Reflection

Ever stop for a second and reflect....reflect on what your purpose is...or whether your living your best life? Have you ever observed how much we, as Americans, chase the almighty dollar, status, or power? 

Do you work to live or live to work? 

I'm intrigued with the simple life....don't get me wrong I have a few luxuries, but ultimately they don't matter! I'm retraining my mind and my heart! I choose to remember what really matters! I affirm that I will slow down and smell the roses! I will NOT live for the next promotion, next paycheck, or next expenditure! I will live to love, travel, laugh and learn! I will thoroughly immerse myself in art and music! And so it is! 

Thanks for being my witness! 😘

Overflowing

I woke up this morning to a text message my eldest sent me in the middle of the night…here’s a small excerpt..

”You don’t use the things you’ve gone through to feel sorry for yourself, you use them to grow. That to me is definitely a trait of a strong individual. I don’t know what I would do without you!”

The text was quite lengthy and revealed what a smart and enlightened young lady I have for a daughter.

With so many changes happening in the world, some seem a bit lost, aimlessly searching for meaning and purpose in their life; searching for acceptance and acknowledgement. LOVE is the only way, LOVE transcends all barriers, and LOVE is the answer. Idealistic? Maybe!

True happiness reveals itself through small gestures like the one I received from my daughter this morning. She and I have overcome so much together and my only goal was to be an example of strength, determination, and love, as well as to teach her the skills she needs to be happy in life in whatever she does. It is not about chasing money or objects; nor is it about changing the world with one single act! It’s about community, compassion, empathy, and love! What my daughter doesnt know is that I learned these things from her. She has been my teacher and i don't know what I would do without her.

So much is happening, a shift in the collective consciousness. We can get lost in the fight for change, and although it’s important to stand up and make our voices heard, what's equally important is open ourselves up to the beauty and enormous amount of love that surrounds us!

I Had a Beautiful Dream

Today I woke up
Tears, running down my face
Remembered a dream
Of beautiful little children
Happily running in a field
So much joy in their little faces
Why I cried you may ask
It was a happy dream I had
Not really sure myself
My heart feels as if it is broken
I kissed my girls so intensely
Hugged them tightly
And told them I loved them
Gave them a little shake
So they would awake
Wasn’t leaving without hearing them say
I love you too mommy

Democracy: Does it Exist?

Does a true deocracy exist? Socrates stated that he was right to have withdrawn from political life, because a good person who fights for justice in a democracy will be killed. He argues that very few people have the knowledge necessary for improving the young of any species, and that the many will inevitably do a poor job. Oh how I see this everyday! Socrates suggests that the very nature of democracy makes it a corrupt political system. I tend to agree with Socrates, most people are content with the superficial explanation of the human experience and most basic of human questions. Most are detached and lose themselves in a self serving existence, as if nothing else in the world matters. Why be bothered with whats happening to someone on the other side of the world? As long as it doesn't disrupt my cozy life! Socrates would have said that when people are given great power, their shallowness inevitably leads to injustice.
Oh, what a long road is left to travel!

I Won The Versatile Blogger Award!

I Won The Versatile Blogger Award!

Many Thanks to Raji Lukkoor http://rajilukkoor.blogspot.com for nominating my blog for The Versatile Blogger Award!

Basically, the Versatile Blogger Award is a way to introduce bloggers to each other and to promote quality blogs that the awardees and their readers might not have discovered otherwise.

If you're nominated, you've been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award. Here are the instructions for the lucky recipients:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.

2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.

3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.

4. In the same post, share seven completely random pieces of information about yourself.

5. In the same post, include this set of rules.

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs

On to the nominees…I only have two, so now I'm on the search for some meaningful and fun blogs. Any suggestions?

 meet the pavones http://dospavones.blogspot.com/

Dreaming in the void http://dreaminginthevoid.blogspot.com/


Seven Random Things About Me

1. The water of the Mediterranean ocean makes me swell up.
2. I'm an avid traveler.
3. I'm quite idealistic.
3. My ancestors are from the Native Californian Indian, Acjachemen Nation.
4. I graduated from college when I was 38.
5. I love Flamenco.
6. I like to snuggle.
7. I write down my dreams.

Activism

Thanks to social media, KONY 2012 went viral and caught the attention of millions of people. Suddenly, more people are interested in humanitarian aid in Africa. This is great, now how do we go about helping.

As leader of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army), Joseph Kony and his group have attacked and murdered the people of northern Uganda. Many more were riped from their homes and forced to live in camps that didn't provide the basics necessities of life. The most innocent of the LRA attacks were children. They were abducted and forced to be soldiers, cooks, porters, or sex slaves. Many more were made to kill others, even relatives. Some escaped, but most faced this horrific reality.

There were those who tried to protect their children from being abducted, community workers and aid workers also tried to protect them, but this helped few. Finally, in 2006 there was a cease fire between the LRA and the government. The war has stopped and the people of northern Africa have gone back to their villages and are beginning to rebuild their lives. The Ugandan government struggles with state services and still need a great deal of technical and financial help.

The LRA is no longer in northern Uganda, but they have moved to neighboring countries and people in isolated communities are at risk. President Obama approved sending military advisers to work with Ugandan and other armed forces to help bring down the LRA. This has done little to relieve the dreadful fear the people are under, Joseph Kony is still at large.

So, what can we do? Not only for the people of Africa, but for any cause that we are passionate about.

Be an informed activists. Know the facts! The atrocities Kony and the LRA have inflicted is not a new issue. Kony along with his forces have terrorized people for over two decades. Read UN reports, International relief websites like Human Rights Watch. If we better understand the issue we can better respond. We also need to give or raise money. There are a lot of causes out there, choose your cause and dedicate yourself to making a financial contribution. If your unable to provide financial support, then help spread the word about reputable non-governmental agencies who are supporting the cause to help raise money.  If everyone gave just $1, it would make a huge difference. Finally, use your voice!Call or write elected officials, they listen when there are large numbers of people talking about the same issue.

Nobody deserves to live through such horrific events. I wish I could do more, even if just to wrap my arms around each person and tell them everything will be okay. All I can do is give as much as I can, spread the word, and keep informed. I pray that those that face such a terrible and horrific plight find strength and determination to get through it. We truly are one, one united world where no matter how much distance or difference separate us, we stand together, for each other.

Saving Sasha

Pets are a special part of each family, for me, my dog Lulu is like one of my daughters.

This is Sasha, a 6 year old American Pit diagnosed with Lymphoma. She is the sweetest, most gentle dog you will ever meet. My brother and his family were given this devastating news about their princess Sasha about a week ago and they are determined to help Sasha fight this disease, but they can't do it without your help.
Please visit Sasha's page and donate if you can, any amount will help. Also, share Sasha's story on your page, in your blog, or any other social media. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!

https://www.wepay.com/donations/saving-sasha-(lymphoma)?utm_campaign=donations&utm_medium=link&utm_source=facebook&ref_uid=255742

                                                       Sasha lounging on the recliner :)

To find out more about pet lymphoma, please visit vetcancergroup.com

Life Begins at 40

As a child, the world seems endless; the days are long and never seem to go by fast enough. “I can’t wait till I’m an adult” was my mantra as a teenager. Mortality never seemed to be of great importance, for I was invincible. I remember the summer months seemed to last forever, so much time to laugh and play.

Fast forward, I just turned 40 years old. Where did the last 20 years go? Although I don’t feel 40, I do have a sense that time is passing at a much quicker pace. Is it that as an adult we look at the calendar more often than when we were children? Whatever it is, I want time to slow down! I’ve realized that the only way to do that is to slow myself down. By the end of each day, I feel like I’ve run a marathon, exhausted from all the tasks I’ve completed.


Life is not a race; the first one to finish is not the winner. At 40 I realize that it is time for me to savor the moments life offers. I got off to a good start, celebrating my birthday in Big Bear. Taking morning walks, breathing in the fresh crisp air, and admiring the earths beauty. It was a great beginning, since as the say “Life begins at 40.”

Enjoy every moment, hug your children a little longer, give a million kisses, smell the flowers and the earth, read a novel, enjoy a symphony concert, travel the world, volunteer your time to the needy, or take a long drive. Whatever it is you do, do it with passion and gratitude, for happiness is not promised and neither is living a long life.

Making a Connection with Ancient Societies

Archaeologists all over the planet have unearthed magnificent treasures from the ancient world. These findings have given us a look back in time into the lives of societies so different from our own. Today, archaeologists continue to discover the remnants of people from long ago.

At an archaeological site in Central Panama, El Caño , archaeologist have discovered the tombs of ancient warriors. Panama's Nata Chiefs were adorned in gold and laid above a a layer of human skeletons. Tests have determined that the findings are from about A.D. 900, the era of the Great Mayan civilization. In contrast to Egyptian tombs, the tombs in  El Caño are untouched and hold the treasures of ancient times.

Fascinating, is the fact that impurities in the gold found at El Caño indicate that the gold was mined and worked in this region. This is important in eliminating the idea that these treasures were brought from areas further south. Julia Mayo, the archaeologist who went on instinct and made this amazing find, still j\has a lot of work ahead of her and her team. She believes that 20 more tombs may exist in this area, all untouched and never looted. I am looking forward to see what other treasures Mayo finds.

To see photos and read more about El Caño and Julia Mayo's discoveries, follow this link http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/01/nata-chiefs/williams-text

Genocide, who decides?

Genocide is a hot topic, one that ignites passionate discussion and disagreement. In of itself, genocide has to be the most horrific act of violence in human existence. Wikipedia defines genocide as “the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group.” What is of great debate lies in a number, how many deaths constitute genocide, how much of the “part” signifies genocide?

The topic encompasses legalities and definitions that would make it difficult for anyone to declare such acts of violence as “genocide.” It seems to be pretty straight forward to me, any attempt to wipe out, destroy, or kill a group of human beings is genocide. When did it become the sole right of governments and lawmakers to determine if an act of genocide has occurred? I get it, there has to be some oversight, but to what extent do we allow neglect of acknowledgement of genocide? When did politics become more important than allowing a group of people healing and growth from such a catastrophic event? By not allowing acknowledgement we are perpetuating more pain, resentment, and harm onto those who have already been through enough.

I acknowledge the plight of those who have fought for their existence on this planet. I shed tears for my brothers and sisters around the world who have no choice but to face brutality and execution. From my Native American ancestors to my Armenia brothers and sisters, no human being should live in this kind of fear and desperation. The groups of people who have either lived through genocide or ancestors have, deserve our acknowledgement. It might not make some groups that disagree happy, but what is most important is helping in the healing process of our fellow brothers and sisters who have faced an unimaginable plight.

The following list of genocide is from the 20th and 21st century and is in no way a comprehensive list, if I have forgotten any group, my deepest apologies. The intent of the list is to give everyone an idea of how prominent acts of genocide are in an age where the human race has made great advancements.

Herero Genocide
Korea Genocide
Holodomor
Armenian Genocide
Holocaust
Rwandan Genocide
Cambodian Genocide
Genocide in Liberia
Karabakh Genocide
Bosnian Genocide
Genocide in Sudan
Genocide in Darfur
Genocide in Sri Lanka

We have a duty to bring to light what fellow human beings are facing. Check out www.genocidewatch.org.

Photo from the Genocide Intervention Network.

The Enchanted Granada

I LOVE to travel!! It’s an addicting habit that I just can’t kick. One of my favorite places in the world is Spain. The culture, language,traditions, and foremost, the people, have an undeniable grip on my heart. I can’t exactly pinpoint why, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that eachtime I have traveled to Spain I have felt one of the greatest feelings of joy.

 

My first trip was in 2006 and I’ve gone back 4 times since then. Wait, maybe it’s 5 times? In any case, not as much as I would like. My all time favorite city is Barcelona, but last year the region of Andalucía reached into my soul and gave me a feeling of home!

 Located at the foot of the Sierra Navada, Granada, is one of the cities in the region of Andalucía in which I visited last year.  Home of the Alhambra, Granada’s history is extraordinarily rich! I’m intrigued with the diverse cultural backgrounds of the inhabitants of this region. A cultural melting pot, Granada‘s Muslim, Jewish,and Christian historical legacy makes it that much more intriguing.

The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is undoubtedly the most famous site in Granada. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it truly is a place of fable and romance. Built on a hill overlooking Granada, the complex dons fountains, courtyards, rose edged pathways and slender columns. You feel as though you have gone back in time as you walk through the intricately carved arches and experience the marble mosaics. It’s a must see, or as they say; “Quien no ha visto Granada, no ha visto nada”  "Who hasn't seen Granada hasn't seen anything"

The enchanted Albaicín is a colorful district in Granada. The site of the ancient city of Elvira, which the Zarid Moors renamed Granada in the 11^Th century. The Albaicín contains narrow stoned roads and steep hills lined with whitewashed cármenes (typical houses) decorated with vibrant flowers and ceramic plates. Some of these homes are over 600 years old.

The Sacromonte neighborhood is known for its caves, in which the gypsies continue celebrating every night their flamenco songs and dance celebrations. This is the place the gypsies who came with the Catholic Kings troops when they conquered the city settled. The artists establish the roots of flamenco and the traditional Zambra Gitana was born here, as well as native dances and songs like the mosca or the capucha.

Olé Granada!

Some of the most famous flamenco artists from Granada are Marina Heredia, Estrella Morente, Enrique Morente, the Habichuela family, Antonio Carmona, and Mario Maya, amongst others.

If you’re not familiar with flamenco, it’s a fiery, passionate art that expresses the joys, hardships and sorrows of the gitano people.

Olé!

Happy 2012!!

The coming of a new year is always a time to reflect and rejoice in all the blessings the universe brought our way, a joyful time spent celebrating life. 2011 brought many changes not only for myself, but for the world. The world economy continued to struggle, citizens all over the globe stood up for what they believed was right, natural disasters, famine in Africa, and so much more. Although it is easy to feed into the negative 2011 brought, I tend to want to focus on how these events shape our future actions so as to not repeat that which happened in 2011.It seems as though our generation has finally found it's voice and it's going to take a lot to keep it quite. It is time to do good, be good, and accept only good. We must open our eyes wider and envelop our self into a role as a world citizen, one that exudes compassion and love for all human kind! Now you might think that this ideal view of life will never survive, but I have to disagree. We are all one, sharing this planet for a very short time, but preparing future generations to embody the idealism that inevitable is our responsibility.
Lets not forget those that are less fortunate, those that face adversity, and those impacted by disease and hunger. Advocate for your fellow brother or sister, reach out and help make a difference. Not only will you be a part of the collective conscious that will change our planet, you will give yourself a truly amazing gift. 
2012 brings a shift into a New World Age Cycle, an essential part of this transformation process is for humanity to re-connect with Nature's wisdom. It is our time to find balance, harmony and life-affirming paths for the evolution of human culture. I look forward to taking this journey with you!


I wish you and yours a prosperous new year filled with love, joy, and happiness!   
One LOVE!

It's Been a Minute

So, I came off my cleanse a couple weeks ago. Although I've maintained a pretty healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetable, and healthy recipes, I feel like I'm not quit done with my journey. My total weight loss is 22lbs, I might have gained a couple back from the Thanksgiving holiday. Normally, I would feel bad about gaining a little weight, this time it only motivates me to continue my path. I will continue to juice and eat 90% raw foods. The other 10% will be mostly soups, this cold weather has brought a need for something warm for my tummy.

As far as my health is concerned, I'm feeling great. My energy level has stayed high, I'm rarely fatigued, and have noticed I'm able to function on less sleep. My psoriasis hasn't cured itself but it's definitely more under control.

Until next time

One love

I am not perfect, I sometimes get angry, raise my voice, judge, or act in a way that's not conducive to living my best life. I sometimes feel sad, unhappy, or defeated, but I strive to be the best me, try to catch myself when I've been less than pleasant, and fill my life with as much positivity as possible.
When you view my profile you're seeing the best me, the me I strive for everyday, but know that I slip just like you. I need reminders, encouragement, and inspiration everyday.
Remember, I am only a reflection of you, the good and the getting good. So, if we all strive for the best "self", the best "me", our reflections will radiate with the brightest light!
One love!

Day 27

Today is a break through day, a day that has revealed to me what path to choose. As I draw near to day 30 of my juice cleanse, the universe has answered a lingering question. Do I stop cleansing at day 30 or do I continue?

In my first post I listed some ailments I have experienced, one of those being amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual cycle. Treatment for this, of course, is medication, a 10 day dose of progesterone. I also used progesterone cream as a more natural alternative, that didn’t work. So, I would take the pills for 10 days and then my menstrual cycle would begin. I was to repeat this every month when my cycle didn’t start. My doctor expressed concern of allowing too much time to pass without a period, as it could develop into cancer. I didn’t want to consume that much medication so I would wait till I didn’t have a cycle for three months, then take the meds.

My last menstrual cycle was June 5th. Sorry if that’s TMI :). My prescription ran out and I missed my appointment with my gynecologist, therefore no cycle for almost 5 months. That series of events was a blessing in disguise! I started my cycle today!! No pills, no cream, it naturally came on its own! I can’t explain how uplifting this event was. My eyes welled up and I intuitively knew that my body is on its way to a state of healthy bliss.

As of today I have lost 17lbs, but most importantly I have gained inspiration, motivation, and a keen sense of self realization. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am so grateful!

I no longer need to ask myself if I should continue; I know I should! So, my journey continues.

I affirm, I recognize and appreciate all that inspires me to feel empowered.

Till next time

Day 18

I am amazed and humbled by this experience. I’ve had very few incidence of challenge. I’ve tackled each day with calm, compassion, and self reflection. I’ve treated myself with tender care, something I haven’t done for a very long time.

I have found a new passion for cooking; funny considering I can’t have any of my creations. My girls tell me I am a much better cook now that I’m juicing, they suggest I continue. =)

Self reflection has been a huge part of my journey; I question what it is I have been attracting into my life and whether that is really what I want. I have also taken a good look at my mortality. I chose to be on this earth to enjoy and fully experience all of life’s pleasures. I can’t do that if I’m sick, therefore I chose differently. This journey isn’t about meeting the ideal of what society says is beautiful. This journey is about respecting and caring for the vessel I’ve been given and making sure I’m dancing till it’s time to ascend.

And so it is!

Until next time!

Day 12

Almost two weeks in and juicing has become a normal part of my day. Beyond that, I’m feeling amazing! Although I feel a bit weak during strenuous exercise, I sleep better and feel more energy throughout the day.

Watching the juice slide down the juicer spout into my glass has become a source of motivation, especially juice made with green veggies. Kale, collard greens, broccoli, spinach, and many more produce an almost florescent green juice that I imagine lighting me up within! It truly is alive and definitely healing.

I have to admit that on day 10 I cheated a bit. I dabbed a bit of oatmeal on my tongue to make sure it was ready. It tasted so delicious that I had two more spoonfuls. I decided not to beat myself up or feel guilty about it. After all, it was oatmeal not a cheeseburger. :) Yes, I know, I’m justifying it.

P.S. I've lost 11 lbs so far!!

Until next time!

Day 4

Not much to report today, the day was a breeze!
I've lost 8 lbs so far, but weight isn't my main focus.
Hoping my body is healing and on it's was to optimal health. :)
I will check back in in a few days for an update.
Till next time!

Day 3

Busy busy day at work, grateful as it kept my mind off of food. My sense of smell seems to be a bit hightened, as I could smell food in the air, even in the building. Nonetheless, I maintained focus.

I have done the master cleanse many times in the past and I noticed by the third day I no longer felt hunger. Today, I felt hungar pangs throughout the day. I sense that it's because I'm actually still eating raw fruits and veggies. If I was strictly doing liuids, like on the cleanse, I may not have felt my tummy grumbling. I'm going to wean myself off the raw intake and keep it stricly liquids.

Tomorrows juice is prepared and I'm ready for some reading before bed. Sweet dreams!

Day 2

Day 2, a little bit more challenging.
Started my morning juice a bit late, which probably contributed to my headache.
I went to my cousin Krista's baby shower, there was so much yummy food! I enjoyed fresh fruit and my juice. Todays juice consisted of carrots, apples, oranges, and a bit of ginger. DELICIOUS! The only thing that was a challenge while I was there was my headache. Headaches are normal when cleansing, it's the bodies reaction to the release of toxins. So, I've embraced the headache and I know I will wake up tomorrow to find it has gone away.
I have found it interesting how my mental preperation has really allowed the last two days to go smoothly. I affirm my commitment to myself each day and remind myself of the reason I have taken this journey.
Until tomorrow