tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71829883121659295722024-03-12T20:58:56.107-07:00LifePrints - Good News for a More Compassionate WorldIn every moment we leave our mark on the world through our intentions, actions, and relationships. These legacies are our LifePrints. What do you wish to leave behind? LifePrints is dedicated to stories of individuals and organizations making a positive difference in our world, one compassionate deed at a time.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-66007189726143441302011-08-12T19:13:00.000-07:002011-08-12T21:58:52.615-07:00The Help - A Light But Poignant Look At The 1960's South<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXxNS2y7v7yH_XsT2h-bP6KUAwWTwQLeSnK9KlLFwCVJJqw7rkjw"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 273px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXxNS2y7v7yH_XsT2h-bP6KUAwWTwQLeSnK9KlLFwCVJJqw7rkjw" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last night I took my daughter to see <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-help/51988/main?flv=1">The Help</a>. I laughed. I sighed. I shook my head. I said, "Amen sister!" I was embarrassed. By the time the movie ended, the audience was clapping and my heart ached for the characters in the film. It ached, in great part, because the story was all to familiar.
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<br />I was born in Georgia during the great social upheaval of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_%281955%E2%80%931968%29">civil rights movement</a> and the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/">Vietnam war.</a> But I didn't know that. I lived in a middle class, white neighborhood. I rode my shiny blue bicycle in the driveway and played Matchbox cars, house, and Little People with my best friend, Jeanne. All my parents friends were white. All my school mates were white. Until I entered 4th grade the only black people I knew were two little girls whose mother cleaned for my Great-Aunt Bell.
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<br />I remember a picture of the three of us little girls sitting on the wide front porch steps of my Aunt's home. They were beautiful, smiling girls. I wish I could remember their names but I vividly recall my mother telling me that the girls were fascinated with touching my skin and my silky blond hair. It was many years before I realized all she was passing down to me in that <a href="http://forum.lookbook.nu/show/40002">one seemingly innocent statement.</a>
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<br />I remember going with my uncle, who lived in South Carolina, to visit a black woman who worked in his home. He took her some vegetables from his garden. Even though he was very kind to her and she to him, we stayed in the dirt driveway. He commented later that he'd never been inside her house even though he'd known her for years. It just was not done that way.
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<br />I can also remember singing "Eeny, meeny, miney, moe catch a n----r by the toe," on the playground and having no idea what I was actually saying. I remember my family sitting around telling jokes about black people....What did one n----r say to the other n----r...the kind where any so called inferior racial group can easily be inserted into the punch line. And still I did not understand it was wrong. Oh, I felt it in my gut but this was my family, my friends, my world and they thought it was funny. I remember feeling that it must be me who didn't understand how everything worked.
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<br />I remember how a young woman I knew was ostracized because it was the gossip that she dated a black boy from across town. I remember the day my mother's favorite soap opera made the disgraceful decision to air an interracial kiss. She said, "What is the world coming to?" and quickly flipped off the switch. I remember a boyfriend asking me if I'd ever consider dating a black boy. I knew the wrong answer to that question would end his affections for me.
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<br />I was in high school before I knew about <a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/">Martin Luther King</a>. One of my first recollections, even though I grew up less than 50 miles from where he is buried, was frustrated adults saying that they would never celebrate a holiday honoring that ungrateful upstart. Sadly, I was in college before a teacher ever told me about <a href="http://www.africawithin.com/bios/medgar_evers.htm">Medgar Evers</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vr_vKsk_h8">Soujourner Truth</a>, or <a href="http://www.malcolmx.com/">Malcolm X</a>.
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<br />I remember, as a teenager in need of a way to rebel, I would coax my father into an argument by asking him why he <a href="http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/maloney.african.american">never considered hiring a black mechanic</a> to work alongside him at his auto repair shop.
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<br />I never had a close friend outside my race (except for the one I was told I couldn't have in the 6th grade) until I was 30 years old and living in Massachusetts on an Air Force base. Even then I found myself trying to show my family that my friend was somehow "different" than the blacks they knew. That is shameful. Like Skeeter's mother, I didn't have the courage to tell my family just what they could do with their prejudices.
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<br />Watching the white women in The Help brought the stinging shadows of my past to the big screen. Thank God for that. Thank God my 7 year old son pays no attention to the color of his friends. Thank God my older children know whomever they love will be accepted into our family.
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<br />And still seeing this movie makes me painfully aware that there are still prejudices passed onto the next generation. Sadly, it's always been that way. Who are our children being taught to fear and hate? Who are they told they are superior to? And even if you say it is not so, that prejudice no longer exists....<a href="http://racerelations.about.com/od/understandingrac1/a/subtleracismexamples_2.htm">think in terms of subtlety</a>....eeny, meeny, miney, moe....then ask the question again. Who are our children being taught to disdain?
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<br />At this point in my life, I'd much rather eat humble pie than Minnie's special chocolate version.
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<br />If you don't get it, go see The Help. Then you will. I promise.
<br />Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-66236956415623828482011-08-10T09:04:00.000-07:002011-08-10T13:11:53.049-07:003 Levels of Peace -Centered LivingPeace starts with me. It's true but what does that mean? To me it means that in every aspect of life I must be an agent of peace and love. After much thought, I've devised a plan that works on three levels - personal, community, and world.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Personal</span> - My family deserves <a href="http://www.reallove.com/about.asp">unconditional love</a>. When my children and my husband go to bed at night I want them to know they are cherished not for what they do but for the simple fact that they exist and are worthy of all the good in life. My words to them should come from a place of compassion and guidance, not from anger and control.
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<br />This picture is a visual reminder of how important it is to give this kind of love to my family. Last year I learned I needed Chemotherapy to cure my cancer. That meant within two weeks of beginning treatment I would lose my hair. In an attempt to confront this problem with a little grace, I decided to shave my head. My husband, who'd had long hair since college, shaved his head too. This is what I think of when I need a reminder of how I wish to love my family.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67ChzGHqDL2yN75sqG3Dm7CZGtA3KPrRzcG9eZACZ1cIOFrDaUsrbZX3CiwvcOncwD-H_2PMtjGgs1ZoIXLV8Bg3bZJF9SOX2lyDzpBKddr6fcHcvAqVNay42FsWhcFlrWqF8t2HYF9c/s1600/DSC00943.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67ChzGHqDL2yN75sqG3Dm7CZGtA3KPrRzcG9eZACZ1cIOFrDaUsrbZX3CiwvcOncwD-H_2PMtjGgs1ZoIXLV8Bg3bZJF9SOX2lyDzpBKddr6fcHcvAqVNay42FsWhcFlrWqF8t2HYF9c/s200/DSC00943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639293121397148914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Community</span> - My community needs my involvement. It needs my smiles and words of encouragement. It needs my vote and my voice. It needs to know what I care about and that I care enough to not look the other way, otherwise <a href="http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/crimreport/meanestcities.html">egregious laws against humanity</a> will go unchallenged. My natural community needs me to protect it and to teach my children to respect it. It needs me to recognize and honor our symbiosis.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzUawEmGYtbd8PMTAnHpEbpErQyb1zlll3aUOGLVY8AAEI2BG_Z8YiYrG9tPvGNY_1fsaLHitPMueWV3MYwcc3prTTADIijtUpAREp2LDL_1DuQWzz_ufVJgz0JDQPHcEeL6ttNf7A4g/s1600/DSC01995.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzUawEmGYtbd8PMTAnHpEbpErQyb1zlll3aUOGLVY8AAEI2BG_Z8YiYrG9tPvGNY_1fsaLHitPMueWV3MYwcc3prTTADIijtUpAREp2LDL_1DuQWzz_ufVJgz0JDQPHcEeL6ttNf7A4g/s200/DSC01995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639290919966551746" border="0" /></a>
<br />There is happiness to be found in working toward goals that make my surroundings a peaceful place to be, a place that respects life, justice, and equality. There is happiness in insuring that future generations will be able to enjoy places like <a href="http://kevingong.com/Hiking/200406RainbowFalls.html">Rainbow Falls in Mammoth Lakes, CA</a>. Sometimes this may require going against the accepted point of view. It may require <a href="http://www.aclunc.org/issues/freedom_of_press_and_speech/asset_upload_file647_8880.pdf">civil disobedience</a> when an unjust law or social norm needs to be changed...and oddly enough, in those acts I expect to find peace in honoring what I feel is right.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKCXeVm1L9nBaCGTev2FisoN4CHGpsrh6PCnWSOoOulT6sW0e-fg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 185px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKCXeVm1L9nBaCGTev2FisoN4CHGpsrh6PCnWSOoOulT6sW0e-fg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">World</span> - My world deserves peace. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/world/africa/02somalia.html">Not one child needs to die because there is nothing to eat</a> or because<a href="http://www.history.com/topics/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki"> a government decided to drop bombs</a><a href="http://www.history.com/topics/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki"> on his playground</a>. World peace means valuing human life and liberty all over the planet, not just in my country. I want to live in a nation that is a humanitarian superpower instead of a military superpower (<a href="http://howardzinn.org/">quoted from Howard Zinn</a>). I can only imagine what this world would be like if we never again gave into our leaders cries for war and never stopped demanding true equality.
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<br />I do not believe that war is our nature. Compassion is our nature but culture makes it difficult to act on our natural disposition. A society is backwards when it's beating the drums of war in the name of freedom instead of freeing those in the bondage of starvation, poverty, and discrimination. I'll use my energies looking for ways to behave with love instead of participating in a government's reasons to kill righteously.
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<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERnKhZongDA&sns=fb">Here is Ashley Jo Farmer singing a haunting version of John Lennon's <span style="font-style: italic;">Imagine</span></a>. Peace does start with me, and you, one person at a time.
<br />Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-36445509856213818332011-07-29T08:01:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:38:57.742-07:00Art at the Skate Park - Encouraging the Youth of Las VegasIf you live in the Las Vegas area there is only one place to be on Saturday, July 30th at 6pm.<br /><br />Come hang out at Winchester Park<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl"> (here is a map to get there)</a> and enjoy Art at the Skate Park, a skateboarding contest and art sale to benefit the <a href="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/Pages/skateboarding-winchester.aspx">Winchester Skate Team</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcpiuNxx7XGxJvjzQxae33G1D1JUijWUhkyBC24t9GeFByBYuzmsUHi9uosWu2kIFQ3X6hGRdZ2TVnQD1HFMQgmziHYFWzGM7kV46fvVBx_LXy26_oaxSiI9DIaNM6ras8QJlRTJIb6M/s1600/209195_10150151368497950_512382949_6772751_4185477_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcpiuNxx7XGxJvjzQxae33G1D1JUijWUhkyBC24t9GeFByBYuzmsUHi9uosWu2kIFQ3X6hGRdZ2TVnQD1HFMQgmziHYFWzGM7kV46fvVBx_LXy26_oaxSiI9DIaNM6ras8QJlRTJIb6M/s200/209195_10150151368497950_512382949_6772751_4185477_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634790883912660626" border="0" /></a>When you get there you will meet an extraordinary group of kids and their mentor, Hektor Esparza. I met Hektor a few years ago. Our children are friends and we'd been invited to dinner at the Esparza's home. I was immediately impressed with Hektor and his wife, Amey. They are, in essence, what I would like to be - salt of the Earth, good folk who care more about people and the world around them than they do about making a fast buck and owning the biggest TV on the block. They live their values, which is something you can't always say about people these days.<br /><br />Hektor's job reflects the values of his family. With 24 years experience as a skateboarder, he works with at risk youth by taking their (and his) passion for skateboarding and using it as a vehicle to move them toward a well-balanced, successful life. It's not easy to become a member of the Winchester Park Skate Team. Just because a kid has a tough life doesn't mean that they are Skate Team material. The 14 youth chosen to be on the team first have to try out, prove that they maintain at least a C average in school, and that they are actively studying an art form. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_OQxHe1p1whttp://">Watch them skate here.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/PublishingImages/Locations/winchester-skatepark-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 176px;" src="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/PublishingImages/Locations/winchester-skatepark-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Once on the team, the youth learn that the mandatory weekly meetings are about much more than skating technique. They are exposed to some of the best artists and minds in Clark County, constantly encouraged to do well in school, and consistently shown that the path to a successful future is though education.<br /><br />Since the programs inception in 2006, many of the alumni are finishing high school (a few are the first in their families to do so), attending college, and have moved on to greater success in skateboarding and other creative interests.<br /><br />In March of last year, <a href="http://www.knpr.org/son/archive/detail2.cfm?SegmentID=6759&ProgramID=1910http://">KNPR interviewed Hektor and a members of the skate team</a>. It is well worth a listen to hear from the boys how this program has affected their lives in a positive way.<br /><br />With the flagship event, the Las Vegas Good Games, an annual multimedia art event designed to expose youth in the area to the arts and promote education, Hecktor brought together skating professionals and thousands of young people and their families this past spring. There were skating competitions and art exhibitions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/PublishingImages/Locations/winchester-skatepark-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 176px;" src="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/PublishingImages/Locations/winchester-skatepark-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In an article in the <a href="http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/mar/23/art-skating-good-games-2011/http://">Las Vegas Weekly</a> featuring the Good Games, Hektor said about kids in the Las Vegas skating culture, “They’re getting bad information from the streets. They think the only way to success is to turn pro at skateboarding or get a good construction or hotel job. They don’t understand that they can use their creativity and intellect in a career, that they don’t just have to be laborers." <p>Hektor goes on to say that as a teen he was semi-homeless during his high school years. “I succeeded because I learned I can communicate.”</p><p>This Saturday's event reflects all that the Winchester Skate Team stands for. There will be skating contests for all ages and levels ($5 entry fee), numerous works of art available for purchase from students of area magnet schools and the skaters on the Winchester Skate Team.</p><p> The funds raised will be used for field trips to skate parks, <a href="http://spacestudio.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/the-winchester-skate-team/http://">museums and galleries</a>, tours of college campuses, and cultural events. The money will help pay for tuition and other expenses for skate team members pursuing their education. It will pay for art supplies and the removal of graffiti at the skate park.</p><p>In June of this year, Hektor and Amey launched a non-profit, the Push Forward Skate Mentor Program. Push Forward has partnered with the <a href="http://www.metroartsnevada.com/http://">Metro Arts Council of Southern Nevada</a> to expand the model of the Winchester Skate Team to the other 30 skate parks in the Las Vegas Valley. After learning about the positive affect on each year's team at Winchester, just imagine how many Las Vegas youth will be lifted up to a better life with this new program.</p><p>If you would like to offer your help to Push Forward or you know someone of influence who would be interested in hearing about the program, contact me and I will make sure you connect with Hektor and Amey to share your great ideas.</p><p>See you at the park this Saturday! It's going to be a blast!</p>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-64835086833313221352011-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:002011-07-27T20:58:59.355-07:00A Detour To Planet CancerThis little blog used to be very important to me. I'd wake up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday filled with ideas I wanted to write about. It was my mission, my little corner of the universe where I could express myself and hopefully, in the process, expose my readers to people who were working to make the world a better place. Maybe even inspire them and myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSJ3InrYfOx4bMO9ynCzaOOOtoZsjomyjnyKqiksDTvtggKLZKC_Xq90_8CM-7Qfv0R9HDUkucd3n6AfEPVANuO67XcI70c7m2IHePVOq1xiTe1anjUFvlRMJSC8rlSk2MP143GQ91qg/s1600/Me+Loungin%2527+013.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSJ3InrYfOx4bMO9ynCzaOOOtoZsjomyjnyKqiksDTvtggKLZKC_Xq90_8CM-7Qfv0R9HDUkucd3n6AfEPVANuO67XcI70c7m2IHePVOq1xiTe1anjUFvlRMJSC8rlSk2MP143GQ91qg/s200/Me+Loungin%2527+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634148023942045570" border="0" /></a>Then everything stopped. I'll always remember July 27th, 2010. It's marked on my soul like the births of my children, my wedding, and the day my brother died. I think of it as my cancer sandwich day.<br /><br />That morning (after two years of hard work) I turned over a completed manuscript to my literary agent. I was so proud of the work my husband and I had done collaborating on a unique vampire book. It was going to be a best-seller. It still could be!<br /><br />At 11am my doctor told me I had stage <a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging.jsp">3A breast cancer</a>. I thought I was handling the news like a pro then she said the words chemotherapy and mastectomy and large tumor and radiation. Clearly, Dr. Spotts and her nurse knew how these conversations went because before my first tear fell a box of tissue was placed in my lap. After, my husband I went to a coffee shop and stared at each other until I could look at him without crying. He just kept repeating, "We're going to get through this."<br /><br />Several weeks prior, we'd bought tickets to a <a href="http://www.billyjonas.com/">Billy Jonas</a> concert. He was coming to Las Vegas for the first time. I was so excited. The concert was as much for my youngest son as it was for me. If you're 6 years old, Billy Jonas is the coolest of the cool. Now I didn't want to go. I wanted to curl up in a ball in the center of my bed and scream. I went anyway. It was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family. I sat on the second row, directly below the band and wept during one of the songs - an unusual reaction to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k5WRY1qSPE"><span style="font-style: italic;">What Kind of Cat Are You?</span></a> And when I introduced myself to Billy and his band mates, <a href="http://www.ashleyjofarmer.com/Listen.html">Ashley Jo Farmer</a> and Sherman Hoover, I'm sure they thought I was some sort of crazy stalker. Let's just say I was a little off-kilter that night.<br /><br />So, cancer sandwich - God knew what he was doing when he cushioned the most devastating news of my life with two fluffy-and-soft-as-white-bread, wonderful events.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiWC9YBSBwIMkDYZ5OnwshY5_W-XrXRbIG-3ppsLmZXjGATeC1gB1Sdoc63MUcVdxNjl7bOLdto4EcM48yCTVQ-6MGTzIqy9q9mC7jS2-6s9SpNPqFAkrg303Y1F-Ry9SUjsgS-TiDFY/s1600/DSC01450.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiWC9YBSBwIMkDYZ5OnwshY5_W-XrXRbIG-3ppsLmZXjGATeC1gB1Sdoc63MUcVdxNjl7bOLdto4EcM48yCTVQ-6MGTzIqy9q9mC7jS2-6s9SpNPqFAkrg303Y1F-Ry9SUjsgS-TiDFY/s200/DSC01450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634186246034043746" border="0" /></a>Fast forward slightly through surgeries and four months of Chemotherapy. I spent them, alternately, on my couch and in my bed, watching NetFlix and crocheting hats for other baldies like me. I read books, <a href="http://www.planetcancer.org/">mostly books about cancer</a>, until my brain burned from too much information about miracle cures, side effects, and breast cancer recurrence rates. All my favorite foods tasted like a mouthful of copper pennies. Everything I wanted to eat was white - popcorn, ice cream, puddings, oatmeal, soups and gravy.<br /><br />My doctor and the staff of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada celebrated my last chemo session in December by presenting me with a pink crown and balloons. I cried about that, too. Those were tears of joy.<br /><br />More surgery to remove my portacath and the lump in my breast. Then more surgery because the lumpectomy was not enough. I choose to have reconstruction done at the same time as the mastectomy...there will be more surgeries to complete the process. This is a long process. I'm telling you this because I know there is a woman out there who needs to talk to someone who has been there...contact me. I'll listen.<br /><br />I have to thank my family and friends. My husband, Todd, was there with me at every appointment, every hospital visit. He held me and felt all my pain. He's is so very strong and loving beyond measure. My mother and father in law flew out from Georgia every three weeks to be with me on the days I had chemotherapy. My parents (all 4 of them) called me constantly. I can't wait to see them in September. My friends supported me with meals for my family when I was too weak to do anything but say thank you. They drove my children to school and brought me gifts. They flew across the country to be with me after surgery. I am truly blessed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYyZfCk-Rx1tEAYcPKW2uqfGBDWJZy0P4oEv1zLp9nwdWHjKnFjh_IM_MKAerktURaSltujRSu84J_Pf7Vhrdm9Bnn9BuWpKkTMk0OhKAa9Yp36KR8XW6lIQkQ3zN461NJ475O8pz1FU/s1600/Summer+2011+125.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYyZfCk-Rx1tEAYcPKW2uqfGBDWJZy0P4oEv1zLp9nwdWHjKnFjh_IM_MKAerktURaSltujRSu84J_Pf7Vhrdm9Bnn9BuWpKkTMk0OhKAa9Yp36KR8XW6lIQkQ3zN461NJ475O8pz1FU/s200/Summer+2011+125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634148015795432354" border="0" /></a>My newest venture is radiation therapy. I'm two weeks into a six week course - five days a week. My radiation oncologist and her tech are my new best friends. Hi John!<br /><br />I'm close to the end of my stay on <a href="http://www.planetcancer.org/">Planet Cancer</a>. It's been an interesting trip with memories and insight I'd never have gained any other way...but, I'm not going back there again. Once was enough and I pray someday no one ever has to go...maybe, as a species, we'll lose the map and forget how to get there.<br /><br />Thanks to the constant support of my family and friends, I'm feeling much better, more like myself. Actually, I feel like a better version of myself. For me, cancer was a cleansing process. It stripped away everything superficial and useless. It left me with a sturdy foundation upon which to rebuild my post-cancer self.<br /><br />I like her. She has salt and pepper hair instead of blonde. Of course, I like coloring my hair so who knows what it will be in a year! When I see her in the mirror she has depth in her expressions. Her smile is huge and welcoming. Her heart is open. She is strong willed, opinionated, and not afraid of anything. She's had her feet to the fire long enough to scorch her soles and she's still running.<br /><br />So that's where I've been for the last year. Now it's time to get back to this little blog that means so much to me. If you're reading, send your ideas. Who do you know that's making the world around them a better place? Who's spreading love? Who's a bright light in their community? Tell me about them and we'll share it here...together. I've missed you.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-74041648552889158122010-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:002010-08-27T11:37:09.298-07:00Beautiful Hand Sewn Head Scarves for Cancer Patients<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.alwaysbeautifulyou.com/alwaysred.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="http://www.alwaysbeautifulyou.com/alwaysred.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a>There is not much else in life that tests a woman's strength as finding out that she has cancer. Chemotherapy will make her sick and rob her of her appearance, at least the one she has always recognized in the mirror.<div><br /></div><div>Breast Cancer is common, more common than one would think. Millions of women are taking advantage of early screening with mammograms and doing monthly breast exams. We are more aware than ever that we should be vigilant about these things to preserve our health. Luckily, this has allowed many women to discover the problem and for their doctors to diagnose it early. More women than ever survive a bout with cancer and go on to thrive.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've received a cancer diagnosis and learned that you must go through Chemotherapy, one of the most obvious side effects will be the loss of your hair. Some women are devastated by this while others take it in stride. Through this you are given the opportunity to learn about how deeply you identify yourself with your outward appearance. I would venture to say that most of us are taught from an early age that we should look our best in order to be socially acceptable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever your decision about hair loss may be, wigs, head coverings, or simply bald - hold your head up high. You will be filled with inner strength that possibly only another cancer survivor will understand but it will radiate from your face and being. Everyone will know that you are one tough cookie, a woman of substance, someone to be reckoned with...and also a person of great compassion because you bear the marks of having been there yourself and explored the depths of your soul. You have much to give back.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are companies who understand this challenge. One such is <a href="http://www.alwaysbeautifulyou.com/index.html">Always Beautiful - Siempre Bella.</a> They hand sew each head scarf to flatter the woman's face. They choose beautiful fabrics in a variety textures, colors and styles. Gretchen and her associates saw a need and filled it, helping to make the chemotherapy and hair loss experience a little easier by helping you like what you see when you look in the mirror. The scarves are affordable and reversible so you get two for the price of one. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a small way to make chemotherapy more bearable. If you are in need, please contact the wonderful website and try their product. Best wishes and hugs to anyone going through this experience. My heart is with you.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-27660414385444831492010-06-09T09:27:00.000-07:002010-06-10T14:58:19.600-07:00How Do We Keep Them From Being That Way?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67mohgotzr6IF3gBsZDGcuoVhLLd44HHjEEw7ZGzVq91gaZk0D3IQ14jCk3UMQ6q7fHm4pdGmazCOAJ-FfPtjMCNeyfAi1eC7FGpxW73y00rJXdvqo-yIhmK7dadg-rY2sfRsfRaSydk/s1600/New+Image.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67mohgotzr6IF3gBsZDGcuoVhLLd44HHjEEw7ZGzVq91gaZk0D3IQ14jCk3UMQ6q7fHm4pdGmazCOAJ-FfPtjMCNeyfAi1eC7FGpxW73y00rJXdvqo-yIhmK7dadg-rY2sfRsfRaSydk/s320/New+Image.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480811820126690066" border="0" /></a><br />My childhood friend, Susanne Allen, wrote a very thoughtful post about children, race relations, and her experiences of growing up in the deep south in the 1970's and '80's. Susanne lived up the street from me as a child and I attended the schools describes and knew the students she speaks of. She has given me permission to share her words here on LifePrints. Enjoy.<br />________________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do you keep them from being that way?</span><br />By Susanne Allen<br /><br />A response to Roger Ebert's Journal entry <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/06/how_would_i_feel_if.html">"How did they get to be that way?"</a><br /><br />My first grade class was the first year of integration at my Elementary school. Our school bus route was extra long and took place in the wee hours of the morning while it was still dark. We had to have enough time to drive town to, I kid you not, <a href="http://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/what.htm">Jim Crow</a> Road, and pick up just enough black people that there could be exactly ONE in each of the classrooms.<br /><br />As we progressed each year the classes kept their one token black child. Classes were phased according to aptitude and the black child of the highest phase class was Joan. We never spoke to her of course because...duh...she was black. In third grade a girl from Ohio moved to town and became Joan's best friend. Caryn was on thin ice of course for "not being from around here" to begin with and she told us we were all stupid for not being friends with Joan. "It isn't going to hurt you if you talk to her!" she said. Sure enough, over time, I discovered I could talk to Joan and no golden hand descended from the heavens and ruined my life. It didn't give me an incurable disease or cooties. I didn't even turn black. We heard that Caryn's mother let Joan come over to visit at Caryn's house INSIDE the house and the two of them even had sleepovers the same way they would if Joan had been a white person and nothing bad happened to Caryn either!<br /><br />Sometime in sixth grade our teacher, Mrs. Rhinehart, sent Joan to the office with a note. While Joan was gone she spoke to all of us. "Look," she said, "anytime color or race is mentioned you all turn and stare at Joan like you think she's going to grow horns. Don't do that. Think about how she feels. She's a kid jut like the rest of you." I'd like to think we all treated her better after that.<br /><br />Our high school was Robert Wood Johnson Memorial Comprehensive High School. It is important to note here that the band geeks, of whose glorious company I was a member, used to chant "Go! Robert Wood Johnson Memorial Comprehensive High School, Go!" at football games. Best cheer ever! Johnson, for short, had about 1,500 children and was 4% black with one Jew and a handful of Roman Catholics. The rest of us were painfully WASP. When I went to Georgia Tech a friend of mine who went there too, John Kater, used to respond to questions about where the Johnson contingent hailed from with "We're from Gainesville, GA, Population: Baptist."<br /><br />It couldn't have been easy to be non-white, non-protestant at Johnson. I remember listening to someone ask the Jewish student about her faith and race, "What are Jews?" She responded very dryly, "You know those people in the Bible? Those are Jews." The questioner seemed genuinely surprised, "Really?" "Yes," she nodded sagely, "Those are Jews."<br /><br />Popular pretty girls in school were either cheerleaders or flagettes. The flagettes were a dance line in the marching band that dressed in pretty shimmering costumes and danced with small flags attached to batons. Not to be confused with color guard who spun larger flags and rifles. We were not so cool or popular. In my junior year, I was the Captain of the rifles and Vanedra was the captain of the flagettes. I believe she was Johnson's first black band officer. She was the best dancer and black was cool because it was the heyday of Michael Jackson. "Can you feel a brand new day" from The Wiz was part of our marching band repertoire. After Jackson's death I heard people mocking Rev. Al Sharpton for saying Jackson changed the world. Sharpton was right. For the children of people whose parents and grandparents used the "N" word, Jackson made black people accessible and even desirable as friends. Black was cool therefore Vanedra was cool.<br /><br />As most good band geeks know, it is common high school band practice for the officers of the visiting band to go across the field to visit the officers of the home team during the third quarter. Our drum major always formed us up in a line and marched over making a show of it.<br /><br />On one fall evening I'll never forget our game was against Forsyth County High School in Cumming, Georgia. This county is the setting of a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savage-Sundown-Elizabeth-Forbush/dp/0523406649">Savage Sundown by Elizabeth Forbush</a> and was known in the day, whether true or not, as a Klan stronghold. I remember the band had to have special bus drivers for the games, as the black drivers were not willing to be in <a href="http://www.forsythco.com/">Forsyth County</a> after sunset.<br /><br />After our performance the officers formed up and marched across to meet the Forsyth officers. We relaxed into a small group chatting and suddenly something was wrong. There was Vanedra, her back now turned to the folks in different uniforms. You could see her trembling hands and bright eyes brimming with tears. "They won't shake my hand," she whispered. Someone said, "What?" We stood beside her, walking toward the other officers, Venedra put out her hand to shake and the Cumming folks pointedly looked away and some giggled to each other. The insult was clear. They would not acknowledge Vanedra. Our drum major, James Dills, had a stormy expression on his face, a good ole boy turned unlikely champion. "This is ridiculous," he railed, "if they won't shake her hand we're going back." He formed us up in a line and we marched back to our side. Vanedra held her head high and was the picture of grace as we marched with her shoulder to shoulder back to our side of the field.<br /><br />In a <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/06/how_would_i_feel_if.html">recent journal post by Roger Ebert</a>, Ebert describes his turning point in his personal views about race. As a child he noticed his palm was the same color as the black child's palm. Watching Vanedra march back from the Forsyth County band officers was my turning point. I decided I never wanted to make another person feel the way those people had made Vanedra feel. I've probably failed. I was raised with racist instincts reinforced by many people in my life. I remember in college referring to a Brazil nut by the horrible name I was taught to call it (a "N" Toe) and my friend Ed turning to me with a shocked look on his face, "WHAT did you just say?" I had never really processed the word.<br /><br />The only thing I feel certain I've accomplished is to make sure those reinforcements were not passed on to my children. After a soccer practice last spring the kids were telling me something about another child. I think the name was "John". "Oh....which one is John?" I asked. "He's the one with he darkest skin." They were not being self-consciously politically correct. They weren't looking to avoid the term black which I think would have been and okay descriptor had they chosen to use it. The child in their mind was simply the one with the darkest skin and from the way they said it, it seemed to mean as little to them as "child with blonde hair" or "child with lots of freckles." I smiled.<br /><br />In his post Roger Ebert asks, "How do they get to be that way?" I know the answer to that. I once walked in on my grandmother, who in all other respects, was a loving wonderful woman that I adored, bouncing my son on her knee. They were watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGE5hF9pU7o">Different Strokes</a> and laughing at something Gary Coleman said. I thought it was such a sweet scene until I heard her talking. "Look at the little "N" boy. It's a shame you'll have to go to school with people like him. We tried to keep it from happening."<br /><br />I think a better question for Ebert is "How do you keep them from being that way?" There is no doubt that elements of racism are instinctive. The herding breed dog raised around one color of sheep will cut alternate colors from the herd. If you raise a herding dog with goats they will separate sheep as different and not belonging. People who breed herding dogs as pets have to make an effort to introduce their dogs to different colors, sizes, and shapes of people and other animals so that they don't see the different as an "other" that elicits an alarm bark.<br /><br />I believe large elements of bigotry and prejudice are learned and will disappear if not reinforced. A retrieving dog will not continue to retrieve if no one ever reinforces the behavior. You can overcome the instinct to be wary of "the other" through exposure to diversity. Honestly, I think a huge part of where my father went wrong in conveying his racism to me was that he was so busy laughing at Bill Cosby he forgot to point out that the funny man was black.<br /><br />The <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/06/how_would_i_feel_if.html">mural Ebert talks </a>about keeps people from being that way. The celebration of diversity and exposure to different ideas and people keeps people from being that way. Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson even the sometimes cranky Rev. Sharpton keep people from being that way. It is always upsetting to me when people see any literary or dramatic portrayal of a Caryn or James type person as a racist "white savior" fantasy. A person who acts as a bridge is as much a hero for taking that position as is a person that takes a stand. Those people should be acknowledged. To do so doesn't lessen the sacrifice, burden and work of the people that were being oppressed. It can be one of the hardest and most courageous things in the world to do to take a prejudice you've been raised with and set it aside.<br /><br />I've also always thought that if Vanedra had children that someone should tell them their mother is a civil rights hero just as much as Rosa Parks. And Joan was Oakwood Elementary's <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/ww/hunter-gault.html">Charlene Hunter-Gault</a>. She should be spoken about in reverent tones and admired and maybe even have a mural.<br />____________________________<br /><br />As an after note, I was taught by my parents to call <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes/images/i-brazilnuts.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes/i-brazilnuts.html&usg=__IOHE9BtBoQ1auOYgPyMZoerD464=&h=548&w=672&sz=40&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=wKyXzA-j-FuhmM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=138&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBrazil%2Bnuts%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Ds%26tbs%3Disch:1">Brazil nuts </a> by the same name and just like Susanne, did not learn until much, much later the gravity and horribleness of what I was actually saying. I just thought it was a nut. She says it best when she says she never really processed the word...I understand completely. Thank you for reading, LisaLisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-19615065597603072422009-07-09T10:52:00.000-07:002009-07-09T12:01:43.645-07:00Good Relationships - Your Basic Right<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou6ZaALryh7YnzMY8mgxpa6HuT2naQkPdJUS3nrnZs3r_RjM-IuR6r8lMTMYcM3r_1XVe-alwHNbxsPwZCVlfz5ZbJXSLPv8w0SDKB4tXJharlGV3SVW32zamcUDpa9PvfyrWG-3LoIs/s1600-h/Mother's+Day2009+015.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356527817507983842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou6ZaALryh7YnzMY8mgxpa6HuT2naQkPdJUS3nrnZs3r_RjM-IuR6r8lMTMYcM3r_1XVe-alwHNbxsPwZCVlfz5ZbJXSLPv8w0SDKB4tXJharlGV3SVW32zamcUDpa9PvfyrWG-3LoIs/s200/Mother's+Day2009+015.jpg" /></a> We are in relationship all the time. Even if we try not to be, we can't help it, because in the end even a hermit must contend with himself.<br /><br />Interacting, sharing, taking, giving, loving, being with the other people on the Earth - it's what we are meant to do. Relationships can bring us joy, teach us everything we should know, and make life worth living. They can also cause us pain, damage our sense of self, and break our hearts.<br /><br />Lately, I've wondered what constitutes a good relationship. And usually when I ponder and think about a concept long enough the answer appears. Sometimes the answers come in the form a timely email from a friend or a chance encounter with a stranger. This time the answer was in a book that fell into my hands at the perfect time.<br /><br />When I wanted to know what constitutes a good relationship, I wasn't asking what makes a good marriage or friendship or parent/child relationship. I was searching for something basic, a soul-level answer that could be applied to ANY relationship in my life.<br /><br />I found it. It's simple and when I read it, I knew in my heart of hearts it was true. I could apply in every aspect of my life, a litmus test to get my bearings with if I feel lost and unsure.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxozsrmn1g6ixQkbVryLmn0WdL1jNWyP4DQitbhW39LKoe9ysLqaRR5AXV4VdMN1gMRoBYxjV2Tf9ewGF70bAI5dc5kbRqM5LVofBHUYDDY3h5Mt-3q4q0wxpjzDQbjCSKVb9w-UBDsg/s1600-h/Pinetop+AZ+Trip+115.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356525048848967602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxozsrmn1g6ixQkbVryLmn0WdL1jNWyP4DQitbhW39LKoe9ysLqaRR5AXV4VdMN1gMRoBYxjV2Tf9ewGF70bAI5dc5kbRqM5LVofBHUYDDY3h5Mt-3q4q0wxpjzDQbjCSKVb9w-UBDsg/s200/Pinetop+AZ+Trip+115.jpg" /></a> </div><div>Here it is:</div><div></div><div>In <strong>ANY</strong> relationship, I, you, and everyone has rights. Because someone is in a position of authority over us doesn't change our need for these basic rights. In <strong>EVERY</strong> relationship, we <strong>ALWAYS </strong>have the right -</div><div> </div><div>To feel safe with the other person.</div><div> </div><div>To be treated respectfully.</div><div> </div><div>To not be verbally, emotionally, or physically abused by another.</div><div> </div><div>To be heard.</div><div> </div><div>To be appreciated and valued for who we are.</div><div> </div><div>To have our privacy and boundaries respected.</div><div> </div><div>To have our basic needs met.</div><div> </div><div>To feel good about ourselves within the relationship.</div><div> </div><div>If these basic ideas are not present in a relationship, then it's time to examine the cause, and make changes accordingly. And be open to the idea that it might be you who is not providing these things for someone else. That's a hard thing to admit but no one is perfect or blameless.</div><div></div><div>This list of basic needs works for everyone from the very young to the very old. We all deserve to thrive within our relationships. Sometimes that's not the case and it helps to have a set of criteria to determine where you stand.</div><div> </div><div>May we all find peace, happiness, and love in our relationships. And when we can't, may we learn the lessons and move on with open and forgiving hearts.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-44161184222880063892009-06-30T10:14:00.000-07:002009-06-30T11:11:24.692-07:00When It's Time To Follow A Dream - Short Time To Act On Amber's Behalf<a href="https://my.crossculturalsolutions.org/UserProfiles/Image/SALT17642W.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://my.crossculturalsolutions.org/UserProfiles/Image/SALT17642W.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is my friend Amber. She has a dream of traveling abroad. So what, you say? Everyone wants to travel. Yes, but not in the way Amber dreams of traveling.<br /><br />She doesn't want to lie on the beach in Cancun or sip ouzo on a hillside in Greece. Amber wants to make a difference, to impact the lives of the community she visits in a positive way. She desires to be immersed in the culture and be part of the lives of the people there if only for a short time.<br />Amber wants to contribute and give back. This is why I admire her.<br /><br />Recently, through happenstance (but is there really such a thing), Amber learned about a program called <a href="http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/">Cross Cultural Solutions</a>. Founded in 1995, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CCS</span> is a recognized leader in the field of International Volunteering. By partnering with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CCS</span>, Amber will go to Costa Rica for one week this summer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CCS</span> will place her in the appropriate volunteer program that fits her talents. Amber hopes it will be to work with children.<br /><br /><a href="http://images.vimeo.com/11/62/22/116222478/116222478_300.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://images.vimeo.com/11/62/22/116222478/116222478_300.jpg" border="0" /></a> I expect she will have an experience much like that of <a href="http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0703/short_term_volunteering_in_costa_rica.shtml">Sandra <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flannagan</span></a>. Sandra spent a month as a teaching assistant at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Escuela</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Puente</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Casa</span>, a school for disadvantaged children in Costa Rica. She helped in the classroom and played with the children at recess. Sandra says that spending time with the children at school while they were happy and smiling made it easy to forget that they live in abject poverty on a hillside littered in broken glass. They are refugees from the Nicaraguan civil war. The houses they live in are made of discarded cardboard, aluminum, and tin.<br /><br />I expect that Amber, too, will be fighting back tears when her time in Costa Rica is over. My friend will have cherished memories of the pain she helped to ease and the bit of happiness she gave to someone in need. I know her well enough to understand that not only will she make a significant impact on this journey but she will take away great joy for her efforts.<br /><a href="http://images.vimeo.com/11/62/22/116222478/116222478_300.jpg"></a><div><br />Now, Amber is asking for help to cover the program fees for her trip. It's a significant amount but completely doable. Because I believe in her and in her dream, I'm asking that my readers <a href="https://my.crossculturalsolutions.org/Sponsor/SponsorshipPercent.aspx?PageId=P1_T6&FName=Amber%20D&LName=Salt&username=amberselzer">take a look at the information and consider donating to her fund. After my donation she will have $1,310.00 left to raise before July 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span></a>.<br /><br />Even though I have been lax about posting lately, somehow this blog still gets 100 hits per day. <strong>If everyone who sees this blog today pledged just $10.00 to Amber's cause, she would have most of her funds covered.<br /><br /></strong>Also, <strong>any of my buddies with blogs who wish to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">repost</span> this article in part or in whole, you have my permission</strong> and thanks for helping Amber with her cause. Wouldn't it be incredible if her story went viral and her fees were completely covered by kindness from around the world!<br /><br />After her trip, I'm going to ask Amber to guest post on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">LifePrints</span> so she can share with you the joy that WE helped to make possible. If you can help, please do. Amber and I will be very grateful. This is the reason I created <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">LifePrints</span>, to spotlight people stepping up in this world. Because of it, I have a chance to spread the word and help someone I know well...and that is no happenstance.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-61939538137813870562009-03-26T11:00:00.000-07:002009-03-26T11:24:49.654-07:00Volunteer At A School - They Need YouMy youngest son is 4 years old. He recently started preschool at a nearby church. I was as excited about this milestone for myself as I was for him. I planned to dedicate my new found free time to working <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">diligently</span> on my current novel. Then I read all the paperwork that accompanied my son's admission. Surprise! I was expected to volunteer in Ethan's classroom at least three times during the school year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qmTNdmegmK4YKEusnvAte4mj5wby5RmNWP6QdFecec0RdBe7GLRbUetA1Ca0uKvSG6g73ZFqn_0oh__le0B2l19Z8aoTf47D4fH7Xr6amlSgYfGO2aGL5ROS4Vm3HwFF7aBurR1KAsA/s1600-h/New+Camera+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317558757449827762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qmTNdmegmK4YKEusnvAte4mj5wby5RmNWP6QdFecec0RdBe7GLRbUetA1Ca0uKvSG6g73ZFqn_0oh__le0B2l19Z8aoTf47D4fH7Xr6amlSgYfGO2aGL5ROS4Vm3HwFF7aBurR1KAsA/s320/New+Camera+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> At first, this frustrated me. I went to my selfish place and figuratively had a tantrum that my little piece of freedom was being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">encroached</span> upon. I didn't stay there very long because I realized that my little boy's childhood is speeding by as fast as lightening and I didn't want to miss it.<br /><br />Yesterday his eyes lit up and he held my hand as we walked into the school. "This is so awesome, Mom," he said. I helped his teacher, Ms. Kelly, prepare the crafts, serve snack, and clean up at the end of the day. Ethan stayed near me all day and occassionaly blurted out to one of his classmates, "Hey, that's my mom!" Now it was my turn to beam with pride.<br /><br />I watched the children's reactions when they found out they were making puffy flowers with glue and shaving cream...messy, fabulous fun....and I was thankful to be there and be part of it. It did me a world of good to remember the joys of childhood and how simple life can be if I don't complicate it.<br /><br />Ms. Kelly appreciated the help and thanked me at the end of the day. I'm going back in May to help her again. Our children's teachers need us - our time, our commitment and our support. Also, our children need us to participate in their education. If they see learning is important to us then it will take on a new meaning to them.<br /><br />Educators complain that parents use schools as babysitters and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">surrogate</span> parents. What if adults had to sign a contract to volunteer in the public school where their child attends - like I had to for my son's preschool? Would things be different in that community?<br /><br />Sign up with a teacher to be a helper for the day. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Elementary</span> schools are always looking for volunteers, as are secondary and high schools. Don't be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">leery</span> of the big kids. They need us, too.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-47021513545554892792009-03-24T09:11:00.000-07:002009-03-25T13:24:28.255-07:00Be Part of Earth Hour 2009<a href="http://environmentdebate.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/earth-hour.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://environmentdebate.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/earth-hour.jpg" border="0" /></a> Earth Hour 2009 is set for March 28th at 8:30 local time. No matter where you are in the world you can participate. Turn off your lights and any other electrical items for one hour. That's it, just one hour without electricity. Can you stand it? Last year my family and I turned off the circuit breaker to our house and went completely black. It felt good to do something for my planet. The kids complained for a few minutes then we began to enjoy the quiet and the peace as we curled up in blankets on our back porch.<br /><br />My only disappointment was that my city, <a href="http://www.earthhourus.org/lasvegas/lasvegas.php">Las Vegas</a>, did not really participate in Earth Hour 2008. No one seemed to know about this event or care that it was going on. Tourists still walked the glowing neon streets, nothing was allowed to interrupt their fun.<br /><br />This year is different. The tourists will have a different kind of treat. I'm proud to say that Las Vegas is a flagship city. The list of casinos and business who plan to turn off the neon is impressive and expansive. If they all follow through with their commitment the strip should be dim if not completely black. Now that will be a historic occasion.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://picdit.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/las-vegas-strip-night-pic_fs.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://picdit.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/las-vegas-strip-night-pic_fs.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm kind of sad that I won't be in town. I want to see and participate in this event. But again, where ever I am and where ever you are, you can turn off the lights and make a difference. Just imagine what would happen if we all did this once a week, or once a month?<br /><br />Here is a link to my post about <a href="http://compassionate-news.blogspot.com/2008/04/earth-hour-missed-it-plan-for-march-29.html">Earth Hour 2008</a>. Enjoy!</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-53906976738674135772009-03-18T11:06:00.000-07:002009-03-19T11:14:00.308-07:00Sign Of The Times - Shopping Resale<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2brXh03_BzjUwJZh8Z28_sM8YBMZwV6xgnJuHX_l5ZwYIBVla_ylL2YdPprHAuU3995I75oUHVWCpMvfPfRjP8zLNqzZHufUtpvUDqrY_nLOCpXtryKHv1q2Kg5iz_fe6oRcgG0aWNY/s1600-h/Cali+Trip+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314950569072796882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2brXh03_BzjUwJZh8Z28_sM8YBMZwV6xgnJuHX_l5ZwYIBVla_ylL2YdPprHAuU3995I75oUHVWCpMvfPfRjP8zLNqzZHufUtpvUDqrY_nLOCpXtryKHv1q2Kg5iz_fe6oRcgG0aWNY/s320/Cali+Trip+004.jpg" border="0" /></a>This post is not about sharks. It's about the clothes I'm wearing while acting silly at Universal Studios.<br /><br />One of my favorite pastimes is teasure hunting in thrift stores. This is something I've always loved to do, not just when the economy is declining. I love it when a search through racks of clothing produces an expensive designer blouse in perfect shape. I find satisfaction in paying five dollars for it instead of the fifty plus required at the mall.<br /><br />There are compelling reasons to shop resale. The average family is hurting and must find ways to conserve. It's the perfect time to recycle, reuse, and repurpose. Did you know that every year the average American throw away 68 pounds of clothing. Then we go to discount retailers and buy another 68 pounds of new, cheaply made stuff. Silly behavior on our part - hurtful to the environment and to our pocketbooks.<br /><br />This brings me back to almost being eaten by Jaws... the outfit I'm wearing in the photo was 100% used, purchased at my favorite local thrift store, <a href="http://www.savers.com/">Savers</a>.<br /><br />I love shopping at Savers because unlike some stores of this type it's clean, the items are in excellent shape, they do not over charge, and best of all they donate a portion of my purchase price to nearby charities.<br /><br />The Savers in Las Vegas, NV where I shop donates to <a href="http://www.safenest.org/">Safe Nest</a> which provides emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, crisis hotlines, and other services for domestic violence victims. <div></div><div>Since the chain stores inception in the 1950's, Savers Inc. has paid out over a billion dollars to its non-profit allies. And on the environmental front, last year Savers reclaimed 262 million pounds of clothing, saving them from going to the landfill. It seems like a win/win situation to me.<br /><br />Here's that win/win cycle in a nutshell:<br /><br />I bring my clothing and used items to Savers and get a receipt to be used as a tax deduction, plus the store throws in a 20% off coupon on my next in store purchase.<br /><br />They put the best items on the rack. I go back and shop there with my coupon, getting great deals and beautiful, gently used clothing at a reasonable price.<br /><br />They donate a portion to a charity that benefits families in need and help conserve resources by rescuing perfectly good clothing and other household items from the landfill. I can't think of a more perfect way to shop! Try it and share your experiences with me, here on LifePrints.<br /><br />Here is a <a href="http://www.savers.com/aboutus/storelocator.php">list</a> of Savers store locations around the world.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-31644906802642825902009-03-16T06:57:00.000-07:002009-03-16T09:33:01.548-07:00Back on the Postive Thinking WagonThis picture of my family and friends watching the Super Bowl commercials makes me laugh. It makes me laugh so hard that my sides hurt...and I need that because I haven't laughed much in the last few months.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq10a-4YpvfTbgT6HMqIKuOAxMabAQf95cLQJS1u4eILuU85nrM8b7A6Hn_NtsVEq47JRzMlPlLX4g-75ie1BgkYhz5LWgDWT_GieScaCnscUqjLWPHYSZjEKfFg615FMPKWeCRSKiAC0/s1600-h/New+Camera+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313785501696842850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq10a-4YpvfTbgT6HMqIKuOAxMabAQf95cLQJS1u4eILuU85nrM8b7A6Hn_NtsVEq47JRzMlPlLX4g-75ie1BgkYhz5LWgDWT_GieScaCnscUqjLWPHYSZjEKfFg615FMPKWeCRSKiAC0/s320/New+Camera+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Absence</span> of laughter, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">absence</span> of joy, and abundance of conflict - these are my reasons (excuses) for staying away from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LifePrints</span>, the place where I put out to the world how great life can be if we all love and care for one another. I learned a big lesson. It's difficult to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">write</span> about happiness and compassion when I become consumed with how the people in my life, my house, my family are not doing those things for each other.<br /><br />It all seems futile and a waste of time.<br /><br />This morning I got a gentle nudge from Anonymous. This loving person sent a comment to my blog asking where I've been, saying that, "Hey! Three months is long enough. New post please!" Well, that's paraphrasing but I got the point.<br /><br />I smiled and wondered, "Where have I been?" I asked myself this question with a different attitude besides the pitiful one I've become accustomed to. Now I can tell you that since December...<br /><br />I've watched fireworks signal the dawning of a new year and swam in a pool full of splashing children on the same cold night in small Utah town.<br /><br />I shed tears of pride and accomplishment while watching the inauguration of our new president and again during his first address to congress. I recognized the love that passed between him and his wife, so much like the silent understanding that passes between my husband and me.<br /><br />I climbed sand cliffs with my husband and child and watched the flaming Nevada sun set behind the mountains. Then we played tic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tac</span> toe on paper napkins while waiting for our breakfast the next morning.<br /><br />I sat in the front of a crowded movie theater and craned my neck to watch Edward and Bella fall in love. I marveled at the intensity on my beautiful daughter's face as she watched Twilight play out on the big screen.<br /><br />Everyday I wear a red and gold glass heart pendant on a black leather cord because it was a gift from my husband - the man who has wiped away many of my tears in the past few months.<br /><br />I reached out to friends, family, and strangers for help and no one turned me away. There have been phone calls, emails and hugs to carry me through. I'm grateful for each kind word and piece of valuable advice.<br /><br />I watched through a plexi-glass window while my son pelted his birthday party companions with little exploding balls of paint and relished the fact that I remained unmarked and unbruised behind the glass.<br /><br />My son who struggles with grades, proudly waved a paper under my nose. It said he had a 97% in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pre</span>-Algebra. We immediately went for ice cream!<br /><br />My little boy started preschool and beams every time he walks into the classroom.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Despite</span> my troubles, I have much to be thankful for. God bless us all. Thank you to my friends and readers who've let me know how much <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LifePrints</span> means to them. I needed the encouragement to keep going...and a special thank you to Anonymous for giving me that last needed push.<br /><br />I have much to look forward to and searching out stories for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">LifePrints</span> is among those pleasures.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-80246076027876558332008-12-29T10:39:00.000-08:002008-12-29T11:13:29.315-08:00Sreamfree Parenting - Your Children and You Deserve ItThis is a big picture but that's okay because I think this is important. When I started LifePrints almost two years ago I sent out an email to all of my friends asking for ideas for posts. If they knew anyone who deserved recognition for making the world a better place I wanted to blog about it. My friend Brandon promptly replied to tell me about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6EXUxDk4xQ">Hal Edward Runkel </a>(a friend of his) and his idea of Screamfree parenting. I'm sorry to say that I filed the email away in my "LifePrints Ideas" folder. Until a few weeks ago when I saw the <a href="http://www.screamfree.com/">Screamfree Parenting </a>book at the bookstore. I bought it. I wish I'd read it two years ago when Brandon brought it to my attention.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/bestsellers-2007/3248-1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 420px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 634px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/bestsellers-2007/3248-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you have children, if you have children in your life, if you ever want to be a parent...please read this book. It is not a how to book. It does not explain techniques to modify your child's behavior and turn him into a respectful, smiling child. What Runkel has to say is much more important that choosing between time out and grounding.<br /><br />You might want to sit down before you read this.....It's not about changing your child. It's about changing you, enabling you to become the calm, steady voice your children need, and realizing that the way to be the best parent possible is to love yourself first and grow up.<br /><br />It's about learning to be proactive instead of reactive...learning to love without demanding love in return...and learning that you are not responsible FOR your children but instead you are responsible TO them. There is a huge difference. I didn't get it at first but by the end of the book I did.<br /><br />Here is what is so important, in a nutshell, Runkel wants us to be the grown-ups. Many parents need to mature and stop acting like children themselves. If this makes you bristle just think of a trip to the grocery store. Have you ever seen a parent have a tantrum because their child would not sit still in the cart? Have you ever seen a parent completely lose it verbally and physically because the child would not comply?<br /><br />That's what I'm talking about....if you want to do better and give your children the best you can be this is the way. Hal Runkel also runs live seminars, trains others to teach this material and maintains a website full of helpful resources.<br /><br />I devoured the book over the weekend. Now I'm going to spend time reading more slowly and answering the questions and doing the exercises in the book. He's on to something revolutionary and we all need to hear it.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-6702427988569913932008-12-19T08:40:00.000-08:002008-12-19T09:04:49.044-08:00Christmas Surprises<a href="http://media.signonsandiego.com/img/photos/2008/12/18/081218vegas_t350.jpg?1640fae913a1dac1b26c7eb88806b9f9b0341305"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px" alt="" src="http://media.signonsandiego.com/img/photos/2008/12/18/081218vegas_t350.jpg?1640fae913a1dac1b26c7eb88806b9f9b0341305" border="0" /></a>Since moving to Las Vegas, NV I've struggled with the warm weather. I love snow, white blankets that remind me that Christmas is near. I've had trouble getting used to twinkling light in palm trees and caroling in short sleeves.<br /><br />God must have known that this Christmas has been especially difficult for me. I just wanted to ignore the whole thing. He sent snow...4 inches of snow to remind me that all is well in the world.<br /><br />My children built snowmen, sprawled on the ground making snow angels, and had snowball fights. Todd and I went for a long walk around the neighborhood and caught snowflakes on our tongues. We threw a few snowballs too.<br /><br />I am so grateful for this Christmas surprise. I needed it. My family needed it. Thank you, God for the lovely gift.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mariva.com/images/pajamagram.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px" alt="" src="http://www.mariva.com/images/pajamagram.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Speaking of giving gifts, I think I've found the perfect thing for the women in my life....<a href="http://www.pajamagram.com/">a pajama gram</a>. Isn't this awesome? I can send my mom or my sister-in-law pajamas in an organza hat box. I would love to get something like this...hint, hint, the red, velvet ones would be great.<br /><br />If I order by the 23rd the comfy pajamas will be delivered in time for Christmas morning. They also have kid pajamas that come with a stuff doggie and a dog house. I can't get over how cute I think this is!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.acc-tv.com/images/globalnews/etart_oprah_0107.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://www.acc-tv.com/images/globalnews/etart_oprah_0107.jpg" border="0" /></a> The best surprise of all is for something wondrous to happen to someone I love.<br /><br />I can't say who yet but I have a close friend who's been contacted by the Oprah Winfrey Show!<br /><br />She responded to a question on Oprah.com a few months ago...just for the fun it. It's the law of attraction at work. Be careful what you ask for. Now a producer wants to speak with her and possibly book her as a guest on an upcoming show!<br /><br />I am still in shock, praying and visualizing her sitting on Oprah's stage. The world will love her and her sense of humor as much as I do. Her time is coming. I can feel it!<br /><br />Have a Merry Christmas everyone. Remember to give and be gracious and grateful, not just now but all through out the year.<br /><br />God Bless all of you!Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-81075673583884675392008-12-05T08:30:00.000-08:002008-12-05T09:11:55.161-08:00Forgiveness - The Most Important Gift You Can Give Yourself This Holiday SeasonForgiveness, what is it really? "Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentments and thoughts of revenge. Forgiveness is the act of untying yourself from thoughts and feelings that bind you to the offense committed against you," quoted from <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131">Katherine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Piderman</span>, PhD</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/ejournal/aejt_9/images/forgiveness.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/ejournal/aejt_9/images/forgiveness.jpg" border="0" /></a> Why is forgiveness the best gift you can give yourself? Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Piderman</span> says that bitterness and holding grudges results in long-term health problems for you. Your bitterness and feelings of revenge do not hurt or effect the person you are angry with. They hurt you.<br /><br />By holding a grudge you have given your power and control away to the person who hurt you. Think about it...if you are constantly replaying a hurtful event in your mind, if you let these feeling rule how you feel during the day, if your feelings of resentment toward someone are crowding out your positive feelings about your life, if you feel out of control and helpless in the presence of this person...well, you have let the person who hurt you take over your life. Your life is now about reacting to them, how they will react to you and the negative feelings of revenge.<br /><br />It's time to let go of the pain and consider forgiveness when you find yourself:<br /><br />-Dwelling on the events surrounding the offense<br />-Hearing from others that you have a chip on your shoulder or that you're wallowing in self-pity<br />-Being avoided by family and friends because they don't enjoy being around you<br />-Having angry outbursts at the smallest perceived slights<br />-Often feeling misunderstood<br />-Drinking excessively, smoking or using drugs to try to cope with your pain<br />-Having symptoms of depression or anxiety<br />-Being consumed by a desire for revenge or punishment<br />-Automatically thinking the worst about people or situations<br />-Regretting the loss of a valued relationship<br />-Feeling like your life lacks meaning or purpose<br />-Feeling at odds with your religious or spiritual beliefs<br /><br />When you forgive you are not condoning the actions of others. You are releasing yourself from past events so you can move forward in your everyday life. Saying 'I forgive you' is a weight off of your shoulders. It doesn't matter if the person who offended you ever changes.<br /><br />Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Piderman</span> says, "Forgiveness also means that we change old patterns of beliefs and actions that are driven by our bitterness. As we let go of grudges, we'll no longer define our lives by how we've been hurt, and we may even find compassion and understanding. "<br /><br />Take the example of the Amish community in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania - In October 2006 a gunman lined up five little girls (the daughters of Amish parents) and shot them before shooting himself. The Amish live in a culture of forgiveness that is as natural to them as breathing. After the tragedy some of the families went to comfort the widow and three children of the gunman and attended the gunman's funeral.<br /><br />This type of forgiveness is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">foreign</span> to most of us in Western culture but it is taught very clearly in the Bible and most certainly in the <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/ejournal/aejt_9/images/forgiveness.jpg&imgrefurl=http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/ejournal/aejt_9/consedine.htm&usg=__Cf-V9YpNYljQFD6V78FFXgUGSGM=&h=300&w=207&sz=21&hl=en&start=31&tbnid=OZc3Ce25cyeRAM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=80&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dforgiveness%26start%3D18%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN">doctrine of the Catholic church</a>. Jesus tells us to behave in just the way the grieving Amish community did. If a parent whose child has been gunned down can be forgiving of the family of the man who committed the murder can't we forgive the every day slights and the bad judgment of others?<br /><br />Again in her excellent article, Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Piderman</span> advises this about how to know if you have truly forgiven someone, "Forgiveness may result in sincerely spoken words such as "I forgive you" or tender actions that fit the relationship. But more than this, forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. The offense is no longer front and center in your thoughts or feelings. Your hostility, resentment and misery have made way for compassion, kindness and peace."<br /><br />Forgiveness is a choice and an ongoing process. Give this important gift to yourself so you can be at peace not just during this holiday season but for the future. You are the most important person in this equation. To realize that your sense of self and security does not depend on the actions of others but on how you treat and feel about yourself is very powerful.<br /><br />So, give forgiveness to those who have wronged you and offer apologies to those you've hurt. Be happy during this time of love and giving. It amazing how easy it can be.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-46504301533662539172008-11-30T17:38:00.000-08:002008-11-30T19:09:26.074-08:00A Gift For My Readers - Eat And Be Merry<a href="http://www.publichealth.columbus.gov/Asset/iu_images/Holiday_food.png"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 349px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.publichealth.columbus.gov/Asset/iu_images/Holiday_food.png" border="0" /></a> My dear friend, <a href="http://kompes.com/">Gregory <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kompes</span></a>, put together a holiday recipe and story collection that could be shared during this holiday season. I know most all of the contributing authors. I can't wait to try the recipes they shared. Everyone contributed a story to go along with the good food. The writing is superb and fun to read.<br /><br />I contributed my mother's pound cake recipe. My stepdaughter and I made one for Thanksgiving. This was the first time I'd attempted in all these years to make my mother's signature cake. We burnt it! Oh well, the inside tastes like heaven. I had to laugh...if you read my essay in the recipe collection, you'll understand why.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy this gift. Let me know what you think. I promised to pass the comments on to Gregory. I'm sure he'd like to know that all his hard work is appreciated.<br /><br />Happy Holidays!!! Here's the link to <a href="http://www.kompes.com/RecipesandWriting2008.pdf">Recipes and Writing</a>.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-81982811803085882762008-11-14T11:07:00.000-08:002008-11-14T11:55:21.711-08:00Helice Bridges - Who She Is Made a Difference to Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0TDUbTZsUnzKq2MYbFjhKIZI-pGrgwbvEUUiNGCz39QuYjaQy-9boOsLECS_nPIySkuuABxNzd1DqztPSGrA8DVZJhBOQHJvrGl8zeyrp8kKMQmOWzT3n6zM1Xh_uEqFYmtegkmOWb8/s1600-h/PSI7+Daniel%27s+B-Day+and+Ren+Fair+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268597829985068082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0TDUbTZsUnzKq2MYbFjhKIZI-pGrgwbvEUUiNGCz39QuYjaQy-9boOsLECS_nPIySkuuABxNzd1DqztPSGrA8DVZJhBOQHJvrGl8zeyrp8kKMQmOWzT3n6zM1Xh_uEqFYmtegkmOWb8/s320/PSI7+Daniel%27s+B-Day+and+Ren+Fair+049.jpg" border="0" /></a> This little powerhouse is my friend Helice Bridges. I am in complete awe of this woman and I'm determined to be just like her. She smiles at everyone. She loves to give hugs. She radiates fun, joy, happiness, and acceptance. Well, she is just radiant. There is no other way to describe it.<br /><br />One of the first conversations I shared with Helice was about the organization she founded called Difference Makers International. I listened and inside my head I did something I'm not very proud of. I thought something like, "Yeah, yeah...that's all fine and good but I bet your exaggerating."<br /><br />From then on every time Helice was near me I'd watch her and remember my dismissive thought. I continually learned from her to let go of judgment and just accept people for who they are because they are all beautiful and have something to offer.<br /><br />In my last minutes with Helice, before we boarded planes to different states, she asked if she could honor me. She took a blue ribbon from a wooden case. On the ribbon printed in gold letters were these words...<em>Who you are makes a difference</em>. She told me all the ways I'd made a difference in her life over the last week. She said I deserved to have my dreams come true and to never underestimate the value of my contributions. (It hit me like a brick...that's what I'd initially done to her) I was overcome with emotion and gave her a big hug.<br /><br />Please got to <a href="http://www.blueribbons.org/index.php">Difference Makers International and watch the short video about Helice </a>, her impact on children and her quest to give recognition, praise and love to as many people as she can. Read the <a href="http://www.blueribbons.org/pages/history.html">history of her organization </a>and <a href="http://http//www.blueribbons.org/pages/events.html">explore ways to bring the Blue Ribbon program to your community</a>. The video is very touching. Helice's personality bubbles through. I know you will see in her what I did....a shining spirit, a living example of compassion and love for others.<br /><br />Helice...if you read this...I'm working everyday to live up to your example! I'm so glad we met!Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-4456852547894403472008-11-05T09:00:00.000-08:002008-11-05T10:02:50.895-08:00Obama - He Can't Do It AloneThis past January, during Nevada Democratic primary, I met a man and his wife who inspired me pull my head out of the political sand. I first met Barack Obama online where I researched his biography and positions on the issues. He caught my attention and made me think.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-PRO_c5fRoQKDXZwVe2-VMUwDSdrh1Rt2VAlUk5c_vzWUzExdkisc2EPbFWBVCmD4zwoIUxA7DuLqUJLaZebKpPlSTrSHqAEY0U0JYp-IfZ-0OnpMaS-ZRPMeL0SQVTRN6X4919-8WE/s1600-h/Halloween+Party+Daniel+on+the+strip+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265220735750309762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-PRO_c5fRoQKDXZwVe2-VMUwDSdrh1Rt2VAlUk5c_vzWUzExdkisc2EPbFWBVCmD4zwoIUxA7DuLqUJLaZebKpPlSTrSHqAEY0U0JYp-IfZ-0OnpMaS-ZRPMeL0SQVTRN6X4919-8WE/s200/Halloween+Party+Daniel+on+the+strip+026.jpg" border="0" /></a> At my local campaign office I met him again. I saw him in the faces of the people manning the phones and typing away at computers. His face was old and young, white, black and brown. These faces welcomed me and my toddler. They played with my son while I made calls to fellow Clark County voters. Obama, through them, encouraged me to step up and be a precinct captain for the caucus.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY83bHXv1FDdd79EUcADhxN5MmTim_FkjhInuLxRNSnWaWa6EwVuOfBXyT5cEAbbmpAkUm6xSIHq22CewOnAzNucgVNq6tvB9pJGpfDtAlEHFJI7Nkt3ozfhu53TadA5ztmILrC2IPOk/s1600-h/Michelle+Obama+and+Hunter%27s+play+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265220731787835746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY83bHXv1FDdd79EUcADhxN5MmTim_FkjhInuLxRNSnWaWa6EwVuOfBXyT5cEAbbmpAkUm6xSIHq22CewOnAzNucgVNq6tvB9pJGpfDtAlEHFJI7Nkt3ozfhu53TadA5ztmILrC2IPOk/s200/Michelle+Obama+and+Hunter%27s+play+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> I met Barack Obama at a Precinct Captain's Rally. He walked into the room and I felt the energy, not just his energy, but the energy he'd ignited in all of us. He was calm, personable and just plain fun as he thanked us for the hours we'd dedicated to his campaign - Our campaign, he said. The primary was in a few days and he knew we'd do our best. We did. My precinct went for Clinton but it was very close. I am most proud of the way the Obama supporters behaved that day while packed inside a school room with 100 other people. It was an example of how I know our nation can behave among ourselves and with the world.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH5bUge46Y7Yd5bRADkE2q4jYDscdapStP6Z4WUUgsdNEWBrb64EsuNXAYsJJoD6iIKLDEdKUd2Jb61UApiDLkqG_s6GGDk2mBnDGy0B4yPpmapnDEqM1Py9aPEQapHOiwxHJJtwbN-U/s1600-h/Michelle+Obama+and+Hunter%27s+play+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265220724470556482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH5bUge46Y7Yd5bRADkE2q4jYDscdapStP6Z4WUUgsdNEWBrb64EsuNXAYsJJoD6iIKLDEdKUd2Jb61UApiDLkqG_s6GGDk2mBnDGy0B4yPpmapnDEqM1Py9aPEQapHOiwxHJJtwbN-U/s200/Michelle+Obama+and+Hunter%27s+play+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> I met him through his wife, Michelle. At a small house party she spoke about her upbringing and her family. She told us her father's advice about how to pick a life partner. She said something like, "My dad said you can tell a good man because he acts the same way when no one is watching as he does when he thinks everyone is watching." My eyes welled up with tears and I thought of my dad. For the first time I was able to put my finger on what made my father so special and the lesson resonated deep within me. It was plain to see that she'd found that sort of man in Barrack.<br />,<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-P2LFx5ZI3HoYs9ydAq3MZsWC071VwPnsNZ37231vzFhv7PB82yjgGXKF1Gx2N85TJwzvHTXJwBdc5t5ErSSZeh-opE2tC3ycnX-z_K0A-spvWjnX5Gt7cwwKsGw3PlzsPq2QHV1hwhU/s1600-h/Barack+Obama+011108+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265220717452271266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-P2LFx5ZI3HoYs9ydAq3MZsWC071VwPnsNZ37231vzFhv7PB82yjgGXKF1Gx2N85TJwzvHTXJwBdc5t5ErSSZeh-opE2tC3ycnX-z_K0A-spvWjnX5Gt7cwwKsGw3PlzsPq2QHV1hwhU/s200/Barack+Obama+011108+008.jpg" border="0" /></a> I spoke to Senator Obama at a rally in January. He called on me and answered my question about resending the over reaching powers of the Bush administration. His answer was thoughtful and even though I was far from the stage, he looked directly at me. He talked to me. It was a genuine, complete and thoughtful answer to a complicated question. He didn't blow me off with campaign rhetoric. He listened.<br /><br />That is the kind of president I feel we elected last night...a thoughtful, insightful, inclusive, intelligent man who will take time to make sound decisions, listen to our input and tell us the hard, unvarnished truth. He's asked us to be his partner along the way. The president was never meant to be a dictator or an imperialist. The office was meant to be of equal power to the Senate and the House. He was meant to be a leader, a focal point for our concerns, and a voice to remind us that we are all One with a shared purpose and destiny.<br /><br />I plan to be engaged. I've got my president elect's back but I'm also a <em><strong>loud</strong></em> voice of descent if need be. I am thinking about my friends and family who are now worried for our future. They didn't see in Senator Obama what I saw. Some of them are very scared. To them I say, don't give into that fear. Don't let it make you cynical or apathetic. Use it to speak up and out, be the squeaky wheel and with Obama's philosophy of inclusion our values will intersect to form a more perfect union. Our country will be better because of you and because of me. So will the world.<br /><br />Thousands of people are blogging about this very subject today. I've spent the morning reading several but none are as honest and noteworthy as <a href="http://thewishfulwriter.blogspot.com/">Heather's commentary </a>on her blog, The Wishful Writer. Please take time to read another view. As Obama said last night, "The road will be long. There is much to be done."</div></div></div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-90794040553937589752008-10-23T09:09:00.000-07:002008-10-23T09:33:09.958-07:00Gary Zukav On The Importance Of Voting<a href="http://www.classictvhits.com/cast/2215.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.classictvhits.com/cast/2215.jpg" border="0" /></a>I first heard of <a href="http://www.zukav.com/home.html">Gary Zukav </a>10 years ago and he's been a huge influence on my life since. His books, The Dancing Wu Li Masters and The Seat of The Soul, opened my mind and heart to new ways of looking at the world. Gary sees our universe as a peaceful place where people coexist in harmony. He believes God intended it to be that way and if you read his work or watch his lectures you will believe it's possible too. He has a peace and gentleness about him that is rare in our time.<br /><br />He recently wrote about voting in the November 4th election. Here is some of what he had to say....<br /><br /><em>It is time to vote. The most important presidential election, perhaps in American history, is approaching. Voting is your only way to determine what you want, what you stand for, what your life is about. When you “throw away” your opportunity to vote, you vote anyway. You vote for apathy, indifference, powerlessness.<br /><br />What you vote for gets elected. You are the only one voting in the election. The candidates are always love and fear. Love runs on the harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for Life ticket. It presents itself as gratitude, caring, patience, contentment, appreciation, and more. Fear runs on the discord, competition, hoarding, and exploitation ticket. It presents itself as anger, jealousy, resentment, superiority, inferiority, need to dominate, need to please, and every obsessive thought that you think (such as, He is so stupid; I am so stupid), every compulsive activity you engage (such as workaholism, perfectionism, savior searching), and your every addictive behavior (such over-eating, smoking, gambling, watching pornography, shopping, alcohol, drugs).<br /><br />Listen carefully to the candidates that are running for election. Get to know them. Let yourself imagine what it would be like to live in the world they want to create. Do you want to live that world? Each time you vote, the candidate you choose wins. You act on your anger or not, challenge your jealousy or not, indulge the need to please or not. You can lose the ability to vote in a democratic election. It is not guaranteed and it would not exist without the courage and blood that were required to create and maintain it. Don’t throw that courage and sacrifice away. Love your neighbors enough, including those who have come before you, to honor their gifts. People like you have died so that you can vote. Voting in a democratic election is that precious.<br /><br />You will never lose your ability to vote for love or fear. It cannot be taken from you and you have no option but to use it. Each moment that you are angry you must challenge your anger or act on it, challenge your impatience or act on it, challenge your sense of hopelessness or let it control you. Each moment you vote for the world that you want to live in by choosing a loving part of your personality or a frightened part. No one counts your vote. Each vote creates consequences that you encounter in the intimacy of your own experience. Only your vote stands between you and the life that you want to live, between joy and pain, between meaning and emptiness. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>It's time to vote...Love, Gary</em><br /><em></em><br />Take a moment to ponder these things as you stand in line to vote. If you've decided not to vote in the election, think about your reasons and if they serve you well. If they don't..now is the time to choose to do something different.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-9276375584093168792008-10-19T10:38:00.000-07:002008-10-19T11:28:21.256-07:00Look, See, Move - Are You Ready?What happens when you are faced with an opportunity to do something different? Do your palms sweat? Does your mouth go dry? Do you feel like you are going to be sick? That was me - the queen of indecisiveness. Not making a decision was easy and I could blame the results of my inaction on everyone else. "I didn't do anything. It was them."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.climbing.com/print/features/Fowler-ParadoxValley-jump.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.climbing.com/print/features/Fowler-ParadoxValley-jump.jpg" border="0" /></a> For those of you who are regular readers of LifePrints, maybe you noticed the absence of posts in the last two weeks. There is a reason for that. I've been making decisions and all of them kept me away from my blog. Let me explain....<br /><br />Two weeks ago I left for a seven day seminar in the mountains above Napa Valley, California. I went to <a href="http://www.psiseminarsadvanced.com/advanced/psi7">PSI7</a>, the second course offered by <a href="http://www.psiseminars.com/">PSI Seminars</a>. Along with 95 other people on my team, I learned what it meant to trust myself and to trust others. I left tons of emotional baggage in the valley below a spectacular cliff line. I figured out why I do many of the things I do that slow me down and get in the way of my goals and happiness. I also figured out I don't have to be that way.<br /><br />We make hundreds of choices everyday. We decide between thousands of options, mundane things, really. But for me, the choice to speak up with a solution or join in a conversation were paralysing moments in time. I knew if I just stood still the opportunity would pass and I'd be safe.<br /><br />Something interesting happened to me on the third day at the seminar. I'd been confronted over and over with the clear knowledge that based on results, the way I normally ran my life wasn't working so well. I decided to do something different and throw myself completely into the events and lessons that remained during the week. Every chance I had I chose to do what my heart told me was right...I made friends - I spoke up when I knew what I had to say was important - I contributed to the events instead of hanging in the background. And here's the clincher, when it all came together...<br /><br />I have never been an athletic person and I have an intense fear of heights. Ask anyone who knows me. During one event, I harnessed up and climbed a 30-35ft telephone pole, balanced on top and leapt for a trapeze bar hanging out in space. I caught it and I found myself when I did. I literally danced as my belay team lowered me to the ground. Best of all, I have pictures to prove it. My favorite is me, perched just below the top of the pole. I love the look of determination on my face as pushed past my terror and I set my mind to standing up.<br /><br />"This is the look, see, move seminar people! Didn't you know that?" I can still hear the staff shouting those words. Well, my life is the same..."Life is look, see, move, Lisa! Didn't you know that?"<br /><br />I do now. I get it. So since returning from this transformative, empowering week, I've been using my time to reconnect and truly connect with the people in my life. I'm learning that it takes much more effort to "be engaged" in each day than it does to just trudge through it, head down, eyes cast on the sidewalk.<br /><br />So I'm reordering my priorities. I have some great stories percolating for LifePrints. They will be up very soon but computer time now falls squarely behind family time.<br /><br />Here is in a nutshell what I want to convey to you, my precious blogging friends - When you <strong>look</strong> at a situation, <strong>see</strong> the potential, and <strong>move</strong> before the opportunity passes you by. Be it as small as a smile to a stranger, a kind word to the checkout clerk or as risky as starting a business you know will make you happy or telling that special someone how you really feel about them.<br /><br />Follow your heart. You'll be glad you did.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-69251220492268017192008-10-02T13:18:00.000-07:002008-10-02T14:45:04.008-07:00Lists Are Useful, Uplifting, and Often Totally Random<a href="http://www.elizabethharperneeld.com/images/tough/list.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.elizabethharperneeld.com/images/tough/list.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm reading a fiction book (<em>The Writing Class</em> by <a href="http://www.jincywillett.com/">Jincy Willett</a>) where the main character is a compulsive list maker so now I'm inspired. Here are a few you might find amusing on this overcast Thursday afternoon.<br /><br /><strong>Whenever I think I'm weird for wanting to be, trying to be, and sometimes being a vegetarian I'll remind myself that these famous people were just as weird:<br /><br /></strong>Sir Isaac Newton</div><br /><div>Ralph Waldo Emerson</div><br /><div>Hans Christian Andersen</div><br /><div>Charlotte Bronte</div><br /><div>George Bernard Shaw</div><br /><div>Henry Ford</div><br /><div>Mahatma Ghandi</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>When people call me a Greenie I'll remember that environmental activism is cool to these people:</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dr. David Suzuki and his daughter Severn Suzuki</div><br /><div>Julia Butterfly</div><br /><div>John Robbins</div><br /><div>Paul Watson</div><br /><div>Al Gore</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Quick list of ways I can be frugal in this challenging economy:</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Make things last by fixing instead of throwing away.</div><br /><div>Borrow books from the library instead of buying.</div><br /><div>Rent movies from NetFlix instead of going out to the movies.</div><br /><div>Plan meals and buy whole foods in bulk.</div><br /><div>Stay away from prepared, packaged foods.</div><br /><div>Park my car and walk more often. Most everything I need is within a mile of my house.</div><br /><div>Buy my clothes second hand. Las Vegas is a great city for that..lots of rich people giving things away.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>When I'm down remember the people who inspire me:</strong></div><div><br /> </div><div>My family.</div><br /><div>Martin Luther King Junior</div><br /><div>Amelia Earhart</div><br /><div>Grace Lee Boggs</div><br /><div>Allene Morris</div><br /><div>Ryan White</div><br /><div>Nelson Mandela</div><br /><div>Bono (Paul Hewson)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Random list of things I love:</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>my pets (even the ones acquired by my kids).</div><br /><div>the sound of rushing water.</div><br /><div>a sky filled with hot air balloons.</div><br /><div>my childrens senses of humor.</div><br /><div>the smell of mountain air.</div><br /><div>my husband's arms around me while I sleep.</div><div>____________________________________________</div><div></div><div>Feel free to add to or make your own list in the comments. This could be fun.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-3951001438617703692008-09-29T09:06:00.000-07:002008-09-29T09:27:18.878-07:00Blog Award - Someone Loves My Little BloggyMy dear friends Fin and Meg at <a href="http://housecatconfidential.blogspot.com/">Housecat Confidential </a>have given me this award. Apparently they love LifePrints. Well, I love you right back! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to pass on some blogging love to my buddies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ht0lCaoS0_fPx0_H-tv1wxg-OzlZtR4narZ-a_UXyimuYYMH22X8z5lgUd6MBEpzPbKxlZFhq10jLFo7al1NdSjhvZlqNbX1y-w-h9D5QB6AIHWgAgSAYnHD1K06GghClb3SpTlrkLU/s1600-h/iloveyourblogaward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251475616521599186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ht0lCaoS0_fPx0_H-tv1wxg-OzlZtR4narZ-a_UXyimuYYMH22X8z5lgUd6MBEpzPbKxlZFhq10jLFo7al1NdSjhvZlqNbX1y-w-h9D5QB6AIHWgAgSAYnHD1K06GghClb3SpTlrkLU/s200/iloveyourblogaward.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are the rules: Link to the giver - Link to the ones you give to - Give to up to seven bloggers - Notify them of the award.<br /><br />So, drum roll please. I love!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vegaslindalou.blogspot.com/">Linda Lou </a>because not only is she a kick butt blogger and writer but she's my friend...the real kind...like I see her, in person, as often as possible.<br /><br /><a href="http://thelovelaundry.blogspot.com/">Helen</a>, also a real life buddy, writes the funniest things. I love her politics and love her.<br /><br />Then there is <a href="http://helenemoore.com/myblog/">Helene</a>, not to be confused with the previous Helen. I also know this lovely lady. I'm sensing a pattern here....lovable bloggers that I know.<br /><br />I have to give kudos to <a href="http://thewishfulwriter.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>. I never miss an opportunity. She's a rising star and I'm proud to know her...even if it's only virtually, but we're gonna fix that someday, I hope.<br /><br />Okay, girls...go forth unto the blogging community and spread the love! Have a great day!<br /><br />LisaLisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-37809027095180244472008-09-25T11:29:00.000-07:002008-09-25T12:57:48.299-07:00Lyrics For Life - Music With A Mission<a href="http://www.sisterhazel.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250030263691566978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95Mai8NgFhSj6f0VAlKvt8MpRC6CsvA9byEfSLRjkkJlzqRJoa1tcpS_KyNYklSm1rqCaPFvCYrMPeRBbJGuRXcEcGrigMcFiItoeq6yCoo4ebvnk1Bdlv8Nf0RYIuX3YPTZWpsoZyUc/s200/KenBlock3.jpg" border="0" />Sister Hazel </a>is one of my favorite bands. I had the pleasure of seeing them in concert for the first time a few weeks ago. We had general admission tickets so Todd and I arrived early. There was a small table set up at the club entrance with a sign that read "Lyrics For Life" and a framed poster of Sister Hazel's concert dates.<br /><br />"You can win that," A lady who was standing next to the table said. "The raffle money goes to <a href="http://www.lyricsforlife.org/">Lyrics For Life</a>."<br /><br />"What's that?" I asked.<br /><br />"A charity that helps kids with cancer. It was started by Ken." I must have wrinkled my brow because she added, "You know, the lead singer of Sister Hazel. His brother died of cancer when he was young. It's his way of helping out."<br /><br />I bought a ticket and knew I had to know more about this person, the owner of the voice I so admired, and the cause he championed. After the concert, the band members signed autographs and when it was my turn, I told Ken Block I wanted to write about Lyrics For Life. He was very kind when I asked if I could send him a few interview questions.<br /><br />Lyrics For Life was founded in honor of Block's brother, Jeffery, who passed away at the age of 18 after a four year battle with T-Cell lymphoma. He was an inspiration to Ken. From the L4L brochure he remembers...<br /><br /><em>I was in the room the day the doctor told my brave, battered brother, "There is nothing else we can do." And my brother looked up, tears slowly welling up in his eyes and said, "Well, thank you for giving me four years I never would have had without you." He's still my hero. I miss him today and every day.</em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eSdj8nz6RO5VZRNSyd3xAIbk1PhblEsDMhzjm_2kz2XDE3pTNeVBhTLw7Zcpi1xjl6M-ASNYK618Xekw-3hLSEXxMCg1dJiCLUllP4mpR-MO66QKj9tcRCtcBujtzpaLJrwM-jlMlfI/s1600-h/KenBlock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250030057291894578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eSdj8nz6RO5VZRNSyd3xAIbk1PhblEsDMhzjm_2kz2XDE3pTNeVBhTLw7Zcpi1xjl6M-ASNYK618Xekw-3hLSEXxMCg1dJiCLUllP4mpR-MO66QKj9tcRCtcBujtzpaLJrwM-jlMlfI/s200/KenBlock.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ken makes it easy for the music community to make a difference in a cancer victim's life. There is an annual benefit coming up on October 18th in Clearwater, Florida. Artists donate items for auction, most often framed, handwritten lyrics for one of their songs. Through out the year, Lyrics for Life hosts concerts and events and so far has <a href="http://www.songfacts.com/int/2008/05/ken-block-of-sister-hazel.html">raised almost a million dollars </a>for childhood cancer research and organizations that support the families and the kids.<br /><br />During my research I found a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIm_kBOyeQQ">video of Ken performing with Edwin McCain </a>at a Lyrics for Life event. Other artists that have participated in the cause are John Mayer, Matchbox Twenty, and Elton John....there are many more on the list of supporters.<br /><br />I decided not to bother Ken with my questions since <a href="http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/sister_hazel/tours.jhtml">the group is on tour</a>. I'd like to thank him for a great concert and his tireless efforts to make this world a softer place for people and their families who've been touched by cancer.<br /><br />If you would like to help out, the <a href="http://www.lyricsforlife.org/">L4L website </a>takes donations and has merchandise for sale.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-73264958399809084802008-09-23T06:57:00.000-07:002008-09-26T10:34:11.729-07:00Read Before Voting<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W8k2O0f5L.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W8k2O0f5L.jpg" border="0" /></a>As the 2008 US Presidential election looms on the horizon, I have to remind myself to stay calm. For the first time in my life I truly care about the outcome. I honestly think that one candidate is a better choice. In past election years I've been known to say, "I voted but I voted for the lesser of two evils." Not this year.<br /><br />I won't tell you how to vote, never, but I will implore you to be an informed voter. Dig deeper than the soundbites and political ads. Make sure you understand the issues so that when one campaign or their mouthpieces attempts to twist the truth (this used to be called lying) you will know it is happening.<br /><br />Here are a few books that will help you along the way. I've found these to be the most balanced portrayals of modern politics and the pressing issues facing a new president. I have more if you finish these but this is a good place to start.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peace-Resolving-Heart-Conflict/dp/1576755843/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222190118&sr=1-1"><strong>The Arbinger Institute's The Anatomy of Peace</strong> </a>is the best book, in my opinion, on how to foster peace in the world, but also in your community and your home. It's easy to understand and a quick read. The authors use the Jewish/Arab conflict as a backdrop for some of life's most important lessons.<br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41S7dL51UDL._SL500_SL150_.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41S7dL51UDL._SL500_SL150_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Tolerance-Interfaith-Understanding-20th-century/dp/0670019569/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222190012&sr=1-1"><strong>Beyond Tolerance</strong></a>, is an in depth look at the other side of the post 9/11 world. We are bombarded with hateful/fearful rhetoric about terrorists, what they look like and who we should fear, and the religious divisions since the attack. This book thoughtfully shines a light on people of all religions who were prompted by the events of 9/11 to come together in love and compassion and resist the easy path of hate.<br /><br />The author shows us, through the work of others, that it is possible and necessary to not just tolerate religious differences but to embrace them as our founding fathers did. Knowledge of and respect for the views of others are imperative in our shrinking world. The United States is filled with many different religious groups. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Shik, Buddhist...we are all Americans.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Dogs-Americans-Political-Business/dp/0374103674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222190973&sr=1-1">Alpha Dogs </a></strong>is a very interesting look at the two men who formed<br />Sawyer Miller, the political consultant firm who served as backroom strategists on every presidential contest from Richard Nixon’s to George W. Bush's. You will never watch a campaign ad again without thinking about these men and the way they changed campaign strategy forever.<br /><br />Just remember, to a campaign strategist <em>you are a consumer not a voter</em>. They want you to <em>buy</em> not think. If you think too much you might see through the smoke screen and actually vote your conscience. What a concept that is!..to vote your conscience. Next time you watch a campaign ad, think of it like an ad for kids cereal or a new car. See if you can find the similarities and then give it as much weight as you do the ads for Lucky Charms and the new Hummer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-My-Father-Story-Inheritance/dp/1400082773"><strong>Dreams from My Father</strong> </a>by Barack Obama and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faith-My-Fathers-Family-Memoir/dp/0061734950/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222189867&sr=1-1"><strong>Faith of My Fathers</strong> </a>by John McCain. If you really want to understand the choice before you, you must read these two books. How better to know a man than from his own words.<br /><br />Please vote. Please vote responsibly. The future of our children depends on you exercising your civic duty. There are only a few more days to register to vote. <a href="http://www.rockthevote.com/rtv_register.html?ms=googlevr7&gclid=CMmPztuz8pUCFQSwFQodq26GgA">Register today</a>.Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7182988312165929572.post-62669734618183095322008-09-18T12:22:00.000-07:002008-09-18T12:59:54.556-07:00Book Banning - Simply Unconstitutional<a href="http://www.bookweb.org/blogs/aba/resource/fReadom07.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.bookweb.org/blogs/aba/resource/fReadom07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The First Amendment to the United State Constitution says:<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;">CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></strong><br />In 1966 Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart gave this dissenting opinion in Ginzberg v. United States, 383 U.S. 463 - <strong>"Censorship reflects a society’s lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime . . . .”</strong><br /><br />Why am I pointing this out?<br /><br />September 27th to October 4th is <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.cfm">Banned Books Week </a>- Celebrating the freedom to read. This is the 27th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.ala.org/">American Library Association's </a>attempt to draw attention to this basic democratic freedom - the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. The ALA stands on the principle that intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.<br /><br />What are the four most frequent reasons for petitioning for censorship? They are family values, religion, political views, and minority rights.<br /><br />Would you be surprised to know that Mark Twain and Toni Morrison are on the <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/challengedbanned/frequentlychallengedbooks.cfm">most challenged </a>author list? That To Kill A Mockingbird and The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland were once on banned book lists? This is why it is so important to uphold and support our freedom to read what we wish because if we don't, it soon follows that we will not be able to think or say what we believe.<br /><br />Here is what Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy had to say about regulating thought (Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition):<br /><br /><strong>“First Amendment freedoms are most in danger when the government seeks to control thought or to justify its laws for that impermissible end. The right to think is the beginning of freedom, and speech must be protected from the government because speech is the beginning of thought."</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/supportingbbw/supportingbbw.cfm">Please support Banned Book Week </a>in your community. The American Library Association website has a complete list of ways to participate and draw attention to the cause. As a writer and lover of books I think this is such an important issue and freedom provided to us in the founding documents of our nations, one that we must remain on vigilant watch to protect.</div>Lisa McGlaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586141320197189197noreply@blogger.com6