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Archive for the ‘Thoughts’ Category
Tuesday, October 9th, 2012
While I’m an advocate of shaving and waxing, that’s me and the fact that this woman is saying “hey, this is my beauty” is something I can embrace. We need more individuals and less “lollipops” as Jennifer Lawrence put it. (p.s. I don’t wear makeup, like it or not that’s who I am and when I’m 90 if I’m alive I hope to be able to say I haven’t had plastic surgery either. Let’s keep it real folks.)
After having a photo of her posted online, the young woman provided this lovely and sophisticated response…
Hey, guys. This is Balpreet Kaur, the girl from the picture. I actually didn’t know about this until one of my friends told on facebook. If the OP wanted a picture, they could have just asked and I could have smiled  However, I’m not embarrased or even humiliated by the attention [negative and positve] that this picture is getting because, it’s who I am. Yes, I’m a baptized Sikh woman with facial hair. Yes, I realize that my gender is often confused and I look different than most women. However, baptized Sikhs believe in the sacredness of this body – it is a gift that has been given to us by the Divine Being [which is genderless, actually] and, must keep it intact as a submission to the divine will. Just as a child doesn’t reject the gift of his/her parents, Sikhs do not reject the body that has been given to us. By crying ‘mine, mine’ and changing this body-tool, we are essentially living in ego and creating a seperateness between ourselves and the divinity within us. By transcending societal views of beauty, I believe that I can focus more on my actions. My attitude and thoughts and actions have more value in them than my body because I recognize that this body is just going to become ash in the end, so why fuss about it? When I die, no one is going to remember what I looked like, heck, my kids will forget my voice, and slowly, all physical memory will fade away. However, my impact and legacy will remain: and, by not focusing on the physical beauty, I have time to cultivate those inner virtues and hopefully, focus my life on creating change and progress for this world in any way I can. So, to me, my face isn’t important but the smile and the happiness that lie behind the face are. So, if anyone sees me at OSU, please come up and say hello. I appreciate all of the comments here, both positive and less positive because I’ve gotten a better understanding of myself and others from this. Also, the yoga pants are quite comfortable and the Better Together tshirt is actually from Interfaith Youth Core, an organization that focuses on storytelling and engagement between different faiths. I hope this explains everything a bit more, and I apologize for causing such confusion and uttering anything that hurt anyone.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012
For seven years I knew the joy of owning a shelter dog, so when I found out October is National Adopt a Dog from a Shelter Month I thought hey I know some folks who can help us celebrate.
Kiersten is one of my dog heroes (as of recent I’ve got a few). She’s dedicated a good part of her life to helping dogs find a permanent home and she’s a smart and loving dog momma. She is active with Almost Home Rescue, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for a new dog/best pal!
**Please read the last part and take it in – where Kiersten shares how to prepare for adopting a dog. It can be heartbreaking bringing home a new dog and having to let them go, because you did not do your homework – it’s tough on the dog and you and unfair to you both. I’ll be posting on dog adoption and will provide a list of books, examples of pros to talk to… OK dear readers, the fabulous Kiersten….
Number of dogs you have adopted from shelters, from where and how you found about them.
When I graduated college, the only thing I wanted was a husky puppy. Our family had had huskies all my life and I was ready to have my own. However, fate intervened and I didn’t get that puppy… At the time, my aunt had a 6 month old husky of her own (Kenobi) and since she was driving from NJ to CT and then up to Maine to see my graduation, she called the kennel we trusted in CT to find out if she could board Kenobi there when she headed north for my graduation. When she called, the people there (who had known us for a long time) asked if she happened to want another husky. It turns out a local family had dropped off their 2.5 year old husky to be boarded as they went on a family vacation and on their way home from the kennel to pick up their luggage, they were hit by a drunk driver. The results were devastating leaving the mom dead, the kids injured and the dad in a wheelchair. SO they asked the kennel to find another home for Penny. When I heard this, I drove home from college (it was short term anyway – 5 weeks of partying which I was pretty much over at that point) and went over to meet Penny. She was skinny and stressed and shedding everywhere, but when I took her for a walk, she jumped into my car and it was the start of a beautiful friendship.
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I had Penny through a year at law school, 4 years in New York City and my move back up to Maine. She passed away at age 15 in July of 2009. It was the hardest time of my life.
But a few months later my friend Jill who owns Camp Bow Wow (and who had known and loved Penny) told me about another husky they were fostering through Almost Home Rescue. I wasn’t sure I wanted another dog yet – and Pepper was almost 8 years old already – but I went over to meet her and she was a love. Apparently she was depressed in foster care and didn’t want to play with other dogs. I ended up visiting her a couple more times and each time Jill told me that she perked up after and was a different dog. When I found myself buying her toys and treats I knew I needed to bring her home.
She is 11 now and is wonderful. And during that adoption I got to know the amazing people at Almost Home Rescue. And since then, I have volunteered to do their marketing, fundraising and merchandise. I have never met a group of more caring people who sacrifice so much to help so many dogs in need.
Type(s) of dogs you have adopted and a little bit about attracted you to the breed(s).
We have always had huskies in my family so I grew up with them (and a stray poodle or two). They are very sweet and vocal. The downside is that some are complete escape artists. But other than that – and the constant shedding – they are a great breed. One note, they can be very stubborn and it would be helpful to know the breed before taking one home.
What adopting a dog from a shelter means to you?
It’s hard for me to understand people who buy dogs from breeders when there are so many out there in need of love and a home. And with so much love to give. Dogs are so resilient.They go through so much at the hands of people and yet still love people. Rescue dogs deserve the right people and I am very proud to have rescued dogs – and to work with Almost Home Rescue to help other dogs find their forever families. It’s such a small thing I do that can bring joy to so many – dogs AND people.
Tips, based on your experience(s), for persons considering adopting a dog from a shelter.
Always visit a reputable shelter or use a state licensed rescue. You don’t want to inadvertently help breeders by using a rescue that does not have the correct licensing.
Obviously, I work with Almost Home Rescue, but through my work, I have also worked with the folks at Lucky Pup Rescue. Both are run by wonderful, caring volunteers and are worth checking out.
Ask lots of questions. Talk to the local vets and see who they’d recommend you adopt from. Some vets even foster dogs themselves. And if you know other dog people, talk to them as well…
Rescues tend to have their dogs in foster care before they are adopted which is a great way to find out how the dogs will behave in home situations. Talk to the foster families and find out the dog’s true nature. Some dogs are super sweet, but just don’t belong with certain families. If you have young children, you may not want a high energy or larger dog. Or if you are an avid hiker, you may want a dog who is high-energy….
And meet the dog! A dog may be great in pictures but sometimes you just won’t click.
DO your research and be prepared to spend time and money. Dogs are not cheap nor are they easy. It’s a commitment you have to be willing to make. But it’s so worth it…
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Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
Thank you Delicious Musings readers whoever wherever you are. I know some of you, and believe me my appreciation is BIG for anyone and everyone who takes the time to sit with me and my thoughts (random as they admittedly are) from time to time. Delicious Musings continues to be a space I can share parts of my life current and past in a way I am grateful for every time my fingers begin to type. As you may have noticed, my daily posts have turned into weekly posts. I assure you I will continue blogging, it’s just doing so less frequently permits me time to pickup bee equipment and attend a beginner observation hive workshop (post forthcoming!!), get ready for 12 chicks (cannot wait to post on those little gals), tend to the garden, do volunteer work, do the work that pays the bills, eat out from time to time, cook, workout (will do an update soon) and hang out with friends. My heart is big to all DM visitors THANK YOU wonderful persons!! xooo
Delicious Musings Timeline
Happy Birthday DM!
Digging for Creative Post Ideas – Ongoing!
Light Bulb Moment – March 2009
All images Pinterest.
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Friday, March 9th, 2012
Sleep is something I cannot live without. I need 8 -9 hours of shut-eye to function at my best (especially this time of year in Maine when I feel like a bear and just want to hibernate)!
How is sleep important to your health?
Sleep Reduces Stress: When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body’s functions are put on high alert which causes an increase in blood pressure and a production of stress hormones. Higher blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes. The stress hormones also, unfortunately, make it harder for you to sleep.
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How to get a better nights sleep the natural way (toss the meds!):
- Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool *I like to wake up naturally with the sun and since I live in the country all that means is not closing the curtains at night. When I’m in the city I always close both sets (calling all blackout shades) at the hotel and open them when I get up in the morning. The bigger dose of sunshine I get in the morning the happier and calmer I’m going to be during the day. Hello Sunshine! What’s better than a nap in the sun, and on rainy/snowy/gray days well how’s that for mother nature tucking you back into bed?
- No electronics in the bedroom. Have a TV, put it in the living room. Computer? Keep it at the desk. Want to watch a movie in bed, okay bring in the laptop and then remove it before you go to sleep. Create a natural environment for yourself and leave the tech stuff to daytime.
- Don’t eat anything sugary or drink caffeine two to three hours before you head into the bedroom.
- Unwind with a hot shower or bath (light a few candles!) and put something comfortable on (pjs, t-shirt, nothing?) before sliding into bed.
- Make your bedroom a retreat – organized (avoid storage under the bed), not cluttered, calming colors, think about investing in air purifier or humidifier, maybe something sexy like a faux fur throw on the bed. *I change my pillowcases at least twice a week and when warm weather allows hang my bedding outside for a “clean” feel.
- Sleeping when traveling. My first night anywhere I cannot sleep. I will fall asleep right away, and then inevitably two hours later I’m awake and lying there. Here’s a great link to the National Sleep Foundation’s thoughts on sleep and travel. *A friend of mine who lives in Manhattan paid to get soundproof windows before she redid her kitchen. Talk about a commitment to getting a good night’s sleep. Bravo CR! Adjusting the temperature? That and closing the blackout shades are at the top of my getting some zzz’s list. Last time I was in NYC I stayed in a really nice hotel that had me sweating due to a wonky heating system. Note, after years of booking travel plans for clients I can testify that getting a room away from the elevators is a very good idea. Being claustrophobic I tend to request lower floors, but by all means go higher if you can as it will be quieter. Oh, and something they don’t mention do NOT get a room near the vending or ice machines. No way no how unless you like to be woken up repeatedly in the middle of the night by drunk hotel neighbors and/or the sounds of those gross machines. Best night’s sleep away from home – The Greenwich Hotel. Best!
- More tips and a few good books co-authored by Joyce Walseben, PhD here. Boy can I relate to this one: If you use an alarm clock turn it away from you. Avoid checking the time throughout the night. Better yet, get rid of it. There is not a thing except frustration that you’ll get from staring at an alarm clock.
A few of my favorite bedrooms:
Images Pinterest.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2012
Eating naked as a stay-slim strategy…It’s the most obvious thing in the world, and yet it took me reading the interview with actress/model/paddle-board designer Marisa Miller in the January/February issue of Women’s Health (a publication I’m now a loyal subscriber of) to get it. That woman deserves a gold star for this contribution…
“Eating smart is all about having an awareness of your body. The most obvious way to do that is by seeing it. So when you’re trying to lose weight, spend more time wearing less. I don’t think I could eat a plate of nachos naked–could you?” – Marisa Miller
No Marisa, I could not and now I find myself applying and sharing this technique with thankful friends. Could I eat a slice of chocolate cake naked, I think so…more than that nope. Hello mental portion control.
Image Women’s Health.
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Monday, January 9th, 2012
I haven’t been able to sleep recently, and if ever there is a place to spend time at any hour it is Manhattan. A friend and I drove down this past weekend. I needed cultural stimulation, to walk the Manhattan streets, and give a damn about something. Someone told me recently people only want to read the pretty side of life in blogs. I guess that’s true, but I also think perfectly beautiful lives tend to look the same and take a lot of work just to look that way. It’s our imperfections that make us stand out, the stressful days and nights for months on end spent thinking about next steps in life, not so grand moments when we realize way more sweating needs to be done in the gym, the what’s it all for relationship that makes you throw your hands up and look inside for a while, seeing yourself for who you are, and the no I’m not crazy just super excited about this and that so my reaction may not be “right” (calm) and surely not proper. What, you might be thinking does any of this imperfect living or sleepless nights have to do with a trip to Manhattan? It’s this – sometimes I need to let go to figure things out and the taste of a bit of urban freedom can do that for me. I love Maine, but at times it’s hard to get the answers I used to find in my fast paced urban living. There are stars to wish upon, but sometimes it takes going to a place where you cannot see the stars above to figure out just what it is you wish for and get inspired about how to do it. I’m figuring it out, digging in, owning not being anywhere near perfect, and thinking maybe I’ll get some sleep tonight – after all that was done in Manhattan I’m a bit exhausted.
Momofuku Milk Bar cake (this trip not only did I revisit the Milk Bar – conveniently located in a new hotel I was trying out – but also finally had some David Chang food and it was good! I fell in love with Hog Island oysters there.)
My friend “J” had never been to Rockefeller Center, so we went by to check out the ice skating rink.
Afterwards, we walked around the Plaza (loved this pic of Jackie O.).
 
Next day we drank a lot of coffee, enjoyed the gorgeous weather (61 and sunny!!), walked the High Line, experienced Carsten Holler at the New Museum, went to Brooklyn for materials (I’m making an apron), found a picture of my football hero/crush outside Porsena – where we had an amazing meal with a good friend (thanks Sara for the bubbly and dessert!!!).
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
My alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. and a few minutes later I was standing outside my house (after flicking the porch light on briefly to see if there were any furry animals – hey I live in the sticks) in what was probably single digit temps staring up at the sky waiting to see falling stars during the first meteor shower of the year. And then I did! Where I live there is no light pollution, which basically means I’ve got a planetarium view of the sky – and in the winter it shines! Do you take the time to look up at night? In the city I almost never did, though I would glance frequently at the sparkling marquis. Now, I look up all the time. When I get home after dark, especially if it is late, I stand outside my car just staring up at infinity. It’s extraordinary. We are so tiny, grains of sand really (at least that is how Carl Sagan once referred to us in his series Cosmos). Looking up puts life in perspective, and hey it’s free. I’m thinking of having a winter night star gazing shindig – invite friends over for warm drinks and provide blankets then we all go outside my barn and stand in the field looking up. Maybe I’ll invite someone who knows as much as is in that book of constellations I bought when I moved in. Wouldn’t that be fun!!?!
Oh, and I thought this was neat – description of a “falling star” on Wikipedia - Falling star or shooting star is the common name for the visible path of a meteoroid as it enters the atmosphere to become a meteor. If a falling star survives impact with the Earth’s surface, then it is called a meteorite.
Top photo Pinterest.
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Are you excited about 2012? I hope so! Before moving forward, I want to take a quick look back over the past year, which has been a big one…
I bought my first home, with enough land for the gardens I’d been dreaming of in recent years and a barn I’d wanted forever.
I learned about loss and my heart broke when my beloved Paige passed away. Thanks to those who love me and picked me up (literally) off the ground, I survived a time I did not want to. Paige’s life was so closely entwined with mine becoming my constant companion for work and play everywhere I went, she sometimes became the mascot on projects. Her loss hit me harder than that of my father’s (6 1/2 years ago), because I could not pretend she was just out of the country and unavailable. Now, when I think about her with moist eyes, it is not the final days, but the playful happy moments I hold. Her spirit is here and in the spring the Cornelian Cherry tree my friend Dave helped me plant during her final days will blossom (it’s a testament to how tight the bond is with my closest friends that when they visit they always ask to see “Paige’s tree”).
I found my smile in New Orleans and that great city gave me a purpose. My heart is big and admiration great for some of the best, strongest persons I have ever had the privilege of meeting and some of whom I now count as friends. This is where you go if you truly love life, want to hear great music, dance in the streets, eat the most delicious food, drink the most refreshing cocktails, and find inspiration.
I began paying it forward with others who believe you get out of life what give. Isn’t life supposed to be about sharing? One of the best mornings of the year; gleaning apples with strangers for those in Maine who are hungry. My car smelled wonderfully of apples for days.
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Posted in Friends, Gardens, My Maine Home, Thoughts | 2 Comments »
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