Adventures On the Sea: Girlfriends enjoy a spontaneous day

I am usually someone who likes to plan for a day of adventure, so when my girlfriend Jeri called Friday night to see if I wanted to sit in for her son on a Santa Cruz Island kayak trip, my immediate response was, "I need to sleep on it." For some reason I have always had issues around ocean voyages because they require me working through lots of fears of seasickness. Kayaks are not a problem – it is the boat ride getting to destinations that I fear will torture my stomach. I had two bad experiences as a child. However, on falling asleep I remembered that my great trips in Hawaii always went well despite my fears – all I had to do was stay in my seat (outside) and do nothing but meditate. So I am happy to report that I decided to go.

Protecting Children From Insect Bites and The West Nile Virus – Naturally

With all the weather changes that global warming brings, so changes the patterns of seasonal pests. Today many geographical areas are plagued with flying insects and bugs all year round, as opposed to just in the spring and summer. With the spread of the West Nile Virus in recent years, mosquitoes are a big concern when it comes to keeping kids bug-free and pesticide-free.

Creative Ideas For Saving Water

About six months ago, I met a man named Buzz Boettcher who had designed this amazingly elaborate grey water system – currently installed at Ed Begley Jr’s house. I thought seriously about putting his system in my house, but after a field trip to see how it all worked, decided that for my simple needs the system (which is brilliantly efficient) might actually increase my foot print with my minimal water use and the system's electric pumps. However, several weeks later when I was getting a quote to have some long over due plumbing work done, I had an epiphany. I asked the plumber to help me create a simple system that would go from my washing machine directly to the garden. I wanted a system where I could utilize the washing machines outgoing water to water the garden in the dry months, and then be able to re-direct the waste water back into the city system during the rainy season. Did I say rainy season – I wonder what that is … lol.

Hazing Among Our Youth

I just saw a segment on Good Morning America about hazing amongst our youth. What a horrifying act of rage and hate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our youth were inspired, honored and celebrated during their learning phase of life? What if instead of pouring alcohol down each others throats, and yelling ‘you’re worthless and disgusting’ while performing degrading disrespectful acts of violence, they filled one another with positive loving affirmations of their greatness, while massaging each others feet with essential oils and writing messages of abundance on pretty ribbons, tying them to a walking stick that supports them on their path? What if they told the chosen ones how much they were loved, and that their tribe of warriors would be there to support them over the years, and throughout their lives? While I know a lot of moms are concerned about the younger crowd, how can we encourage and implement new games of hazing amongst our older youth, perhaps creating more of a spiritual haze? I would love to hear your thoughts.

An Amazing Woman’s Day Experience

As a journalist I attend many events every year that are educational, inspirational and usually quite remarkable in some way. This blog is the first in a series of event reviews where I will share 5 things I learned, or loved about the event.  Amazing Womans day – igniting the power of feminine leadership – produced and hosted by Marsh Engle, and her tribe of amazing women. www.amazingwomansday.com