Living The Good Life
Pat
We had adopted a new dog, which Ella was not pleased about since she had been the “only” dog in the house for a long time. Ella kept Aurora confined to my daughter’s room, which suited Aurora as she just wanted a warm bed and food. I came home one day and Ella met me at the door, dancing around and grabbing my wrist, her way of saying “come see.” Ella wouldn’t wait for me to put down my purse and kept pulling me through the house like an excited kid. So I went with her to my daughter’s room, where Aurora was laying in bed with an empty tv dinner tray from the night before and a very happy look. Ella was still dancing around as if to say “look momma, she got into the trash, that’s a no-no, let’s kick her out now.” I walked to the kitchen and Ella danced all the way to the trash can, which was standing there undisturbed. It didn’t make sense to me, as Aurora had never tried to get into the trash before. Then again, Ella wouldn’t let her come out of my daughter’s room. Then I realized that: (a) the trash can was about two feet tall, (b) Aurora was only about 1 foot tall, and (c) the trash can was still standing upright. The only one tall enough to get into the trash without knocking it over, was . . . Ella. It seems that Ella had decided that if she framed Aurora, then I’d kick Aurora out. (discuss this article)
Alone
Written by Owen Winters
Too many years, my friend,
we've lived
with space between us;
even as we touched,
always in darkness,
each was
alone.
And if I do not stay,
my friend,
know that I loved you so
and that my care for you
will never die;
you'll never be
alone.
I cannot live and grow for you,
and I cannot deny your love
of security, and maybe even me;
but if I do not go
a hole will rot into my soul
and I will die,
alone.
We tried until we bled, and then
we reached for strength and tried some more;
now we've reached our end.
Love again,
have life, my friend,
try not to be
alone.
Submitted by Misty McClelland
Cervical Cancer Facts
nccc-online.org * 11% of U.S. woman report they do not have regular cervical cancer screenings.
* In the U.S. about 14,000 woman are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and more than 3900 women die each year from the disease.
* Women in developing countries account for approximately 85% of both the yearly cases of cervical cancer (estimated 493,000 worldwide) and the yearly deaths from cervical cancer (estimated at 273,500 worldwide).
* In the majority of developing countries, cervical cancer remains the #1 cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
* A woman who does not have cervical cancer screening on a regular basis significantly increases the chances of developing cervical cancer.
* High-risk HPV types are directly related to cervical cancer, yet many women are unaware of what HPV is or the relationship it has to cervical cancer disease.
| The Hippymom Herald is a free publication reflecting diverse thoughts, ideas and lives of moms & dads from all walks of life. To submit your own article to the Herald, please e-mail us for information! |
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Making the Thunder Drum
Holly
My family and extended community made a ceremonial drum one and a half years ago. It took a lot of preparation and work, and many people worked on its creation.
Dedication: The drum was dedicated to peace and harmony within ourselves and the world community, so that we may continue to learn and teach as we connect the circles of community for the next generation.
Intent: The intent of this drum was to bring together what was needed at that time. To recognize that each of us holds our own uniqueness, and as we let that sound be heard we add to a rhythm that brings about harmony and movement for all who hear and learn to listen to the shared song.
The joining of the male and female hides are symbolic to bringing together that balance within ourselves, and within community, where the possibilities of what can be produced are endless.
Making the drum:
The frame of the drum is 28 inches in diameter and is made of Eastern Red Cedar. The frame was picked because of its strength, color, and spirit.
Frame and laces.
My father working on the hide. It had to be soaked for two days before we could work with it.
We chose a bell for the "heart" of our drum, connecting the male and female spirits.
Lacing up the hides. The top hide is the female, it is much thinner than the one on the bottom, the male.
Sophie helping.
All finished and dried and hanging in its frame. The male hide is on the top in the next picture.
It is very loud and "Thunder Drum" is the perfect name. We have some different ceremonial "dresses" or covers that we use depending on the occasion.
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
If you would like to help spread the awareness of cervical cancer and how it is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), please visit www.nccc-online.org (click the link that says January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month), call NCCC at 818-900-3849 or by e-mail at rbiety@nccc-online.org.
The Link Between Cervical Cancer & HPV
By Melissa L
Over the last several years, it has been determined that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is very common and most people don’t even know they have it. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and in most people, their immune system will fight off the virus before any symptoms occur or cause any problems. When the body’s immune system does not fight off the virus on its own, certain types of HPV become “high risk” and can cause cell changes. These cell changes then cause abnormal cells which can develop into cervical cancer if not treated early. HPV has also been linked to other types of cancer including vagina, vulva, anus and penis (in men). Some research also shows a link of HPV to mouth and throat cancer. (click to read more) (discuss this article)
Editorial: Inspiring Others, Inspiring Yourself
Chelsea Eriksen, Head Hippymom
Have you ever noticed that once a great idea is named, it can snowball into other great ideas? Inspiration is free, it is organic and it is everywhere, so why does it seem so hard to find sometimes? When writing this, I was stumped with the enormity of writing not only my first editorial in years, but also the first editorial for the first edition of the Herald. No pressure, I assure you.
So, I started thinking of what was important to me. My family, my work, my friends and I realized how much I missed “myself”. I’ve been uninspired for a while now, nothing seems to really fill that void where writing, singing and creativity used to reside. Its been filled by PB&J’s, diapers and to-do lists. I’m sad, I feel like I’ve lost my “self” in the madness of parenting.
I pondered upon this thought for a while and got mad. I am involved in many creative endeavors, yet I never seem to make the time for that. Why? Its always more important to get the work done than it is to play. Where is the inspiration in that? It takes five minutes to find something inspirational: A child’s laugh, a poem, a sip of cool water. We should celebrate what inspires us, not toss it aside for other, mundane pursuits.
I think we should all set aside 5 minutes a day for inspiration. Go and find your inspiration for physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or creative means. Its out there, its just waiting to be seen and used. Find your inspiration, and tell us about it! e-mail me!
An Unwanted Legacy
Stephanie Garcia
As a child, I never knew my mother’s grandmother. The only thing I ever knew about Virginia Rose was that she was in an old folks home suffering from “old timers” disease. My grandmother would go visit her every single week and sometimes my mom would go along. I loved the times that mom went because that meant I got to spend the entire day with my granddaddy. Later, after they’d come home, I would hear them talk about how she was getting more confused and how she didn’t know Billie was her daughter, or that Winnie was her granddaughter. It was just a part of life. I’m not even sure when she passed away…
It wasn’t until much later that I found out what my great-grandmother suffered from was a disease called Alzheimer’s. In my family, it was like the 500 lb. gorilla in the living room. Everyone knew it was there, but no one wanted to talk about it. I guess that’s the way we handled most of the painful things in our lives. Occasionally we’d see a news report about advancements in Alzheimer’s medications and we’d briefly think about Virginia Rose, but then we’d push that memory aside, change the channel, and pretend like that wasn’t going to be a part of our future. (click to read more) (discuss this article)
A Healthy, Happy Holiday Season!
Shannon
The holiday season is upon us! It is a time for gathering with your families, friends and co-workers. A time for celebration and with celebration comes food...lots and lots of food. Cookies, cakes, fruit cakes, gravy’s, turkey the list goes on and on. Many times we enjoy the traditional meals and desserts a little too much. Then we go on to say to ourselves , “I wish I hadn’t eaten so much.” It isn’t very comfortable feeling like that.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be on a super strict diet over the holiday season either. Enjoy the festive foods, but put thought into it. Some traditions were made to be broken! We don’t have to stuff ourselves like the stuffed turkey in the ovens. Before loading your plate up at that holiday buffet think about each food item when you put it on your plate. Enjoy these foods in moderation, try not to binge. Try making your vegetables take up the most surface area on your dinner plate, that won’t hurt you a bit! (click to read more) (discuss this article)
Splenda Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granular
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup molasses
3 tablespoons water
Directions
1. Blend together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cream butter, SPLENDA® Granular and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the molasses and water. Stir well. Add the flour mixture and stir until well blended. Refrigerate dough 1-2 hours before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll cookie dough out slightly less than 1/4 inch. Cut into desired shapes. Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom. |
