Artists Among Us

Tags:   depression · foods to fight depression · Nutrition1 Comment

Brigid Mhairi sings Taking Chances (Richard Dunn on guitar)

This is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!

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http://www.samharris.com/waronwar/

One of my YT friends, Caylyn, put this video together using Sam Harris’s song, War on War.  If you enjoyed her video, check out her channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/GreatGig1

Tags:   greatgig11 Comment

Watch more videos at KentuckyFriedCruelty.com.

I cried and cried after watching this.  

As human beings we try to make the world around us humane and safe for our kind to live in.  We sit in theaters cringing while watching movies of aliens invading, harvesting our race for food and we shudder at the very idea.  Yet, we are not so different are we?  In many ways humans are the very beasts we portray in movies.  It’s fantasy, not real.  Before you purchase your next meal, think about how it got there. 

I would love to be a vegetarian but, honestly, I do love a good steak.  I am not opposed to eating meat.  If there were a way that I could stomach the cheeses and the tofu and stuff that goes with eating a non-meat diet, I might consider it but I was raised coniverous and that’s what I am comfortable with.  I stopped eating veal a long time ago after I visited a veal farm.  I’ll probably never eat at KFC again after viewing the conditions upon which they treat the chickens. 

I am an advocate for humane treatment of all animals. 

Vote YES on Prop 2 - Prevent Animal Cruelty - November 4, 2008

A Farm Boy Reflects
New York Times — July 31, 2008

Ballot initiatives embrace new campaign tools
Capital Weekly — July 31, 2008 

Vets group takes ethical stance on ballot measure
Modesto Bee — July 31, 2008

Caging Animals is Uncivilized & ‘Yes on Prop 2′
Sonoma News — July 28, 2008

Prop. 2 support (3rd letter down)
Daily News — July 22, 2008

Measures show support
San Jose Mercury News — July 22, 2008

Will food animals’ cruel living conditions move voters?
Long Beach Press Telegram — July 14, 2008 

Cage ban has plenty of support
Modesto Bee — July 13, 2008 

Basic standards (3rd letter down)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat — July 12, 2008 

Relieve suffering (4th letter down)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat — July 11, 2008 

Change requires a step at a time
Los Angeles Times — July 5, 2008 

Chickens are smart (1st letter)
Caveat lector! (3rd letter down)
Sacramento Bee — June 26, 2008

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Tags:   better treatment of farm animals · chickens · farm animals · veal · vote yes on prop 2No Comments.

I can’t seem to escape feta cheese.  It’s in everything!  It seems that the majority of people I socialize with love love love the stuff.  To me it tastes like vomit.  Care for some salad with sprinkles of vomit?  How about some vomit kiech (I probably misspelled that)?  Uh, no thanks. 

When I first moved to California in 1986.  I couldn’t escape cilantro.  Californians love that stuff.  At first I didn’t understand why the Mexican restaurant’s food tasted soapy.  The food didn’t taste like that in Texas.  I was used to TexMex.   Over the years, I’ve learned to deal with it.  I don’t love cilantro, but I did succumb and surrender and accept it, and now I can tolerate it in salsa.  I try to eat around it but an occasional sprig doesn’t gag me like it used to.  Still, I don’t think I will EVER be able to tolerate any kind of goat cheese. 

Perhaps my dislike of cheeses came from a cheese trauma I suffered as a child.  I was at an “adult” party and saw a tray of chocolate balls rolled in nuts.  I took one and bit into it.  It WAS NOT chocolate but blue cheese.  My eyes watered, I turned green and ran to the bathroom to throw up and wash my mouth out.  To this day I can’t even look at a cheese ball without remembering the shock of the blue cheese flavor. 

Oh, but how I wish I could love cheese.  It would make it so much more enjoyable when I dine out or go to a party.  I could order an omelet at a sidewalk cafe without fear.  It seems like the nicer and classier the joint, the more likely they are to serve goat cheese.  =)  Ahhhhhhhrg!!!! 

Feta feta everywhere and not a bite to eat.  I hate feta. 

Tags:   feta · goat cheeseNo Comments.

Top 10 Worst Drinks - Nutrition by Natalie

Before you drink that next energy drink, watch this!

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 I was feeling lonely, missing my best girlfriend.   

When she became involved with a new man, she all but disappeared.  His energy absorbed hers into his life, leaving little room for anyone else.  

Then…. something nice happened. 

I received a lovely invitation to attend a new moon celebration from a friend I had not seen in awhile.  I graciously accepted. Not knowing what to expect, I knew it would be fun and something different.  Something my soul needed right now.

I had the pleasure of meeting some lovely women this evening, sitting together sipping wine, just relaxing.  The walls were filled with sconces and tea light candles.  The light dancing off the walls was enchanting.  I can still smell the incense on my clothes which gives an everlasting feeling of the peace, and comfort I felt.  I came home tonight inspired. 

 When one door closes another opens. 

We all wrote our hopes for the coming month on red crepe paper and folded them into flowers.  We tied them with ribbon to a fig tree that our hostess had purchased to plant in her back yard. 

 There were drums.  Yes, drumming.  If you’ve never experienced the vibration, the energy of the drum…ah you don’t know what you are missing.  Such an experience.  A cleansing of spirit. 

The new moon, a renewal of the heart.  Refreshed. 

A circle of women.   Support, friendship, fun, sharing common interests. 

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It is an honor for me to present to you my dear friend, Heike.  I’m so proud of her.  Not only for the things that we are writing about today, but for her spirit, her boundless creativity and generous nature. 

Heike embraces life, motherhood, with pure goddess essence.  She probably would not say so of herself, but if you read her writings, view her creations and spend a few minutes with her, you will love her. 

I present to you, Heike Boehnke-Sharp 

Where are you from?

I was born in Germany, and moved here about 12 years ago. My father was living in Sacramento, and I came to study law. As fate would have it, I married my boyfriend of 7 years, and was pregnant shortly thereafter.  

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

My first memory is that I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then as a teen, a clothes designer (I made the coolest clothes out of patches in the 80’s era!). Then I floundered a bit, and decided that I wanted to move to New York and go to design school to be an interior designer. In the midst of planning this move, I had a car accident (which I talk about in my book, as it was life-changing.). Later, I decided I wanted to study law, and moved here.  

When did you start the Goddess in the Groove website and Blog? 

When my oldest, Justina, was born, it threw me into a whole new world! I began writing for an online magazine about Attachment Parenting with a twist, because I was working at the time (seems I was a unique entity in the AP world at that time!). The magazine began censoring some of my work. One evening, in 2000, while I was ranting to my husband about freedom of speech, I decided I wanted to have my own website where I could say what I want. The moment I made that decision, the name “Goddess in the Groove” popped into my head. It was registered that night. I began publishing my work there, and the work of other women with opinions.   

I started the blog a few years ago. I wanted to have a place where people could communicate with me, and others; a community of sorts.

What does your family think of your artistic flair?

My kids have inherited the genes :). They love making things with me, going to fairs, and selling. I always say we would be happiest if we could travel the world with a gypsy caravan! My children have seen me work in corporate America also, so they know there are different worlds out there! My husband supports me completely, though he still thinks my art is a bit “strange” and hopes Oprah will discover me. My mother, and grandmother, is very proud of what I do, and they both understand the reason I am doing it.  At random, they all say: “Have you ever thought of going back into sales???”  :) 

What books have most influenced your life most?

When I was growing up, I read a lot of Greek Myths. Children’s books in Germany at that time were much “heavier” than what I see here now. I read classic literature early on because there was not much more to choose from! I have always loved mysteries: Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie, and such. Now, when I am reading for leisure and not to study, I read books by Maya Angelou, Anne Rice, and historical novels. I just read Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”. The man was a genius, and his book makes me think about how I can direct my life.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I wanted to tie it in with my website, as many of the stories were published there originally. The book is not a novel, or memoirs of my life; the book is filled with short, thought provoking contemplations: Musings. Things that happen every day, and that happen to women around the world.

Who designed the cover?

A wonderful designer at the publishing company who lets the public use it. I just added some finishing touches and my title!   

How does it feel to be a published author attending a book signing?

 It is a very exhilarating feeling! I am so proud when someone tells me they relate to my stories, or that I made them think and take action! There is nothing better for an author or artist than to touch a life. The publication of my book is another step in the completion of a circle.  

 What is your next idea or goal for your book?

Definitely Oprah!!     

 With this book, I hope to reach women like me, who need to read that there are different approaches to life than what mainstream society leads you to believe is “perfect”. I am sending it to midwives and women centers, because I feel this book is a resource both for new moms and women who are “rebirthing” themselves.  The book, the website, and the Goddess Pendants are all pieces of a grand plan to one day open a real live women’s center. A retreat for the mind, the soul, and the entrepreneur.  

When did you create your first Goddess Pendant? 

My first Goddess pendant was created 6 years ago. I had a dream and made her to guide me on my journey as a Goddess. She came to me when I found and immersed myself into the Goddess movement. My daughter was 4, and I had just given birth to my son. I needed divine support!

What gave you the idea?   

 A dream. I just made one and hung her on a cord around my neck. People began to approach me and ask “Is that a Goddess??” My first Goddess was so different than the ones I make now. She was much smaller, and one solid color. Unfortunately, I lost her. My Goddesses have gotten bigger, more colorful, and bolder over the years, just like me :).  They actually come to me as they please, no two are ever the same, and I cannot mass produce. You can be assured that you will never see YOUR Goddess on anyone else.   

 Where can people go to purchase your book and your Goddess Pendants and other products?

Everything can be found on my website, http://goddessinthegroove.com. You can sign up for my newsletter, and be the first to know about sales, contests, etc.  The book can also be purchased at most major online booksellers, such as Amazon. 

Tags:   · goddess in the groove · goddess pendants · goddesses · heike · musings from the goddess within · Sacramento Artists · Sacramento Metro Living · women · women centers2 Comments

A few years ago, I started California Party Plan Network. This was my first venture into social networking. It was fun and I made some good friends along the way.

I learned a great deal about the home party plan businesses and even dipped my toe into the pool and tried out as a consultant for a few of them. I sold Tupperware and Mia Bella Candles for a bit. Still, my real estate career took priority and as my career took off, I no longer had the time to devote to designing web pages for free. Although California Party Plan Network was a labor of love, it taught me valuable skills that helped me move forward in the world of SEO.

Funny thing is, I still get the occasional phone call from someone who is looking for an event planner. (Who would have known the name would encompass this big of an arena.) What began as a way to provide a local directory of party plan consultants quickly attracted every kind of “party” professional.

I still have people contacting me wanting to know if I still have my “list” of…  more

http://CaliforniaPartyPlanNetwork.com 

Visit California Party Plan Network

Tags:   California Party Plan Network · catering · DSWA · event planning · home parties · host a party · limosine service · pampered chef · tupperware · WAHMNo Comments.

While I wasn’t able to attend the 2008 California Capitol Air Show this year, we did get a spectacular view of the Blue Angels practicing for the event.  Every year they fly right above our home.  The sound of the engines blast through every section rattling the walls and sometime feeling a little too close for comfort.  <g>  Still, it is an excitement that fills my spirit as I run outside to try to catch a glimpse before they are long gone.  Then with a boom they are right back.  I love it. 

I went to the website official website to get more info on the Blue Angels and guess what?  They have the rumbling sound of the engines, it builds up and then fades off a little, you’ll have to check it out.   I’m listening to that as I write this.  I don’t know why, but I love the sound.

My cat is still running for cover everytime he hears a plane overhead.  For awhile he would wedge himself behind the toilet.  Kind of smart in a way, if there were an earth quake that would probably be a safe place to be.  Animals have an inborn instinct for these things. 

Thanks to these guys for posting photos to share on Flickr.com

 Gulp!
Originally uploaded by Don Van Dyke
Blue Angels
Originally uploaded by Don Van Dyke
Perfect Formation
Originally uploaded by Jeff Sullivan

There are more photos from the Capitol Air Show that were taken by Bernard Zee which also include breath taking shots from 2007 San Francisco Fleet week.   Take a moment to view them, it’s well worth the time.  Gosh, I wish I had been out on the bay when those planes were flying around the golden gate bridge and above the boats.  It was a beautiful day on the water.  Maybe next year I’ll get to go. 

Tags:   2008 Capitol Air Show · Blue Angels · Mather · Sacramento Air Show · San Francisco Fleet WeekNo Comments.