PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY

On my way to a birthday party, waiting at a red light behind a motorcycle,
I was thinking about my 56 year old friend. Professionally, he is a healer, but now he is the patient, very sick with colitis. Friends and family gathered on his birthday to bring loving energy instead of gifts and libations. This wise group knew that pity and sadness would not contribute to his healing process; rather they acknowledged the celebration of life and the strength of our friend to manage his own journey. Before the light changed, I glanced up to read the back of the biker’s tee shirt, “Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
What a perfect message!

When loved ones are suffering, we want to help, or empathize, but we have to trust that the person can resolve their issue by understanding the arrival of pain in their life. The joyful energy we brought to our friend that day made his journey lighter, that’s what we can do for each other. My Bee-A-Reader recommendation is Louise L. Hay’s book, “You Can Heal Your Life.”

I have battled chronic illnesses and recollect the frustration. I cried a lot, suppressed it with drugs, and beat it down with surgery. It wasn’t obvious while I was suffering, but my body was telling me something. Pain is the baby inside you, crying for attention.

Anger is an example of emotional pain coming out of the body. A depressed person has a low vibration, a numbness of spirit. Anger is actually a higher vibration, less numb and more awake despite that we perceive it as a negative emotion; it’s a sign that your energy is moving closer to happiness. The book, “Ask and It Is Given,” by Esther and Jerry Hicks, charts the emotional scale with depression as the lowest vibration and happiness as the highest. The authors suggest slowly replacing lower emotions with higher ones. When you are depressed, it’s impossible to suddenly replace that emotion with joy. For example, if you have reached anger after being depressed, that is progress. Then frustration is higher than anger, and above frustration is hopelessness. Being stuck in one emotional place is worse than moving to a more positive emotional state. These steps show how progress is being made. We might not recognize this unless we know how emotions work.

When we are hurt, energy instinctually becomes focused on survival. An animal that has been injured will immediately lick the area, and continue obsessing on it for comfort. Humans behave that way when physically or emotionally wounded. If there is no spiritual understanding of why pain comes into our lives, or tools to work thru its arrival, the intense focus on it can lead to addictions, neurotic behaviors, and being caught in the pattern of licking the wounds over and over.

The better option is to embrace pain, not allowing it to make you weak. The marines use this phrase to inspire endurance and strength. Pain should not be feared, but released, knowing that it is only temporary, signaling an opportunity to become stronger. Pain becomes that weakness leaving your body that you replace with a strong muscle for future challenges. Each time it shows up, you have the opportunity to become stronger. Strength lies in awareness, acceptance, and release.

If you or someone you love is physically or emotionally sick, be strong and faithful to the process, understand that pain is not bad luck, but a helpful messenger.

MISE EN SCENE: A Film Critique

Nora Ephron’s “Julie and Julia” has a unique narrative strategy. Two heroines sharing the same dilemma, “What am I going to be when I grow up?” This revelation signals the desire to live a meaningful life. Thirty year old Julie Powell and fifty year old Julia Child are feeling a tug on their souls.

It’s a rare for a female central character to have a supportive spouse and a healthy marriage, two in one film is monumental. The angst of finding a good man is missing in “Julie and Julia” instead we have two enviable relationships. How refreshing!

Both women come to the conclusion that food is the key to their personal success. Julie begins a rigorous challenge to prepare and conquer the 524 recipes in Julia Child’s revolutionary French cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” in 365 days. At a different point in history, Julia begins to study French cooking, leading to the creation of the aforementioned cookbook. Julie Powell has the challenge of working full time and producing glamorous food in her closet-sized kitchen. And Julia Child has to overcome, well…the French.

Many critics have already claimed that the double cream capacities of Meryl Streep as superb actor, and the perfect impersonation of a famous personality eclipsed the Julie side of the film. Amy Adams role was less meaty because she played the “Any-woman” who was lucky to be discovered. Her character gave women in the audience hope, but Meryl as Julia was incredible to watch. Adams might have been a better contender if she hadn’t portrayed a sanitized version of the real life Julie Powell. Perhaps it was a decision designed to hit a greater audience at the PG-13 rating.

It took awhile for me to digest this tepid film. The problem was, the pot never boiled. The crescendos leading to crisis create an attachment to the main character. After we identify with her, and what she needs, we want her to get it. When monsters, mountains, and mayhem get in the way, we become invested in the struggle. There weren’t any here. The few blips such as Julia getting into the advanced class with men, and Julie’s reporter not showing for dinner, drifted away like tumble weed.

Before you start your argument, let me remind you of the late Paul Harvey. He layered suspense, delay, and artful dodging, subtle forms of foreplay that make storytelling great. Be honest, we love tension, (not necessarily the Maury Povich kind) and a strong narrative structure demands a climax. An unreachable goal for our heroine to overcome is just more satisfying and delicious.

My recommendation is rental. Don't miss the experience of Meryl Streep as Julia Child, or the intriguing relationship with her husband played by sexy Stanley Tucci. How about a Julia Child mini-series starring Meryl Streep?

Bon Appetite!

SLEEP WALKING

What in the world is going on with women’s shoes these days? Why are fashionable shoes masochistic and comfortable ones ugly? Footwear is not exclusive to the runway or clubbing, but look into any shoe store and you’d think differently; too high, too flimsy, and construction so cheap you’d only be able to withstand a few hours of wear. Anything practical is clunky, unattractive, and hard to find.
Even sedentary women step one mile per day on their feet. Can they tolerate that in 3 inch heels? In a sea of terrible design and shameful lack of quality from our best designers, we are wearing garbage and not outraged. I would go so far to say, women are ignoring their suffering and victims of fashion brainwashing. Designers are out of touch and I am out of luck finding decent shoes for the simple matter of walking at least one mile per day.

After shopping at Mayfair Mall and DSW, I was disgusted by my options. DSW had endless rows of ridiculous choices: very high heeled boots, torturous thongs with no arch support, spindly high heels, cheap knit boots that could hardly survive a day in the snow, ballet slippers with life-less soles, uncomfortably hot rubber rain boots, elf shoes curled up at the toes, and sneakers with a tapered toe box. Where are we supposed to put our last two toes? What’s the deal with every sneaker having a nasty cropped toe box? Every single pair of shoes I looked at was unacceptable and problematic.

Women teetering about in ridiculously high heels claiming, “They’re really comfortable!” are in fierce denial. They won’t walk any further than they have to, and by the end of the day they’re whining and rubbing their sore feet. When your feet are jacked up on stilts, it distorts your spine. This is not conjecture ladies, its fact. If your vanity insists you injure yourself because you’re too short, your legs look slimmer, or your man gets turned on, the agony of nerve pain, bunion surgery, and disc herniation are probably the only things that will wake you up. And they will…

We need decent attractive shoes! I want women to realize our shoes are not being made well, and then stop buying the crap. “When I snap my fingers, you will wake up refreshed and aware. Your goal will be to insist shoe designers and manufacturers create shoes WORTHY of your feet. This will happen by only purchasing well made designs, from companies who produce healthy shoes.” The obsession for fashion has made us unconscious sleepwalkers willing to live in discomfort for --- what? Shoes are a necessity for mobility, comfort and preservation of our feet and spines!

Bee Aware! Bee Outraged! Bee Choosier!

“Hey Man, what does your bumper sticker mean, is it like a cult?”

“No. It represents the unity of all people’s cultures, beliefs, and religious backgrounds existing peacefully in the world.”

“Yep. It’s a cult.”

If we studied world religion we’d be less confused, threatened, and perhaps more understanding of other’s beliefs. We are happy to experience foods of different cultures, but their doctrines are indigestible? Do you hate someone because they eat chicken feet?
What does it matter?

Rules and rituals of religions were established for the benefit of social order. Therefore, how can we judge what is not our own? Unless you are bound by familial pressures to conform, or the need to be accepted by your community, you are free to choose what you believe.
And so are others.

Religions actually have a lot in common. The general theme is compassion, forgiveness and love. If your religious beliefs cause you to be judgmental, if you feel it’s your duty to convert others to your thinking, or your beliefs cause you to feel separate from others, then you’ve mistaken spirituality for your ego.

War and separation is not the intended outcome of religion, that’s not what it’s for.
Sadly, if there were no religions, we would still fight over differences; it’s a flaw of our nature because we are not yet perfect. It is fear and the discomfort of the unknown that alienates us from our neighbor.

The work of this life is of an individual nature. When a person raises his/her vibration, it has a positive effect that ripples outward. If you see a kind act, you can’t help but be touched. When you shine, you inspire those who witness the light. If we make it our individual responsibility to become compassionate, forgiving, loving people, surrounding ourselves with those who do the same, then we can peacefully coexist.

CHERRIE PICKED: Zevia Soda!

Since The Killer Bees will soon be including video segments on all of our blogs, I thought it would be fun to turn "CHERRIE PICKED" into a video series! Stay tuned for my recommendations on all of the products I love and want to share...for a healthier you, inside and out! My latest discovery is the awesome tasting Zevia brand sodas, so without further adieu, here's a sneak peek at: "CHERRIE PICKED"!

BEE A READER!

BALANCING HEAVEN AND EARTH
by Robert A. Johnson

I’m adding another four letter word to the list your mother gave you: B-U-S-Y
Why are so many people declaring, insisting, and defending their busy-ness? What are the rewards of being busy? Busy people will defend their lifestyle because they believe they are benefiting from it, but what is the emotional and spiritual cost of this behavior? Does being busy really make you happy?

In the 80’s we watched television shows like “Dallas” which focused on having luxury and leisure time, then in the 90’s the popular series “ER” demonstrated that the characters had to sacrifice their personal lives in order to have successful careers. I think society reflected this change. Suddenly, it was not cool to have time on your hands, it was a race to who could be the busiest - as if busy had become a status symbol. You’re a loser if you are laying around watching clouds and listening to the birds sing.

I was raised by a Father who didn’t mind letting his supper go cold if someone called or stopped by during the dinner hour. He always had time for people, friends or strangers. It was his way, and he was loved by many because he invested in relationships. Yet, he also had a full and very productive life.

Many of my friends preface conversations these days with, “I’ve got 2 minutes…” At times, I’ve wondered if I am too chatty, needy, or worse, that our relationship is merely another obligation, another detail to check of their ever expanding list.

Robert A. Johnson’s book, “Balancing Heaven and Earth” contends because we are both a soul and a physical body we have to do the practical things like clean our house and shop for groceries, however, we must also balance these physical deeds with a spiritual connection to our existence. Its called being. In balancing heaven and earth, we must balance being and doing. Busy people are overly focused on doing.

Being is “attentive solitude with our thought and feelings,” a “meditative time to open up to your inner self.” He says that loneliness comes not from being alone, but from being cut off from your deep inner self, and isolation can actually cure loneliness.

We think, if we keep running, our thoughts will never catch up, yet they will not stop chasing us either. “Soul work, or inner work, takes place when something moves from the unconscious, where it began, into conscious awareness. The path is never straight and neat inside oneself, as if you could go to a library and do all you inner work there. Instead, when something is ready to move from the unconscious to the conscious, it needs a host or intermediary. Generally this intermediary is some person or some thing.”

“Think for a moment of the horizontal beam of a cross as representing doing, or the earthly realm. We have all kinds of daily activities—going to work, raising our family, paying our bills: these are the necessary and proper business of the earthly realm. Often all this doing just fills up our lives. But when we become focused exclusively on doing, our lives start to feel empty and meaningless; we start to wonder why we work so hard. We may secretly ask: Is it worth it? What’s the point? What is the meaning of my life?

This is a sign that we have neglected the opposite of doing, which is being. Now think of a vertical beam of a cross as representing being, or the heavenly realm. We also must have time and place in our lives in which we connect to something that is larger and more enduring. We need at least a taste of the Golden World to make our lives bearable, and this requires time for reflection, for meditation, for inner work and attentive solitude. In short, we need a balance of doing and being.” (excerpts from "Balancing Heaven and Earth" -R.A.Johnson)

My friend and fellow blogger, Michael, recently wrote a piece called, “Have You Never Been Mellow.” He discovered a way to quiet his mind and de-stress his life by being. The title comes from an Olivia Newton-John song:

“Have you never been mellow,
have you never tried,
to find a comfort from inside you?”

I highly recommend reading Robert A. Johnson’s book, “Balancing Heaven and Earth,” and Michael’s thoughtfully written article, “Have you Never Been Mellow.” Be sure to manage equilibrium between being and doing, stop separating yourself from your life and friends with the walls of busy, and do your inner work. It has been said; treat others as you would want to be treated. So to create a happy fulfilling life, begin with the relationship you have with yourself.

Homeopathic Remedies

There is no greater time in history to learn how to use homeopathic remedies. Treatment is easier than you think - it involves driving to your local Outpost, Health Hut, or Whole Foods and picking up the homeopathic that cures what’s ailing you. No waiting to see a doctor, no co-pays, and the best part – NO PRESCRIPTION!

Hippocrates is regarded as the first doctor to treat his patients with homeopathic remedies, circa 460 BC. Therefore, if homeopathy is new to you, be assured these methods have proven themselves effective for many years. Why don’t physicians utilize them now? Perhaps it’s the lack of profit. The homeopathic remedies are inexpensive, have no potential side effects, and patients with acute (rapid onset, short duration) conditions can find their own cure at the local market or drug store. Chronic conditions (long duration, gradual onset) like irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome, might require some trial and error. To expedite the process when chronic conditions exist, consider the advice of a homeopathic doctor or practioner.

Here’s how homeopathic remedies work:

“Homeopathy uses dilute substances to stimulate the body’s healing power. Its basic principle is treat “like with like.” This involves treating patient’s symptoms with minute amounts of a substance that would cause similar symptoms in a healthy person. This practice contrasts with conventional allopathic medicine, where treating “like with opposite” prevails; that is, a disease is treated with a substance that opposes it.”

“Remedies can be made from many different substances. The most common sources are flower, plants, roots, trees, poisons, minerals, and metals. German doctor Samuel Hahnemann used the smallest possible amount of a substance to trigger a healing effect. This was to minimize side effects. He realized that the more a substance was diluted, the better the result.” –The Guide to Remedies: homeopathy, essential oils, crystals, home remedies (Barnes and Noble Books)

My favorite homeopathic is called Nerve Tonic. It calms the nervous system when upset, nervous, or hyper. Because life can cause stress in many different ways, it’s an excellent tonic to calm you down no matter what comes along. I carry it with me in my purse.

After growing up with cats, and living with Miss Mabel kitty for 12 years, I started having allergies. I sought a homeopathic remedy that contained animal dander and histamine. After 3 doses, I was no longer allergic to my beloved companion. Would you prefer years of shots from an allergist? How about the time and cost of that course of action?
Are you glad you are reading this yet?
Special note: there are homeopathic remedies for pets who suffer from environmental allergies, and nervous conditions too.


When taking a remedy, if you notice no improvement, then you need to try another one, and as soon as the condition improves, stop the course of treatment. There is information to help you choose the right remedy based on your constitution on the label. Some of the constitutional determinants are your physical appearance, mental and emotional aspects, physical weaknesses, and mainly the current ailment. Since I know more about myself than my doctor ever could, I prefer to find my own cure. I like being in tune to my body, having the power to care for it in my head. There is a time and place for allopathic medicine, but running to the doctor for minor issues can be replaced by simple self treating methods. This is why I am such an advocate for educating and empowering yourself about the body you live in, and preventing illness thru the knowledge of homeopathic remedies.

GOD SAVE THE GALLERY

In this waning economy, if your product is not essential, or your business capable, it could be curtains for you. Even before the tide turned last year, I became aware of how ineffective the gallery system was for the artist and consumer. Galleries take 20-60%commission in return for wall space, clientele, and the promise of representation. Historically, these are not high traffic places, except on opening night, so if the gallery is not proactive, the art is not seen or sold. Are most people just apathetic toward art? Are galleries intimidating? Or just uninviting spaces?

One out of seven galleries that featured me, sold a print. I’ve sold over 20 pieces, marketing myself with proof books, business cards, and CD's. At the salon where I work, I traded exposure for decoration services in lieu of commission. I also look for ways to create visibility thru competitions and museums. I’d hoped the galleries would sell my work, but in the end, keeping all the profit helped me reclaim heavy business costs.

Unless you are an artist, you might not be aware of the expense and time that goes into production. A painter needs tubes of color, brushes, easel, and canvas. A photographer requires a camera, lenses, tripod, computer, memory cards or film, software, printer, and marketing materials. The profit must also include an hourly wage to sustain living as a professional artist. It's difficult to balance the costs of creating art, and its return. But, without the product of art, galleries would have nothing to profit from. In order to survive, galleries must market and preserve the professional artist. The standard gallery business model of “being chosen”, held hostage by exclusivity, and gouged by commissions, is a problematic plan for the business of selling and producing art.

Are galleries an institution worth saving? Can they survive extinction by reinventing themselves? Will artists choose only the galleries with astute marketing skills to represent them? If gallerists approached the business as an equal partnership (rather than entry into an exclusive club) and marketed the product effectively, or created an enticing shopping experience that was intellectually accessible to everyone, I think the system could survive. As it exists, neither party benefits and the future looks grim.

Artists will not stop producing and distributing art, rather, they will find a way to eliminate the ineffective middle man, and share their gifts with the world in a more attainable way.

God saves those who save themselves.

The Killer Bees joined forces with neighbors and friends to celebrate the 4th of July and my birthday.
A backyard cookout - now that's summer!! bubblesink.blogspot.com

STINKY BUSINESS

Most home products and toiletries are scented. Consider how many of those you come in contact with daily: Hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, gels, sprays, makeup, body lotion, deodorant, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish soap, air freshener, candles, carpet cleaner, etc. Since these products are scented with synthetic fragrance, the daily dose of chemicals bombarding your system could be unhealthy. Why not replace some of these products with a scent that is kinder to your system, more appealing to your nose, and easy to create? (Remember my mantra: invest in your health, because it is priceless.)

Synthetic fragrance can be an irritant and doesn’t hold up well on skin. Most perfumes and colognes on the market are now made with synthetic fragrance, not essential oils. Essential oils are extracted from plants and flowers. They are concentrated and contain nothing but the derived oil or essence. Fragrance oils are synthetically created chemicals blended with an inexpensive carrier oil. After a few hours on the skin, the odor falls apart and doesn’t marry with your natural chemistry like essential oil based perfumes.
Why pay for a fake? That’s STINKY BUSINESS.

There are many websites for making your own perfumes, with recipes and combinations to get you started. I open several bottles of essential oils and smell them next to each other to find my special blends. Try a one note fragrance with an essential oil that can stand on its own, like lavender. Or find out what that pricey bottle of perfume claims to be made from, and create a mix from a real source.

To begin, you need a 4-6oz glass container with a spritzer top, or an old perfume bottle. Tinted glass is recommended because sunlight can affect the natural ingredients. The universal combination for perfume is always essential oil, 100-195 proof vodka, and distilled water. The ratio depends on whether you are making a perfume, cologne, or body spritz .

My favorite body spritz and home spray is:
-4oz. bottle
-20-50 drops of essential oil
-2 tsps vodka
-Distilled water to fill

The ratio for perfume:
-2 1/2oz vodka
-2 TB distilled water
-15 to 30% essential oils

You can add a few drops of liquid glycerin or jojoba oil to enhance the fragrance.

I recommend mixing the vodka with the essential oils, then wait at least 48 hours before adding the distilled water.

Always shake before using and keep away from eyes. Not all essential oils can be sprayed on the face.

I design individualized scents for my friends and family, translating personalities into fragrance.
I keep a log of recipes for happy refills. Each time you make these wonderful gifts for yourself and others, you’ll get familiar with the compatibilities of essential oils, like a bartender stirring up winning concoctions.

Also add a few drops of essential oils to your laundry washing. They have medicinal, anti- bacterial qualities, especially eucalyptus. Alan Hayes is my favorite aroma-phile, he gives great tips for practical easy home remedies. You’ll never buy febreeze again!
Check out the “archives” section of his website: itssonatural.com
If you want more information about natural perfumes check out: http://www.yehcenter.com/

Pay attention to what you smell everyday. Try mixing your own scents, it’s a creative party for your nose and brain. And when someone stops you to ask, “What are you wearing?” Won’t it be fun to say, "A signature scent I designed for myself".
Yummy.

BUBBLES, INK: My Photo Gallery Blog

Bubbles, Ink. is the new blog space I've created to showcase my photography. The premier collection is a photo essay of 2009 Pride Parade. I was also a participant this year, introducing the THE KILLER BEES to Milwaukee. I enjoyed meeting everyone who came to frolic. To view my images, click on the link below:
www.bubblesink.blogspot.com

I LOVE A PARADE

I love a parade, especially if I am doing the parading. Watching from the sidelines is fine for some, but entertaining, and standing up for something I’m proud of, is thrilling. I’ve marched in the 4th of July parade several times, proud to be a free American. This year I am joining Milwaukee’s Gay Pride Parade, proud to celebrate the diversity of the human race.

Beauty College was my first opportunity to know gay men. What hooked me was the ease of communication. Gay men were not afraid or intimidated by me, and delivered their opinions and feelings without hesitation. When doors are wide open, more comes in. Being reserved has its place, but the autistic, “lamp-shady” nature of some straight men can be downright dull. Depth in relationships starts with sharing, not withholding.

My fellow Bees, Michael and Stacey, showed up at a time when I was creatively dormant. They picked me up, dusted me off, and taught me more than anyone. I learned about the process in living. Reaching the goal, and taking pleasure in getting there. I learned about friendships and community, building a family where there was none.
And, I learned that life……..is only as yummy as you make it.

On this parade of friendship and love, I will be promoting diversity and affinity.

The Family Bee Photo Album

BEES IN FLIGHT Go to ourkillerphotos.blogspot.com to view album! photo by Doug Krimmer

"UM, LIKE, YA KNOW WHAT I MEAN?"

When I signed up for a degree in Cosmetology, the curriculum did not include conflict resolution or psychotherapy. I had no idea that personality management would play a major role in my career. My professional goals were; use god-given talents, create and enhance beauty, and support thyself financially. According to Beauty School statistics, two percent of the students who complete a degree in Cosmetology actually go on to work in the industry. The profession is more complicated and difficult than people realize, and the old adage, “she wasn’t very bright, so we sent her to beauty school” should be put to rest because it’s a uniformed cliché. The following experience made me question whether or not I would make it in the beauty business...

I can’t remember her name, but she was a retired Grade School teacher, nagging control freak, and world-class sour puss. She received fifty-nine of the sixty manicures required to complete my Beauty School Program. Her nasty trick was smug silence, leaving me the responsibility to initiate and maintain all conversation. Only when I tossed the ball, would she whack it across the net. Strategy and defense were not even in my tool kit yet, I was a socially inept teenager and her intimidating manner made me very nervous. Old what’s-her-name had an hour and a half to fire at my flawed vocabulary, and repeatedly pummel my poor word choices. Unfortunately, I couldn’t pull off a twenty minute manicure, and rushing could have set me up for a do-over. Sometimes you must stand up for yourself, but this bully knew I was trapped, not working for money, as I would in the future, but for a passing grade. My simple plan was to be kind and considerate, cheer her up, make her laugh, and pray for a break.

Grammar was the main source of her irritation. If my sentence ended with, “ya know what I mean?” she would say “NO, I don’t know what you mean!” If I mumbled, she would pretend not to hear me, and scream, “WHAT?! WHAT?!!” Every time I slipped on a “like” or an “um” she exploded. She sifted through my words like a heat seeking missile, attentive for errors, or incorrect usage of a verb, relishing every mistake. Meanwhile, I chirped along, searching for anecdotes to lighten her mood, hiding my anguish. You‘ve got to know what you can control, and unfortunately it’s only ever yourself.

Had I been a strategist, I might have taken note that, despite the weekly manicures and blow dry styles, she was hopelessly unattractive. Like a bow on a turd, it was useless. She knew nothing about hairstyles or fashion. But I did. I was raised on it. My Mother was a fashion model turned Mary Kay consultant nicknamed, “Eyeshadow.” She emphasized poise and style to her daughter, there was no other way to be. I was wearing makeup by the sixth grade, cutting and coloring my own hair long before entering beauty school. We were a fashion forward family. I could have jabbed at this woman’s soft spot and brought her down to size. But I never did.

At her final appointment, I announced with glee this was to be my last required manicure. I told stories and shared current events as always, but now I knew my every flaw, and there were no more grammatical errors. Carefully choosing my words, there was nothing to feast on. She scattered to find a new approach, threatening to request me again because she liked the way I did her nails, and the school would have to comply with the wishes of a client. But my lessons were over, and she was finished.

I sprayed her nails with the quick dry and pulled the table away. While cleaning my manicure table and implements, she stormed to the front desk to secure another dim student who needed grammatical training. One of the student receptionists, learning to make announcements over the PA, failed to turn the system off before what’s-her name stepped up. With nails beautifully polished, hair perfectly styled, and displeasure strewn across her face, she clearly broadcasted, "Put me down next week, same time,
I want a manicure and a blow job.”

Students and staff froze in shock. Jaws dropped and eyes popped open. Seconds of silence passed before everyone realized, a daft old lady just made a silly mistake, and then the howls of laughter ensued.

She never returned to the Beauty School for service.

And counted among that two percent who survive and thrive in the beauty industry,
I continue to use my god-given talents to create and enhance beauty.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE KILLER BEES

CONSCIOUS PERFECTION

Barbie is celebrating her 50th birthday, and consciously or unconsciously, women still consider her “charms” a standard. Long blonde hair, skinny body, perky globes, etc.
Although imitation is a never-ending stimulus package for the economy of "beautification" services, what are the rewards of this billion dollar investment?

Sadly, the physical ideals of sexual attractiveness; the formula for “optimal luring capacity” has not been abandoned despite lack of attainability, objectification, or proof of a better life.

In exchange for being noticed, and the expected reward of endless enduring love, women withstand starvation, Spankx, plastic surgery, Botox, breast enhancement, and hours of spinal contortion from high heels. If these tactics guaranteed unconditional love, I might be interested, but I am a pragmatic girl, and would not jeopardize my health or comfort for mere attention. However, it is a well known fact that you can attract more bees with honey - the sweet nectar of contentment – because discontent is not attractive, inviting or beautiful.

Consider the great beauties of the world: Elizabeth Taylor, Tina Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Halle Berry. Then ponder all the stars that have turned themselves in to puff-lipped alien lizards, attempting to preserve the beauty of youth: Priscilla Presley, Dolly Parton, Cher.
They all may have fame and fortune, but what about their personal lives? Is finding true love any easier for them? Does god-given beauty or surgically-preserved youth really deliver?

How would your life change if you had the body you wanted, would physical perfection secure happiness? What actually stands in the way of a satisfying life? I always tell nervous brides, “yes, everyone will be looking at you…
for a second…but they will quickly return to themselves and their own appearance. Trust me; paparazzi are not lurking outside your house. Whether or not you can pull off a bikini or a sleeveless shirt is irrelevant in the real world. (Hollywood is a different story – not yours!) A few varicose veins should not keep you from wearing a skirt, because no one will probably even notice or care. Losing five, ten, or twenty pounds before a class reunion may give you confidence, but a warm smile and open heart is what people will remember. In the throes of great sex are you really thinking about your abs? And, after the initial shock of your cellulite on the beach, will anyone think less of you; after all, it’s not a felony, is it? Instead of judging yourself and competing with others, try looking people directly in the eye; show them you are present and available. It’s intoxicating to be seen and heard …

A health insurance chart would label me overweight. I’ve been pleasantly plump my whole life, but I have never, and would never, have a relationship with a man who criticized my figure. Actually, the men I attract are quite enthusiastic about my zaftig charms. I dated a body builder several years ago, who was 14 years younger than me. He told me he respected women who pumped iron at the gym, but he preferred women with soft curves and thick legs, and the emotional stability of older women. Trust me; men are turned on by women who like themselves. A guest on Oprah claimed that you should be able to stand in front of a mirror naked, and be turned on by yourself. I fervently agree.

Furthermore, consider the practicality of aging. When we are at our most fertile, we are most appealing to the opposite sex. This is the biological path we take. We grow older and things change for a reason. We are not designed to chase boys and make babies in our later years. It’s a gift to push us into thinking about other things, like, why we’re here, what we’ve learned, and how we’re going to serve the world, insuring our lives were meaningful.

“In life our task is to go from unconscious perfection to conscious imperfection and then to conscious perfection” -unknown proverb

Please bask in your own individual beauty. Be aware of sleepwalking, unconsciously playing the same destructive tapes over and over. Seek new thoughts about yourself. Wake up and experience your fingers and toes and everything in between. Embrace the conscious truth, and love who you are.

AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER

Ladies, are you aware of breast cancer? The roulette wheel could stop on your number, if you’re not aware. Fear not, big money is being spent on research. Will that lead to a cure for cancer, or even a clue to what is causing it? Or just another nasty drug? A new highball of chemical poisons to shoot through your veins, killing the cancer and a few other things?

Let’s have some awareness about WHY breast cancer is showing up so often. Do you really want to be a sitting duck waiting for a lump? Oprah’s season finale featured actress, and breast cancer survivor, Christina Applegate, determined to create even more awareness, and alert women to be checked regularly. Oprah was emphatic in her intro - this life-saving information could protect you from becoming another statistic.

Christina was genetically predisposed to breast cancer because her mother had it. When she manifested the destined disease she chose a double mastectomy rather than battling reoccurrence. She believed she would get cancer, and she believed her body couldn’t survive it. Her oncologist’s recommendations for women who have the breast cancer gene, BRCA, are mammograms and MRIs every six months, preventative chemotherapy, and a double mastectomy. Gee, that sounds pricey and barbaric, are there any other options?

The episode was dedicated to informing women how to detect and protect themselves from breast cancer because over the next 25 years, 25 million women will be diagnosed and 10 million will not survive. The studio audience was chock full of survivors, commiserating, weeping, confused and helpless. They turned to Christina’s oncologist for guidance.

This included self examination, mammograms, plus an MRI chaser if you have dense breast tissue, and a low-fat diet. Tests most people can’t afford, and a dietary recommendation of low fat? (Which fat? Are you telling me that avocadoes, nuts, seeds, ghee and olive oil are bad for me? There are good and bad fats, and this doctor should have clearly defined that). After parading heart wrenching stories designed to scare women to get those expensive tests and doctor visits, Oprah and her audience, including Nancy Komen, sought hope for a cure. I wasn’t feeling hope at all, just rage because there was no discussion about why this cancer is on the rise, or how difficult it is for women to afford testing.

Besides the nightmare of the oncologist’s recommendations, you'll feel sick when you think about paying for this medical attention. 47 million people in the US can’t afford health insurance, and what percent beyond that purchase health coverage with a high deductible? Doctors dole out comfort in the form of tests few can afford. Are they really trying to help? Do they care about preventing cancer, or are they happy to process the victims through their money making machine?

Here’s my recommendation for HOPE and PREVENTION and CURE:
Figure out why there is more incidence of breast cancer, get to the root of the problem, approach the subject like a detective, looking for clues and suspects, and make testing available and affordable.

Our food sources are tainted by hormones and pesticides. Food products like milk, cheese, eggs, come from animals that are injected with hormones. Bulls are genetically bred to be so large that their semen has to be inserted into a cow via syringe. Cows are given hormones to produce more milk, and we consume these hormones in dairy products, eggs, and meat.

Vegetables are sprayed with pesticides and those chemicals also hit our plate. If you are not choosing organic then you are not making a choice to avoid these toxins.

There is the issue of clean, pure, water and the plastic bottles they are stored in. A good water filtration system is a simple solution for healthier water coming out of your tap and shower.

Antiperspirant contains aluminum and stops sweat from leaving your glands under the arms which is very close to the breast. When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors recommend that patients discontinue use. Why use it at all? Why wait until you have cancer? Sweat out the poisons and wash more often. I use liquid salt crystal deodorant and it works just fine. I’d much rather smell B.O. than synthetic perfumes and colognes anyway. “Cheap perfume” is made from low quality synthetically derived scent instead of essential oils or actual flowers. After wearing it for a few hours, it smells distorted. Many expensive perfumes are made from “cheap” sources, so make sure you get what you pay for – check the labels.

And then there’s birth control. We all want to enjoy sex without unwanted pregnancies, but if there’s a vasectomy option, more men should consider taking action for that pleasure. If I were a man, I would not want my wife or girlfriend taking birth control because of the health risks. But, if I were a man, would I educate myself about birth control?
Women must inform and educate their partners, and decide what’s best for them.

In conclusion, the suspects are: food, water, birth control, and antiperspirant. Think about how you use these things and in some cases, consider living without them. Eat organic, it tastes better and supports organic farmers so they can grow more of the good stuff. It’s an investment in your health and costs less than years of tests and drugs. No more attitude toward “organic”. Pay for quality because your health is priceless.

Thermography is useful for very early detection. I had a digital infrared breast thermography. The cost was $225, and by the time I put my shirt on, the diagnosis was ready. The doctor took a picture of me and the computer displayed the image. We looked at it together, and he explained the results. Painless, fast, and respectful. Check out this infrared image from www.BreastThermography.com
"The use of Digital Infrared Imaging is based on the principle that metabolic activity and vascular circulation in both pre-cancerous tissue and the area surrounding a developing breast cancer is almost always higher than in normal breast tissue. In an ever-increasing need for nutrients, cancerous tumors increase circulation to their cells by holding open existing blood vessels, opening dormant vessels, and creating new ones (neoangiogenesis). This process frequently results in an increase in regional surface temperatures of the breast. DII uses ultra-sensitive medical infrared cameras and sophisticated computers to detect, analyze, and produce high-resolution diagnostic images of these temperature variations. Because of DII’s extreme sensitivity, these temperature variations may be among the earliest signs of breast cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state of the breast".

Learn more about Breast Thermography, share the information with everyone who has breasts.

The Susan Komen Foundation raised 1 billion for cancer research. How about funding cost efficient clinics with free thermography tests? It would require a computer, software, and technician. The test is quick, and since there’s no contact to the body nothing would have to be sterilized. Even if the clinic charged a nominal fee, it would allow many more women to check themselves yearly, and the fees could cover the overhead. If Digital Infrared Thermography can catch suspicious changes in the earliest stages, then a mammogram or MRI will be useful to determine specifics about any tumors.

I want women to stop being helpless victims, relying on doctors and health insurance to save them. Save yourself, arm yourself with knowledge, check the big picture of your lifestyle and consider the source of this growing problem.
BEE AWARE!

And BEE HEALTHY……

AN APPLE A DAY

I’ve been working for 27 years and health insurance has never been provided for me. In hindsight, that was a gift, driving me to become my own healer. I found books and sought teachers. Friends call me “Dr. Cherrie” because I understand how the body system works, and they come to me for advice (or I just give it).

Because health insurance is expensive and harder to come by, I urge everyone to self educate and invest in prevention. There are simple remedies to many health problems that are inexpensive and effective. Keep the doctor away by trying a new approach to health and wellness. Apple, anyone?

Vinegar made from apples is an extraordinary, multi-tasking medicinal when taken orally, or applied to the skin. Have Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) ready for use in your kitchen and bathroom. There are so many reasons to include ACV in your life, you’ll be shocked by the possibilities, and foolish if you don’t try at least one of them.

If you are unfamiliar with Apple Cider Vinegar, it is a raw, organic, unfiltered, peach-colored, juice from apples, full of enzymes, potassium, amino acids, and pectin. All the nutritional goodness of apples, transformed into vinegar. The apple-a-day theory is no joke, and its vinegar version is antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antibacterial.

The company educating the public on their superior apple cider vinegar product is BRAGG. Patricia and Paul Bragg are self titled “health crusaders.” I bless them for their tenacity to share knowledge, prevent illness, and cure many health problems.
Their book, “Apple Cider Vinegar – Miracle Health System” contains recipes and remedies plus excellent tips for a healthy lifestyle. Visit their website: www.bragg.com


ACV has been used for centuries as a remedy, tonic and elixir. It cleanses, fights germs, bacteria, mold and virus, and preserves the acid-alkaline balance in the body. The enzymes in ACV disable toxic substances so they can be released. Toxins cause us to feel tired, irritable and foggy.

ACV delivers pectin-soluble fiber and is a good source of potassium. Potassium is the mineral to remember, it is key to health and youthfulness. A deficiency of potassium can contribute to arthritis, kidney stones, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, colitis, hypothyroidism, coronary artery disease, diabetes and stroke. Don’t be without it!

Externally, ACV can be used to treat sunburns, insect bites, dandruff, shingles, varicose veins, acne, psoriasis, eczema, yeast and fungus infections, cold sores, and dry itchy skin. Internally it relieves headaches, sore throat, laryngitis, an enlarged prostate, excess mucus, constipation and sluggish digestion.

Some of my favorite uses:
-As a refreshing throat gargle, mix 1-2 tsps. in a half glass of warm water. This gargle kills germs, toxins and reduces mucus. Gargle three times each hour if throat is sore.
-As a dietary supplement for youth and vitality, drink 1-2 tsps. in 8oz. purified water in the morning. This form of cleansing will help weight loss too.
-For luminous complexion and body, spritz ACV on wet skin before leaving the shower, and massage until dry. Do this after every shower. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly.
-Add a cup of ACV to your bath and soak in the healing powers.
-Wipe a cotton ball soaked with ACV over face after washing to remove impurities and restore ph balance.

And my favorite use for ACV is salad dressing! Keep this delicious recipe in a glass jar for two weeks, though I doubt it will be around that long. The salad I love to dress up:
Mixed greens, red bell pepper, feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onion, and pine nuts.

2 TB Penzy’s Country French Vinaigrette dressing base (dry mixture) and
2 TB water to hydrate.
After 5 minutes, add 2 tsp Penzey’s Minced Garlic (or more if you like),
A heaping TB of fresh finely chopped shallot
½ C. Apple Cider Vinegar and ½ C. Olive Oil
Fresh ground pepper, and more salt to taste

I hope you will incorporate ACV into your life. Wash with it, drink it, and splash some on your greens. Investigate the possibilities, more materials can be found in the library or bookstore. Check my “In List” for sources.

Preserve your health with knowledge, apples, vinegar, and my scrumptious salad dressing. Leave an apple on your doctor’s desk….to remember you by.

THE KEYS TO HAPPINESS

photo by Cherrie Hanson

By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard toward the wicked, the mind-stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.
–Book One, #33 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

This “sutra” is one of almost 200 from the primary text of Yoga, or Raja Yoga. Sutras are verses, or threads of wisdom, guiding and enlightening, similar to scriptures of the Bible, Koran, or Torah. The sutras are expanded upon by the teacher or student, contemplated, and practiced.

It’s important to understand that the principles of the sutras are not religious or philosophical, rather they are universal human truths. In Peter Hayes book, “The Supreme Adventure” he clarifies this idea. “Reading the works of such masters as Patanjali, one is struck by their modern-or more precisely, timeless-point of view.
Their outlook is scientific, not ‘religious.’ Their words are not a catechism of what they believe, but a report of what they’ve seen and heard, like the log of an expedition. The only difference is that these spiritual explorers traveled within: their laboratory was the human body; their microscope, meditation; their object of study their own inner Self.”

On my expedition of life, there have been situations with people who make me feel good and those who have hurt me terribly. I was raised Catholic, told to forgive, turn the other cheek, and show compassion for the weak and sick. But the 33rd sutra adds a pivotal element that gives me peace and releases me from continual harm.
It states, have “compassion for the unhappy”, and “disregard toward the wicked.” In other words, there are those in this world who have turned away from the light, their energy is contrary to the good, or positive, and being near these people is not healthy.
It’s not that you would wish them any harm, or shouldn’t pray for their souls, but it’s OK to choose not to be involved in a relationship with them.

But what if this person were a family member, close friend, or spouse? This can become difficult and complicated. If you choose to distance yourself from a family member or divorce a spouse there can be outside pressures to forgive, forget, and work it out. Yet, to retain undisturbed calmness of your mind, it’s important to surround yourself with love and light. The evolution of your soul is guided and managed by the choices you make alone. This may not always be favorable to others, but if they love you, and that love is real, they will respect your decision. To maintain a state of peace, indifference toward those who you cannot help, and those who do not want help, is the best position to take. We are not meant to be each other’s saviors, instead we are responsible for our own journeys. What a relief.

Patanjali calls these attitudes “keys”: friendliness, compassion, delight, and disregard. And the four locks are: happy people, unhappy people, the virtuous, and the wicked. When you encounter any of these locks in your life, these keys will help you handle each properly, and the serenity of your mind will be continuous.

When you meet someone who is happy do not become jealous or critical. Your negative feelings will only harm you. When you find someone who is unhappy, realize they have their own path or karma to work out in this life. Be merciful and compassionate, lend a helping hand, and foster your own goodness helping another. When you find virtuous people, delight in crossing their path and cultivate their great qualities. And lastly when you come across the wicked, realize they will not be open to advice or council, let them go until they can find their way back to the light.

“These four keys should always be with you in your pocket. If you use the right key with the right person you will retain your peace. Nothing in the world can upset you then. Remember, our goal is to keep a serene mind.” -Patanjali

BEE A READER!

Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man
When bee-ing a reader you must not waste your time on lousy books. In case you are curious about the hype, and #1 position on the best sellers list, I have read "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man" for you. While guiding you to the good stuff, I will also warn you of what is not so good. But first let me tell you why. The following letter was sent to the author, and I received no reply from Mr. Harvey. Gee, I hope he's not busy writing a second book...cause I'm really not that into him.

"Dear Steve Harvey,
The male need to “fix” problems is a demonstration of ego, not a caring act of love.
It rolls like: Watch me get your problems out of the way like a super hero, because I’ve got to hurry back to my needs, my business, and my cookie reward(sex). Men who have to show me they can fix things often make promises they cannot shore up, leaving me to figure it out anyway, adding to the disappointment of not getting what I needed in the first place - compassion. My problem becomes eclipsed by the man’s need to succeed. How about the gift of listening and a reminder, “Baby, it’s gonna work out, don’t worry.” Where’s my big shoulder?
Support, Loyalty, and the Cookie, the three most important things to a man, play out in your book like Sex, Money, and Power - the lowest vibrations of human energy. Women have adjusted to the simple, base drives of men, but when are men going to seek the heart, throat, and higher consciousness toward Love, Communication, and Spirituality?
Put ASIDE the PRIDE, and go INSIDE!
You mention faith and attending church, and suggest women not lower themselves by having affairs with married men, lessening men’s opportunities for weakness. Can’t men pray for strength? Doesn't the committment of marriage involve mutual support, loyalty and intimacy? Seems a simple lesson to learn that you have to take responsibility for your decisions despite temptations. Religion never taught me that my ego would make me a miserable person. Have you read “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle?
Wanting to be “chosen” by a man is another scheme of the ego to secure worthiness. Skip the ring and envied price tag, I want something more valuable, priceless, and everlasting. Choosier women have evolved to provide, support, and bake, our own cookies. I do expect more from men, and I will continue happily on my own until I find one who owns the responsibility of being a good man. Love me for who I am, not how I make you feel.
I sincerely hope you will read “A New Earth” and consider the ideas I shared with you."

-Cherrie Hanson, Queen Bee

SUPER HEALING MACHINE

In the fall of my 36th year, I started having nerve pain in my leg. Inflamed nerves are difficult to pacify and impossible to live with. I had little idea of what was wrong, but I knew I had to find a solution before I went mad.

A friend always mentioned her superhero doctor, referring to him as, “My Spine Guy”. I needed a superhero spine guy too. I was unable to sleep, wandering around the house all night, exhausted, crying, writhing in pain all day long with no break. I found my way to the office of Dr. Ronald O’Connor: Chiropractor, NSA (Network Spinal Analysis) practitioner, healer, incredibly caring man.

I sought his expertise because I had an all-encompassing problem that needed immediate relief, but what I received from NSA care was the opportunity to become a healing machine, in a training program to heal itself. The conditioning practice is actually called “entrainment”. That is the radical difference between traditional medicine and this type of care. When your body acts up, drugs and surgery are like a spanking, admonishing and disrupting the system before you’ve given it a chance to heal itself. Sometimes you have to put out the fire, but if you don’t realize that your body is programmed to handle and manage most maladies, you won’t trust it, and that can lead to unfortunate choices. Drugs have to be processed and removed from your body after they treat the symptom. Surgeries create disruptive scar tissue, not to mention a loss of parts, which is why other possibilities should be tried first.

The emotional and physical aspects of your body are interwoven. The sooner you know this, the more control you will have over your well-being. Negative emotions can create an unhealthy body, and conversely, a bad physical state can lead to unhealthy emotions.

Imagine your spine and the millions of pathways that flow outward to your body delivering messages. The brain is similar with many options for trails and circuits directed by our thoughts. We always have the choice to take any trail we want, but humans (and animals) tend to stick to a path until we’re forced to choose another. Have you ever noticed how habits form? Once upon a time I woke up and decided I needed coffee to start my day. If you take it away from me now, I will cry like a baby. Not because I won’t be able to function, but because my habit has become a comfort, emotionally and yes, physically. Now apply that to the many habits, routines, and preferences you have established throughout your life. Physically and emotionally we get stuck, patterns are guarded, and conditions become chronic. NSA is an option to retrain and reconnect pathways, or as they’re called in NSA, “gateways”.

The first day I met Dr. Ron he took x-rays and checked the layout of my spine. We talked about accidents, injuries, and surgeries. He began the session by gently communicating with my spinal network, signaling it to reroute and work better. This involved me laying face down on a table while he held my ankles and feet looking for tensions in my spine. Then he lightly touched or contacted areas on my neck and back, telling me where to focus my attention. He left me for a few minutes while my system checked it out, and downloaded new information to the nervous system. During some sessions I had tingling sensations and a few times emotions were released and caused me to weep. Other times I needed to stretch and move my body around. Eventually, I was able to feel the energy moving. It’s impossible to describe, but the sensation made me want to yell out, “wooohoooo!” After 20 minutes, and several “contacts” later, I was sent to the waiting room to process. I had to sit. It felt like the first day of flu, when you can’t lift your head off the pillow because the body’s full energy is focused on fighting the virus and healing. After an NSA treatment, the energy starts moving and the body system gets real busy. Remember that obnoxious boy from Willy Wonka, Mike the TV junkie? They put him in a machine, broke him down into a million little pieces, scanned him across the room, and transformed him into a similar, but new, version of himself. Picture that. After a few minutes of resting and reconstituting in the peaceful waiting room, you feel like you’ve been massaged for 3 hours. Joy is all around, everything is perfect and wonderful. NSA is my favorite thing to do Friday nights. Now that’s what I call happy hour.

I have been receiving NSA care for 7 years. Everyone has a different journey, so I can’t tell you what your experience will be. Treatment is specialized for your body, it decides where it wants to go, and that feels safe and comforting.
Because our bodies get bumped, jostled, neglected, and worn out, we need care from someone wise who can hold the flashlight, guiding us out of the dark places. Then we can become our own super healing machines. First there is analysis, then healing, then transformation, more healing, and finally empowerment.

Why did she call him a “Spine Guy”? He’s “Spine Man!” –my very own Superhero!

Dr. Ronald O’Connor is one of many hundreds of NSA care providers in the United States. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic who accepts most insurance plans. He offers Metagenics brand nutritional supplements, the only company that does scientific studies to determine the efficacy of their products. Other supplements are carefully chosen for their quality and integrity, and matched appropriately to patients who need them. His office, conveniently located at 7705 W. Greenfield Ave in West Allis, is quiet, relaxing, and brimming with positive nurturing energy. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact his office at 414-476-7710.

BEE A READER!

Woman: An Intimate Geography by Natalie Angier

“A tour de force, a wonderful, entertaining and informative book.” -The New York Times

“Intimate and idiosyncratic….Angier’s brilliant and witty fantasia will inspire women to believe in their powers.” -The Boston Globe

“Natalie Angier has that rare dual talent: a true passion for science combined with a poet’s linguistic flair…Surprising and fascinating.” -People

“Angier writes about biology with unabashed zest.” -Chicago Tribune

“I wish high school curriculums included this book. If girls read
“Woman: An Intimate Geography” before becoming women, they would be mind-blowingly impressed with themselves, and would naturally make better decisions about sex, relationships, and reproduction. My second wish is that boys would read it too. I'm certain they would become more respectful of girls and less afraid of women. The girlfriends, lovers and wives will be understood completely, fostering compassion rather than tired old uniformed jokes about PMS and menopause. This book is a universal "must-read".
Angier is a wordsmith likened to Shakespeare. If you don’t like flourless chocolate cake, you might not like her style. She serves up complicated material decadently, rich in history, thick with scientific data. If knowledge is power, this monumental manual delivers like a nuclear reactor.
Angier does not dally, there are no lulls, she cranks out the miraculous functions of the female body with reckless abandon, and writes so playfully, you’ll remember them forever.

This fourteen dollar investment could change all your relationships, especially the one with yourself. Imagine reading it out loud to your Man - suddenly you’re a Rock Star, a scientific wonder, his favorite racecar, a perfect machine. Give it to your Mother or Daughter, show her how precious your bond is. Discuss it with friends, co-workers, and clients, find out what they think. Pick it up for your Son, make sure he will have a happy marriage….”

-Cherrie Hanson, Killer Bee

KIRTAN

Several years ago a friend invited me to a Kirtan chant. She didn’t tell me much about it, only that it was cool. The event was held in the basement of a local church. People sat cross-legged on the floor around the band, others in chairs behind, but we all removed our shoes at the door. Hundreds gathered, the lights were dimmed, and a warm energy filled the room.

The singer, Ragani, gave a brief introduction, and found the “new-bees” with a show of hands. She was a comedian, dry, monotone, witty, translating the potent meaning of each chant with maternal care. The chants, on a screen behind the band, written in Sanskrit, looked scary and intimidating. At that fragile moment,
I decided to watch and listen. But when the “OM” sound reached every corner of the room, my head buzzed from the vibration. During the third repeat, I jumped in.
It was cool.

Quickly acclimating to the call and response pattern, I caught myself swaying with the music and relaxing into the experience. I got happy, and troubles were forgotten. The joy around me was multiplying exponentially, carrying me with it. The chants were loooong and somewhere in the middle I grew unconscious, hypnotized by the beauty of the music, the voices, the swell of bliss. Everyone was on a magic carpet ride, sharing the same perfect sky.

The event called Kirtan is a gate to somewhere beyond your imagination.
I felt lucky that night to have found it. I am sharing this story to pass the favor along.

On Friday nights, when the glog and weight of the week sits heavy on your soul, come to a sacred, quiet, loving place. Slowly strip off the layers of fear, unravel the energy-sucking anger, frustration, and disappointments, and just chant your bright and shiny Self to a pure happy place…
Welcome to Kirtan,
"OM NAMAH SHIVAYA"

Ragani’s Kirtan is held the Unitarian Universalist Church West at 13001 W. North Ave, in Brookfield, WI. Ragani performs the first Friday of the month at 7:30pm. Cost: $10. Check her website for calendar, as some months are not scheduled:
www.raganiworld.com

For more information on Kirtan go to: www.sangitadevi.com

Check out Jai Uttal: www.jaiuttal.com His amazing work includes “Kirtan: The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant”, “Loveland”, and “Mondo Rama”.

JOY OF BEE-ING

photo by Doug Krimmer

HOW DO YOU "POO"?

It seems a simple enough task to take care of your hair, but when clients arrive for a haircut, there’s usually a lot of restoration needed as well. It behooves the hairstylist to remove product buildup, use a gentle shampoo, and condition the client’s hair because everything we do, color, perm, and styling turns out better. Results can be compromised by mistreated, neglected hair, and that places a lot of undo responsibility on the practitioner. (“She fried my hair!”) It’s not fair to expect a beautician and a magician. Do your part at home and I guarantee a better experience at the salon.

After a haircut, hair looks and feels fabulous and clients innocently assume removal of the last few inches restored the entire head. The “back bar” (storage unit for shampoo and conditioner) is the salon equivalent to your shower. If you use what I use, then logically, you will have healthy luminous strands, right? RIGHT!
(Except if you are leaving the salon with brassy, flat, or greasy hair, then obviously don’t invest in those products and consider a more educated stylist. Would you let a surgeon remove body parts if they didn’t know the basics?)

Think of your hair as a flexible straw. Outside the hard protein cuticle bends and flexes like a snake’s skin. Inside the straw are color molecules (a different form of protein) and water. Anytime heat, peroxide, or detergent come into play, the cuticle scales open up. Sometimes they never close down again, causing the color protein and water to fall out. The surface becomes dull, the scales latch on to each other forming snarls, and the color fades. Here’s the most important part of my class. When these symptoms occur, it is not a signal to cut off hair, it’s a warning to check your hair care habits:

How effective is my shampoo? Do I use it because it smells good, comes in an eye-catching package, and is a few dollars less? How often do I condition? Do I know the difference between needing a protein conditioner or a moisturizer? Is my blow dryer set to”quick-bake”? Is my flat iron or curling iron made of metal? How often do I clarify? Have I installed a shower filter yet?

The most important factor in picking a shampoo is ph. If it’s not on the label, then they are not boasting the most important asset. I realize that if shampoo smells like easter candy or cough syrup, you won’t care what the ph is, but keep searching until you can bring the two factors together. I will have a short list at the bottom of this article to help you find your perfect shampoo.

Each company generally produces a protein restoring conditioner and a moisturizer. They are designed for fine or coarse hair, and some are rinse-out or leave-in.
(If you are using a “cream rinse” then you are layering your hair with wax and choking the life out of it, and you should contact me because you will need a good shaking and a detox!)
In the winter, all hair types will need a moisturizer, and if you have chemically treated hair, a protein conditioner will be essential to heal the cuticle that was opened by the chemical process. How do you know which one you need? It depends on whether your hair is straight or curly, and how oily your skin is. Static is a clue for moisturizer, lack of shine, split ends, and fading color means protein is needed.

To begin, shampoo with as little product necessary to get the job done. Use the pads of your fingers to gently massage your scalp. Then apply a rinse-out protein conditioner or moisturizer to all of the hair and give it at least 3-5 minutes to work and rinse. If you are using a leave-in conditioner then gently blot the delicate wet hair and apply product a few inches from scalp. If your hair is course, dry, and/or curly you can get closer.
I highly recommend a super absorbent Aquis hair towel because it easily absorbs the water so you spend less time drying with heat. Lower the time and temperature of your blow dryer – it’ll make a big difference! As for heat tools like irons, they should only be ceramic, toss away the metal it’s like a frying pan for your hair.

So you see, your crowning glory can be saved and enlightened.
You have the technology, you have the knowledge, now get in that shower and…POO!


World’s Greatest Conditioner - Lanza’s Trauma Treatment
This phenomenal leave-in protein reconstructor creates instant results, can be used on any hair texture, keeps the color from fading, and over time creates a perfect healthy cuticle. Can be used on dry hair like a pomade, or with a flat iron to keep hair super straight.

Other great shampoo and conditioner products:
Joico
Joico’s Body Lux and Silk Result shampoo/conditioners are the best, and well priced for the quality. I’ve used it for twenty years.

MOP (Modern Organic Products)
MOP makes a C shampoo that is like sunlight captured in a bottle, with an orange and mint fragrance, perfect for a fresh start every day. The ph of MOP shampoos is a little higher, so it would be best for non-chemically treated hair.

Malibu 2000
Malibu 2000 makes a wonderful clarifier called Udoo Goo. It is gentle and effective at removing styling product buildup. Their Swimmers Shampoo is the top of the chlorine remover list. The products contain enzymes, which does not disturb the cuticle.

I recommend all of Lanza’s many shampoos and conditioners. It’s really the best product line and everything smells fantastic. Even the packaging is supreme.

THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE

If you haven’t fallen in love by age 40, then you are seriously behind schedule
and missing out on the love of your life.
Here comes the dreaded Valentine’s Day reminding us to “love the one you’re with”
because we often forget…
But what if you don’t have anyone?
Cheer up baby, the love of your life has just been located!

I am a hairstylist and high priestess in the confessional of insecurities. Put most women in front of a mirror an hour or two and there’s gonna be some self deprecation – others experience delusions of grandeur, constantly playing with their hair, making fish lips in the mirror – still, it isn’t the real deal. I rarely experience a client beaming with self love or gratitude for their physical gifts.

We beat ourselves with measuring sticks, and gorge on images of perfection.
It’s like having low grade depression, or an infection you can’t shake.
But, by the time you are 40, you should know better – you should have fallen in love with yourself by now. At half-life it’s time to start fussing about what you have instead of what you have not. If you deny what you have, then you are not in the moment, which is the recipe for misery and non-existence. Feeling beautiful, sexy, jaw dropping, hot, whatever you call it, is of great importance, you just have to get there with what you GOT! Get it?

Once upon a time acceptable fashion was limited. Remember when straight men wouldn’t wear pink? There was safety in being current and conforming. Busting out of the mold was not validating. However, at this point in fashion history, it’s ALL IN, and you pull it off by being confident. We are free to express ourselves without judgment or ridicule.

Now, let’s compare fashion trends to the cornucopia of shapes, sizes, colors, and composition of our bodies. Why is there still such a narrow target of what looks good? When are we going to believe that all manifestations are cool and acceptable? How about, the bigger the schnoz the better? Let’s get steamy for some thick, chubby thighs - they can be so charming and sexy. Or go crazy for big hips that form a cushy cradle for the one they love? Sometimes my acne scars look like extra dimples – who doesn’t love a face full of dimples? A little split between the front teeth drives me wild.

Adore your parts and participles, and others will too: (sing this song to yourself)

"Listen to me baby, hear every word I say, no one can love you the way I do, because they don't know how to love you my way....you give me feeeee-ver"

A few years ago I opened a fortune cookie that simply stated,
“The Greatest Love of All – Self Love.”

So this Valentine’s Day, let me remind you emphatically to love the one you’re with…..

YOU!