Clinton Bartok L.AcMaria feels fatigued especially after meals, she is constipated, gets heartburn, is losing hair and has intense sugar cravings. She has a very difficult time losing weight even though she eats well and exercises frequently. After visiting with her doctor and running a blood test to check for hypothyroidism she was told that her thyroid markers were normal, and she needed to relax more and take laxatives for the constipation. Maria was very frustrated with this diagnosis because she has felt this way for some time and it keeps getting worse.Determined to get better and figure out why she feels the way she does Maria sought out an acupuncturist nearby. Her acupuncturist, also practicing functional medicine, immediatly ordered an expanded blood panel and an adrenal stress index. It was discovered that she had high levels of TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies, TH1 dominance (high cytotoxic Tcells and natural killer cells), and high cortisol levels. In other words she has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, and insuline resistance. Maria's situation is all too common. Our lab ranges used to be a lot more narrow 50yrs ago as opposed to now. Our health system is missing Thyroid conditions and insulin resistance as a result.  Here are the statistics for Thyroid conditions in the US Hypothyroid-1.75 millionHyperthyroid 275,000Goiter 22 millionThyroid Cancer- 15,000Death due to thyroid cancer 2,00099% of nodules are non-cancerous24:1 females to males90% hypothyroid have Hashimoto’s (and don’t know it)#1 reason is autoimmune disease It is unlikely that the thyroid gland is the only tissue under attack under these circumstances. Physician’s can’t diagnose autoimmune disease in the current western model until it has already attacked the thyroid=Hashimoto's, cartilage=Arthritis, islet cells=Diabetes, myelin sheath=MS etc. Many times patients take more meds for their thyroid but the immune system continues to attack the gland, therefore the symptoms remain or even worsen. The question is why is this happening? It’s because MD’s aren’t running full panels on the thyroid because it doesn’t change the course of treatment. Patients will still continue on Synthroid and Armour and just increase doses as time goes on. It doesn’t change the course of treatment because doctors are not checking their immune system activity. Doctors test TSH and T4 levels on a regular exam but, leave out T3 uptake, total T4, total T3, reverse T3 and TAA/TPO antibodies. Antibodies are the big one with autoimmune hashimotos, but immune cytokines (chemical messengers) are also important to test in order to know what nutritional compounds to give a patient. There are a lot of undiagnosed cases of Hashimoto’s in the US. When I first learned of this and started testing patients, I found that 1/3 of my patients had Hashimoto’s and didn’t know it. Once I began treating them appropriately with Chinese herbs and nutritional compounds, their symptoms and labs improved.  Although adequate iodine consumption is important for thyroid hormone production and iodine deficiency being the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide, it's important to understand that supplemental use in autoimmune Hashimoto’s is contraindicated. Iodine is the major cofactor and stimulator for TPO. TPO is the enzyme that is under attack with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Increased iodine intake therefore increases the immune attack on the thyroid and is like throwing gasoline on a fire. This can lead to alternating hyper function autoimmune response destroying the thyroid further, and hypo function.  This emphasizes the importance of ordering the proper blood panels to determine the best approach to helping someone overcome this illness that affects so many Americans. Functional medicine deals with the early stages of disease and stresses healthy levels on lab reports rather than pathological levels. To your health, Clinton Bartok L.Ac For more information and to schedule a consultation please contactAcupuncture and Holistic Health CenterDenver, CO Atinfo@acupunctureholistichealthcenter.com ...read more

Does your Holistic Practitioner look at Biofilms before treating?  What are Biofilms?-Biofilms are a protective layer that surround bacteria from being killed.-Bacterias secrete biofilms to protect themselves.-a variety of bacteria can bind together inside biofilms. Why do Bacteria Make Biofilms?-Biofilms protect pathogenic bacteria from being killed with supplements or western medication.-Bacteria has the ability to spread throughout the body and all organ systems with this protective layer.-Biofilms can resist the attack of the immune system and antibiotics, leading to a lesser resistant on healing. The Facts on Biofilms-99% of bacteria make biofilms.-Microbiologists have researched only free-floating individual bacteria in labs.-99% of all microbial activity uses biofims.-In your body, bacteria migrates using biofilms and behave differently than single isolation in labs. Biofilm Info-Dental plaque is the most common biofilms in which teeth decay.-Biofilms can contaminate any medical device inserted into the body, think about MRSA and the resistance to all antibiotics except Vancomycin. MRSA creates a biofilm protective layer against treatment; if only doctors would understand this protective biofilm.-Electronically, biofilms can corrode the conductors and interfere with electronic signals.-Bacteria can survive and multiply without harm with this protective layer.-The sticky coat of amour made from polysaccharides makes them more powerful to combat.-When biofilms aggregate, they can congest organs, glands, air and blood passage ways, and can ultimately be deadly.-Biofilms protect against antibiotics. How to Kill Biofilms-There are stabilized enzymes to kill biofilms. There are enzymes that can help clear infection related and stubborn biofilms in the gums, lymphatic system, neck, thyroid, stomach and intestines more importantly.-Western and most holistic practitioners aren't aware of biofilms as an integral part of healing and getting results, especially with gastrointestinal disorders.Please keep in mind that certain labs are reliable and others aren't. Make sure you are choosing a lab that has a good outcome and not a history of false negatives or positives. Trust in your practitioner to make that choice. You should choose based on your practitioners knowledge on different labs. Often times a practitioner will stick with one company and never question the results. Be sure your practitioner is always looking for the best lab results! You can contact Acupuncture Holistic Health Center for more information atinfo@acupunctureholistichealthcenter.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view itor call 303-304-0795 ...read more

Creative TransformationsHelping CSIGYs heal, thrive and realize their dreams«Creating Beauty from Life’s Scraps: The Foggy Days QuiltAre you facing tough times?   Do you know someone who is?   ...read more

Increase your water intake. Exercise regularly (5 times per week, 30-45 minutes). Get plenty of good quality sleep. Maintain a balanced diet of good carbohydrates (fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes), good fats, and protein. Take nutritional supplements targeted to your specific needs as well as eliminate fast foods and saturated fats. Wash your hands frequently and practice “Good Hygiene.” De-stress your mind and body with yoga, meditation, spiritual practices, or do something you enjoy that relaxes you such as a favorite hobby. Take some time just for you even if it’s 10 minutes a day. Detoxify your system and take your vitamins. Have fun and laugh every day. Humor is good medicine. Develop positive personal and professional relationships. Practice “Deep breathing” shallow breathing affects health dramatically. ...read more

By Ansley Watson Are you doing Pilates for an injury?  Maybe your taking classes to shape up and tone.  What if you want to tone, but you also have an injury? Clinical Pilates Clinical Pilates is a system of exercises that integrates the traditional Pilates exercises with modern diagnostic and rehabilitation tools for injury and performance enhancement.  This type of Pilates is particularly beneficial to clients that are currently working through some kind of injury.  Also, it is beneficial to athletes, clients in some kind of training, or those that just workout at a higher endurance and need Pilates for stretching and core strength.  Typically clinical Pilates initially focuses on a specific localized body function, such as an injured shoulder.  But then expands out to a global view of the rest of the body, in this case to see if the shoulder injury was a cause or effect of another body malfunctions.   Fitness Pilates Fitness Pilates is more along the mainstream classical Pilates routines.  The focus is more on general conditioning and lifestyle benefits.   Many of the exercises are from a dance-oriented background, with a variety of movements and exercises.  The classes tend to flow along at a slightly quicker pace, but again the goal is controlled movements. Which type of Pilates is for you?1) Are you injured?Do you have a history of injury?  Or are you an athlete or workout out the rest of the week at a high endurance that may make you susceptible to injury? If you are, then clinical Pilates is essential to your Pilates program before you ever begin a fitness Pilates regiment. 2) Do you have a spinal injury or spinal pain? If yes, you may need to consult with a doctor or physical therapist to investigate the cause before you begin taking clinical Pilates lessons.  Once that has been identified, most back injuries can be improved with quality clinical Pilates lessons.  However, please note that fitness Pilates classes are not designed to deal with these injuries and therefore may re-aggravate your injury. 3) Is your pain Pilates related?If you have developed new injuries, talk to your Pilates teacher immediately.  Ask if they can see obvious technique issues, or if you may need a modified version if a particular exercise is bothering your body.  If you are taking a fitness Pilates class, perhaps try a clinical Pilates lesson or class to see if the dysfunction causing your pain can be identified and corrected. 4) Are you currently not taking Pilates and wonder if it will help with a recent injury? If you have recently injured yourself from work or sports and not sure if Pilates will work to reduce your pain, simply try it and see how it goes.  If the injury is not corrected or is aggravated by Pilates, then it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or physical therapist. If you are not injured… Most fitness Pilates classes can be a good classes to condition your body.  However, keep in mind that if you are just starting back to a workout routine, sometimes jumping into fitness Pilates class my not be the best starting place. ...read more

By Ansley Watson The definition of structural integration is a system of soft tissue manipulation, with the objective of realigning the body structurally and harmonizing its fundamental movement patterns in relation to gravity.  There are many types of great practiconers that use different techniques to help manipulate and realign the body.  Can Pilates be incorporated into a form of structural integration? Classical Pilates has not in the past focused directly on manual manipulation of the soft tissue, however it has always incorporated realigning the body and harmonizing the bodies movements.  In the last few decades, Pilates has been expanded by many great practiconers to become more and more like a movement therapy.  Taking that one step further there are many new Pilates systems coming out that are using specific muscle engagements and movements, to help reorganize and integrate your body.  As those of you that have been in the studio the last month know, Joie de Vivre Pilates has taken this leap forward transforming our classical Pilates practice to a dynamic practice.  It is hard (in a good way) and yet so basic.  Many clients are seeing instant results in core body strength, reduction in pain, in energy levels, and in appearance.  How do we do it?  This new type of Pilates focuses on your abs, but not just in a sit-up kind of way.  It focuses deep down into your transverse abdominal and your pelvic floor.  These little movements are so subtle and yet they make that much of a difference.  Come in and try it for yourself. ...read more

By Ansley Watson A lot of people ask me what is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?  Which is better to do?  Here is the low-down. Yoga Yoga has been defined as "technologies or disciplines of asceticism and meditation which are thought to lead to spiritual experiences and a profound understanding or insight into the nature of existence."  Yoga helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax.  Yoga generally uses the body's own weight for resistance and a great deal of focus is accorded to the flow from one posture into the other. There are many different Yoga styles and they differ in their emphasis.PilatesPilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body. Movements are not performed rapidly or repeated excessively instead, the focus is on quality not quantity. The abdominal muscles, lower back and bottom("powerhouse") serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely. This focus on core stabilization makes one stronger from the inside out and is critical for the advancement of the client. The low impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Its six principles-breathing, concentration, control, centering, flow and precision-train the body to move efficiently with minimal impact on the body. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy, vigorous and symmetrical workout for all muscle groups resulting in a leaner, more balanced, and stronger body.Working With Yoga and Pilates in ConjunctionDo them both in conjunction! The nature of the techniques makes it easy for them to complement each other. Get the stretch from Yoga and keep it from Pilates. Strengthen your abdominals on the reformer and watch your poses improve. Join the breathing techniques of Pilates and meditative aspect of Yoga into your daily routine and see the stress of your everyday life, begin to dissipate. ...read more

A recent study by the American Cancer Society finds, that in a 14 year study people who spent at least 6 hours of their day sitting died sooner than people who sat less than 3 hours. You can change this in your life by simply walking around your desk once an hour or by helping your office to live a healthier life by leading a group walk once every other hour or so. The study finds that the effect is stronger for women than for men, but significant for both sexes. Dr Patel the author of the study says that, "It wasn't just that they weren't getting exercise. Patel and colleagues found that sitting itself was detrimental to health. Sitting increased risk of cancer death, but the main death risk linked to sitting was heart disease." Remember that Nothing is more important than your health so take charge of your life and MOVE on it.  Information for this post gathered from the July 22 edition of the American Journal of Epidemiology. ...read more

We've just published a new edition of our newsletter! You can check it out on our website and get the latest information from Break the Habits/Burn the Fat Personal Training. Let us know what you think! Read It Now Here ...read more

In the northern hemisphere, December brings darkness, and with it the blues and for some, depression too. As the loss of light progresses, veils of separation may also thin, connecting us more easily to our inner depths. Old issues we have dealt with can resurface, sometimes with an intensity that belies the work we have already done with them. Typical CSIGY (Creative, Sensitive, Introverted, Gifted) issues such as inferiority, perfectionism, and belonging rear their ugly heads with a vengeance. New ones may wiggle in, too. Then there's the waning economy; the holidays; you name it. The darkness outside us joins with the darkness within us, looming larger and larger.   The calendar year is winding down and a new one is quickly creeping up. We may find ourselves thinking about where our lives are compared to where we wanted them to be by now. Many people do this; what's different for CSIGY's?  CSIGY's are likely to set the bar so high that it's never reachable.  We're not satisfied with our accomplishments, even when others are. We also may have higher levels of concern and anxiety for the future, based on our broader, deeper awareness of issues and their implications. December may also be a time of reckoning in terms of relationships. How are our relationships doing? What relationships? Some of us may say. We may be acutely aware of the research that shows how much healthier people are who are part of a community. But community can be especially difficult for CSIGY's. We're highly sensitive introverts-so taking time and having the energy for interpersonal relationships is very difficult, if not impossible at times. It's easy for CSIGY's to feel like misfits.  We may have been, and felt like outsiders since we were children, so we may have concluded that we didn't belong and couldn't fit in. Like the legendary reindeer Rudolph, we may have tried to hide or camouflage our gifts so we would fit in and be accepted. As is often the case, the coping mechanisms we developed in childhood to survive, no longer serve us as adults. It's time to recognize that the conclusions we made when we were young—that as CSIGY's we are total misfits and therefore we don't belong, don't deserve and can't have the good that we want—is not accurate. When we were young, these conclusions may have helped us make sense of  our differences and difficulties. Now they imprison us. And yet they feel so necessary. In fact, there seems to be an inverse relationship here. The more crucial they were to our survival as children, the more essential they seem AND the more they mess us up now. Our differences are real. Our emotions are real.  Here's the kicker: the conclusions we drew about them, and their meaning is not real. Just because we feel stupid or small or helpless, does not mean that we are. Just because we feel inferior, inadequate or like we don't belong, does not mean it's true. After all, we drew these conclusions when we were very young, usually by the age of 3-5. We don't have to let a four year old run our lives now; yet we do when we live by the decisions we made back then. Like Rudolph, we can transform our differences into assets by our recognizing our unique gifts, and using them to make a positive contribution. In the legend, Rudolph saved the day by leading the way for Santa to deliver his gifts. The very characteristic that got him ostracized became his entree' into acceptance.  His nemesis became his greatest asset.    Also like Rudolph, you can stop ignoring your pain; you can stop hiding your gifts so you can maximize them to save your life and the lives of others. What bright red nose is shining in your life? What difference are you trying to hide? What bright red alarm signal in your life are you trying to ignore? What in your life has made you feel like a misfit? That is your goldmine. That is where to look for your gift. This is what you can transform and activate to make a significant difference in the lives of others.   How do we overcome the Holiday Blues and December's depression?  By befriending — no — embracing the previously feared darkness within that we overcome this darkness and let in the Light. What do I mean by going into the darkness to find the light? On a practical level, one example would be washing out a wound. Several years ago, I fell while riding my bike and landed on one knee. I washed it out, but in my high sensitivity, I didn't have the 'stomach' for the pain involved, so I didn't scrub it out deeply. I kept telling myself, "tomorrow  it will hurt less, and I'll do it," but it didn't stop hurting until well, until after it healed, with the dirt still embedded in the skin on that knee where it is to this day. I apparently cleansed the dirt in my washing it, as it never got infected. I went partially into the dark, but not all of the way, so I still carry some of that darkness within me. Another example of going into the darkness to find the light would exploring our resistance to something we say we want to do. I want to exercise every day, or that's what I tell myself. But when it comes down to it, it's too cold outside (or too hot in the summer), I don't want to stop other things I'm doing (or they take longer than I had anticipated, and I don't want to stop until I'm finished) so I can go to bed earlier so I can get up earlier so I can exercise before I go to work.  What is that glass ceiling in my life between what I say I want and what I want ENOUGH to give up the other things I will have to give up in order to achieve them?  I can only find out what it is by exploring the dark recesses of my life, by digging and scrubbing deep enough to ferret out the depths of what is going on inside me. And how can that be done? There are many ways, probably as many ways as there are people. Journaling, praying, meditating, talking things over with a friend or family member, reading stories, essays and books that others have written about the area we are struggling with, the list could go on and on.  You may have noticed that one of my favorite ways to dig deeper in my inner life is to combine several approaches in one. I make something that metaphorically represents some aspect of my dilemma, and follow that artistically and imaginatively until it takes me to a new place. In that new place, I have new awareness, new insight, and new energy to take back to my life and apply to my dilemma. Also, as I pursue creative projects, sometimes a symbolic or metaphorical connection with some issue in my life becomes apparent as I work on it. I have shared a number of these in previous newsletters. I also like to walk in nature and meditate on what I see and hear and consider what lessons it has for me and the dilemmas I am facing. Another of my favorites is stream-of-consciousness journaling, where I write every thought that enters my head, and I do it for a designated number of pages or amount of time. That can take my thought process deeper or broader, or make new connections, and in an uncanny way, transport me to a new mental/emotional/spiritual place. I'm wondering what YOUR favorite ways are to "enter the darkness in order to find the light".  Click here if you're willing to share a few words about this. ...read more

Do you dread the holidays? Eagerly anticipate them? Do both at once? Here's CSIGY (Creative, Sensitive, Introverted, Gifted) Tips and Tools to Stay Balanced Through the Holidays: Hollywood's images of perfect family holidays set up unrealistic expectations that can never be met. Let's face it, we can't possibly measure up to the Norman Rockwell or "It's a Wonderful Life" ideal. So why not take the pressure off to be perfect and enjoy the season? If your well-being has become the last priority in your life, it's time to learn how to EEEK your way through the holidays. EEEK stands for Experience it, Explore it, learn to Embrace it, and Kreate something with it to heal our lives. These are the mind-body-spirit skills that will enable you to heal yourself. Doing Creative Handwork like quilting, bead work, whittling, metalwork or knitting helps you to "download" your emotions; and by turning it into what I call Contemplative Handwork, you experience its power to heal your life. This is hands-on Play Therapy for Adults. Many CSIGY's eagerly anticipate the holidays and dread them at the same time. They have high expectations of themselves or others that are impossible to meet. There is too much to do, and it all seems important. Creative, Sensitive, Introverted and/or Gifted people also want to  DO it all, yet feel torn because they need solitude and quiet to connect with the deep spirituality and soulfulness of the holidays-and they may feel empty and the holidays may be void of meaning without this deep spiritual connection. Winter is deepening, and with it may come an instinct to hibernate, which also conflicts with keeping up with holiday events and responsibilities. With the waning light may come awareness of inner darkness as well. Grief and loss can loom large as others celebrate. Need I say more? Would you like some Tips and Tools for staying balanced through the holidays? I am providing a Mini-Playshop for those in the Denver area to provide them. Those who attend will learn: Ten Ways to Maximize Your Holiday Happiness Seven Ways to Manage Your Holiday Expectations How to Activate Your Creativity to heal your life-even during the holidays Navigating Tangled Family Connections and Expectations Coping With Grief During the Season to Be Jolly Click here to learn more so you can stay balanced through the holidays this year! Not in the Denver area? Click here to get our free report, Holiday Stress Tip Sheet ...read more

Yesterday (10/25), at the Natural Colorado Open NPC Bodybuilding Competition, I gave out free samples of my new product, Rip Rubâ„¢ Posing Oil. It's a new, all natural, long-lasting posing oil I developed for bodybuilders to wear on stage while competing.  It's also allergen-free! Rub some on for a healthy sheen to accent your ripped muscles!  It smells great, too! Contact: 303-480-8892 or bth-btf@bod.net for FREE samples. ...read more

Sunday Nov 1st or Nov 29th 5-7:30pm $39 Space is limited Location to be announced to registered teachers Prerequisite: attend 1 of Casey's classes, visit http://www.funandhealthylifestyles.com/classes/ for details. Physically adjusting your students can powerfully impact their practice; we are talking about hands on contact! We will learn how to help facilitate an amazing radical transformation, through the physical adjustments, of participants in your class. In this workshop, yoga teachers will learn how to move with your students to find a deeper state of union. You will experience the principals as you practice on other teachers. We will move though how to adjust common poses including the sun salutations, standing poses, forward and back bends, twists and more. Stand out in the crowd of teachers by serving to help your students to a deeper state of transformation!! Hope to see you there! ...read more

We've just published a new edition of our newsletter! You can check it out on our website and get the latest information from Break the Habits/Burn the Fat Personal Training. Let us know what you think! Read It Now Here ...read more

The quilt, finished except for the label, was a small burgundy, mauve and ivory watercolor heart-shaped wall hanging. It took many moons to make, and I was tempted to skip the label. Painters sign their work on the front; quilt artists make a label for the back. But I just wanted to be done with it.  I hate making quilt labels, because I never know what to say on them. So I pinned the quilt on my design wall, sat down to consider it, and asked myself:  "What have we here?" The next moment, I was listening with my memory. I heard: "Hands on myself. What have I here? This is my hatracker, my mother dear. Hatracker, hatracker, Micky, Micky, Micky moo. That's what we learned in the school." Suddenly I was seven years old again, sitting in the back seat of a red and white 1957 Ford Fairlane station wagon. I was on the road to first grade, and my eleven year old brother Glenn, sitting beside me in the back seat, was on the road to fifth grade. We lived in Appleton, Wisconsin, and my mother drove us thirty miles to Green Bay every day to get us to the church school she and my father had chosen for us. Glenn, being the older, first-arrived one, had the preferred seat, behind the driver.  He had the same view as the driver, or so I thought. He could see the oncoming cars better than I could. But I could see the fields and the road signs better. Small compensation, the action was on the road, not in the fields. Between us on the back seat was a box with binoculars, toys and games. Anything to keep us occupied and prevent our bickering: "Don't touch me!" "Don't look at me!" "Get off my side of the car!" Our proper preacher's wife of a mother had a great variety of weapons in her arsenal to combat anarchy in the back seat. She taught us silly songs she learned as a summer camp counselor in her college days, long before we came on the scene.  She got us singing mostly when it was dark, (which was much of the time, during the northern Wisconsin winter). The songs ranged from "Jesus Loves Me" and "99 Bottles of root beer on the wall"  to "The Bear Went Over the Mountain," and "Herman the Frog" (who sat on the bump on the log near the hole in the bottom of the sea) to finally, "The Hatracker Song". We also took turns telling stories. One person started it, then one by one we each added a sentence. Each person had to repeat the whole story and then make their addition. We kept it going until it got too ridiculous to follow or we got sick of that story. I didn't like the story game much because I was usually the first one out by messing it up. After that, we started a new story or sang about Herman on his log or the Hatracker's version of school. In the daylight, Mom started games of Zit, counting horses we saw in the countryside.  We called out "Zit!" each time we saw a horse. The first one to call "Zit!" claimed that horse. If you called "Zitter-zit" you claimed all the horses you could see at once. Anyone who saw a cemetery and called it out ended the game, as that buried everyone's horses. Whoever had the most horses  when the cemetery was found won the game. Then Mom started an Alphabet game: completing the alphabet-in order, of course-from letters we saw on signs and other cars.  Or she said, "Oh, look, there's a rabbit!" and pointed to a cloud, asking us what we saw. To this day, we both look in the sky "to see what we can see". We also counted makes and models of cars we saw on the four-lane highway.  Glenn took the Fords, and I the Chevy's, or vice versa.  As a result, I could - and still can - identify makes and models of cars better than most guys. That's an important skill for a girl to have; you never know when you'll need it. The winner would be the one who had the highest count, with no cheating. (I never questioned who would know if we cheated). We played I-Spy, hiding our imaginary selves in places visible from the car, or at night, inside the car with the others guessing where we had hidden. Our turn would last as long as no one could find us.  Why did Mom always get the longest turns? It wasn't fair! What an odd thing reflection is.  It leads us along bunny trails into the deep dark woods of memory and sometimes ends in hidden treasure. It led me to the key of this quilt's meaning, and at the same time, to the roots of lessons I needed to relearn now that I had originally learned on that road to first grade. If I had been driving my kids thirty miles each way to and from school, I'd probably have been grumpy and complained about it.  But Mom never did, at least not when I was around. She made it fun for us, and kept her own sanity at the same time. Did she know that she was showing us how to open our eyes and look, really see, not just stare past or through things? Did she know that she was teaching us to see with the eyes of an artist?  She commented on shades of light, colors, shapes, and textures. She taught us to notice what was happening around us, and to see what was different today than it had been yesterday. She taught us to look beyond the surface of things and see what others did not see. She taught us that what we saw was valid, even and especially if no one else saw it.  She taught us to multi-task without multi-tasking, develop our imaginations, exercise our memories, learn how to tell one make and model of a car from another and do it all in the guise of having fun. Coming back to my current reality, I looked at my almost-finished quilt, and I realized that back on the road to first grade, Mom also showed us how to take whatever path we're on in life and  make it enjoyable, or better yet, even fun.  Through music, humor, art and games she turned a long, dull ride into an adventure.  This quilt started as many tiny scraps cut from a small remnant of fabric.  Now they were transformed into a work of art. I made this quilt as a thank-you gift. Making it was fun, lowered my stress, developed my creativity, nourished and healed my soul like water in a desert. I hadn't known until now that I was multi-tasking without multi-tasking, too. Goose bumps traveled up and down my spine and my breath got stuck in my throat as it hit me. Ironically, until now, in spite of her many paintings and things she sewed, Mom's legacy was less visible to me than Dad's. My mother's artistic creativity is as much a part of my life and my work as my father's deep thinking and focus on emotional and spiritual healing. This must be what the Celestine Prophecy is referring to when it says that a part of every person's mission in life is to synthesize the distinct missions of both parents. The combined lessons and skills from both of my parents are the essence of what my life and my work is about.  And I learned these things not in first grade, not in graduate school, but on the road to first grade. As I see it, here's the lessons I learned on the road to first grade: If it has to be done, make it fun. Look everywhere and see all there is to see, even if no one else sees it. See life through the eyes of an artist. Look for life's colors, shapes, textures, and shades of light and dark. Don't shut down when you face problems; open up to ALL of life's experiences. Learn the same thing as often as necessary until you know it by heart. Multi-task without multi-tasking, make what you do accomplish several things at once. Take whatever comes to you in life and transform it into a beautiful adventure. "Micky, Micky, Micky moo. That's what we learned in the school." ...read more