Living an Authentic Life...

In June after Bob had his 'cardiac event' I wanted to pursue my interest in health, wellness and holistic healing.

Initiating whatever positive steps I could take to assist in our well-being and vitality; it was then that I became certified as a Reiki II practioner.

I don't use Reiki as a profitable enterprise to earn income, but as a means to be a conduit for health & wellness.

In fact, I haven't shared this information previously, due to the fact there tends to be some preconceived notions that are attributed. And frankly I haven't wanted to take the heat,inquiry, or be put in a defensive position from folks.

However, I feel that how can anyone truly accept, love, value another person if they only know a sliver of the whole individual...so here is the first step to living my authentic life.




What is Reiki?
The International Center for Reiki Training
A Brief Overview

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

Holiday Humor

The 'Law of the Garbage Truck'

I received this great E-mail and felt I should share it because it conveys words I intend to live by.

Beware of Garbage Trucks by David J. Pollay



How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what's important.

I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central we were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was friendly. So, I said, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.

So this was it: The 'Law of the Garbage Truck.'

I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, 'I'm not going to do it anymore.'

I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie 'The Sixth Sense,' the little boy said, 'I see Dead People.' Well, now 'I see Garbage Trucks.' I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

One of my favorite football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier.


Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so… Love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe that everything happens for a reason.
If you get a chance, TAKE IT!
If it changes your life, LET IT!
Nobody said it would be easy... They just promised it would be worth it!

Welcomed guest's...

I think Mom must have modeled...'full throttle, pedal to the metal' house cleaning, decorating, and other various touches when hosting guests. Bob can't believe what an addict I become when it comes to making everything "perfect". Unfortunately, I am left exhausted and without a lot witty banter. Needless to say if guests are truly your friends or family they are caring, understanding, and just happy to spend time with you.

This seemed to be the case when our friends from Switzerland came to visit, the only thing that put a damper on their visit was when going out to breakfast prior to their leaving town, someone backed into their rental car in the parking lot. That having been said the person had the waite staff find the custodian of the vehicle so she could provide her insurance information and the damage was minor, more of an inconvenience than anything else, we just felt badly that during their hectic business schedule they would be left juggling insurance writ- rot with the rental company.

Suffice it to say that our visit was nice, the house is clean and decorated for the holiday season, and now I plan to enjoy a cup of hot tea and a good book for a much deserved break.

Turkey Day with the Family...

The photo's say it all...noshing,visiting, & enjoying the day!

Think Bee-fore You Speak ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_Collapse_Disorder

I am sure you are well aware of the sudden mysterious disappearance of our bee population, and how dire the circumstances if this isn't resolved swiftly. PBS had a special program that dismissed the fiction from what they presume is fact...a viral infection that is similar to the AIDS virus in humans, where it effects the immune system of the Bee's.

My laugh for today...

OKAY...Bob ran into a gal that he works with on occasion since her livelihood is flower arranging for Weddings and the like. They got to chitchatting and she mentioned that she has a theory as to what is happening to the bee's....according to her they are starting their own hives. (Note: When Bob told me this I nearly came unglued with laughter.) I said to Bob, "Sure, that's what it is! They want to 'bee' emancipated...like Susan 'Bee' Anthony." So let's just say she is unfamiliar with how Bee colonies operate ... with the Queen Bee and the drones. I also went on to do some more comical mocking of how the drone's were tired of the Queen Bee's high maintenance expectations and that's why they were going to start their own equal opportunity colonies!

So in conclusion, I would say...'think before you speak' and 'it is better to be thought the fool, then to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.'

I don't mean to sound mean spirited, but, hey if I don't know something I am reluctant on sharing an opinion unless I have more details and information. Even as I write this I know that I don't have all the information on the Bee's but I am willing to find out and more importantly I hope we don't find out the hard way in the long run.

Dad West Memorial Service

Balboa Park Air Museum, in San Diego, California November 11th 2007, Veterans Day.

Full blown USO show with a complete aray of stories, remembrances, and a special tribute by Patricia West- Del Ruth. The photo's speak voulmes as to the celebratory nature of this memorial for Bob's father.

First photo: Interior of the Air Museum.

Second Photo: Bob's cousin from his Mothers' side of the family, Donna, her husband Dick, and myself.

Third photo: Bob with his cousin Paula on his fathers side of the family.

Final photo: Bob's older brother Fielding Jr., younger sister Patricia, and an unknown attendee holding a vase of flowers.

Crazy family fun!!!

Jen & Jilly attempting to smile nicely for the camera.



Cousin Alma & Jen...breakfast at Mimi's.



Bob & Jen drinking coffee & reading the morning newspaper.



Jen leaving already.

Gettin' Comfy...

Our friend Tatiana had some business in the vacinity so she was able to spend a couple nights with us.

Bob set the camera up on the tripod so he could E-mail her sweetie a photo of us in our jammies before we watched some entertainment on the ol' television.

Tatiana resides in three different locales,(business tends to take her everywhere), primarily she and her honey spend most of thier time in their abode in Switzerland. We are looking forward to the next time they both are able to visit California, so the guys can do their thing and us girls can do ours....plus as couples we can enjoy our excursions.

Blaze promotes grace...

Because one of my dearest friends can see smoke plumes from her window at home, as it draws closer, she is packed and "at the ready" to pick up stakes and move to safe territory. So far in her Orange County community the wonderful fire fighters have been able to keep the fire at bay and relatively contained so she doesn't feel that there is any imminent threat, but remains prepared and is dialed in to any updated information to act at a moments notice.

Also, my sister-in-law is in the San Diego area contending with my in-laws dwelling since they passed away this summer. She has advised that it almost appears to be a war zone with the influx of the National Guard, Police, Firefighters and the overall feel of masses of people gathering at the Qualcomm Stadium that is only a couple miles down the road from their residence.

One last thought, I watch the news and it is under these stressful circumstances that you find yourself renewed and restored by humanities coming together, helping one another, and grace after losing everything. What is essentially their security and sanctuary, (their home, photos, and pets) people manage to still see the good in spite of their losses. I guess this is where the saying, "Grace under fire," would apply!

In my E-mail Inbox...Worthy to Remember

We cannot, we must not, ever forget what happened in Europe over 60 years ago, because it could happen again. Anyone, any group, could be the target.

It has been said that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. In this case, those who are attempting to rewrite history are probably planning to repeat it!

The hatred is already there, in place, taught to the children from infancy, with promises of glory and honor to those who carry out the plans. Forewarned is forearmed, and I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message. I hope you'll do the same.

It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated .

Now, more than ever, with Iran , among others, claiming the Holocaust to be "a myth," it is imperative to make sure the world never forgetsThis e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide!

Join us and be a link in the memorial chain and help us distribute it around the world.

A good turn daily helping the world every day...

(I receive a thought for the day in my E-mail inbox...I think this is a worthwhile premise to implement if we don't already do the suggestions it mentions.)

Each of us is more than capable of helping the world, despite our fears and limitations and the uncertainty that holds us back. It is commonly accepted that it is impossible to make a difference without unlimited funding or free time, yet most healing, cleansing, and spreading of joy is accomplished in a matter of minutes. If we vow to make the world a better place one day at a time, the true significance of small good deeds reveals itself to us. We come to see that we can be of service without dedicating our lives to recognized charities or giving up the pleasures we enjoy. The warmth we feel when we help the world is only a tiny part of the affirmative transformations that take place when we make altruism a part of everyday existence.

We make our homes, workplaces, communities, and countries better and brighter when we think positive thoughts that echo outward, give donations of time or money, smile at everyone we meet, and lend those in need of aid our assistance. As we learn, we inadvertently improve the universe because we can only be truly involved when we are informed. Even enthusiastically sharing ideas with others generates positive energy that then serves as the motivation for more tangible change. Selfless and helpful deeds remind us that we exercise some degree of control over a world that can seem chaotic at times. Even the smallest of such deeds is a demonstration of the fact that we are capable of changing the world in a positive way. So much negative energy is generated by the suffering, pain, and close-mindedness we are regularly exposed to, but we can counteract it in a constructive way by thinking and acting altruistically when opportunities to do so arise.

Helping the world often takes no more than a moment, just a wish for the world is a beautiful gesture and can be done by even the busiest of people effortlessly. The gift you give each day need not be grand or attention-worthy because the broader benefits are the same no matter the literal repercussions. Once a day, you can affect reality, and you can reap the rewards of knowing that you are making the world a better place, day by day.

Talkin' 'Bout Buns Hon...

Ordinary, mundane, yet still humorous. Yesterday while exiting our car to pick up our mail at the post office a gentleman parked his well used pick up truck next to me, and it seemed as though he slithered out of his truck...hmmm...that's odd I thought.

He wore Wrangler jeans, and they didn't have much to hang onto, his pearly white backside shone brightly in the afternoon sun. I haven't seen a 'moon' in a long time since now day's if a males pants are riding in the midsection of one's bum, normally there is yards of undergarments hanging out. I cast my eyes aside, but couldn't help a slight smile as we walked toward the entrance of the post office.

This man must have been required to slither out of his truck just to keep his jeans in place. Here was a man in what appeared to be his mid 30's, in good health, but reluctant to pull up his drawers -- so he shuffled as he walked to his postal box. I thought to myself here I am and something as unremarkable as this can still bring out a juvenile silly smirk to my face. My thoughts turned to Dan Ackroyd of the original not ready for prime time players on Saturday Night Live, as his character portrayed a repairman whose 'posterior smile' showed while fixing a refrigerator in one of their classic skits.

Reminds me of a childhood joke:
Q. If you could have a new body part what would you want?
A. A new bottom because my first one had a crack in it!

I'll take a smile, smirk, and a chuckle where I can find one!

More WEVA...

If I were to create my own acronym for WEVA is would have been:

Wanderers Explore Vegas Attractions.

The first photo was taken at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant and the second photo was taken after the WEVA award ceremony, on the second night of our stay.

WEVA Convention

We attended the annual convention for the Wedding Event Videographers Association.

This was my first time attending since I normally utilize the time at home tending to things; while Bob absorbs as much new information as possible pertaining to the video industry through the various seminars provided.

Bob had really encouraged me to come with him this year, and since his Cardiac event in June, I thought it would be best to join him this year. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of information that we can implement in the video business. Bob and I divided up and each attended separate seminars on some day's so we could glean as much knowledge and share with one another. It was 5 full, long, back to back seminar filled days.

The time passed quickly, but when we did have some free time we escaped the casino areas to venture to see some of the shops, people watch, and grab a bite to eat. The prices are shocking (for food, merchandise, etc.) additionally, Vegas wouldn't be my first choice as a 'get-a-way'...but it is beautiful to see the lights at night. We rode up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed the light and water show of the Bellagio from over head, this was a great perspective to enjoy this 'water dance.'

We also took a shuttle bus to The Rio, rode 51 stories up to the top and had the most spectacular panoramic views of the city with the mountain ranges on the periphery and the lights of the city, not to mention the string of tail lights that looked like a necklace from our perch on top of the Rio.

I must say we had a ball just spending the time together! We were grateful that we brought our cooler and filled it with fresh fruit and string cheese, also prior to our trip we purchased & brought a case of bottled water since they charge you $4.00 for a bottle of water. Ohhhh, also for a cup of coffee...$4.00....EEK!!! Suffice it to say we would eat one meal out each day, and that would be our 'big' meal' and would snack on the goodies we brought during the remainder of the time. This seems to be the smartest way to enjoy Vegas without breaking the bank.

I am so pleased that I joined him, I learned a lot, we shared a lot, and we saw a lot!

Venture to Las Vegas...

When words defy description all you are left with is the word...WOW!!!


Cirque du Soleil is all of that and much, much more. This was the perfect way to celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary... great theatrics, music, innovation, imagination, seats, and performances, all of which took our breath away!


We don't drink other than to share a beer or a glass of wine, also we don't do the gambling thing(too much cigarette smoke and hard earned money wasted)- so our trip included a conference of some of my favorite authors, looking through various casino's, people watching, and enjoying our anniversary with a Gondola Ride in the Venetian, in addition to some of the landmark events, like the Belaggio water symphony and the volcanic eruption at The Mirage.


Great trip...and we are still saying, "WOW!"

Videographers Nightmare...

Pictured below is Uptown Sedona, Arizona taken May 7th, 2007













Sunday, May 6th, Bob and I videotaped a backyard Hawaiian theme wedding in Tempe, Arizona.

I should bring you up to speed how we ended up near Phoenix Arizona, producing a Wedding video.

Bob had signed on to one of those websites that reconnect former classmates. He had a couple of buddies that are twin brothers he befriended back in school, it had been 40+ years since they had seen each other, however, courtesy of the website they resumed contact and it resulted in one of the brothers (Doug) touching base with Bob to videotape his wedding.

Bob was as geared up as I can recall ever seeing him; excited to see a couple of old school chums and a gentleman who resides in Paradise Valley not far from Phoenix that he served in the military with. Bob said it reminded him of a class and family reunion all in one.

We arrived Saturday, the 5th early evening, Bob called Doug and advised that we just got into town. We then hopped back into the car to get the lay of the land during their rehearsal in their backyard so we would know how to set up the camera(s) for the actual wedding. So,off we went to Doug & Michele's home. The reunion between Bob with Doug and his twin Mike never missed a beat you would have never guessed 40+ years had elapsed since they last saw one another.

For the Wedding the weather was cooperative at a beautiful 85 degrees so the lovely bride and groom didn't melt in the Arizona sun, since the ceremony was held at 2:00PM. The atmosphere was fun, festive, and joyful as we met and interviewed many interesting and gregarious guests.

Monday the 7th we left and headed toward Paradise Valley to have a reunion with Bob's former military bosses, bosses, boss...a Major...named Steve F.; what is humorous to note, Bob had been invited to Steve's birthday party (back in the day), while stationed in Germany and was clueless as to who he was and what position he held, subsequently they just hit it off and became friends. They seem to visit once every 15 years or so...so this was a real treat.

Steve and his wife Nina couldn't have made us feel more like royalty! Nina made us a fabulous lunch, the conversation was sparkling, and their hospitality made us feel right at home. Steve has this jovial kindness that punctuates his conversations and Nina is the kind of woman that is wonderfully refreshing open, honest, creative, and fun.

We left their home and headed to Sedona, Arizona to meet with Mike (one of the twins) and his fiance Tatiana. We arrived in Sedona around 4:45PM and were able to take the photo shown above as we drove into town.

We stayed at a Best Western and the room was extremely nice with a sitting area, as well as an outdoor balcony over looking the most notable rock formations featured in many of the travel guides, we felt so fortunate to have this spectacular view, be within walking distance of the main marketplace of shops & activities, and have a room that didn't cost us an arm and a leg.

Mike & Tatiana came over to our room, they had absconded some of the fresh fruit from the wedding platters and didn't know if we imbibed or not so they brought over some adult beverages. I had sliced some cheese(s) and made a cheese & cracker platter with fruit cups. I know I seemed like a party pooper because I don't drink, so I had them make me a rum and coke and took a couple of sips to be sociable.

We had a energetic gab fest, like nobodies business! Poor Tatiana was showing signs of residual Jet lag since they reside in the East coast, and here it was 10:30 PM our time... her squinty eyes were desperately trying to stay open when you could tell all she wanted was some much needed rest.

The next couple of days included more socializing and outings with Mike and Tatiana. Mike is every bit as social, talkative, and outgoing as Bob and Tatiana has many intriguing stories, experiences, and observations making it highly enjoyable to be around such a captivating couple. They were a lot of fun and it was nice to have another gal around to hang around with.

Here is where my grace (or lack thereof) came into play; because Bob wants to document every nano second of every experience with his digital camera I was to set up a shot and photograph Mike and he so he would have a photo for posterity...I can understand that...except yours truly is a fumble fingers and I dropped the camera breaking it. This is a videographers nightmare, although it wasn't his videocamera, it is the next best thing. This prevented us from getting the scenic shots, in addition to, some shots of us together as Bob would have liked. (Personally...I was relieved a little bit since I am not keen on getting my picture taken anyway.)

Do you think this would stand in the way of a man and his art??? Not on your tin type!!! Bob acquired Tatiana's digital camera and took more pictures of Mike and she than they said they had ever had done before!

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Bob had a mistress this trip, ah yes, you heard me correctly...the digital and videocamera's I just couldn't compete. He was documenting everyone's real moments of love and connection and was hampering his own by not experiencing the circumstances at hand unless it was through the lens of a camera. I had a very nice time but it was a bit different from our initial trip 12 years ago, that is the way life is...time has a way of changing things...the town was busier and more touristy, they had barkers who would yell at you to come and see what time share offers they wanted to present to you, and Bob just couldn't put down the dad-gum-camera's.

Lastly, I came to cherish the uninterrupted time in our car as we would chat, laugh, and share during the long journey home...and realized that our trip was made magical by the many friendships, the scenery, and the camaraderie of strangers and new found pals.

The Ultimate Act of Humanity...

This one act of forgiveness, speaks volumes of loving one's 'enemy', turning the other cheek, and treating others as you want to be treated. I was moved by this gesture of humanity in it's finest representation. I can only hope that I would have as much grace and forgiveness in a similar situation.

As reported by The Associated Press:
BLACKSBURG, Va. (April 26) - A senior at Virginia Tech said moral responsibility led her to add a stone for gunman Seung-Hui Cho to a memorial for his 32 shooting victims that was set up at Virginia Tech late last week.

The stone was later removed, but was restored by Wednesday morning.Katelynn Johnson, a senior sociology-psychology major, identified herself in a letter to the Collegiate Times as the person who added the stone for Cho."My family did not raise me to do what is popular," she wrote in her letter to the campus newspaper. "They raised me to do what is morally right. We did not lose only 32 students and faculty members that day; we lost 33 lives."In her letter, Johnson said she feared a backlash from students and possibly faculty members who did not agree with having a stone for the killer included in the memorial. But she said feedback since the letter was published has been largely positive.


The student organization Hokies United put 32 "Hokie Stones" - of local limestone used in university buildings - in a semicircle in front of the administration building to honor the 27 students and five faculty members whom Cho killed April 16.The 33rd stone was added at about 4 a.m. Thursday, Johnson said.Cho's stone was gone by Monday morning, and was replaced by a small American flag.


On Wednesday morning, there were 33 stones again.This time, the 33rd was on the far left, unmarked, and slightly apart from the others. It was adorned with tributes similar to those on the other memorials: flowers, candles and beads in maroon and orange.University spokesman Mark Owczarski said that the student organization did not place or remove the stone for Cho, and that it would not interfere."They decided they would allow the expression of grief to take whatever form it needed to," he said.

Today is.... EARTH DAY

Click here: Up Next And Recaps, - CBS News
Here is a hyperlink to the story of author Rachel Carson's pre-environmental book published in 1962 that was featured on this morning's episode of ,"CBS SUNDAY MORNING." In her book “Silent Spring,” it warned the public about the dangers of pesticides and DDT in particular.

I remembered Mom and Dad out in the yard with their fumigation bottle of pesticide(s), and the airplanes I used to see as a little girl fly over head, with their billowing clouds of insecticides cascading over the agriculture.

It is so odd to think that we didn't wear masks, we played on the lawn that had just been sprayed, and ate the produce that had been treated with pesticides, very matter of fact, without out any reservations or cause for concern.

I recall Mom being disenfranchised that she would no longer be able to fumigate against these 'varmints' eating what her green thumb had produced.

Flash forward to today, in this day and age, it makes you wonder if there is any correlation to some of the ailments that have only presented themselves predominantly in the last 25-30 years or so, such as Autism? Cancer increases? Who knows. But I do believe two things: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and hindsight is 20-20.

That having been said, "Happy Earth Day"...each time I see something bloom, a sunrise or sunset, or a change in weather it makes me appreciate the beauty and wonder of our world!

Happiness In All Forms...

Hope you have many reasons to smile and laugh, time to relax, and can always find a way to scratch your own....er, uh, um......back, yep that's what I meant to say...back!!! (ha,ha,ha)