People

Mary’s Close Encounters

Mary is my sister’s sister-in-law. Does that make her my sister-in-law-in-law? It certainly makes her my friend. Mary has had two very unusual things happen to her in the last few days. She can’t explain it and neither can I.
Mary Dreeson
July 16, 2012
Hi, guys! I’m not sure quite how this works, but something happened to me this morning I wanted to share with all my buds. I recently had a bout in the hospital and am now home slowly but surely gaining my strength back … at a snail’s pace, but working on it.

To remind some of you, I live in the desert of Nevada outside of Carson City (northwestern part of state). This morning I took my trusty walker and oxygen for a walk, this is my second time out since coming home. I was shuffling along on the long leg back to home when I heard a soft “clop” sound behind me. I turned around and found I was being accompanied by a herd of “wild” free horses!

There were about 7 in the herd with a baby filly, and they had been behind and now beside me walking along at my pace … so close I could almost touch them. The one behind me was the “man” and he was watching me with the most gentle eyes and was no further than a foot away. I was so stunned to not only see them as I had no idea when they had joined me, but because they were actually walking with me at my pace, as if making sure I got home okay.

My little Yorkie, Sammy, was with me and did not blink an eye, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Once I reached my area the little one kicked up its heels and started to play and they went on their way.

Nowhere but in Nevada, nowhere but in the desert are there such gentle free beings. Not getting gushy, guys and gals, but I truly felt I had been walking with God’s Angels and there is no other way to describe it. I wanted to share this with all those I care about and love to give you some of what I felt and still do.

July 20, 2012
After I walk in the mornings, my routine is to get a cup of coffee and go out on the deck, pull my walker up to the railing, put my feet on the bottom rail, and my cup and arms to rest on the top rail. I then face the sun and soak up some rays.

A couple of days after my walk with the horses, I was doing this with my eyes closed, and heard a kind of “fluttering” sound, sort of like a BIG bug … ugh … I opened my eyes and found myself staring into the face of a Hummingbird!!! If I had lifted my finger from my coffee cup I could have touched it! About 1-1/2″ from my face!!! And, yes, their wings do HUMMMMM! I could actually see them moving. It only lasted for a nano-second and then it flew away, and it may only have been attracted to the scent of my Coffee Mate (French vanilla), but one thing I DO know … I’ll continue walking.

So, that’s Mary’s two animal encounters. Were they just coincidence? Could there be a deeper meaning? Either way, they were certainly interesting encounters. Thanks for sharing, Mary.

Has anything like this ever happened to you? Leave a comment with your animal story.

Marilyn Kvasnok

The Important Role of Nutrition in Cancer Treatment

Jul 25th, 2012

by Marilyn.

1 comment

Guest post by Jillian McKee, Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.

Fruit and Vegetables

Good nutrition is instrumental in a cancer patient’s life because it makes a big difference in how the body responds to treatment. Sometimes treatments are very hard on the body. Eating a good diet will help the body replace damaged cells and will help in healing after surgery. If cancer patients continue to eat a good, nutritious diet during their illnesses, they will keep their strength intact. All of these issues are a concern when people are just being diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or recovering from cancer.

Weight is a highly important topic to doctors. As people lose weight after being diagnosed, they lower survival chances more quickly than those who can keep their weight at a healthy level. Similarly, when losing weight during their illnesses, enthusiasm and quality of life declines. By keeping their weight at a healthy level, energy levels are maintained. They can better maintain their normal lives and do not feel as hopeless as those who are feeling weak.

As people eat a nutritious diet, they can reduce the symptoms that they experience from their cancer treatments. If cancer patients are becoming malnourished, they often notice side effects that are more severe. These can be decreased by maintaining a healthy body weight. Side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Anorexia

Problems with getting enough nutrition present themselves when it’s hard to eat a sufficient amount of food. Those who are currently receiving mesothelioma cancer treatments, for example, may need to have a feeding tube. This way, they will receive a healthy mixture of water, proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. It can lead to these patients feeling much better than they did previously.

The medical staff will begin to take nutrition into consideration right after a patient has been diagnosed with cancer. They will want to identify any potential problems that could present themselves throughout the patients’ treatment. Then they can develop a plan to make sure malnutrition does not become an issue.

Jillian McKee has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment.

Leave a comment for Jill with your best nutrition ideas.

45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On

Jan 13th, 2012

by Marilyn.

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One of my favorite sayings is, “Life’s good … and I’m paying attention.” This is my New Year’s Resolution … Remembering that life IS good and not letting the days just slip by – one after another. Each day is special and I want to pay attention.

Regina Brett is a columnist for my hometown newspaper, The Cleveland Plain Dealer. I recently ran across her article from May 28, 2006 titled Brett’s 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on.” I’m posting it here to share with all my readers. But, I’m also posting it so I can read it often throughout the year.

Regina Brett

Following is Regina Brett’s column written on May 28, 2006 …

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here’s an update:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

From now on, every time I say “Have a good day” I’m going to mean it. How about you? Leave a comment with your favorite life lesson.

Marilyn Kvasnok

Motel New Yorker

Nov 14th, 2011

by Marilyn.

2 comments

I’m from Ohio. I call it home and always will. But, there were three years in the mid 60’s that took me to Miami, Florida. Dad decided we should pack up all our worldly possessions and drive 1,100 miles south, right behind hurricane Cleo.

1961 Chrysler Newport We had a big, old Chrysler and a station wagon, pulling a trailer. This was actually our second trip. The first time, we drove down the Treasure Coast to Miami to find a motel to buy. Mom and dad had pretty much decided on one along US 1 in Miami. When we stopped for gas, dad asked the guy pumping the gas if he knew a good place to stay. (Remember when the gas station attendant pumped the gas?) His answer: “The Motel New Yorker.” That was the motel they were about to buy! That stretch of Biscayne Boulevard was one motel after another. Why did he pick that one? There must have been something special about it. That sealed the deal for dad.

Sure they were making the right choice, they bought the motel. We moved into the manager’s apartment behind the office, plus the next 2 motel rooms. It was crowded, but it was temporary. After a year, we moved to a home in North Miami.

The motel did well, especially during “the season.” Those were the winter months. Vacationers stayed for several days or a week. But, some people stayed all winter. Dad said they were business owners. Either they were retired or they were able to leave their business in the hands of their employees.

Originally, the motel looked like this in 1953 when it was built:

Motel New Yorker

I got to thinking about the motel and all the changes thru the years. The neighborhood was good when we were there in the 60’s. The motel was named the New Yorker to attract visitors from New York. Miami was a popular destination for them. After mom and dad sold it, the neighborhood deteriorated and so did the motel. There were a couple of name changes that I’m aware of. The Motel New Yorker became the Motel Quebec. I’m guessing demographics changed and more visitors were coming from Canada. Or maybe the motel was bought by Canadians. And it was also called Davis Motel for a while.

But, I heard there was a restoration project along Biscayne Boulevard. Curiosity got the best of me and I googled MOTEL NEW YORKER MIAMI. To my surprise, the Motel New Yorker has been renovated and there is even a website to explore: www.HotelNewYorkerMiami.com . The owners, Walter and Shirley Figueroa, have done a great job restoring the motel with a retro look. Visit their site for more information and a photo gallery.

Today, the Motel New Yorker looks like this:

Photos compliments of www.TheBorrowedAbode.com

If you’ve ever stayed at the Motel New Yorker in Miami – Or if you know the area and have seen the transformation, add a comment with your memories.

Marilyn Kvasnok

Industrial Pollution Begins in the Womb

Jun 23rd, 2011

by Marilyn.

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Are you ready to stop using toxic chemicals to clean your home? There are many safe, green products that work well. My choice is Shaklee’s Get Clean products. I’ve used them for over 6 years, since I became a distributor. They work as well or better than the name brand, chemical cleaners I used to use.