Go For Faux

Every year for the past 6 years or so, my husband and I have been attending the Portland, Oregon, Faux Film Festival. This year it runs from April 1-3, 2011.

It is always a great time. We do suggest you bring a blanket though, as we have frozen through 5 of the last 6 shows.

Coloring Is Calming

I've often heard that coloring in a mandala can have a calming effect, so I was delighted to read a recent article in Scientific American about Mercy Corps of Portland, OR. They have actually created a coloring book for that exact reason. This basic coloring book is then tweaked a bit to take into account the kind of disaster and the culture of the people affected. For example, books recently send to Haiti are entitled, My Earthquake Story.


I hope the good people at Mercy Corps are currently working on a coloring book for those children affected in the recent earthquake/tsunami in Japan.

Review Your Year

So it has finally happened, I have turned 36. As I look back on year 35, I have once again learned, and or re-learned important lessons. Here they are:

1. Health comes first
Always, always, always! No amount of $, no TV show, no taste of engineered food, is more important than your health. Make the time to eat real food, to exercise, and to find peace.

2. Be Aware of Danger
Crying in the bathroom at work because a co-worker's actions have affected you negatively? Not acceptable. It's time to make a change.

3. Things Aren't Black And White
There can be great things that happen, even if the situation stinks. Enjoy, embrace, and celebrate those things. But be aware when things have gone to far (#2).

4. It's Not About You
People that freak out because you are focused, organized, smart, calm, quiet, tall, female, fit, young, etc.? It's not about you, it's about them. You cannot do anything but be true to yourself and move on.

5. Enjoy Every Day
Every day is a gift. Treat it and yourself in the best way possible.