Thursday, March 31, 2011

WAKE UP! ARTIST

Tonia Pinheiro far right, and her drummer, Ukumbwa Sauti, far left

We all have a gift. Some of my readers are writers, painters, parents, priests, and Tai Chi masters. Have you found your gift, and are you serving others with it?


My friend, Tonia Pinheiro, heals, enchants, entertains, and makes the world a better place. I dare say she even works small miracles. In my case she somehow orchestrated a powerful energy shift and it opened up my life in a whole new way. It was in her presence that I met an extraordinary person who would become my Totoro. I apologize that I am not able to elaborate any more right now, because I will be expanding on that in one of my books. But, Totoro is a reference to one of my favorite films of all time. I will be blogging about it in the next post.

Tonia calls herself a Wake Up! Artist. She uses phrases like banquet of music, sanctuary of expression, sound bath, nectar for the soul, and cosmic cabaret. I don’t know about you, but, in an often unsettling world, those words alone bring comfort.

When I go to see her it’s like going back in time. I feel like I am seeing an ancient warrior, or a wise medicine woman. I have never been in a real Indian teepee, but, being near Tonia conjures up that image. I feel at peace just writing about her now.

If you attend one of her events, you’ll sing, dance, chant, sit quietly, and may even be healed. At the end she holds an enormous healing glass bowl over each willing individual. When she taps it a reverberating sound falls over you. The sound goes right to your core. On the other hand, it’s like an out of body experience. It’s mystical.

Tonia are you in there?

I realize an encounter as freeing, and as uncommon as this, may not be for everyone. But, if you want to enhance your journey, widen your path, or give your inner child a safe place to play, go spend a little time with Miss Pinheiro. And, speaking of time, get rid of your alarm clocks. Tonia will wake you!

To connect with Tonia, go to www.wakeupworks.org






Monday, March 28, 2011

WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING ON TO?

Lots of stuff...

For over five years now, I have been promising myself I will get my living space clean and organized. That’s not so easy to do when every item in your life, holds meaning. And, I do mean everything. I have saved all seven ticket stubs from the film Mama Mia. I went to see it three times with Aunty and Gracie, once with my mother and sister, and, a few times with friends. It was such a happy film, I kept going back for more. Those ticket stubs are a reminder of how much fun I had.

I still have a birthday card someone gave me when I turned twenty five! How can I throw away something that says, you make the world a better place? But, one of my favorites in a long list of things I can’t seem to let go of, is the Christmas wrapping paper from a Christmas long ago. I just love knowing that precious paper was wrapped around a gift from my Aunty and Uncle D. However, as my stuff piles up, it might be worth  exploring my deep attachment to these things. 
I will show you a picture of me with a bad hair day, or even Aunty without her wig. I just can’t show you my clutter. But, it’s starting to get in my way.

Now, I am turning to this blog for help. I have repeatedly stated that I think this blog has some magic to it. When I write about wanting to sell my book, I step out and literally see stars all over my balcony. When I say I love the snow, we get a blizzard. So, maybe, if I put it out there that I need some help getting and staying organized this blog will aid me in some way. I hope this post helps you to let go of whatever you are clinging to. Something tells me that underneath all the clutter is an embryo to a more relaxed and balanced way of being.

What are you holding on to? Make way for Feng Shui. Make room to breathe.
Part of my answer could be in my previous post. Larry Rosenberg, my meditation teacher, would surely say….clinging is a cause for suffering.

I think I might be ready to start throwing out the old ticket stubs, even one at a time. And, take some comfort in knowing that no matter how many trash bags I might fill, I can't throw away memories.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

TWO WISE MEN AND THREE BRAZIL NUTS...

Saturday, I went to hear two wise men speak, and was handed wisdom on a silver platter. And, just now, I got the clear and distinct message that; it’s all in what I do with that gift. I can look at my notes, think about what I heard, or I can actually start making better choices and paying more attention to how I am living each day, each moment, and become even more aware of how every morsel of what goes into my mouth counts, and has an enormous effect on my health and how I feel.


One of the speakers was Larry Rosenberg, my meditation guru. He happens to be the wisest person I have ever met. I could listen to him speak for hours. I call Larry my Dalai Lama. He injects humor with his wisdom, and he says profound things in simple ways, like “Pay attention to the way you are actually living, with the emphasis on the actually.” He founded the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center…a place that has helped me make significant changes in my life. By guiding me as I cultivate a meditation practice, CIMC is helping me build a sturdy surfboard to ride the waves of life. I start to see things more clearly just walking the path to their door. My feelings are, just about everyone will reap enormous benefits (much more than you can imagine) with a meditation practice. And, one of the things Larry stressed on Saturday was that life itself is practice. There is just as much wisdom and beauty standing in line at the grocery store, or in your personal relationships, as there is on the cushion. Life is practice!

Paul Schulick, a friend of Larry’s, is a master herbalist, founder, and chief formulator of products for NEWCHAPTER Supplements. NEWCHAPTER has been a pioneer in bringing together the wisdom of nature and cutting edge scientific technology. Having tried Paul’s impeccable products, I can assure you it’s true.
Paul center, Larry on right

These two wise men talked about becoming whole through meditation and by carefully selecting what goes into your body. When you eat well, and take proper supplements, you are more relaxed and in a better state to receive any of the benefits of meditation. And when you meditate you are more aware of what does go into your system. It all works to your benefit. According to them, it’s all about deepening and refining our practice, our life. What could be better than that? And, by taking better care of our bodies and minds now, we have a better chance of reducing the pains of old age!


Because these two wonderful men have so much to offer, I highly recommend Larry’s Books

• L. Rosenberg, Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation, Shambhala Publications, 2004. ISBN 1590301366.

• L. Rosenberg and D. Guy, In the Light of Death: On the Art of Being Truly Alive, Shambhala Publications, 2001. ISBN 1570628203

And, Paul’s superior products http://www.newchapter.com/.

One thing that Paul said is he eats three Brazil nuts a day. It may sound funny but, I looked it up and, these nuts are extremely nutrient-rich and contain protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize dangerous free radicals. A study at the University of Illinois even found that the high amounts of selenium in Brazil nuts may help prevent breast cancer. But, use in moderation, a handful at a time.

To bring this all together, Paul also recommended Qigong, a wonderful form of martial arts I have suggested throughout this blog. I was tickled too, to know that Larry drinks Rishi tea. You know how much I LOVE that product. Practice wise action and order some Dragon Well or White Peony now…. sip, meditate, and blossom!

http://www.rishi-tea.com/

Artwork by the sublime Deedee Hampton http://www.deedeehampton.com/

Monday, March 21, 2011

THE MAGIC IS BREWING...

This blog is currently undergoing a new look. In the mean time, please excuse things like the LARGE FONT at the top, the missing "subscribe" button, and posts spreading so wide across the screen.
We will return as soon as my computer guru gets better.
We have a lot to share with you. I had lunch with two wise men, experienced a full super-moon gong, with Aunty no less, and for all we know, I might be pulling a rabbit out of my hat! It seems to be the general consensus, if anyone can do it, I can.

Thank you so much for following AGELESS WITH AUNTY, where anything is possible...
And, please don't forget to vote for Aunty and me, in the More Beauty Search. Every vote counts. And, you can vote once a day. If we win, we all win, because the prize money will allow me to continue this blog! I give you my word, there is a lot in it for you if you stick around...I have something MAGICAL up my sleeve. Until then....
and

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

ALL PRAISE TO ST. PATRICK...

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…


Not many people know I have a deep longing to go to Ireland…so; I am celebrating this day by first, going to my local bakery for a Green Bagel. Then after I put in a hard day’s work for two (remember, with Aunty’s dementia, I often have to think and do for two) I will sit down to watch Rick Steve’s DVD of Ireland. Throughout the day, I’ll be sipping Irish Breakfast tea, feasting on Irish Soda Bread, and listening to Van Morrison sing.

The only way this day could be any better, is if I were doing all this by the Lakes of Killarney in County Kerry, with my sister Lauren, who has an affinity for all things Irish.

And, to my charitable Ageless Readers please consider making a donation of green to the Japan Relief Fund (http://www.redcross.org/) or text REDCROSS to 90999. 

Monday, March 14, 2011

GET UP OFFA THAT THING and PASS THE SALT LAMP?!

If Aunty can be this happy at 87, you have no excuse at 27, 47, or 77, to be anything but blissful!

Aunty glows with the flow….and takes me along. Let her take you along too…

Here she is dancing around the living room to I Got the Feelin’ in a fevered frenzy.

I get giddy when I am able to use words like healthy, rapture, and joy, when writing about Aunty. Here is our Ageless Aunty enjoying a Sunday afternoon like only she can. Keep in mind it’s a few days after her 87th birthday.

We were hanging out and I decided to exercise at the house instead of going to the gym.

As soon as the first note from James Brown’s All Time Greatest Hits CD came on, Aunty "got up offa" her thing, jumped on her "good foot" and joined me. She just let it go.
When I see my great Aunty this happy I have to ask: is that magic Himalayan salt lamp really working (you can see it in the pictures, and I hear these magic lamps have been scientifically proven to increase the negative ion count in the air around you, helping you feel tranquil and relaxed), or is it all the love in the world that I give her, that the world gives her…and she’s just giving back? It’s a beautiful reciprocation. We all win.

Okay, all you Ageless readers…group hug round the salt lamp!

P.S.
I hope someone who knows the late great James Brown is reading this. The Godfather would be delighted to know how much people of all ages still appreciate his music. Some even flip their lid!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

NOT MYSELF LATELY...



I am a bit under the weather...and not quite myself lately. Also, in the middle of fine tuning a new look for the blog.

Oh yes, and Aunty has flipped her lid, no kidding~~~~~~~~~~~~! I have got the pictures to prove it.

Be back soon... with smaller font just for you. Would you like that?
And, when was the last time you wore one of those lovely hand corsages, like the one above?

Monday, March 7, 2011

MARCH 7th,1924...

87 years ago today, my favorite person was born....my Great Aunty Helen. For me, March 7th will always be a holiday. Aunty is one selfless and profoundly loving person. She has been by my side every day of my life. Everyone she touches is blessed.

What does one do on their 87th birthday… well, if you are Aunty, you might start celebrating the day before. Yesterday, we kicked off the day with some Stevie Wonder Moments, for us that involved playing some of Stevie’s classic songs, like Aunty’s favorite, I just Called to Say I Love You, and Isn’t She Lovely, while Aunty basked in tight hugs from her niece, arranged her birthday cards, and I felt pure, raw moments of love with each beat.

I must have cried three different times yesterday, tears of happy joy, just to see Aunty, first of all, alive, second, happy, and third, healthy enough to dance and sing.

The day only got better as her best friend, Gracie came a calling. Gracie adores Aunty almost as much as I do. We greeted Gracie at the door while we had Tommy Dorsey’s Greatest Hits CD, playing Opus One. After some jitterbugging, the three of us formed a prayer circle and asked the Dear Lord to continue blessing our amazing Aunty.

Gracie took Aunty out for their “routine,” which means playing cards at McDonald's and sipping Green Mountain Coffee, then carousing around a store called Building 19 ½, while Aunty entertains everyone; shoppers, old friends, and workers alike.

Later Gracie treated us to a Mediterranean Platter, and Whole Wheat Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. Aunty sat there beaming in the booth, as the 23 year old waiter flirted with her. When he walked away with our order, she asked me if she had on enough lipstick, while she spritzed her perfume.

Back at the house, I served Aunty and Grace, Godiva Crème Brule Coffee (aunty’s favorite drink on the planet is coffee) and then the party started. A few friends, along with my mother and her sister, came over to share aunty’s day. We danced, sang, hugged, ate German Chocolate Cake, and sipped a wine so good I will be blogging about it soon. But, the best part was the party girl herself. Aunty was genuinely happy. She thanked everyone over and over again for coming. The pleasure was all ours. The people in attendance were old enough to know that, a sure way to feel good is to make someone happy.

Today, Gracie called to say, “I went to bed glowing last night.” And my mom’s sister, Aunty Joan, who’s been a bit depressed lately, called to say… “Aunty Helen is going to outlive us all. She’s a hot-ticket. She’s helping me regain my spirit for living.”

When Aunty woke up this morning, she continued carrying on about her new friend Scottie, who happens to be a good looking 43 year old man who truly enjoys chatting with Aunty. I knew exactly who she meant when she asked, “What was his name again?” Then, after her usual breakfast of whole grains, flaxseed, blueberries and organic yogurt, she stepped outside to the waiting van (the ride to her day program) and she was greeted by another handsome, young man, who was holding a rose for her.

I can see it now, at the vivacious rate she’s going, for her 90th birthday, we’ll have a house filled with roses, suitors at the door, and an invitation to fly to the moon with Tony Bennett. Anything is possible with Ageless Aunty…
Remnants of an 87th Birthday Party

Thursday, March 3, 2011

EVERYTHING YOU NEED...

Compassion yields better results than any day-cream

Because I could use the ten-thousand dollar prize money, I just spent two days trying to enter a magazine contest. But, for whatever reason, the publication's website would not accept my entry. I got so frustrated I had to take a walk around the block, and do some deep breathing. You all know how upsetting it can be when computers don't do what we want or need them to do! Since I took the time preparing, I will share my story/entry with you. I won't win ten-thousand dollars, but, your interest is priceless...

The assignment was: with words and a picture, tell us why you feel more beautiful now than ever before.
If you go within, you will never go without!
We are born beautiful, and have all we ever need every day of our life. I feel blessed in my awareness of what true beauty is and where I can always find it. Thus, my friends and family say I look better now than I did in high-school and college! And, I feel great.

When you have a compassionate, open heart, full of gratitude for what you have, then you will shine from within. When you are thankful for what you have, somehow your body sends out signals that manifest into a better looking you! I witness this phenomenon all the time in kind and benevolent people.

Everyone around me has new cars, wardrobes, vacation homes, and many have children. I have none of those things. I am a struggling writer and full time caregiver to my Great Aunty with memory issues. Yet, I am told over and over again, that I glow, and that I am such a “happy person.”

Five years ago, I lost everything. But, through all that pain and loss, I found myself. Not only did I come out the other side, but, I came out bigger and better, because I discovered my own inner strength and power, which of course, had been there all along.

During those challenging times, I gave up an enormous portion of my life to care for my Great Aunty Helen. And by far, that single act of self-sacrifice has made me a more beautiful woman. I am confident that the way to true beauty is; going inward, being grateful, and embodying the word love.There is nothing I wouldn't do for my Great Aunty, and those I love.

The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I would like to add, that it is a good idea to re-visit your inner child too. I experience joy on a daily basis. It doesn’t cost a thing to sing, skip, or dance, or to see the good in others. I have a blog called Ageless with Aunty where you will find my 87 year old Aunty and me, easing through whatever life brings our way...the good, the bad, and the lovely.

Thanks Dear Readers~