and propagated by men. We have often acted as if we have the last word on God and the spiritual life, when all we have really known is the masculine expression of those things. As a result, we have suppressed more heartfelt, connective and inclusive spiritualities. I commit now to also honoring the spirituality of the divine feminine.



I honor your deep connection to the earth. As men, our relationship to our planet and its resources has often been motivated by competition, acquisition and domination. We mistakenly believed that expansion would protect us from encroachment, and in the process we violated the sanctity of the Earth and disturbed its natural rhythms. I commit to listening to the intuitive sense you have of how to heal our planet and make it thrive.



I honor your intuition and your profound capacity for feeling. As men, we have often devalued feeling and intuition in favor of a view dominated by data and logic. This way of being seemed necessary to move humanity beyond superstition and animalism, but in the process we lost much of the heart of life. I commit to respecting the arts of feeling, intuition and wisdom of the feminine heart, so that together we can integrate them into a balanced view of life, that honors and includes all wisdoms.



I honor the beauty and integrity of your body. When we nurture each other through our bodies with awareness and devotion, there are no boundaries to the love that we can generate. I feel sorrow that men have used your beauty as a form of commerce in prostitution and pornography. In the grip of lust we have often lacked the skills to ask gracefully for intimacy or to take ‘No’ for an answer. I take a stand against any form of enforced or soulless commercialization of woman’s beauty, and I respect that your body belongs to you.



I honor your capacity for peaceful resolution of conflicts, your ability to apologize effectively and forgive with grace. We men have waged endless wars over our disagreements. In the act of defending our lands and protecting our families, we became addicted to the fight itself. By contrast, it is rare to find an invasion or war instigated by a woman. I apologize for dragging you into these wars, and for the rape, murder, broken hearts and damaged families that resulted from them. We welcome your wisdom in creating a world that can get along without resorting to destruction.



I honor your capacity to listen to your body and its needs for food, rest and playtime. I celebrate your ability to pay attention to what is here, right now. As men, our preoccupation with goals and results often has burnt us out and made us unavailable for relationship. I know we have drawn you into this imbalance as well, so often frustrating your longing to connect. The time for a process-centred way of being is now upon us. I welcome your wisdom to maintain balance in our bodies, and in our ways of meeting.



I honor your sense of compassionate justice. In our justice system, men have dominated as judges and police, build prisons and revered the principle of punishment. I welcome you to work with us in bringing the return of the heart to our system of justice.



I also know that global economics have been dominated by the unconscious masculine, often living in a sense of lack and greed. As a result, many people have been left impoverished and disempowered. With your natural sense of nurturing and abundance, I know we can work together to create a truly caring global economics.



In apologizing to you for the hurts we men have caused you, I acknowledge that I and many of my brothers have also felt hurt by our mothers, our sisters, our partners and ex-partners. As a conscious man I am willing to feel those hurts fully within myself and release them. I forgive you for any ways you may have acted unconsciously, as I forgive myself and my gender for our own waking sleep.



From this day, moving forward, I vow to treat your heart as the sacred temple it is, and I commit to honoring the feminine in you and me and in my relationship to all life. I know that by leaving the past behind and joining hands in the present, we can create a synergy of our strengths. Together, there is nothing we cannot do.


Together, we can make miracles.

in tune

I love being in tune with the seasons.  I just found my moon and tide calendar but noticed it was from last year!  I uncovered my keeping time workbook and feel the delight of being able to tune into the energy of the day without a lot of meditative time or activity to figure it out.  I love how my appetite and energy taper as the sun sets.  I love sleeping like a bear through the late nights.  I love the rays of the sun when it's reached a particular angle.  I love the rainbows that shine through on otherwise gloomy days.  I love the small birds perching right outside my window as the morning begins.  the smell of wood in the air, sparkling ash and sitting in the hottub till i'm warm. 

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang - Yi Xue zhong zhong can xi lu

Huai Niu Xi (eadix achyranthis bidentatae)…30g



Zhi Shi (haematitum)…30g



Long Gu (os draconis)…15g



Mu Li (concha ostreae)…15g



Gui Ban (plastrum testudinis)…15g



Xuan Shen (radix scrophulariae ningpoensis)…15g



Tian Men Dong (tuber asparagi cochinchinsnsis)…15g



Bai Shao (Radix paeoniae lactiflorae)…15g



Yin Chen Hao (herba artemisiae yinchen hao)…6g



Chuan Lian Zi (fructus meliae toosendan)…6g



Mai Ya (fructus hordei vulgaris germinantus)…6g



Gan Cao (radix glycyrrhizae uralensis)…4.5g



Indications: dizziness, distension in the eyes , tinnitus, feverish sensation in head, headache, irritable, flushed face, wiry long forceful pulse, may be belching, progressive motor dysfunction of the body or development of facial asymmetry that occurs over a period of a few hours to a few days, severe dizziness, loss of consciousness, mental confusion.


For Liver Yang with yin deficiency. 

Inner - Neiting court yard = St 44

Inner - Neiting court yard = St 44

Flashcards about AOM Review!

Flashcards about AOM Review!

dumb meters

PG&E and other big CA utilities have finally been forced by the CPUC to provide Smart Meter radio frequency (RF) emissions data. PG&E's figures are alarming. They've admitted the meters on average send 10,000 pulses per day, per meter, and can transmit a maximum of over 190,000 RF pulses! They also stated the peak transmit power is not 1 watt as they repeatedly claimed, but 2.5 watts! Read More: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=6030

Many people ask how to remove a Smart Meter from their house. Caitlyn Phillips, a Santa Cruz CA resident, recently had success with PG&E restoring an analog meter to her home. After her initial complaints to PG&E were ignored, she changed the meter to an analog with an electricians help. She then took her complaint to a CPUC meeting. Within a week PG&E replaced her meter with their own analog. This is a first of hopefully many more cooperative meter swaps: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?p=6048

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/PG-E-s-Big-Confession-and-How-to-remove-the-dumb-meter.html?soid=1105614745583&aid=1LOOPiJ--Zs

Love & Loss: Días de los Muertos 2011 | Oakland Museum of California

Love & Loss: Días de los Muertos 2011 Oakland Museum of California

remembering Bob Kudrna

I miss you. I can't seem to delete your number from my phone. Is this silly? I know I won't be able to speak to you on the phone anymore. Somehow I still wanna dial. Leave you messages. I still want you to pick up. Most importantly, I want you to know how much you mean to me, how much I admire and appreciate you and honor the life route you've chosen. i'll miss your bowls, your sounds, your expertise, your wisdom. I only hope that I can encounter another kind gent like you and know what a "grand Piano" you are...never letting you forget that.

your understanding of the materials and vibration in syzygy with chakras and organ systems.

Tibetan healing bowls, charcoal, Jade, Carnelian, 24 K gold.

Khatchadoor with the rose quartz, heart chakra bowl

you, the most precious man. You the windsurfer. You the phd. you the story teller. you the sound healer.

you the motivated individual. you the man who left too soon. you, still making music.

Masha and Sylvisage just blissed after a session.

thanks for touching my heart and the hearts of many. I'll continue to miss you and honor your vibration, here and in heaven.

thanks for the incredible sound healing. you are one of a kind. I love you Bob. (ps. I would have married you, if I had known you wanted to marry someday.)

the best halloween samhain dia de los muertos ever

pumpkin carving with matthew and aming fulfilled my wildest fantasies of roasting seeds, spicy and savory and having a rich time with loved ones. we laughed so hard we cried. this year, i'm honoring my sweet kitten who is housebound because of a recent injury. And mogwai and louie most certainly approved of this design. M&A live in kensington, so we watched the sun set into a tangerine bisque, and then the pumpkin coloured crescent moon ascended over the skyline view which overlooks the golden gate bridge. We combined maple syrup, ginger, garlic, turmeric, all spice, cinnamon to make the most delectable and nutritious snacks. We shared stories of combined memories of previous years, honored our shadows, our ancestors, our neighbors, our communities, and simply the time and space we inhabit when we are with one another. We ate the delicate pulp not wasting any bit and laughed until our bellies hurt when M improvised with the hand drill. Life is so much like carving a pumpkin. You imagine a design. You work at it. You make mistakes, you recover from ultimately, you laugh and cry along the way, you make time for reflection. you delight in the finished product of your undertakings and appreciate those along the way by your side assisting you somehow...simply by being.

infinitely immeasurable

My KPFA Interview (MP3, Stream)

had a chance to hear snippets of this..

my favorite quotation: "I don't believe in matter."

yummy seeds and nuts

Kukui Nut oil-Aleurites Molaccana- Kukui Nut Oil has been used for many years in Hawaii , and has only recently become known to the rest of the world. It is prized for its rejuvenating and soothing effects upon the skin, without leaving a greasy or oily film. Pressed from the seeds of the Aleurites moluccana tree, Kukui Nut Oil is invaluable for many different skin conditions, providing moisture and nourishment to dry, mature, and damaged skin.


The Kukui Nut tree was first brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. It quickly adapted, and is now Hawaii ’s official state tree. Kukui means ‘enlightenment’ in Hawaiian. Traditionally, babies in Hawaii were anointed with Kukui Nut Oil to protect their skin from the sun, salt, and other elements. In addition, it was used on skin irritations, wounds, and burns. Kukui Nut Oil was also used to massage members of royalty, who were sometimes massaged for seven or more hours with this oil!

Kukui Nut Oil is a fabulous moisturizer, and quickly penetrates the skin leaving a silky-smooth non-greasy feeling. It is often used for dry or damaged skin, immediately relieving symptoms because of its quick absorption into the skin. It can leave even the roughest and driest skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated. Kukui Nut Oil contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin. This unique oil is able to penetrate into the deepest skin layers, while creating a protective shield that locks in moisture. Kukui Nut Oil is great for those with sensitive skin, and is a wonderful ingredient to add to your bodycare products. Specifically, it is beneficial for the following conditions:

Burns – including: sunburn, windburn, radiation burns, and heat induced burns.

o Eczema

o Chapped skin

o Psoriasis

o Mature and prematurely aged skin

o Dry skin conditions

o Acne

o Scars

o Lesions

o Dry hair and scalp

Kukui Nut Oil is an excellent oil to add to your bodycare products, especially your creams, lotions, and massage oils. Simply add Kukui Nut Oil once that your product no longer needs to be heated, and do not expose it to high temperatures. You can also use it for an oil treatment on dry hair and scalp, or add a few drops to your bath water for a luxurious treat. Emollient; moisturizer; vegetable oil. Prized as a very emollient oil from Polynesia. Hawaiians used it to soothe burns, cuts and to protect skin from irritations. Has shown some effectiveness in soothing psoriasis and eczema as it does not leave an oily after residue. High linoleic and linolenic acid content.



http://www.jeffreyjamesorganics.com/ingredients-a-to-z.aspx

Love - John Lennon

Joan Baez - We shall overcome

Art From Within: Josh Separzadeh

Art From Within: Josh Separzadeh: The Art of Los Angeles based artist Josh Separzadeh. Separzadeh’s work viscerally engages the viewer by presenting alternate interpr...

Robert Donald Kudrna Obituary: View Robert Kudrna's Obituary by Inside Bay Area

Robert Donald Kudrna Obituary: View Robert Kudrna's Obituary by Inside Bay Area

Beltane Fire Festival Picture – Scotland Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day

Beltane Fire Festival Picture – Scotland Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day

Mr Barco's Non-GMO song wlmp

Slashing Pumpkins at Baltimore's Charm City Cakes on the Food Network

I've been told it's too early to carve pumpkins.. now, i've got MORE ideas brewing!


Slashing Pumpkins at Baltimore's Charm City Cakes on the Food Network

another reason why veggies rule

http://www.ahha.org/Veggies-Cancer.htm

Gals - eat your veggies!


A recent study suggests that women who maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The article, "Vegetable-Rich Diet Linked to Reduced Breast Cancer Risk," from the September, 2011, issue of Natural Standard's Integrative Medicine Newsletter, goes into detail explaining positive and negative female hormone receptor conditions and the impact of diet choices on the level of risk for breast cancer.

Rudolf Steiners lessons want to be learned.

Two weekends ago I had the honor of being notified and invited to attend the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner's birthday.  Though I didn't entirely understand what I would be participating in, I left inspired and moved beyond belief. http://twitter.com/#!/veronicasage/media/slideshow?url=http%3A%2F%2Flockerz.com%2Fs%2F141998499
here's one reason why: 
http://www.openwaldorf.com/eurythmy.html

The night before I was hanging out at home when a friend came over.  i told her about a vision I had of a performance piece.  I tried to play it out for her, and quickly lost confidence moving my body about as if I was breathing and moving as a free molecule in space.  She helped me find the right song for the piece.  I thought more and more about the statement I wanted to make and then quickly decided i'd rather have someone else perform it.  I didn't have the courage. 

Why am I telling you this? 

Well.  Brace yourself. 

The next day at the Rudolf Steiner event I was introduced and instructed in Eurythmy.  First I got to watch a woman of color dance with multi colored scarves decorated dress, then I got to see kids, then a group perform VISUAL INFINITY. 

The food was FANTASTIC!  THE music and discourse was SOOO welcoming to my spirit.  The biodynamic wine was savory and sweet.  The outdoor exercises were so perfect. 

Thank you RSF http://rsfsocialfinance.org/
for putting this event together and for all the work you do in the world. 

What more amazing, is after picking up a book and reading documentations of his lectures, I am now more than ever stunned by the amount of time this gentleman spent thinking.  He spent nearly 2 or 3 decades focusing on the link between, human, planet and spirit.  What a courageous and honorable gesture. 

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN 忘れてはならない: RED RAIN---- My First experience with Radiation fr...

this very resolute? story and pics need to be seen. NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN 忘れてはならない: RED RAIN---- My First experience with Radiation fr...: Yesterday I exhibited my first major challenge. Things got a little tough. I was documenting and working with a group of Volunteers and whe...

My Favorite Facial Toner Is...

though I haven't tried this specific product...I'm delighted to share TONER LOVE!!!

My current favs are:

Jadience Hydrating toner

Sensuous Beauty Neroli Sandalwood

Dr. Haushka clarifying toner

Devita Cucumber

DRJ organics~http://www.drjorganics.com/organic-skin-care-videos
click on the upper right video to hear all about it...from yours truly.  *blush*

My Favorite Facial Toner Is...Frankincense Hydrosol - Floracopeia Blog

PS> I seriously do alternate between these. My combo skin LOVES toners. And though summers over, freshness and dewy glowy skin isn't!

Artist Mocks the Absurd Poses in Fashion Photos by Showing Them in Real Life

Artist Mocks the Absurd Poses in Fashion Photos by Showing Them in Real Life i'm obsessed with this..

Men Photographed in Stereotypical Pin-Up Poses

There isn't enough of this in media. LOVE IT

Men Photographed in Stereotypical Pin-Up Poses

Underworld, 8 Ball in Wales. (From The Beach.)

A first time for everything- NOR CAL SKYDIVING RULES

 

The great thing about living in the bay area is the abundance of activities to keep yourself busy and entertained at any given opportunity.

 

Now with more services popularized by Groupon, it seems that having group activities or sharing the activities you are fond of with others is easier. My good friend John called me up and asked me if i'd like to skydive. I had already seen the groupon and didn't hesistate.

 

The guys at Nor Cal Skydiving RULE! Not only did they make me feel incredibly safe, with their adrenaline habit, and expertise, but we landed so smoothly and I couldn't have asked for anything more (especially for my first time.) I jumped with Jimmy. The cutie in the pictures. I've deemed this posture to be my "favorite position" although a few modifications would have to be made.

 

Nor Cal Skydivinghttp://www.norcalskydiving.com/?gclid=CNjZ09zQ1asCFSkbQgodkCHROg is owned and run by a Dad and Son. They went skydiving together for fathers day in 1998 and decided they wanted to help other people experience this bliss too. Since then they have jumped everywhere, including New Mexico, Hawaii, Canada..etc. But when asked about the favorite place to jump, Dad replies "right here" as he signs another log book entry of a jumper who finally had the joy of perfecting a landing. Here the process is encouraged full circle. From the minute you walk in with the desire, you leave with a certificate, and the option to come back again at a discounted rate.

 

The two working at the office fell in love with skydiving and ended up working with the company though the gentleman that encouraged us to sign our life away with a Bob Dylan resemblance has discovered "a spiritual experience" sky diving and is now going to live at a monastery near by.

 

What does it feel like you ask? Well, I can't reinvent the wheel. It does feel like a climax or an orgasm. Except it's more like a cellular orgasm. And we have A LOT of cells. Imagine every one of those puppies just delighted and vibrating! AND without inhibition, feeling completely safe, and with an excellent view!

 

Jimmy asked me while we were dangling comfortably in the air, chute open, if I had kept my eyes open. I said YES! Although for a moment, I may have blinked. I told him I sometimes close my eyes during sex without really trying to. We both agreed this wasn't a bad thing.

 

And it isn't bad...it's just something I set an intention to work on. I also have this dilemma when meditating. There are many different types of experiences, and luckily this one is perfect with eyes open, closed or sweating behind safety goggles.

 

These photos are simply a way to remember this dare devil experience, and in no way meant to reflect what the experience was really like. I nearly cried when we reached the perfect elevation, simply because of the beauty. The landing photo has no way of depicting how I really feel about doing something I've always wanted to do, and something I had to do before I died. And just for the record..I'm still BLISSed out! I've finally felt a tangible sense of AUTHENTIC EUPHORIA, still HAPPIER than I've EVER been. watch out world, i've booked another jump.

Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better | Video on TED.com

Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better | Video on TED.com

rasa-juice-essence

receive
appreciate
summarize (so)
ask.

i'm so very grateful for my friend Molly who introduced me to TED talks. they've been a remarkable part weaving into my tapestry of life.

om shantea

 

we'll miss you om shantea

 

but know you'll remain

 

in our hearts and memories

 

and most of all... consciousness.

summer time rolls

 

i'm absolutely loving entertaining in my beautiful backyard.
 
my darling friends who I had the joy of uniting in marriage decided to join me for brunch on a weekend in august. I baked eggs with pancetta and kale in my black chamba and had a blend of sweet potatoes and curried potatoes. We mashed basil and peaches and added Qtonic water with Perrier.

 

I've deemed august "pawgust" simply because summer nights beg to be explored and spent outdoors with or with out a furry friend. Kitty Guru has instructed: Paws.
 

to eternal summer, smiles, friends and pausing.