Natural Health and Wellness

Saturday I bought some beautiful sunflowers and some red flowers of which I'm uncertain of their identity. I'm always delighted with the colorful selection of beauty in Mr. Chandler's flower booth at our local farmers' market. These were no exception. I brought them home and chose to display them in my only blue vase (which is normally in the back of the top cabinet on the top shelf because, as you know, blue is not my favorite color). After all it would make a great post for Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally . Of course, with my passion for wellness and a blog that features suggestions for holistic health and wellness, I had to find a way to bring that in also. Consider these sunflowers would definitely be a sunny and uplifting spot in an otherwise BLUE day. The number of people suffering from the blues to mild or severe depression seems to be growing continuously. Perhaps it is our over committed lifestyles, relationship challenges, poor health, problems with the

A heart of thankfulness and gratitude is a great measure of health and wellness to the body, mind, and spirit. Grace Alone host Thankful Thursdays . I have seen others posts for this meme, but have not posted there before -- I'm not sure I have even visited. That's my loss for sure. Today a post for Thankful Thursday caught my attention and I was drawn there to the theme of thankfulness with the thoughts of rescue in mind. I'm so glad I did. For those who have visited Alive! recently you know that my son and his wife are on an adoption journey to "rescue" two children from their very difficult circumstances in Ethiopia. We haven't met these precious children yet or even know who they are. What we do know is that there are 5 million orphans in Ethiopia because of an every growing HIV/Aids crisis, drought, & famine. While family is important to the Ethiopian people, these millions of children have no one left with the means to care for them. Two of them will

This is very exciting. Those of us that know the potential of essential oils have been aware of their potential to be an highly effective pesticide without the toxic effects to humans and animals and the environment. Now National Geographic is reporting it as news in their Green Guide. They are calling them "killer spices." I'll call them essential oils. The article refers to both. You may read the whole story here . This is such valuable information. Wonder what took them so long to figure this out? Cedarwood (discussed for many interesting reasons in a post a day or two ago) has long been used to line closets and chests to keep insects from eating their way through clothing, linens, etc. Citronella is sold in candles and sprays, which often contain other more toxic ingredients in their formula as well. Those are just two common ways essential oils from plants are used for the critter battle already. And without the side effects of the toxic chemical solutions. It makes

I've begun to make a habit of posting for Blue Monday over at Smiling Sally's blog . If you've read the few I've posted you know that blue is more of a challenge for me. Perhaps that is why I'm feeling an urge to continue to share with you in this venue. This week I spent a few days in the Nashville area visiting my son and his family. Of course, that includes my very special (and only) grandson, Isaac. Please notice that in our photo moment here he is wearing blue, and you see just a hint of the blue and green design that decorated my white tee. Also, note this is a very relaxed and happy gramma, too. It was a privilege while there to swap reflexology sessions with a fellow practitioner -- oh such a blessing for my own health & wellness & tranquility. And you know that subject is one for which I am passionate. Isaac's mom and dad have been diligently working to raise the funds needed for their adoption plans. You might enjoy reading (and following) thei

"Quietude, which some men cannot abide because it reveals their inward poverty, is as a palace of cedar to the wise, for along its hallowed courts the King in his beauty deigns to walk." - Charles H. Spurgeon You may recall that King Solomon built the temple and his own palace of cedarwood. But do you know the aromatic influence of cedar's aromas besides being an enjoyable treat for the olfactory sense? In his book, Healing Oils of the Bible, Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D. says this about the aromatic influence of cedarwood: Solomon built his temple and palace out of the Cedars of Lebanon. Thus, his places to live, govern, and worship all had the vapors of cedarwood in the air. Cedarwood oil contains the highest concentrasion of sesquiterpenes of any known substance (98%). Sesquiterpenes oxygenate the brain and support clear thinking, which is what wise rulers need to have. Perhaps King Solomon was wiser than we thought. Perhaps he knew of the aromatherapeutic benefits of cedar

Massage Therapy.com gives thumbs up to reflexology for multiple conditions among them sleep challenges, irritable bowel, depression, constipation, menopause symptoms, and side effects of chemotherapy. All of these reports are supported by research studies on with real people. These are health challenges that have been faced by many of my clients. Seeing first hand the benefits they have experienced from regular reflexology sessions (1-4 weeks apart), I was most excited to come upon this article and to be able to share it with you. For you or for a friend or loved one struggling in these areas, this article is worth the read. Looking for a reflexologist...well, if you're in the Memphis, TN area please give me a call. You'll find the number on my Footsteps In Eden website. Other areas of the country, the websites of Reflexology Association of America and the American Reflexology Certification Board contain referral lists by state. Photo from Stock Vault .

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer hosts Outdoor Wednesday. This is my first contribution, but I've seen many beautiful photos posted there. A trip around many of these may offer a few moments of tranquility in the midst of a busy day. Sitting at my kitchen table (sometimes with my laptop)the photo above is the view from my breakfast nook picture window. The setting (there's a park right behind our home) is a most relaxing spot to work and enjoy life at the same time. Blessings like this one, because it is so close at hand, often go unnoticed as we hurry through life. What are the little blessings around you today...the small spots of tranquility in your life...that if taken for granted may be missed so quickly and easily? Remember to stop by Susan's blog , leave a few comments, and take the time to smell the roses there.

The Ruby Tuesday carnival hosted by "Work of the Poet" has caught my attention as I've gone visiting so many new blogs out there. While participating in "Blue Monday" has been a sweet blessing, ruby is much more a color of choice in my surroundings (along with purple and gold and green and rust and black and even a touch of orange -- just imagine all of that together). Important to a great night's sleep is an inviting "sanctuary" calling out to you each evening. A couple of years ago after finding this great print for the bedspread, the reds were just calling out to be highlighted. A passionate ruby wall is framing our bed. The serenity of green grace the remaining walls. Now add the peaceful scents of lavendar, orange, sandalwood (to name a few you might experience here) and sleepytime music playing softly in the background, and I love the tropical paradise we've created. Usually a quite tranquil spot in which to retire for the evening. Lovin

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the US. Does that disturb you? It certainly is scary when you think of all the health problems associated with the extra pounds, and these children will be at risk at a very early age. The figure is that about 30% of American kids fall into this category and the number is rising. Some of them are severely obese. Sadly, I remember as a child that the few fat kids were pretty much the object of other kids' jokes as well -- at the very least, they were not usually among the popular kids and rarely chosen for anyone's team. In this Washington Post article you can read about this growing problem and some initiatives being taken to address it . Another article in the Washington Post that came to my attention this week focuses on one aspect: SODAS! There are those who would like to place a stiff tax on sodas sweetened with sugar and high fructose corn syrup. While I'm not sure exactly what my opinion is of this idea, it might at least giv

My blue contribution to this week's Smiling Sally's Blue Monday . Blue is a always a challenge for me. Except for turquoise and the deep teals, my space doesn't come to life in the blue family. This photo, however, holds an especially fond "blue" memory. Sweet memories are balm to the soul. Before sharing a little explanation of its current use, and my sweet memory about this box, please allow me to digress for a paragraph here. It's all a part of the story. From previous posts you may know that my son and d-i-l are adopting two children from Ethiopia. The cost of adoption is quite high -- While most adoptive families are willing to make some enormous personal sacrifices to bring their children home, they just don't have big enough piggy banks to meet the financial requirements without help of family, friends, and even some they don't know. As a family we have some pretty creative fundraisers in the works. . . what you see here is just a glimpse of the

Robin at Around the Island hosts Summer Stock Sunday. Sharing my special morning with sweet little granddaughter, Mikah. A pleasant summer day, Mikah and I enjoyed Thursday morning at the Memphis Zoo. Quite enlightening to take time to just "smell the roses" through the eyes of a child. Her 3 yr. old perspective always amazes and refreshes me! Mikah was a bit leary of the standing too close to the flowers. There were a few bees. The giant pandas were a must see. This one was taking a snooze while we visited him. What a rude host. Mikah doesn't seem to mind, though. Always looking for a playground with "monkey hangers" -- or just old fashioned monkey bars -- is a challenge. Mikah loves them! She thought this single bar was almost a monkey hanger. When asked her favorite part of our adventure, Mikah said she loved it when the sea lions splashed her. . . and splash her they did! After walking to all corners of the zoo for 2 1/2 hours, Mikah quieried me, "Gram

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, or so the little saying goes. There may just be something to the ounce of prevention plan. So much controversy surrounds the healthcare issue. There is probably no one in this country that would say everything with our current health care system and the pharamaceutical companies and health insurance companies is AOK. Right now the pendelum seems to be swinging between the extremes. All the screaming at town hall meetings and the heated discussions on facebook and other social networking media makes for some interesting entertainment, but hasn't resolved much of how we will actually be taken care of. I for one am very concerned. Not knowing at all the future of healthcare availablity in our country is only one part of the issue. Whether healthcare is availabe or not, I believe that our health is something for which we must personally take responsibility. We eat the Standard American Diet, get little exercise except our fingers walking on the key

Just for Blue Monday . . . we divert our attention for a moment from thoughts on health and wellness to precious people and things that grace my life. I believe that in the larger pic, faith, family, memories, and enjoyment of life are the greatest contributors to true health and wellness. So, here's my contribution today to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday . Just love this pic of my mischievous little granddaughter in her pretty blue Easter dress . . . this would not be a complete story, though, without pics of our other two precious little ones. . . one is wearing a spot of blue. Well, the other is spinning in her matching (to her sister's) purple confection. (These dresses were a real joy to create adding to my personal wellness quotient.) This little guy turned 1 on The Fourth of July. His family is on the adoption journey, and he will soon have siblings from Ethiopia. While visiting ALIVE!, look for more on their story.

Etsy store, Lynn's Treasure Pockets , has reopened. We've reposted a few expired items and are so excited about our latest inspiration. It's coming soon. Hint: A delightful bracelet...be looking for this precious and inspiring gift idea. I recently read that the church is dying because Christians fail to make Christ ALIVE! Extending our hand to the poor and needy is the call of the Christ Follower's life. "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27 (NLT) So where do these two thoughts merge? An earlier post this week featured our son and d-i-l and the adventure on which they have embarked: Adopting two Ethiopian orphans . When you shop at Lynn's Treasure Pockets , you join the journey. All profits from sales in this Etsy store will benefit David & Amy's adoption fund. The Father has not left us as orphans -- "I will not

Did you know that Restless Leg Syndrome may be caused by a mineral deficiency, a Vitamin B deficiency induced neuropathy, or even hormonal imbalances. While I was looking into this for a client yesterday, I was amazed at some of the things I discovered about this most annoying and frustrating challenge to a great night's sleep. Here is an article that discusses many of the potential causes. One of my favorite aromatherapy sources suggested that the condition has many similarities in nature to ADD and ADHD. This seemed to be in the area of mineral deficiencies also. Loads of nutrients from fruits and veggies were suggested along with mineral supplements. Would you like to learn more about the specific suggestions in this source? Join my facebook page (see right hand column.) Leave your message there. I'll be sure to get back with you in a timely fashion. What really jumped out at me was the Vitamin B deficiency neuropathy. Testimonial evidence shows REFLEXOLOGY to be a major

Our son and his family -- David, Amy & little Isaac -- are on an adoption journey to bring home two orphans from this extremely impoverished country. Please take time to visit their blog, Ethiopia's Calling to learn more about the challenges faced by children in this country and about their adoption story. Trusting the Lord that their one-child family will soon be a three-child family. Including mom and dad that is definitely 3 or more ! (Check out the end of the post for the significance of 3 or more.) We are all called to reach out to the poor and needy. When we answer that call, special things happen in our spirits that allow us to touch the heart of God. There is no doubt that there is a deep sense of spiritual wellness in that place. The costs involved in adoption are great on many levels including financial. You may learn about some of that on their blog. We will be suggesting so many ways you may choose to be a part of bringing these children home to their forever fami

Diane's blog, "A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words," hosts Second Time Around Tuesdays . Participation requires a link to a post about something new to you, but has been around awhile -- perhaps a long time. You may have found it at a yard sale, thrift shop, by the side of the road . . . . I'll have to say, my contribution wasn't found in any of those places, and it is not even brand new to me. In fact, it's been around my whole life. The tray in this picture has become a treasured piece (at least to me) in my reflexology studio . I love the detail in the stamping and the textured look of the tray that was given to my parents as a wedding gift in 1947. It's had a very active life over all these years. My mother used it to serve indoors, outdoors, any time there was an opportunity. My bro had it for awhile, and used it all the time. Not sure how it came to be mine, but I cherish its presence and the memories it evokes in my heart and life almost everyday.

Finding my way back to my blog after this two month absence and recovery, my hope and prayer is to create a network of friends sharing each others thoughts and inspirations. I believe that is what this blogging business is all about. It does take a bit of extra work. Now that I have finally joined the wireless world, that task should be a bit easier. (Interpretation: I can sit in the living room where my husband watches his high testosterone laden programming, but conveniently be tuned in to my blogging endeavors instead. Works for me.) So far today since adding the follower gadget, I have two followers. Welcome Terry and ClassyChassy! This beauty of a butterfly (I just love butterflies!) is from www.stockvault.net

Returning to ALIVE! yesterday, one important item on my agenda was to go visiting...blog hopping...checking in with a few I follow, and discovering a few more linked to those. You know, I believe that's a great way to make new friends in the blogosphere world. One new friend is Smiling Sally . I'm following her now, and will be adding her blog to my favorites list. "Blue Monday" is Sally's own fun way to interact with blogger friends. Be sure to visit. A mention of her "Blue Monday" posts drew my attention to her "home." I'm not sure why. Purple, orange, teal, coral, caribbean sea green, brown . . . those are my colors. But recently I bought a bathing suit in brown with big blue flowers. Then I purchased some awesome blue lagoon batik and made a skirt to complement it. An old (but beautiful) necklace and bracelet with a couple shades of blue was the inspiration for another sewing project -- a deep rich blue dress. And then, of course, I lov

Last post on health & wellness or anything was May 26th. After a 2 month hiatus, perhaps a little explanation is in order. With thanksgiving to an awesome Heavenly Father who provides healing and makes us ALIVE! in Him, I'm still here to give Him the glory. A fine line between life and death...an allergic reaction gone terribly bad in early June, found me in the hospital receiving super gargantuan mega-doses of the drugs I prefer to avoid. With a diagnosis of strep induced toxic shock syndrome and celluliltis, I'm very grateful that these were available as a life saving measure. For someone who just doesn't do sick well at all, the patience it is taking to arrive at complete recovery has been challenging indeed. The first month was just a blur. As I've begun working again and keeping the grandchildren a bit, I'm slowly getting back into my routines. That means ALIVE! will come back to life!!!! Looking forward to sharing more great thoughts on life and living it