It's strange, after sleeping three and a half hours, I awakened at three thirty in the morning, showered, and got to work on puling in old images from Webshots taken with a film camera. What poor quality images they were. What's even more complicated is the processing from Seattle Film Works, which did the film processing, also provided the images on a floppy disk. Which I now have to sort out getting read by my laptop using an external A Drive. One of the albums of our first trip to Hawaii on the island of Kauai.
The lovely Waimea Canyon, which is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We were excited to drive around the island, then later, fly over the canyon by helicopter.
Here is a link to the album on Webshots:
Kauai in March 9-16 in 2008
Time to go back to sleep.... It will keep for another day....
What do you do when you awake in the middle of the night?
Monday, November 26, 2012
No Further Treatment Is Necessary
It's been six weeks now since cancer surgery. I'm still healing, although i feel great!
I have been eating a plant-based diet based on the directives in a very informative DVD titled:
HEALING CANCER From the inside. Other DVD's titled: Forks Over Knives, taught me more about the importance of giving one's body the types of foods which rev up one's Immune System. The key is eating only foods which are natural whole Fruits and Vegetables, Whole Grain foods, and nothing processed.
I juice in the morning and some times late in the afternoon. Making certain only fresh (ideally, Organic) foods are used. The difference was very evident. A lightness, more energy, a softening of excess fat.
I slept better, I had more energy, I felt like my metabolism was zooming along. Diverticulosis was not a problem at all. Even eating raw nuts did not cause digestion problems. The swelling in my feet and legs were slowly returning to normal. I am in my sixth month now, and I was three months into the plan when I had my surgery. The pathology report confirmed Cancer, stage 1-A. All the cancer was contained within the organs removed in tact. No further treatment is necessary.
Although you know the types of foods I continue to eat daily, there are other types of foods to be avoided like the plague. These are processed foods, (anything that comes in a box, canned foods, confections, junk foods.) The actual plan is based on the R.A.V.E. Plan.
R =No Refined Foods
A = No animal products, this includes all meats, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy foods.
V = No Vegetable Oils, including virgin olive oil (because of the processing)
E = No Exceptions, and Plenty of exercise
Does it sound scary? It was the key to beating cancer at its game.
I started to research other DVD's that were offering more substantiation of the principles taught.
This was a new way of eating, and I wanted to get the best preparation I could for my body to undergo major surgery
I have been eating a plant-based diet based on the directives in a very informative DVD titled:
HEALING CANCER From the inside. Other DVD's titled: Forks Over Knives, taught me more about the importance of giving one's body the types of foods which rev up one's Immune System. The key is eating only foods which are natural whole Fruits and Vegetables, Whole Grain foods, and nothing processed.
I juice in the morning and some times late in the afternoon. Making certain only fresh (ideally, Organic) foods are used. The difference was very evident. A lightness, more energy, a softening of excess fat.
I slept better, I had more energy, I felt like my metabolism was zooming along. Diverticulosis was not a problem at all. Even eating raw nuts did not cause digestion problems. The swelling in my feet and legs were slowly returning to normal. I am in my sixth month now, and I was three months into the plan when I had my surgery. The pathology report confirmed Cancer, stage 1-A. All the cancer was contained within the organs removed in tact. No further treatment is necessary.
Although you know the types of foods I continue to eat daily, there are other types of foods to be avoided like the plague. These are processed foods, (anything that comes in a box, canned foods, confections, junk foods.) The actual plan is based on the R.A.V.E. Plan.
R =No Refined Foods
A = No animal products, this includes all meats, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy foods.
V = No Vegetable Oils, including virgin olive oil (because of the processing)
E = No Exceptions, and Plenty of exercise
Does it sound scary? It was the key to beating cancer at its game.
I started to research other DVD's that were offering more substantiation of the principles taught.
This was a new way of eating, and I wanted to get the best preparation I could for my body to undergo major surgery
Some folks say Merry Christmas"
I recently received a forwarded email message paraphrasing the well known poem, "A Visit from Saint Nick".
It was meant to express their opposition with saying anything but MERRY CHRISTMAS.
I guess this struck a note inside me, because I stopped what I was doing, to write a response to the person I know who forwarded the message to me. And, for what its worth, here is what I wrote:
It was meant to express their opposition with saying anything but MERRY CHRISTMAS.
I guess this struck a note inside me, because I stopped what I was doing, to write a response to the person I know who forwarded the message to me. And, for what its worth, here is what I wrote:
I always use the term MERRY CHRISTMAS when greeting other CHRISTIANS. It is almost Dickensian in its existence. Although in Dickens 'A Christmas Carol', people said, 'A Happy Christmas!'
Now, I am going to need to share a little story of How I came to Understand the point of view I hold true today. And it is fine with me to share this with our friend who sent it to you as well, because I know you all.
As I was growing up in the fifties and sixties, it didn't seem like Christmas without snow, and Santa on the corner ringing his bell. And all the Christmas Lights on the streets, and in the shops with their store windows done up in a cornucopia of toys. And on the houses, families hung their displays with big lights and reindeer, and Santa on their rooftop. A White Christmas in New England, with fresh snow and crisp air was the ultimate blessing.
And getting together for a Christmas Feast, inviting the Grandparents to the house for the day, and the presents.
I said Merry Christmas to everyone I came in contact with in those days.
Of course, I never saw people of different color or nationality. I never gave a thought to other cultures or faiths from other countries. I just assumed that all people and families were just like my own, where ever they lived, experiencing no difference at all. And as a child and teenager, that was my world view.
My first church experience memory was when I was four years old, until the age of twelve. (That was the year my father's Mother died.) We attended the very affluent First Baptist Church on Park Avenue & Salisbury Streets in Worcester, Massachusetts. (it was so rich, there was two bowling lanes for the youth, too!) On Christmas every family received a huge poinsettia plant. And at Easter, each family received a huge Easter Lily plant. I would marvel at the beauty of 'Big Church' on those special occasions. Seeing hundreds of poinsettias up at the business end of church, they were flowing like a red river.
Throughout those years, I learned all the verses, and scripture by memory. At twelve years old, I received a bible with edges gilded in gold, and my name in engraved in gold on the front cover. Yet, even after attending for most of my childhood, I still did not have a personal knowledge of Christ as my Saviour.
Even after I was a wife and mother, caring for my own children in California, I knew Hispanic and African American people as being Christians. To me the whole world was Christian. Until I met a neighbor of mine, who became a friend, and later on, my first husband. He was born in Egypt, and became very earnest in his Jewish faith, after we were married. His faith required that I convert to Judaism, so I attended the University of Judaism for a six month course, and received an education in Jewish History, Dietary Laws, and a bit of Jewish Philosophy, leading to a conservative Judaism conversion.
It was then I experienced what it was like to be treated with disdain, because people defined ME by my Jewishness. (That was a brain tilt!) Then later on, after a painful, broken and troubled six year marriage, I divorced my husband, and soon came to true personal faith in Christ as a result of watching a television program. It was the ministry of Jim Baker, of the P.T.L. "Praise the Lord" program. The Holy Spirit worked the unmistakable transforming Power of God in a moment, and brought me to my knees, and to personal trust and faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross.
As a result, my daughter and I moved back to Massachusetts to live with my relatively recent widower Father, in the house where I grew up. And once again, I experienced Christmas. But this time it was in a much more REAL way, celebrating the birth of my Saviour. My father was the one who suggested I attend a little Baptist church in Cherry Valley, and we attended there for the next seventeen years, My son and daughter met their helpmates, and were married there. And in His time, I met my husband Clair, and he attended church with me there, when ever he was visiting me from Michigan. Those were good years indeed.
And even then, I didn't think much about other cultures or faiths. I was focused only on the work of being a Mother, sister, friend, woman in Christ, and a soon-to-be wife.
However now, having traveled, and learning more about other cultures and faiths, I do feel that other cultures and faiths have been marginalized by government, business, and those of us who have had all the attention on our Christian faith in terms of holidays. The simple truth is the world populations are changing. Caucasian is soon going to be a minority, in America and elsewhere. The cultural equation is changing. Despite a persons contribution to society, and the cultural differences between us; many people have problems with those of other faiths wanting equal consideration and respect.
I think the key is not just big business and government. The key is in demonstrating Christian Love toward others, especially in view of our differences. Instead of being inclusive, some folks adopt an 'all or nothing' attitude toward religious celebrations. And sadly, they have chosen 'nothing' in the case of folks who do not share or understand our faith in Christ. America was founded on Christian principles. To this day, local American government is challenged on issues such as posting the Ten Commandments at the county courthouses, and sometimes we win. Other times, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) win cases which show bias exists toward other faiths and ethnicity. It is a struggle which will go on and on and on, just like the Palestinian and Israeli conflicts do.
So, as I see things now, I wish those I know to be Christians a "Merry Christmas" And to those I am unsure of what they honor in their life; I say "Good to see you, have a good day".
I choose LOVE as the language Christ honors in a Christian heart. The only way to learn more about sensitivity, is to follow and to live in Christ's example.
Merry Christmas! with love to you all!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Then and Now.... 2008 to 2012
I am feeling terrific now. No further treatment is advocated. Simply follow-up exams.
At the moment Clair is in America, enjoying time with his family members, especially his two grandsons, Benton and Sawyer. And of course, I miss the one who is the Principle Person in my Life.
On our Fourteen Anniversary,
we traveled to the Central Coast for the first time
This was near The Entrance.
It will be good to see him again, he returns on Tuesday the 23rd of October, 2012 and I am eager to put my arms around him again. Since 29 March 2012, I learned I had uterine cancer. After being referred to a Oncologist\Surgeon, a date for surgery was set for 5 July, 2012 (just four weeks from the time of the consult) A dear frend of mine gave me a DVD titled: HEALING CANCER from the inside. That was 29 March, and I took to heart the fact that I must adopt this lifestyle, eating along the guidelines of the
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Fab Four set to Explore!: A month on the road
Thank you Keith for the explanation of how the process of deciding what will be posted and written about the day's events. It sounds like a goos system. I imagine however that the days get very long in that process. No doubt some times it is necessary t play catch-up the next day.
Fab Four set to Explore!: A month on the road: "I should add a little to the report on the Cinque Terre. Beautiful as it was it also afforded us some people viewing that we had not expecte..."
Fab Four set to Explore!: Bweeh at anytime of the day!
Hello All!
Not boring in the least.... as Important as a title is, I think you came up with a good one. Felt like I was catching up with you on the day. So, how was your lunch? What did you select? Fab Four set to Explore!: Bweeh at anytime of the day!: "We are having a large discussion on the heading for this post. I wanted Beautiful Buis but Glenn and Keith said it was too boring and people..."
Fab Four set to Explore!: Sermione and Verona
Oh Meryl! I like reading and seeing your blog. I feel like Clair and I were back in Italy. I remember Juliet's place in Verona. Seems to me, Juliet would NOT approve of strangers touching her breast is worth a Duel or two at least! Still, I wish I had taken time to go inside the museum at her place. Hope you do that.Keep on writing! Your trip, and travel companions, sound very like fun!
(And good luck with your GELATO resolution!)
Fab Four set to Explore!: Sermione and Verona: "Your occasional correspondent makes a brief return. Arrived at Sermione using our GPS (Juliet) but could not find our Hotel Catullo. We wh..."
Friday, September 17, 2010
Being in Paris is Much Better than Remembering Paris???
The last time I experienced Paris, I was thirty-nine. It was my first journey beyond the familiar borders of America. Entering France for my first time was like stepping from the plane, right into a real life French film. Suddenly, I was captivated by all the language swirling around me. France smelled different, it definitely looked different, and it felt different too. I was so impressed by this. I was a willing participant and student. Drinking in the French Experience.
The Art of Form and Structure were used in all this sculpture and architecture. Parisians were living a more graceful way of life. The Art of Living included simple thing like eating, moving, thinking and feeling. Let me at it!
The lively Seine River flows through the heart of Paris. It seems to wind like a blue ribbon. It is carrying crowds of people on the Bateaus (boats). These light up architectural marvels on the left and right banks at night. What a thrill to slip past the Tower Eiffel, then Notre Dame Cathedral, and under each unique bridge along the way. That's my memory of riding the Bateau Mouche of Paris.
We actually took that trip in the evening this time. Somehow, while moving through the crowd, I thought of how cattle might feel as they are herded through metal gates after their last meal. (I could relate.) People were relieved of their money, and expected to move forward through rows of metal gates lining up to board the boat. I watched their faces. A mixture of joy, boredom, exhaustion, drunkenness, and just plain loud and rude folks. When I took this trip in 1986, the boat was laid out in a way one could walk through openness. And on that boat, you had a chance to change the perspective, meandering through the crowd. There was simply too many people on the boat this time. The seating was made up rows of seats all facing forward. It just wasn't tripping my trigger at all.
Now that I am in my early sixties, with both knees replaced, there were subtle changes in my experience. As we took trains, buses, and the Metro throughout Paris, how I wished it would be possible to speak to Those who govern Paris. For just five minutes, I wanted to impress on them the impossibility and hardship hundreds of steps put folks through, just to climb out of the Metro. Come on guys! I have two words for you..... (1) ELEVATORS (2) (and this is the most important one...) ESCALATORS !!! You do have millions of visitors to Paris each year. Certainly you can afford escalators. My own ankles became bloody stumps throbbing with each step in protest. So how does one celebrate such achievement? I spent the entire next day in my hotel room with feet propped up. It took nearly 36 hours for the recovery to reach a place where walking in moderation would be possible. I knew that pacing how much exertion I could experience healthfully was key. (Oh the joys of travelling when one is more than slightly out of shape, facing health issues, and sliding into their Sixties, Seventies, etc.)
I learned a few Travel Tips on this trip, wanna read 'em?:
- Wearing polyester in Singapore during midday is a masochistic thing to do. Who knew it was so close to the equator?
- You might experience missing your train if you show up two minutes before departure. (ideally, they want you boarded thirty minutes before departure, in a relatively sane state, without panting or frothing at the mouth)
- People who offer directions, do not necessarily know what they are talking about. In fact, I got the distinct impression one or two of these folks got a sick kick out of watching people go in the wrong direction, luggage in tow.
- Your feet will fall off if you walk farther than you should. And no amount of pouting will actually help. Take little breaks, and consider going to places with rickshaws next time.
- It is very important to factor in extra time to compensate for the unexpected. No kidding. If you travel with someone who is usually cutting time too close; set their watch back an hour, or drop their mobile phone into "le toilette". If this doesn't work, tell them you just heard tourists are being abducted and held for ransom. Then pack, and hobble to the airport as fast a you can.
- Start keeping your own list of "Things you learn along the way." (And be sure to email it to me. I usually welcome a good laugh)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The journey continues
Well, so far, we have had a day in Singapore, and three nights in Paris. Not without their own "adventures".
This morning we arrived in Milan, Italy. In a couple of hours we will take a train from Milan to Lecco, which is on lake Como.
One week there will allow us to take day trips in concentric circles as we explore the vineyards and back roads of this Italian region of Umbria and Tuscany.
So, what were some of the adventures? In Singapore, he who shall remain nameless lost one of his hearing aids. We walked for a couple of hours in delightful tropical steam at the hottest part of the day. We visited a Hindu Temple there, walked through the streets with shops average people shop at. And so enjoyed the swimming pool at the Grand Roxy Mercure Hotel there. Serendipity brought a chance meeting with fellow church members Bruce and Sylvia who were also staying at that hotel on their way home from a long trip. We had a visit at the poolside catching up a bit.
In Paris, we walked for hours climbing hundreds of steps to Monmatre. I also met a lovely couple vacationing in Paris from Sydney. They were seated at the next table to me. They also will be going to Lake Como. Perhaps we will bump into each other there.
Then, he who shall remain nameless, arrived to the hotel in Paris 30 minutes late, causing us to miss our train to Milan. But in grand style, he came through with a first class sleeper compartment on a later train to Milan. Which we took on time (barely). Imagine our surprise to find the sleeper compartment we were assigned (first class remember) was to be shared with two other people. One gentlemen with no English from Asia, and another Australian woman traveling alone. It was a long, long ride, with very little space and quiet. So let's just say we will NOT be taking any more sleeper compartments on a train.
I am uploading some images from Paris soon and will get a link to you. Until then, my wishes for your health and safety are with you. Looking forward to our time together. We are on Italian time now, so figure out the time difference, and I will attempt to be on Skype soon.
God bless your life greatly,
Carole Anne
This morning we arrived in Milan, Italy. In a couple of hours we will take a train from Milan to Lecco, which is on lake Como.
One week there will allow us to take day trips in concentric circles as we explore the vineyards and back roads of this Italian region of Umbria and Tuscany.
So, what were some of the adventures? In Singapore, he who shall remain nameless lost one of his hearing aids. We walked for a couple of hours in delightful tropical steam at the hottest part of the day. We visited a Hindu Temple there, walked through the streets with shops average people shop at. And so enjoyed the swimming pool at the Grand Roxy Mercure Hotel there. Serendipity brought a chance meeting with fellow church members Bruce and Sylvia who were also staying at that hotel on their way home from a long trip. We had a visit at the poolside catching up a bit.
In Paris, we walked for hours climbing hundreds of steps to Monmatre. I also met a lovely couple vacationing in Paris from Sydney. They were seated at the next table to me. They also will be going to Lake Como. Perhaps we will bump into each other there.
Then, he who shall remain nameless, arrived to the hotel in Paris 30 minutes late, causing us to miss our train to Milan. But in grand style, he came through with a first class sleeper compartment on a later train to Milan. Which we took on time (barely). Imagine our surprise to find the sleeper compartment we were assigned (first class remember) was to be shared with two other people. One gentlemen with no English from Asia, and another Australian woman traveling alone. It was a long, long ride, with very little space and quiet. So let's just say we will NOT be taking any more sleeper compartments on a train.
I am uploading some images from Paris soon and will get a link to you. Until then, my wishes for your health and safety are with you. Looking forward to our time together. We are on Italian time now, so figure out the time difference, and I will attempt to be on Skype soon.
God bless your life greatly,
Carole Anne
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
When God Throws a Brick

THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!
He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'
The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother,' he said, 'he rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!'
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, God has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen - or not.
Thoughts for the Day:
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain.
But God did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
God sends you flowers every spring, a sunrise every morning.
Face it, friend - God is crazy about you!
Now read this next line very slowly and let it sink in...
If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Musings about Australia

Perhaps it is also the age we now are... and the beauty of Australia.
designrox1103added this on 29 Jun 2010
I think as one reaches their fifties and sixties; there is more time, less responsibilities. This is true with me. Time to reflect and remember what is truly important in life. For me, this includes the beauty of the world. Especially in Nature, Creation reveals the hand of God, and perhaps knowing Whose hand we rest in. Recently we passed the mark of our second year in Australia. I have to say this country has remarkable topography, wildlife, and flora. The birds here in the capitol are remarkable as well. I have seen hundreds of snowy white cockatoos graze green areas like chickens, then take to the sky together, it's breathtakingly beautiful. The parrots and galas here are multicolored, arriving mornings and afternoons to feed in the back yard, up close. We marvel at the bright colors as well. And the mystical song of the magpie awakens one softly in the morning. Australia has amazing skies, and bright light because there is little to no ozone overhead. The eucalyptus trees here are hauntingly beautiful. Many of them shed their bark in large strips and reveal smooth wood beneath. Some of these have greyish-white wood, called ghost gums. We are enjoying the people here most of all. Building friendships has been an easy thing to do.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Taking Time To Linger
Saturday is a gift. A package of time wrapped up in a leisurely silken bow, just waiting to be discovered. Saturday means laying aside anything which seeks to tear away one shred of peacefulness. So on this particular Saturday, we picked up a friend visiting from America, and sought a good Autumn memory together.
Apple orchards in Autumn make sense to me. We travelled not too far away to an organic orchard to gather some Fuji apples. Owen, the orchard-keeper was quick to walk us down to check the trees for fresh Fuji. We talked along the way about the various types of fruit grown there. No luck, all the Fuji's were picked, and some stored in the Cold Room. We might get some there.
We learned some home made preserves and relishes were available as well. After gathering some apples, Owen walked up to us with an arms filled with butternut squash.
Finally, he brought to us something which looked like a huge Bartlett pear. It was a quince. Those are not to be eaten raw, but rather poached or baked, then spooning the flesh into whatever you desire. (We'll put a pin in that and come back later)
Onto to Gold Creek, an area in the A.C.T. with many shops enticing us to meander through their space looking for "must-haves." One such place was a little eatery named "Sweet Copper" which I guess has its roots in candy and sweet making. However, after walking through the door out into the back, we found a restful spot to have some tea in the afternoon.
It is not for the tempestuous, impatient diner. However, if you enjoy the fresh Autumn air in the late afternoon; you are set. The dishes were prepared with care, very appealing and tasty indeed. Lunch will run you $15 to $30 per person.
By the time we parted, we had just enough time to hit the Belconnen Markets for some fresh veggies as well some rare types of meat (kangaroo, crocodile and the like) The sun was setting by the time we came home, a lovely time under the last bits of golden light giving way to lavender and deep purples. A good day indeed.
Apple orchards in Autumn make sense to me. We travelled not too far away to an organic orchard to gather some Fuji apples. Owen, the orchard-keeper was quick to walk us down to check the trees for fresh Fuji. We talked along the way about the various types of fruit grown there. No luck, all the Fuji's were picked, and some stored in the Cold Room. We might get some there.
We learned some home made preserves and relishes were available as well. After gathering some apples, Owen walked up to us with an arms filled with butternut squash.
Finally, he brought to us something which looked like a huge Bartlett pear. It was a quince. Those are not to be eaten raw, but rather poached or baked, then spooning the flesh into whatever you desire. (We'll put a pin in that and come back later)
Onto to Gold Creek, an area in the A.C.T. with many shops enticing us to meander through their space looking for "must-haves." One such place was a little eatery named "Sweet Copper" which I guess has its roots in candy and sweet making. However, after walking through the door out into the back, we found a restful spot to have some tea in the afternoon.
It is not for the tempestuous, impatient diner. However, if you enjoy the fresh Autumn air in the late afternoon; you are set. The dishes were prepared with care, very appealing and tasty indeed. Lunch will run you $15 to $30 per person.
By the time we parted, we had just enough time to hit the Belconnen Markets for some fresh veggies as well some rare types of meat (kangaroo, crocodile and the like) The sun was setting by the time we came home, a lovely time under the last bits of golden light giving way to lavender and deep purples. A good day indeed.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)