I get sent a great deal of news articles daily. Friends share tidbits that they think might spark my interest. On trend I follow quite frequently is news on breastfeeding, and it has been getting a lot of mainstream press lately. Partly due to the newest tragedy linked to Enfamil formula's, some related to the incident at Target where the mother nursing her baby in the corner was harassed. Another article I read, where pornography is destroying the ability of individuals to connect with each other. Younger women feel inadequate when compared to the unrealistic expectations men now have, due to over exposure of stimulation. Men feel unable to connect on a real emotional level of intimacy, therefore creating a schlew of sexual health problems.
Friends of mine become incredibly annoyed at the fact I refuse to add the texting feature to my phone. How do all of these things coincide? The things I have deep passion for, I can relate to bruised fruit. When browsing the produce at a supermarket, we have a tendency to choose only the most perfect looking specimens, while the one's with slight brown spots, misshapen proportions, off seeming colour, get left behind to the brave soul willing to take a chance on a managers special, or most likely, end up in the trash.
When the farmer's harvest the crop, even then, the less than ideal one's do not travel out of the orchard. The only time these things are forgiven by society, is when the hold the coveted label of being "organic".
Being organic is expensive. Check any price, and even though the difference is a few cents, we are often times unable to justify the higher amounts. We know it is better for us; less chemicals, higher nutrient value, intenser flavor, better financial support for the growers, and better for the Earth.
There is nothing "organic" about technology. We treat the term as though it is an off shoot of mainstream. Sadly, it is. Just as the lactation field considers infant formulas "suboptimal" and breastfeeding "normal", the rest of the world operates just the opposite. So too has our societies normals become a substitute for the richness of the real human experience. How often do you receive a hand written letter in the mail? Much less a phone call "just because".... When was the last time you made the effort to record a family tradition, or implemented a new one, so your children had a piece of the past to honor. When was the last time you played a board game, planted a garden, cooked a meal completely from scratch?
What has become nothing more than nostalgia, stands to become extinct. As human beings, we crave interaction. Babies crave touch, to be held, to be loved. Just because we have grown, does not mean we do not need those same basic necessities in life. There is a secret to bruised fruit. Just because it has a discoloration, just because it has already fallen off of the tree, does not mean it is bad. It must be re purposed, and nothing left to waste. I would make the effort at least once this year to bake a bread, or pie, from less than ideal. (Nothing beats homeade baked goods, hands down!) Go to a garage sale, and buy some one's junk, and find a new place for it in your home. Turn off the television for just one weekend, and go to your nearest park, take off your shoes, and feel the grass beneath your feet. Buy a book of stamps and write one letter a month to some one. It does not matter if they work in the cubicle next to you, or on the other side of the world. Teach your child, or some child you know about the cycle of life by hunting for bugs, or watching the tadpoles at a pond turn into mighty frog. Just as a warning, it might be uncomfortable at first, you may feel it is beneath you, or a waste of time. It will teach you how far away you really are. But if you embrace it, and allow yourself to get lost, or look a fool, your soul will shine in happiness. The cake might be burnt, the weather might not cooperate, but try again. I promise, it will be the sweetest thing you have ever tasted. Happy New Year friends, make this one count!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Embracing Winter
When I started this blog, I had every intention of keeping up with it weekly, if not monthly... Sometimes it is good for time to go by, and revisit what has happened. We had our first snow fall this week. For December in Ohio, the grass should long have turned brown, and the trees barren much sooner. We were spoiled with the grace of balmy weather, much longer than we should have. Often we complain of it being too hot, and when it is cold, wistfully waiting for the heat of summer to return. Taking a cue from mother nature, I am pulling in my energy, releasing the leaves of old, and embracing winter. A time to reflect, rest, and dream..
Since my last post, much has happened. The beam of light, known as Lincoln Noble, returned to his creator, to become complete. I like to think it was not his heart that was really broken, but ours, and he came for a short visit to heal us here still waiting. My friend Shana is still fighting. Cancer may have robbed her of her hair, but only for a short while. Not wanting her to feel alone, I cut nearly 20 inches off of myself, so as some little girl may reap the benefit. I too have not been immune to tragedy, as I waited outside the emergency doors as my husband received a spinal tap, followed by weeks of misdiagnosis, and a stranger for a spouse, unable to leave our bed, with no end in sight. Life takes on a new importance, when it sits on the brink of death's door.
Despite the tragedy endured this year, I feel I can go into the next season with a greater appreciation of friendship, wisdom, and life. Perhaps that is the wisdom of growing older. As time moves forward like a locomotive, we opt to walk the trail instead. Things we found important in our youth, suddenly lose their meaning. We begin to value people and experiences, not the acquisition of material objects. As I burrow down into the deep, waiting for warmth to return, I will draw into the very being of stillness, and restoration. I will honor the mother within.......
Since my last post, much has happened. The beam of light, known as Lincoln Noble, returned to his creator, to become complete. I like to think it was not his heart that was really broken, but ours, and he came for a short visit to heal us here still waiting. My friend Shana is still fighting. Cancer may have robbed her of her hair, but only for a short while. Not wanting her to feel alone, I cut nearly 20 inches off of myself, so as some little girl may reap the benefit. I too have not been immune to tragedy, as I waited outside the emergency doors as my husband received a spinal tap, followed by weeks of misdiagnosis, and a stranger for a spouse, unable to leave our bed, with no end in sight. Life takes on a new importance, when it sits on the brink of death's door.
Despite the tragedy endured this year, I feel I can go into the next season with a greater appreciation of friendship, wisdom, and life. Perhaps that is the wisdom of growing older. As time moves forward like a locomotive, we opt to walk the trail instead. Things we found important in our youth, suddenly lose their meaning. We begin to value people and experiences, not the acquisition of material objects. As I burrow down into the deep, waiting for warmth to return, I will draw into the very being of stillness, and restoration. I will honor the mother within.......
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Back to the beginning...
I heard a quote a few weeks ago, I apologize if you find it some what crude, but I could not help but let out a little giggle. Here goes....
"What if the light at the end of the tunnel when you die, is really you being pushed out of another vagina?"
Reincarnation has never sounded so philisophical and juvenile in the same sentence. I especially enjoy a good laugh right now, and the humor placed into a normally somber moment in life. As the last leaves drop from the trees, and winter hovers so patiently before the brutality it will bring, I feel myself settling into the rhythms of life, deep stirrings compelling me to pull the life back within my roots, drop the coverings of this past year, and rest. All of life, has cycles, and as humans, we spend a great deal of time trying to manipulate them. I find when we work against them, we fail, and our bodies, our land, and our world react the same. We spend less and less time working with them, considering them "primitive" when compared to the new technological methods we have developed and adopted. I have simply realized that advances in technology, are simply poor substitutes for what nature has already provided.
In my journey this year of bringing babies back to the breast, I have learned myself that we as humans need to be back to our natural state, as our very survival is at stake, not just physically, but emotionally. We should grow our own foods, spend time with our friends and families, support our communities, reduce our dependencies on technology and the fuels necessary to operate them. We need to teach our children to look up to scientist and not celebrities. I suppose bringing life into this world, helps you to see it for what it really is. It is moving so quickly, I feel fortunate to be able to see it from a new perspective. Or maybe I am just growing older, and able to focus on what matters, not what is frivilous.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Trusting our creator
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.....
I know a lot of people caught in the middle of pretty difficult situations. Places where their hands are tied, and there is no control over what will happen next. These are defining moments in our lives, we would honestly prefer not to experience. Husbands at war, with out work, sick babies, sick mothers, debt, family separation, addiction, divorce.... When every time the phone rings, your toes curl, and heart drops, we ask one more day to make it right. I've had my moments where I would promise God I would do A,B, and C if he would help me, just this once. I would drop to my knees, when I should have been there before the catastrophe hit.
As I get older, I have learned to see the blows as often mercies in disguise. Perhaps it is that part of me that believes there is a plan for my life, and somehow this is a necessary thread in the tapestry, that is critical for holding it all together. Maybe it is because I choose to use those moments to help others, knowing that the feeling of being alone can be far worse than the event it's self. I have to trust that the detour is part of the journey of my final destination. When tragedy strikes now, I resist the urge to ask God for mercy, knowing it is already there. I have to place my trust in my creator.
I know not everyone believes the same, whether it is Jesus, Allah, Buddah, or simply the universe, no harm is ever wished upon a living thing. Life is sacred, and too often we treat is as a disposable novelty that will always be there. We are to respect it, and live it, and love it every moment. Tomorrow is never promised to anyone, all we can hope for, is that it will be there, and better than today. I pray often, and see miracles, today my prayers are for you.....
I know a lot of people caught in the middle of pretty difficult situations. Places where their hands are tied, and there is no control over what will happen next. These are defining moments in our lives, we would honestly prefer not to experience. Husbands at war, with out work, sick babies, sick mothers, debt, family separation, addiction, divorce.... When every time the phone rings, your toes curl, and heart drops, we ask one more day to make it right. I've had my moments where I would promise God I would do A,B, and C if he would help me, just this once. I would drop to my knees, when I should have been there before the catastrophe hit.
As I get older, I have learned to see the blows as often mercies in disguise. Perhaps it is that part of me that believes there is a plan for my life, and somehow this is a necessary thread in the tapestry, that is critical for holding it all together. Maybe it is because I choose to use those moments to help others, knowing that the feeling of being alone can be far worse than the event it's self. I have to trust that the detour is part of the journey of my final destination. When tragedy strikes now, I resist the urge to ask God for mercy, knowing it is already there. I have to place my trust in my creator.
I know not everyone believes the same, whether it is Jesus, Allah, Buddah, or simply the universe, no harm is ever wished upon a living thing. Life is sacred, and too often we treat is as a disposable novelty that will always be there. We are to respect it, and live it, and love it every moment. Tomorrow is never promised to anyone, all we can hope for, is that it will be there, and better than today. I pray often, and see miracles, today my prayers are for you.....
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Modern day Artemis
Many of us are not history buffs... When we hear the name Artemis, we may connect it to a masculine figure, or in Cincinnati, the tool used to monitor traffic. But in ancient times, Artemis was a woman. She was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. The daughter of Zeus, goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity, and young girls, bringing and relieving disease in young women; she was often depicted carrying a bow and arrow.... I found her while trying to seek out a description for an athletic goddess, which is who you will meet today. Although I have myself a somewhat strong physical character, it is the women who are able to push the physical boundaries of the human body, to achieve goals many envy (including myself). They motivate me to want to work harder, and are breathing proof that motherhood is not a box, but an open road, meant to be shared with our young....
Carrie.....
Carrie is my neighbor. The day I moved in 3 years ago, she greeted me with a smile and a delicious chocolate zucchini cake. Halloween was always a special treat, because her mother helped make the most elaborate costumes for the whole family. That first year, she was the Colonel Sanders, her husband was the chicken, and the baby was the drumstick in a bucket! We became friends while I walked my dog, and she strollered her little one off to the library. Our husbands are the same age, and have similar hobby's, so we always had something to talk about, mostly various injuries, suffered at the hands of sports. We became pregnant very closely, and she was a wonderful person to give advice, and share little quirks of motherhood. It was after she had her second daughter, I saw her strength. She quickly balanced the challenges of two children, along side the dedicated schedule of training in multiple sports. This year alone she has completed a trial half marathon in the Flying Pig, a Half Iron Man, received 1st place in a large regional triathlon, and that is what just comes to mind. I love her because she does not try to come across as snooty, she is very kind, hilarious, and humble. Her mother also helped me create a baptism gown out of my deconstructed wedding dress, so it is a generational appreciation of her family. If I was able to, I would post her photo and story on an issue of Women's Health Magazine cover, so other women would have a real example of some one who shows that you can be fit, and have kids!
Jaclyn....
I met Jaclyn a few years ago when I had gone home to run a race in Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. She is the wife of an old friend of mine, and we were introduced at dinner the night before. I quickly grew to admire who she was. For years she was a yoga instructor, teaching at resorts in Jamaica during the summer, while working on her masters degree in education. Over the years I have witnessed her do amazing things. She completed the Pikes Peak Ascent, which is one of the most difficult races in the country, which tackles a 14,000 foot mountain. During her pregnancy, she continued to practice yoga and running, and guiding rafting trips along the Rio Grande river, up to the day she had her beautiful little girl. She chose to have an unmedicated birth, and exclusively breastfeed, while working full time as a teacher. In addition to her career, she has continued to train, running a half marathon a month along side her husband, and began competing in triathlon's! They have started a blog dedicated to their daughter about adventures in hiking, rafting and running, which I have had the pleasure of following myself. Although I do not live near her, by sharing her journey with others via digital media outlets, I am able to be inspired, and pass it along.
Not all of us have the motivation, or determination to live such athletic lives, but I do believe we all need friends like these, to encourage us on our first 5ks, eating healthier, and being good examples to our children as active people.
Carrie.....
Carrie is my neighbor. The day I moved in 3 years ago, she greeted me with a smile and a delicious chocolate zucchini cake. Halloween was always a special treat, because her mother helped make the most elaborate costumes for the whole family. That first year, she was the Colonel Sanders, her husband was the chicken, and the baby was the drumstick in a bucket! We became friends while I walked my dog, and she strollered her little one off to the library. Our husbands are the same age, and have similar hobby's, so we always had something to talk about, mostly various injuries, suffered at the hands of sports. We became pregnant very closely, and she was a wonderful person to give advice, and share little quirks of motherhood. It was after she had her second daughter, I saw her strength. She quickly balanced the challenges of two children, along side the dedicated schedule of training in multiple sports. This year alone she has completed a trial half marathon in the Flying Pig, a Half Iron Man, received 1st place in a large regional triathlon, and that is what just comes to mind. I love her because she does not try to come across as snooty, she is very kind, hilarious, and humble. Her mother also helped me create a baptism gown out of my deconstructed wedding dress, so it is a generational appreciation of her family. If I was able to, I would post her photo and story on an issue of Women's Health Magazine cover, so other women would have a real example of some one who shows that you can be fit, and have kids!
Jaclyn....
I met Jaclyn a few years ago when I had gone home to run a race in Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. She is the wife of an old friend of mine, and we were introduced at dinner the night before. I quickly grew to admire who she was. For years she was a yoga instructor, teaching at resorts in Jamaica during the summer, while working on her masters degree in education. Over the years I have witnessed her do amazing things. She completed the Pikes Peak Ascent, which is one of the most difficult races in the country, which tackles a 14,000 foot mountain. During her pregnancy, she continued to practice yoga and running, and guiding rafting trips along the Rio Grande river, up to the day she had her beautiful little girl. She chose to have an unmedicated birth, and exclusively breastfeed, while working full time as a teacher. In addition to her career, she has continued to train, running a half marathon a month along side her husband, and began competing in triathlon's! They have started a blog dedicated to their daughter about adventures in hiking, rafting and running, which I have had the pleasure of following myself. Although I do not live near her, by sharing her journey with others via digital media outlets, I am able to be inspired, and pass it along.
Not all of us have the motivation, or determination to live such athletic lives, but I do believe we all need friends like these, to encourage us on our first 5ks, eating healthier, and being good examples to our children as active people.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Women of Courage
One of the reasons I wanted to start a blog, was so I could share the stories of those I meet, to pass along hope and inspiration to others. There are several women who surround me, with lives that need to be shared. Today you will meet two of them, and as the journey continues, I ask for prayer for them to have strong feet, until they reach solid ground.
Shana....
Shana is one of my dearest friends. I always joke I did not want her to work with me, because I was afraid she would leave. But she was persistent, and I am forever thankful, because she has had a huge impact on my life. Shana is the mother of a beautiful soon to be 3 year old daughter, and yet to be born daughter on the way. I look to her as a model for how to be with my own daughter, not allowing too much television, always having proper manners, lots of structure mixed in with lots of play. I sought her advice on what I really needed when I was pregnant, and found unending support during my "baby blue" days, and breastfeeding journey. Shana was very excited when she found out she was able to get pregnant so quickly, as was I, because I was able to give her in return all the support she provided for me, including breastfeeding help to make sure this time was successful. Not too long ago, she received the news that no mother wants to hear. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had to start chemotherapy treatment right away. Her hair has started to fall out, and the little angel has yet to make her way into the world. For as devastating as this is, she is the most optimistic person I know. After all is said and done, I know she will have sage advice for other mothers who may be in her shoes, and will gladly pass it on....
JoEllen....
From even before the day I met JoEllen, I admired her path in life. It was one I wanted to follow desperately, and she tried to advise me the best she could, before fate intervened and placed me in the office next to her. She so graciously allows me to pick her brain, and during her maternity leave I took it upon myself to create a life size cut out for her desk, because we missed her presence so dearly. It was she who told me to "honor the mother", and has taught me ways of doing so. She has a natural compassion that allows her to reach women of all walks of life, and embrace who they are, and take back the power of decision making in their own well being. A few months ago she decided to have the birth she desired. To bring a little life into peaceful waters in the comfort of her home, free of interventions and medications, the way nature intended. Little Lincoln came into being, from womb to water, scooped up by her arms. All was well, and a few days later, it wasn't. She knew something was off, so they went to the hospital. Very quickly he was whisked off to Cincinnati Children's Hospital NICU, where he is temporarily residing until the hiccups cease. Lincoln was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. It is one of the rarest types of defects, and always must endure a transplant. He has already had one surgery to prepare him for the next step, and he has not even crossed the 6 month mark. Despite the diagnosis, JoEllen too has remained optimistic. Not to say that there has not been moments of absolute melt downs, but that is human, and the emotions of any mother with a child in this situation... She even took her IBCLC exam last month, which is the monster of lactation test!
Although these journeys are very different, one thing is common. We place our hope in our creator, therefore it is not lost, and in the best hands possible.. It is not over, and for that we are thankful, forever.....
Shana....
Shana is one of my dearest friends. I always joke I did not want her to work with me, because I was afraid she would leave. But she was persistent, and I am forever thankful, because she has had a huge impact on my life. Shana is the mother of a beautiful soon to be 3 year old daughter, and yet to be born daughter on the way. I look to her as a model for how to be with my own daughter, not allowing too much television, always having proper manners, lots of structure mixed in with lots of play. I sought her advice on what I really needed when I was pregnant, and found unending support during my "baby blue" days, and breastfeeding journey. Shana was very excited when she found out she was able to get pregnant so quickly, as was I, because I was able to give her in return all the support she provided for me, including breastfeeding help to make sure this time was successful. Not too long ago, she received the news that no mother wants to hear. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had to start chemotherapy treatment right away. Her hair has started to fall out, and the little angel has yet to make her way into the world. For as devastating as this is, she is the most optimistic person I know. After all is said and done, I know she will have sage advice for other mothers who may be in her shoes, and will gladly pass it on....
JoEllen....
From even before the day I met JoEllen, I admired her path in life. It was one I wanted to follow desperately, and she tried to advise me the best she could, before fate intervened and placed me in the office next to her. She so graciously allows me to pick her brain, and during her maternity leave I took it upon myself to create a life size cut out for her desk, because we missed her presence so dearly. It was she who told me to "honor the mother", and has taught me ways of doing so. She has a natural compassion that allows her to reach women of all walks of life, and embrace who they are, and take back the power of decision making in their own well being. A few months ago she decided to have the birth she desired. To bring a little life into peaceful waters in the comfort of her home, free of interventions and medications, the way nature intended. Little Lincoln came into being, from womb to water, scooped up by her arms. All was well, and a few days later, it wasn't. She knew something was off, so they went to the hospital. Very quickly he was whisked off to Cincinnati Children's Hospital NICU, where he is temporarily residing until the hiccups cease. Lincoln was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. It is one of the rarest types of defects, and always must endure a transplant. He has already had one surgery to prepare him for the next step, and he has not even crossed the 6 month mark. Despite the diagnosis, JoEllen too has remained optimistic. Not to say that there has not been moments of absolute melt downs, but that is human, and the emotions of any mother with a child in this situation... She even took her IBCLC exam last month, which is the monster of lactation test!
Although these journeys are very different, one thing is common. We place our hope in our creator, therefore it is not lost, and in the best hands possible.. It is not over, and for that we are thankful, forever.....
Honor The Mother vol. 1
One of the most important things I have ever been told, especially in my line of work is "honor the mother". What does that mean? How do I as an individual, and collectively as a society do we take on such a task? For those who are the religious sort, God commands very specifically to "honor thy mother". Perhaps it was meant to be not just a literal statement, but a broad one as well. Many faiths across cultures, honor women, and the divine capability we have to create life. A mother is not just a feminine being that procreates and brings into being another soul. It is a character trait, that each day is pushed to become the fullest extent of possibility, love deeper than the oceans, and be rooted deeper than the trees of the might sequoia. Being a mother is not limited to the blood we share, but the bond of affection we cultivate. Over time, I hope to inspire many to see the light that shines outward, and honor the mother within....
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