Contents
- AW Magazine
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- Poetry
- Entertainment Review
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Awards
  
 Edition 9 * February 9, 2001
Welcome back to all of our members and readers alike! We hope everyone has had a great start to the new year. And... Happy Valentines Day to all. The Crone Takes a Nap by Mercy
The eMail had a gentle suggestion.........*send in your article
now.
It's due.* Well, ummmm I haven't written one yet, but I betcha I will
do it
in the morning. And then it was morning, and I had nothing to say.
There
was an idea...it's been brewing for a month. But suddenly it is
playing
hide and seek. Two paragraphs do NOT make an article. I look all
around my
space trying to find some sort of inspiration. However, unless I write
an
article about scooping the litter box, this is no help.
It's really rather odd. I spend a lot of my day talking. I read and
post
on the boards. But suddenly there are no words. It reminds me of
those
times when you want to be sooooooooo profound, and you have NO clue of
what
to say. Or a co-worker suddenly decides to unload all their family
secrets
and then says *So what should I do?*
And I mumble something so that they will know I am listening...and hope
that
someone else will jump in with some suggestions.
Actually, I have been writing and thinking a lot lately...it's just
that
none of it is for publication. So, what to do...I know.....TAKE A NAP!
I have re-discovered the healing power of naps this year. I can
remember
when I was young, my mama would say *You don't have to go to sleep.
Just
lie down and be still for awhile.* And you guessed it...soon I would be
snoring away. And then after awhile, I would awaken ready to play
until
bedtime.
But, as I got older, naps became something to avoid. It was.......for
babies......for old people. Any rest other than bedtime had to come as
a
result of some other …..ummm....recreation.
As I have become older, I have reclaimed many things that just *weren't
cool*. I no longer feel embarrassed to spend an evening coloring and I
adore getting new crayons. Some things wear new names.......i.e.,
mudpies
become *working the flower bed*. Playing in the sprinkler becomes
*washing
down the patio*. But I can't seem to find a new name for a nap. So be
it.
To me, there is something totally decadent about a nap. Here it is the
middle of the day...probably a weekend, since they frown on napping at
work.
There are things to be done. A house that needs cleaning. Laundry
to
fold or iron. Errands to run. Food to cook. And what am I doing?
Curling
up with my cowboy blanket and having a
dream.
Even the dreams seem different at naptime; more playful for the most
part.
Dreams of butterflies and fairies and adventures. Dreams of ice cream.
Dreams of giant paintbrushes and colorful paint that can be splashed
boldly
on this naptime canvas.
Clothes are different too. Somehow I am transported to an earlier
time,
when without a lot of preparation, I am going to sleep. I didn't wash
my
face and brush my teeth. I didn't put on my jammies...or leave them
off. I
am just me....t-shirted and sweat pants ... tank top and shorts ...
barefooted or in Rocky and Bullwinkle socks.
And I'm not even in bed. My naptimes most generally happen on the love
seat
in my living room. I can't really stretch out, I am too tall. But I
can
curl up with my back against the back of the love seat; a cat curled up
against my stomach...and my fetal self is warm and safe.
Sometimes, I go to sleep listening to the day time sounds. The little
boy
next door is playing basketball. The neighbor across the street is
working
on his car. Hear it?? Still sounds rough to me. Maybe I will turn on
the
television. Large men are crashing into each other. Fine looking womyn
are
running up and down the basketball court. The
weather man is telling of a bad winter storm. The politicians on CSPAN
are
discussing something that I don't understand. The chef is cooking. On
MTV,
there's a kareoke contest. All these busy, busy people.
And I am napping.
I have done this often enough now that my friends and family of choice
are
used to it. My little niece Tay will call and ask *Have you had your
nap
yet?* If the reply is *no*, she says *Well call me when you wake up.
You'll be too cranky without one*. And, if my internet connection
stays up,
I am assured of no interruptions, at least for a little while.
Sometimes I don't sleep. It becomes a time for daydreams. For writing
a
poem in my brain. For designing a necklace. For making up a story in
which, of course, I am the hero. For enjoying the textures of my
blanket.
For listening to a cat purr. For thinking about just how comfortable I
am.
For realizing how lucky I am that I have a warm, safe space in which I
can
completely relax.
I am sure I have more to say on this subject; but
:::::::yawn:::::: I
think I need to go have a nap!
Until next time, I wish you some moments of peace and quiet...for
butterfly
dreams, and for that wonderful feeling of being safe and warm and
totally
relaxed. Take a nap! by Carole Nicolaides The more I learn about me the more I honor and protect my soul, spirit and mind. I also find I am able to give to and receive from the people that love me. Learning about yourself is important. I wish this would be a priority on everyone's agenda, yet most of the people that I know are more eager to learn about new software than what they really want to do in this life. How truthful is your mission to yourself and to the ones that love you? Let's say you feel "stuck" in your occupation. Couldn't that be because you feel unappreciated? When you're lonely, is it because you have no one to enlighten you, advise you and warm-heartedly support you? As you go through and consider what you do best, ask yourself if you are completely satisfied with what you see. If you are a writer and that is your daily job - can you see yourself doing something else? If writing is your passion then what is the real purpose for this job you do? Maybe it's to provide financial support or maybe it's to write about a topic that will make a difference in someone's life? All of us exist for a reason; yet, we fail to realize this until it is too late. My purpose in writing this article is to remind you of what you were actually meant to do on this earth. Don't settle for less than what you deserve. Here are few tips that can help you in finding your purpose in life. 1. Live a legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Go over your life, your achievements, failures and your abandoned dreams. Now that you have that picture, ask the question, "Is the life that I live today the life that I want people to remember me by?" I'll tell you a little something my masseuse mentioned last week. I found it inspiring. She told me of a trip she was going to take to Hong Kong. Her plan was to attend a conference there with her husband. She ended up going way overboard with her credit cards, but with a smile she told me, "Carole, I finally admitted to myself that I'm getting older, not richer. I have the opportunity to go so I'm going. We never know when our last day on this earth will be." Plan for the future but don't forget to live in the present. 2. Expand your network of friends. By having more people around that love you, you will be in a better position to discover your true purpose. Brainstorm with them; ask them what they think of you. What do they like, what attributes do they see in you? You may discover something that you have not even thought about? Explore with them. You will be surprised what you will learn about you by hanging out with the right people. 3. Talk with professionals. Sometimes others notice specific attributes about us that we can't see. Talking with a professional counselor or a career coach could provide you with life-purpose or occupation ideas that you have not even considered. 4. Start your own life purpose support group. Active participation from others that seek answers to the same questions you do will only accelerate your road to the truth. You will get challenged and you will be able to see things that you were not able to see by yourself. 5. Track the days you laugh. Yes, how many times were you really happy? Pay attention to what gives you absolutely joy. Now, imagine if someone were going to pay you doing what brings you joy. You would almost feel as if you were cheating someone. Who ever heard of getting paid for doing something that brought you pleasure? The list can go on and on, but my intention here is very simple. Remind yourself that you are every special. You owe it yourself to find out your true purpose, and only you will be able to live that purpose to its fullest potential. Just remind yourself before you go to bed that you DO make a difference. In closing, I'll leave you with these questions to ponder. ·What vision and goals will guide your choices? ·How will you model the way for the 21st Century? ·What risks must you take to live a legacy? ·How will you ensure you remain focused and succeed? Copyright © 2001, All Rights Reserved. Carole is President of Intentional Success Coaching offering Personal Success Coaching, Marketing, Business Planning & Internet Success Consulting. Visit her today for your FREE coaching session and newsletter. http://www.intentionalsuccess.com
Written by: Carole Nicolaides, For those who can't think for themselves... by Jacki
1. Dear Jacki: My girlfriend hates the fact that I am always using my computer. She wants me to
do some crazy things like go out to dinner or the movies with her. How can I make her see what's
really important in life? Dear Compfused: What's the matter, honey? Your girlfriend is right! You do need a night of dinner and movies. Relationships need attention. Go to Romanticinvites.com, send her one of those cute little cards they have, order a pizza from Pizzatontherun.com, set up the tv tray (if you don't have one, try tvtraysforlovers.com), settle back and visit Moviesforcouchpotatoes.com right away. You'll be happy you did! What good is the internet if you don't use it to enhance your life? Oh yeah, don't forget to pull her chair real close to yours! 2. Dear Jacki: How do I find a nice girl? I Want A Nice Girl in Iowa. Dear I Want: What's going on here? Does everybody live in the dark ages?????? Try Iwantanicegirl.com/iowa. How hard is that????
3. Dear Jacki: I have a rather serious problem with my current girlfriend. She seems determined
to show me up and embarass me in public at every opportunity. I care lots, but I cannot stand the
scenes that she causes. I am sure it is just to upset me. Everytime we go to our favorite restaurant,
she always conveniently gets a puncture or her valve becomes faulty and she proceeds to deflate at
the table. I will admit the relationship was only physical to begin with but I became emotionally
attached, too. Is she just doing it to spite me? I can't stand the upsets. Should I get rid of her? Dear Vinyl (or whatever your name is): Personally, I'd get rid of this one. Rude noises disturb me. However, if you are determined to "mend" this relationship, might I suggest duct tape? I thought every self-respecting Lesbian would know that! I am, quite frankly, surprised at your apparent inability to figure this one out for yourself, but then, that's what I'm here for, isn't it? By the way, have you considered visiting Realgirlfriend.com? Just a thought.
4. Dear Jacki: Hello, and thank you for your time. First off, I would like to say I admire you and
think the advice you give is great. Here's my problem: My lover has been cheating on me and I don't
know what to do. I tried talking to her but she tells me I am imagining things or just to mind my own
business. What should I do? I am really hoping you will have some wise advise for me. Thank you
again for your time. Dear Unsure: You are imaging things. Just mind your own business. And while you're at it...quit signing letters "Love" unless you mean it. So.....I'm beginning to wonder just who the cheater really is. Don't think you can drag me into this mess of yours. I've got enough problems of my own what with people writing to me day in and day out with these ridiculous questions. Like, don't you people think I have a life? Give me a break! Any other questions, dear? Try Ridiculousquestions.com By the way, is there any chance your girlfriend's name is...oops...never mind. 5. Dear Jacki: Do ducks get cramps if they eat and then go swimming? Anonymous in Atlanta Dear Anonymous: If you can't sign your name, don't expect an answer. Ah, where does the time go? That's it for now. Don't forget...keep those letters comin'. With you, I'm nuthin', but without me....you're clueless! See ya next month, darlin'. Florence Nightingale by HexAngyl
This month's health article will touch on the history
and the social/health care reforms initiated by
Florence Nightingale and her life. Her
contributions are the foundation of nursing today.
Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 to a wealthy and
socially prominant family. She was often sick as a
child and spent a lot of time in hospitals. It was
then that she began dreaming of hospitals and visited
there often. Florence's father, William Edward
Nightingale, taught his children at home when he was
unable to locate a suitable tutor. Florence became
fluent in several languages and had a strong belief in
Plato's sentiment that women should have a meaningful
role in society.
Her first nurse's training was received at
Kaiserwerth, Germany. Even though she cared for the
poor, sick, and elderly, her family did not allow her
to obtain formal training until 1851. While at
Kaiserwerth, Florence wrote over 100 pages describing
all of her activities of caring for people who were
ill, poor, or elderly. Through these writings she
became aware of how sacred this work was to her.
During the Crimean War, Florence and 38 nurses arrived
at Barrick Hospital at Scutari, Turkey on November 4,
1854. The wards there were filthy and infested with
bugs and rodents and the sewer lines were blocked.
Florence wrote to a friend, "We have now 4 miles of
beds...and not 18 inches apart." She and the other
nurses soon became heroes back home...a direct result
of her efforts in caring for the soldiers and in
improving the unsanitatary conditions, coupled with
the letters that they helped the disabled soldiers to
write to their families.
In addition to the nursing and care of the soldiers,
Florence designed wedge diagrams that revealed the
real causes for the death of the soldiers. From this
research, it was concluded that most of the deaths
were due to overcrowding, poor sanitaion, and improper
ventilation. In the end, her massive volumes of
notes, diagrams, and statistics were given to the
Royal Commission on the Health of the Army. These are
what led to the reforms after the war.
Once the war was over, Florence developed what was
known as the Crimean Fever. The symptoms and ailments
that accompanied that fever included earaches, chronic
laryngitis, dysentery, rheumatism, and insomnia.
In 1871, the new St. Thomas Hospital was opened and
the Nightingale Nursing School was born. It was at
this school that nursing students learned the
fundamentals of nursing still taught today. They
learned to properly move patients, to keep them clean,
to practice sanitary techniques, to make and apply
bandages, to understand and maintain adequate
ventilation, etc.
Florence Nightingale dedicated her entire life to
improve the quality of care for those who are ill.
She was a strong and courageous woman who understood
the importance of sanitation coupled with good basic
nursing technique and care. In the nursing industry,
she was a pioneer and as such, was a woman who very
definitely had an important role in society.
by Colleen Moulding
Nothing lifts a room like fresh flowers, but they can be expensive. Here are ten tips
to help you get the best out of your arrangements.
1). Buy flowers still in bud. You get the pleasure of watching them open and they
will have a longer vase life than those bought in full bloom.
2). When you get your flowers home, strip off any leaves that will be below the
water line, cut off the bottoms of the stems and give them a good long drink of
lukewarm water.
3). Add a few drops of household bleach to the flower water to guard against the
slime caused by bacteria and add a spoonful of sugar instead of commercially
produced flower food.
4). Woody stemmed flowers, like roses, benefit from having the bottoms of their
stems crushed and then split to help them take up water.
5). Bulb flowers such as daffodils should have their stems snipped across at an
angle. Washing away the sticky white secretion will lengthen their life too.
6). To stop tulips flopping over, wrap the bunch tightly in wet newspaper and leave
them in two to three inches of water for about one and a half hours. Push small pins
through the stems just below the flower heads and they will stay soldier straight.
7). Don't leave flowers in warm rooms overnight. Extend their life by putting them
in the coldest room in the house while you are asleep.
8). Improvise vases for any occasion by wrapping bottles, jars or plastic containers
with tissue paper, fabric or coloured net, tied with ribbon, raffia or cord. Tiny flower
prints or gingham for a casual country look, swagged silky fabric, bright or pastel
tissue paper for more formal occasions. Or overlap shiny leaves around the outside
of a glass and tie with raffia before arranging your flowers inside.
9). Place your floral arrangement in front of a mirror and it will look twice as big and
beautiful.
10). Finally don't forget to top up your vases with fresh water every day for long
lasting displays.
© Colleen Moulding 2001 by Louise LeBrun
Louise LeBrun is the Managing Partner of Partners in
Renewal Inc. (http://www.partnersinrenewal.com), a
company providing education, facilitation and public
speaking services in organizational change and career
/ life transition using the latest methodologies,
including NLP and Quantum TLCTM. She is a
world-class educator, speaker and facilitator; as well
as a published author (Fully Alive From 9 to 5!) and
creator of the Women and Power audiotape series.
She can be reached at wel-systems@canada.com.
The notion of creativity is often linked to what we would
consider exceptional achievements, like the art of Picasso, the
invention of the laptop or the sleek design of the space shuttle.
But for most of us, creativity brings its greatest rewards when it
expresses quietly and much closer to home.
The dictionary defines 'creativity' as the act of causing to exist;
to bring into being, give rise to, bring about. The very nature of
the word itself implies bringing into existence that which does
not already exist. And yet for most of us, our daily lives are
filled with the repetitive and the habituated. We move through
the basic routine of getting up, getting ready and going to work
with one sequence of habits after another, rarely if ever
noticing that we are engaging this repetitive process, day after
day after day after ...
We find ourselves lamenting the state of our lives, looking
around us and trying to future out what's 'wrong' with our lives;
with our work; with our friends and family. Yet maybe there's
nothing 'wrong' at all. Maybe what's missing is a creative outlook
- a different perspective or new world view - on what's already
there.
Creativity has its roots in curiosity. Without curiosity, there
would never be the questions to which we seek answers. Or the
daydreams that call out to be fulfilled. Or the change and
innovation that we often intensely pine for. Without curiosity,
there would be no reason for us to go anywhere new or meet
new people or think a new thought. And yet, how many of us
have become stuck in the habituated way of living our lives,
applying our greatest creative statement to finding a variety of
ways to explain and describe why we can't have the life we
want!
Imagine what your life could become if you got curious - about
yourself, about your world-view and about your motivation for
making the choices you make. Suddenly, life would be filled
with astute observations and their corresponding, life-expanding
insights. The next time you find yourself in that same old
__________ (you fill in the blanks: conversation, relationship,
job, problem, etc.), instead of looking around for someone to
blame for keeping you there, get curious! Let yourself notice
you, for a change, and ask yourself the following questions: Isn't
that interesting! Every time x happens, I do/say/respond with y.
How come that seems like an intelligent response? How does it
serve me to continue to do that? When was the last time that I
actually chose my response instead of just acting out of habit?
What is it that always doing x allows me to continue to not pay
attention to? What would happen to the quality of my life if I
did something else instead? Who would support me and who
would be angry/sad/disappointed/frustrated with me? How
much more of my life do I want to live like this? What am I
waiting for to be able to choose differently? Whose permission
do I need to be able to begin to live my life in a way that leaves
me feeling alive, dynamic and energetic? Who do I need to
become to allow myself to claim a joyful life?
The answers to these questions may not come easily, and you
certainly won't find them in anyone else's mind. These questions
may even lead to those dark moments of the soul, where
uncertainty can sometimes feel like that great gasp for breath -
the one that will expand you into a new level of statement. And
as Ilya Prigogine - one of the finest minds in theoretical physics -
once said: "The future is uncertain...but this uncertainty is at the
very heart of human creativity." By Robin Nobles
After retirement, many folks rush out to buy computers and get hooked up to the Internet. Why?
Because of the seemingly endless resources available to them in any category imaginable!
Mowetha Williams, a Hattiesburg American reader, told me that she loves to sit in front of the computer
screen and tour the world, and one of her favorite sites is Yahoo!-Government: Embassies and
Consulates. "I can sit here in my pajamas and visit all the current countries via their embassies and get all
sorts of material and beautiful pictures...today it was Uzbekistan (which I had barely heard of before) and
one of its cities, Samarkand." Doesn't that sound like fun?
http://www.yahoo.com/Government/Embassies_and_Consulates/
Do you enjoy traveling? If you do, Elderhostel is the place for you. "Elderhostel is a nonprofit
organization providing educational adventures all over the world to adults aged 55 and over. Study the
literature of Jane Austen in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, or travel to Greece to explore the
spectacular art and architecture of its ancient civilization, or conduct field research in Belize to save the
endangered dolphin population." The site is geared toward people on the move "who believe learning is a
lifelong process."
http://www.elderhostel.org/
If you're a grandparent, you'll enjoy this site: Grandparents Homepage. The site offers tips on what to do
with your grandchildren, long distance grandparenting, and even traveling with grandchildren. Or, join the
online discussion group and share your experiences with others. This is a great place to meet other retired
folks and form a community of friends.
http://206.232.136.2:80/CGA/
Retire.Net is an interactive, comprehensive retirement resource with an added bonus: it's a lot of fun.
Would you like a penpal from across the world? Or would you like to chat online with other retired
folks? You can exchange recipes, discuss your favorite hobbies, or talk about sports.
http://www.retire.net/
Would you like to make some online friends? Visit Senior.Com's chat room, or stop by the message
center and post messages online. If you need technical advice, see Jim's Tech Tips, where you'll learn
helpful information about your computer or the Internet. You can read articles from the Senior News
Network, or visit Town Square, a guide to the best web resources for seniors.
http://www.senior.com/
Senior.Site is dedicated to providing an interesting and entertaining website for people over 50. You'll
find information on physical ailments, grandparenting resources, laws and legislation, and even poems and
prose.
http://seniors-site.com/
If you're looking for a new hobby, visit Yahoo! Recreation: Hobbies and Crafts, which contains a
comprehensive listing of hobbies including gardening, basketry, and photography.
http://www.yahoo.com/Recreation/Hobbies_and_Crafts/
For over 5000 links to sites of interest to the over-50 age group, visit the Age of Reason website, which
provides practical information relative to seniors' lifestyles. The site features a Seniors Discount Mall and
resources such as Seniors in Action, Retirement Living, and RVs and Camping.
http://www.ageofreason.com/
Yahoo! features an impressive Seniors' Guide offering news articles, message boards, and live chatting
with other seniors. Categories include genealogy, books, health, and food and dining. The site also offers
additional links of interest to retirees.
http://seniors.yahoo.com/
As stated explicitly at the site, Senior Frolic "will NOT provide medical sources, relevant political and
sociological information or advice on how to lead a more productive life in the 'GOLDEN YEARS'." But
what it *will* provide are links galore! You'll discover information on hobbies, music, museums,
shopping, sports, and much more. This site will easily keep you occupied for hours!
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/4474/ by ~FParis
and I hear a song we could move to … slowly and sensually … no strings attached. I want to dance with you like I have never danced with another … would you like that, too? I know you will like the music; you told me once … and it can play again. It plays within me still, and I want to share with you … again. I want to give you 100% for the moment, for the time being … for now. I would hold you close but not too tightly, for I want you knowing that you may leave this dance floor anytime … or you can stay for as many more as you would like. I only can hope for a slow departure, so I may watch you, and smile, as you back away. I will take away with me more than you will know, and yet, will not present it to you … I will not make it seem as anything more the dance of my life … and yours. Meet me on the dance floor once again … please meet me eye-to-eye before you go. ©2001 ~FParis by ~FParis All along my heart's been yearning for a friend to come inside now I no longer need to hide. You have shown me there's real meaning … possibilities of dreaming. I could never ask for more and you, my friend, I do adore! How easily we came to be how wonderful you are to me! I see us *being* 'til the end … you truly are *extreme* ~ my friend For Mercy ©2001 ~FParis
Untitled by Laughing River
like the deepest red velvet you
December 10, 1985
4th light of Chanukah
To my sister
Goddesses and Amazons
Ours is a love
Here, on these pages,
For Ruth
You are not forgotten.
I see trembling hands and a heart filled with frustration
At the body's unwillingness
to comply with the beauty in your mind.
You left your true needs too long and in the end
dreams withered in a fate unkinder than death
What is left of the dreams that started in you
This is my pride and my joy to carry in the world
Strength of one who is good, loving and kind,
Knowledge that there are not always days enough
To make dreams come true
A day in the sunshine on a picnic table
The day I most needed love and you were there
There are angels behind you and your halo is easy to see
Those yellow Bic pens through the bun in your hair
Tea and toast, welcoming open arms
We simply are
We cannot be anything but what is in our hearts
And what is in our hearts is the love that we have learned
The result of every moment of every day
Until this one
I pick up your paintbrush like a gauntlet
The grail of this small life
I look to my heart and you are there
Holding my dreams in trembling hands
Tearful, lest they fade
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