Dragon Mood? -- "uh . . . like groovy, mannnnnn!"
S and I just watched "Easy Rider" on the AMC channel. You know that was made in 1969? (I looked it up on the imdb website.)
What a trippy film! I honestly don't remember going to see it, but what do I know? I was seventeen at the time, dating my ex-husband and at that time, movies usually were for making out, not watching!
First of all, Peter Fonda has got to be the cleanest, most nicely-coiffed hippie guy I ever saw. Dennis Hopper is a little more authentic. Was this a satire on the hippie generation? Or was it a commentary on the rest of America, with their small-town parades, obnoxious rednecks and self-righteous law enforcement? I'm really not sure.
My favorite part, hands down, was the campfire conversation between the young and handsome George Hansen (Jack Nicholson, in all his youthful swagger) and Dennis Hopper. They talked about satellites, Venutians marrying into the earthly population, freedom, challenging the status quo and the dangers inherent in doing so. I could listen to it again!
The whole first half, in contrast, felt like a paeon to the beauty and natural wonders of western America. I wonder if that helped contribute to the founding of the first Earth Day, on May 1st, 1970?
Wow, do I feel old or what? (laughing)
Friday, January 07, 2005
Insulin resistance and --of all things-- vinegar!
It's Friday morning and I'm happy that the first week back "in the saddle" is almost over. Returning to the daily and weekly routine is always hard after the holidays and after time off from work. But with the erratic hours, hit-or-miss exercising and, dare I say, undisciplined eating, my body is relieved to be back in some routine.
I finally had a chance yesterday to do some investigation of "insulinemia," which appears to also be referenced as "insulin resistance," "insulin sensitivity," or most ominously, "Syndrome X." I was stunned at how many web-like connections there are between insulin resistance and --ready?-- diabetes, coronary artery disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abdominal fat, and . . . well, the list seems to go on and on.
From there, I also "googled" my way to a reference about drinking a small amount of vinegar (mixed with water and optionally, some saccharine) before meals to help the body recognize the insulin that it's producing, and thus, ward off the blood-sugar spikes that occur for diabetics after eating a high carbohydrate meal.
I went home last night, cracked open a wonderful bottle of muscatel wine vinegar from the ever-delighting Zingerman's and had my vinegar "cocktail." It made me grimace, it made me shiver, but it was also surprisingly invigorating. And the wine in the vinegar definitely helped the flavor!
I am going to a luncheon today for a departing colleague, and safely tucked away in my pouch purse is a small leakproof container of wine vinegar and water! Cheers!!
I finally had a chance yesterday to do some investigation of "insulinemia," which appears to also be referenced as "insulin resistance," "insulin sensitivity," or most ominously, "Syndrome X." I was stunned at how many web-like connections there are between insulin resistance and --ready?-- diabetes, coronary artery disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abdominal fat, and . . . well, the list seems to go on and on.
From there, I also "googled" my way to a reference about drinking a small amount of vinegar (mixed with water and optionally, some saccharine) before meals to help the body recognize the insulin that it's producing, and thus, ward off the blood-sugar spikes that occur for diabetics after eating a high carbohydrate meal.
I went home last night, cracked open a wonderful bottle of muscatel wine vinegar from the ever-delighting Zingerman's and had my vinegar "cocktail." It made me grimace, it made me shiver, but it was also surprisingly invigorating. And the wine in the vinegar definitely helped the flavor!
I am going to a luncheon today for a departing colleague, and safely tucked away in my pouch purse is a small leakproof container of wine vinegar and water! Cheers!!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
quinoa
Dragon Mood? -- happy dragon tummy
While this may sound strange, I've been wanting to blog about quinoa.
What the heck is that? Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a rather plain-looking grain that I capriciously picked up that turns out to be a superhero in disguise. Like most middle-aged, slightly overweight people with high cholesterol, high triglycerides AND insulinemia, I'm trying to eat more whole grains. (And like many middle-aged folks, I have a slight and foggy memory that someone mentioned it to me first. Is that true?)
[I do have to laugh, because I have truly come full circle. When I was young, married and idealistic, my husband and I were vegetarians. I worked at the local food co-op twice a week, for both philosophical and economic reasons. Then we started eating meat, he voted Republican, I got divorced . . . and now look: I'm back to eating whole grains. Isn't life funny?]
Since I'm no nutritional expert, here's what Whole Health MD has to say:
I want to compliment Carolina, who fixed quinoa for all of us over the New Year's weekend. She said she cooked it like oatmeal, adding a touch of brown sugar and a pinch of black pepper, along with a handful of craisins (dried, raisin-like cranberries?) It was positively yummy! Thanks, Lina!
While this may sound strange, I've been wanting to blog about quinoa.
What the heck is that? Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a rather plain-looking grain that I capriciously picked up that turns out to be a superhero in disguise. Like most middle-aged, slightly overweight people with high cholesterol, high triglycerides AND insulinemia, I'm trying to eat more whole grains. (And like many middle-aged folks, I have a slight and foggy memory that someone mentioned it to me first. Is that true?)
[I do have to laugh, because I have truly come full circle. When I was young, married and idealistic, my husband and I were vegetarians. I worked at the local food co-op twice a week, for both philosophical and economic reasons. Then we started eating meat, he voted Republican, I got divorced . . . and now look: I'm back to eating whole grains. Isn't life funny?]
Since I'm no nutritional expert, here's what Whole Health MD has to say:
Nutritionally, quinoa might be considered a supergrain--although it is not really a grain, but the seed of a leafy plant that's distantly related to spinach. Quinoa has excellent reserves of protein, and unlike other grains, is not missing the amino aicd lysine, so the protein is more complete (a trait it shares with other "non-true" grains such as buckwheat and amaranth). The World Health Organization has rated the quality of protein in quinoa at least equivalent to that in milk. Quinoa offers more iron than other grains and contains high levels of potassium and riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins: B6, niacin, and thiamin. It is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese, and has some folate (folic acid).There's more good stuff about quinoa, but suffice to say it's on my eating list now, along with golden flaxseed and good ol' oatmeal.
An ancient grainlike product that has recently been "rediscovered" in this country, quinoa has a light, delicate taste, and can be substituted for almost any other grain.
I want to compliment Carolina, who fixed quinoa for all of us over the New Year's weekend. She said she cooked it like oatmeal, adding a touch of brown sugar and a pinch of black pepper, along with a handful of craisins (dried, raisin-like cranberries?) It was positively yummy! Thanks, Lina!
Our thieving dog and the sausage caper
We woke up Monday morning to find the dog scratching to be let into the house from the porch. There, lying on the floor of the porch was a big ol' sausage, at least a pound-and-a-half, if not two pounds. It looked like Cisco had begun nibbling on one end of it.
S just called me, alerting me to an article in the Free Press today entitled, "Alleged sausage theft could be a call for help."
Now, along with everything else, we have to worry about our kleptomaniac dog???
S just called me, alerting me to an article in the Free Press today entitled, "Alleged sausage theft could be a call for help."
Now, along with everything else, we have to worry about our kleptomaniac dog???
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
People of the Year: Bloggers
According to ABC News and PC World, 2004 was a big year for blogs!
Here's what PC World has to say:
All of this tells me, if I'm feeling the need to be a part of something larger than myself, well . . . the blogosphere is definitely that!
Here's what PC World has to say:
Last year proved big for blogs and bloggers, according to data released from The Pew Internet & American Life Project.Interestingly, I started this blog in February of 2004 (thanks to my wildwend daughter!) and have been happily blogging ever since. In fact, I have started four blogs (one of which expired in its infancy).
Blog readership jumped 58 percent between February and November, and comprised 32 million U.S. citizens in 2004. More than 8 million U.S. citizens have created a Web-based diary, and one in 10, or around 14 million U.S. Internet users, has contributed thoughts or comments to a blog.
The figures released by the Pew Research Center are just the latest in a series of studies on the growth of blogs on the Internet, and show that the online diaries are becoming important sources of information for Internet users."
All of this tells me, if I'm feeling the need to be a part of something larger than myself, well . . . the blogosphere is definitely that!
New Year, new additions
Dragon Mood? -- expansive??
In the spirit of a new year, amidst all the new technology which I am surrounded (and trying to embrace), I added a site meter to Calypso Dragon 13, which at this moment, I am unable to see!
Stay tuned, folks!
("Pay no attention to that man behind the screen," booms the Great and Powerful Oz.)
In the spirit of a new year, amidst all the new technology which I am surrounded (and trying to embrace), I added a site meter to Calypso Dragon 13, which at this moment, I am unable to see!
Stay tuned, folks!
("Pay no attention to that man behind the screen," booms the Great and Powerful Oz.)
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Seismic monitoring
Dragon Mood? -- ???
Rayne Today, a blog that I enjoy reading, has a great graphic from the IRIS Seismic Monitor website regarding the tsunami.
Check it out.
Rayne Today, a blog that I enjoy reading, has a great graphic from the IRIS Seismic Monitor website regarding the tsunami.
Check it out.
As the year slows to a close
Dragon Mood? -- warm dragon thoughts
Those I'm thinking about:
Those I'm thinking about:
- people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and all the coastal areas impacted by the tsunami. Also, the many travellers visiting those areas who are simply gone
- Sarah the Elder, more widely known as Sally, who turns 69 today. Happy Birthday, Sally!
- Sarah the Younger, known as Sarah, who hopefully will finalize her choice today and purchase a wedding gown. Congratulations and my very best wishes to you, Sarah!
- My children, Lina and Yosh, who returned from Arizona Monday, are currently catching their respective breaths, and who I hopefully will see late Thursday night or Friday morning. I am gathering guardian angels with my thoughts, and prayerfully asking for their fierce protection as my chicklets travel through hazardous winter roads to get here. Be safe!
- My dear partner, S, as she sleeps right now, resting and repairing from the cumulative bumps and bruises of daily life. Soon, I will make a pot of coffee, pour her a cup and wake her with the invitation, "I have a nice hot cup of coffee for you, honey."
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
A thought from my dad . . .
Dragon Mood? -- hmmm
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
Tsunami
Dragon Mood? -- troubled
I wanted to post some light-hearted words in this 'tween-time after Christmas and before the New Year's celebrations. But with news of this horrific tsunami that has hit so many coastal areas on the Indian Ocean, it just doesn't feel quite right to do so.
CNN is reporting over 33,000 dead this morning. That is ten times the number of people who died on 9/11.
I am embarrassed to say that I had to look at a map to understand how a tsunami could affect so many different places. I wasn't sure exactly where Indonesia is located. I had never heard of Myanmur (it used to be Burma).
Here's a graphic from a Chinese newspaper:
(The clarity on the image isn't great, but it will have to do.)
I am holding all those grieving survivors in my heart. What a tragedy!
[Update as of 12:15 p.m. EST: the news wires are now updating the death toll from the tsunami:
Again, this tsunami has caused incredible destruction, devastation and loss of life.]
I wanted to post some light-hearted words in this 'tween-time after Christmas and before the New Year's celebrations. But with news of this horrific tsunami that has hit so many coastal areas on the Indian Ocean, it just doesn't feel quite right to do so.
CNN is reporting over 33,000 dead this morning. That is ten times the number of people who died on 9/11.
I am embarrassed to say that I had to look at a map to understand how a tsunami could affect so many different places. I wasn't sure exactly where Indonesia is located. I had never heard of Myanmur (it used to be Burma).
Here's a graphic from a Chinese newspaper:
(The clarity on the image isn't great, but it will have to do.)
I am holding all those grieving survivors in my heart. What a tragedy!
[Update as of 12:15 p.m. EST: the news wires are now updating the death toll from the tsunami:
- Indonesia: 27,174
- Sri Lanka: 17,640
- India: 8,523
- Thailand: 1,516
- Myanmar: 90
- Malaysia: 65
- Maldives: 55
- Bangladesh: 2
- Somalia 100
- Tanzania 10
- Total: 55,175
Again, this tsunami has caused incredible destruction, devastation and loss of life.]
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Winter Solstice
The sun, nearing winter solstice, travels low across the sky, from sunrise, at left, to sunset, in this multiple-exposure made at the Marshall Point Light, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, in St. George, Maine. The sun's position is recorded at 50-minute intervals during the short nine-hour day.
(Photo by Robert F. Bukaty)
Which gives lie to the ancients' description of solstice as "sun-standing-still."
Thanks to this site.
Winter Solstice and a Birthday Approaches
Dragon Mood? -- revelling in the season
I've got Christmas music on this morning. I grew up on Mantovani and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir playing in my parents' six-foot long, 60's-style stereo cabinet. For me, however, it's Cocktail Lounge and Tejano Country music this frigid morning.
And I'm preparing for the Winter Solstice and the celebration of the baby Jesus' birth.
This year, the winter solstice will occur at 12:42 UT (Universal Time -- more commonly known as Greenwich Mean Time) on December 21st. If my calculations are correct, that is 7:42 am EST for us folks here in the Mitten State. (See this site.) I just learned this morning that solstice means "standing-still-sun." Cool, huh?
At the Candlegrove site, the author says, "Many, many cultures the world over perform solstice ceremonies. At their root: an ancient fear that the failing light would never return unless humans intervened with anxious vigil or antic celebration."
Whch is deplorable to say the least. Even before Christianity, people were gripped by fear. Fear of a disappearing sun. Fear of the cold. Fear for their survival. My take: the early shapers of Christianity jumped on the fear bandwagon, because that was what people were used to, and looky there, it worked.
And then we have the baby Jesus' birthday celebration. My earliest memories of December, of winter, are focused entirely around Christmas (the Christ-Mass, the worship of the Messiah, the Anointed One). I just read somewhere here recently how powerful the symbols of Christmas are. Where was that? Ah, yes, here.
And yet, these are part and parcel of me and my childhood memories.
Here's a cool quote regarding Christmas:
I've got Christmas music on this morning. I grew up on Mantovani and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir playing in my parents' six-foot long, 60's-style stereo cabinet. For me, however, it's Cocktail Lounge and Tejano Country music this frigid morning.
And I'm preparing for the Winter Solstice and the celebration of the baby Jesus' birth.
This year, the winter solstice will occur at 12:42 UT (Universal Time -- more commonly known as Greenwich Mean Time) on December 21st. If my calculations are correct, that is 7:42 am EST for us folks here in the Mitten State. (See this site.) I just learned this morning that solstice means "standing-still-sun." Cool, huh?
At the Candlegrove site, the author says, "Many, many cultures the world over perform solstice ceremonies. At their root: an ancient fear that the failing light would never return unless humans intervened with anxious vigil or antic celebration."
Whch is deplorable to say the least. Even before Christianity, people were gripped by fear. Fear of a disappearing sun. Fear of the cold. Fear for their survival. My take: the early shapers of Christianity jumped on the fear bandwagon, because that was what people were used to, and looky there, it worked.
And then we have the baby Jesus' birthday celebration. My earliest memories of December, of winter, are focused entirely around Christmas (the Christ-Mass, the worship of the Messiah, the Anointed One). I just read somewhere here recently how powerful the symbols of Christmas are. Where was that? Ah, yes, here.
...the Nativity narratives are the subject of ongoing scholarly debate over their historical accuracy, their theological meaning and whether some of the central images and words of the Christian religion owe as much to the pagan culture of the Roman Empire as they do to apostolic revelation.
...The power of the Nativity message—that a helpless child is in fact a heavenly king—lies in its consistent pattern of reversal, of making the weak strong, the humble mighty. The stable, the manger and the swaddling of Jesus are such theological touches.Yes, these are powerful images in the story of Jesus' birth: the shocking appearance of angels, guiding stars in the sky, humble people exalted, the manger scene replete with donkeys and cows, the lowly shepherds, the Wise Men seeking out a baby, a frightening getaway to Egypt. The cynical part of me thinks that Hollywood screenwriters could never sell such an outlandish story.
And yet, these are part and parcel of me and my childhood memories.
Here's a cool quote regarding Christmas:
"Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who work into the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes, another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made something very beautiful, something which compels our understanding."[The picture above was taken the morning of the 2000 Winter Solstice near Ames, Iowa. The halo is made by sunlight shining through millions of ice crystals.]
--Earl W. Count, "4,000 Years of Christmas"
Snuggly-warm dragon
Dragon Mood? -- wrapped up warmly in my red dragon robe
It's Sunday morning, the thermometer registers an amazing "ZERO" outside, and I'm happily sitting here at the computer -- warm, drinking my coffee and blogging.
Totally content.
Well, almost. The sun is actually shining in this part of cloudy Michigan. Imagine that, sunshine! The sun is shining on the tassels of the ornamental grasses out in the front yard. I would LOVE to capture a photo of them . . . or three. But, sadly, my camera batteries are dead. And Santa has a "Do Not Open" sign on the Amazon box with the new digital camera inside. Damn! I'm not even sure if we have batteries for the new camera. Arrgh!
But let's return to the idea of content. Yes, content-ment.
I am content this morning. Which is a very good thing. Life is good.
Thank you, Divine One, for all these many moments of living, breathing and being.
It's Sunday morning, the thermometer registers an amazing "ZERO" outside, and I'm happily sitting here at the computer -- warm, drinking my coffee and blogging.
Totally content.
Well, almost. The sun is actually shining in this part of cloudy Michigan. Imagine that, sunshine! The sun is shining on the tassels of the ornamental grasses out in the front yard. I would LOVE to capture a photo of them . . . or three. But, sadly, my camera batteries are dead. And Santa has a "Do Not Open" sign on the Amazon box with the new digital camera inside. Damn! I'm not even sure if we have batteries for the new camera. Arrgh!
But let's return to the idea of content. Yes, content-ment.
I am content this morning. Which is a very good thing. Life is good.
Thank you, Divine One, for all these many moments of living, breathing and being.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Calling all red-wine drinkers
Flash: This week, Meijer's is selling Crane Lake Cabernet Sauvignon for $2 a bottle!
Actually, the advertised price is 5 bottles for $10. I bought 15 bottles. And I plan to buy some more! What a buy!
Actually, the advertised price is 5 bottles for $10. I bought 15 bottles. And I plan to buy some more! What a buy!
Thank you for this Happy Day!
I parked the car, made sure I had the keys to S's car in my hand, locked the door and started to walk through the parking lot. The weak winter sun was inching up over the horizon, filling the sky with a warm glow. There were two birds sitting on the edge of the building, right over the door, watching what ever it is that birds watch. And they started to sing!
Hearing their birdy music reminded me to take a moment and be thankful, thankful, thankful. A partner who loves me and lets me borrow her little car (when mine is in the shop) , God who gives me a sun that rises every day and warms my skin, and birds that sing to me, even in the shortest days of winter.
Hearing their birdy music reminded me to take a moment and be thankful, thankful, thankful. A partner who loves me and lets me borrow her little car (when mine is in the shop) , God who gives me a sun that rises every day and warms my skin, and birds that sing to me, even in the shortest days of winter.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
(whew!)...the day after my birthday
To cut to the chase . . . I am pooped from celebrating my birthday! It wasn't a Polish-wedding sort of affair, lasting for three days, but it was an extremely FULL and HAPPY day, with numerous calls from far-flung family wishing me excited birthday wishes, many emails from friends here, there and beyond "there," warm hugs, and many words of congratulations. I was in a "general" state of high anticipation, excitement and overall well-being for the entire day! I wish all people could experience such a profound sense of love, care and excitement at one's very existence! It is something to most definitely embrace, store for uncertain and insecure moments, and treasure above all. I am very blessed and feel most thankful for such wonderful people surrounding me.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Purple people-eater walls
Caroline suggested eggplant-colored walls when she and Yosh were visiting our pied-a-terre. Here's my quick, crude Photoshop take on her suggestions.
Two days before my birthday
Dragon Mood? -- excited!!!
Yup, it's two days before my birthday. And I'm getting excited!!
I was meeting with a health professional yesterday. I told her that Monday is my birthday and she said, "I feel sorry for all December children. They get kind of gypped."
And I replied, "You know, I never felt that way. I always felt like it was me and Jesus --fingers entwined together-- having our birthdays and the world was getting ready for them."
There's a little child's chutzpah, huh?
To that end, for my seasonal image (at least for this week), I have posted a portion of my natal astrology chart.
Yup, it's two days before my birthday. And I'm getting excited!!
I was meeting with a health professional yesterday. I told her that Monday is my birthday and she said, "I feel sorry for all December children. They get kind of gypped."
And I replied, "You know, I never felt that way. I always felt like it was me and Jesus --fingers entwined together-- having our birthdays and the world was getting ready for them."
There's a little child's chutzpah, huh?
To that end, for my seasonal image (at least for this week), I have posted a portion of my natal astrology chart.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Scouring through the archives
Isn't this is a lovely graphic?
Poking, poking and more poking through the endless archives of Allposters.com, I found this lovely image. I just had to stick it in my blog for all (*derisive laughter*) to see.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)