T H E - M A G I C I A N ' S - C A L L

The Magician's Call

Sunrise, sunset
Billowing fields of grass
Moon beams, fireflies
Twinkling sky of night.

Distant thunder rumbling near
Rainbows sprinkling a tune
Operettas by feathered friends
Magic that never ends.

Courtesy of Nature
Who gives freely to us all
I only wish our gratitude
Is equal to Her call.

An original poem by Nancy Elizabeth Luz

(c) 2011

R E C I P R O C I T Y

Blossoming flowers and warming weather remind me of summer vacations soon to be. Winter, spring, summer, fall... the years cycle, birthdays pass, and hopefully we all become a little wiser through it all. 

Throughout the ages philosophers have said that now is the only time that matters. But somehow we get caught up in the rush of life, and forget...

We forget that a walk with Nature even if it's just to smell a flower or admire a tree, or rest in the sand by the ocean, is rejuvenating, making us more tolerant of 'human' Nature, our own as well as everyone else's!
 
Nature is always there to remind us that instead of lamenting about 'what was or what might be', we should enjoy today, not worry about tomorrow, nor cry over yesterday. They say we crawled out of the ocean. Do you think She misses us? If we can love Nature, can Nature love us back?

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."

Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)

H A P P Y - M O N D A Y !

Maxine

W H Y - O R G A N I C ? - H E R E ' S - A - T H O U G H T !

My niece sent me a link today to an interesting article about a middle school student from Texas, named Ria Chhabra, who created a science fair project to try to determine if there were proven benefits to eating organic food. And her project proved that there were, at least for fruit flies. But before you laugh, understand that: 

"Fruit fly models are often used in research because their short life span allows scientists to evaluate a number of basic biological effects over a relatively brief period of time, and the results provide clues for better understanding disease and biological processes in humans." This is according to the writer of the New York Times article about Ria's science project found here:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/17/is-organic-better-ask-a-fruit-fly/

Ria has since won top honors in a national science competition, publication in a respected scientific journal, and university laboratory privileges (normally reserved for graduate students). The New York Times summarizes Ria's findings: 

"By nearly every measure, including fertility, stress resistance and longevity, flies that fed on organic bananas and potatoes fared better than those who dined on conventionally raised produce."

Either via the New York Times article, or by clinking on this link you can read the scientific report published on January 9, 2013: Organically Grown Food Provides Health Benefits toDrosophila melanogaster.

Let's hope the food industry takes notice!

N A T U R E ' S - W A Y

"If one way be better than another, that, you may be sure, is Nature's way."

Aristotle (384-322 BC)

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS

Today (thankfully) Federal Legislation Introduced a Bill To Require The Labeling Of Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods. Currently genetically engineered food requires no labeling. Curious don't you think, that producers of GE foods do not label their products as such. Why? Because many of us wouldn't buy them.

Check the Center for Food Safety's web site http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/ for more information. Click on the Take Action tab to see how you can get involved, including letting your Senator and Congressman know your thoughts. With the site's links, I sent emails to my Senator and Congressman to let them know I want them to pass the legislation noted above.

GE food is silently invading our kitchens. The FDA must approve GE foods before they can be sold, but makes no requirements that these foods be labeled. Are they safe? No one really knows the long term effect on our bodies or on our environment. Safe for us? The FDA says so (hmmm). Safe for our environment? Probably not. You see GE crops can cross pollinate - to weeds and other food crops, thus altering their DNA as well. Then, what effect will this have on the birds and insects that eat them? No one knows the long term effects on wildlife or how to control these super weeds once they take hold. 

The Center for Food Safety also has an initiative to stop GE Salmon. As they escape captivity (which the industry says will never happen despite the fact that fish farm escapees already exist) and invade our oceans and streams, it is anticipated that they could wipe out the existing wild salmon population in less than 40 fish generations.

"Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences notes that a release of just sixty GE fish into a wild population of 60,000 would lead to the extinction of the wild population in less than 40 fish generations."

"FDA says escape is unlikely and that the fish pose “no impact” to the environment. But each year millions of farmed salmon escape, outcompeting wild populations for resources and straining ecosystems. Any approval of GE salmon would represent a serious threat to the survival of native salmon populations, many of which have already suffered severe declines related to salmon farms and other man-made impacts." 

"Additionally, the human health impacts of eating GE fish, 

which would be the first-ever GE food animal, are entirely unknown."

Genetically Engineered foods is an industry that has grown steadily... and quietly. As consumers we need to stay aware and intervene where we can - like supporting the Center for Food Safety. Again I quote John Muir: 

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, 

he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” 

Why do we think we know better than Nature!

20 EARTH DAY (WEEK) PROJECT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

For some ideas on what you and your family might do to lessen the human impact on our most precious resource, our beloved earth, check on the link below. Make it a fun project for the whole family! 

http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Earth_Day_Projects

It has been said that due to our increasingly technologically oriented society, many of our children have lost touch with the outdoors. These children will some day be the leaders of our country. Will they be 'connected' enough to make environmentally wise decisions? 

To view what many believe to be the seven biggest environmental threats to our environment, click here:

http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Seven_Biggest_Environmental_Threats

And what would a discussion about Nature be without a comment by Emily Dickinson? Sadly, the little honey bees are in trouble too.

“The pedigree of honey does not concern the bee; 

A clover, any time, to him is aristocracy.” 

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

-- E A R T H - D A Y -- C Y C L E S

In celebration of Earth day, and in appreciation for all She offers...

Cycles

Green and blue
Shade and hue
Dance in the morning light,
Fuchsia and pink
Make me think
Of the wonder of my sight.

Birds and bees
Sky bound trees
Orchestrate their songs,
Whispering winds
Flutter their wings
I wonder at the sound.

For sight and sound
Are so profound
They make for a curious life.
I ask of you
Do you feel it too
Or just take it all in stride?

The peppering rain
Again and again
Life giving as it falls,
What do we do
Me and you
Do we wonder at it all?

The sun gifts life
We rest by night
The cycle ever continues,
As man and beast
Reap the feast
Of what Nature has to give us.

Dependent are we
And this I see
Is something not to forget
The sights, the sounds
To these we’re bound
And must never disrespect.

An original poem by Nancy Elizabeth Luz

(c) 2011

N O B I L I T Y

This may seem like an odd way to begin a discussion on nobility (aspiring to become a higher personification of oneself), but... I'm watching 'The Voice' on television tonight, something I don't typically do. I love live performances and great singing but the show chops up the entertainment a little too much for my liking. And let's face it, all those commercials are despicable are they not?

But tonight I'm struck by something else about the show. What is with the boxing ring and the 'VS' between contestant names? Does even something as feel good as aspiring-singers-giving-it-their-best have to be so adversarial? As each of the contestants entered the 'ring', they then had to face off, in each other's faces as they sang.

There is something subliminal in all of this. And it's not just The Voice. Most of what we see on television, since the days of The Survivor and Everybody Loves Raymond, are people pitted against one another. Must we be entertained by people treating each other badly? Not to mention the relentless barrage of reality shows (most of which are scripted by the way). 

Seems to me we are missing something. Where has nobility gone? I bet kids today think 'nobility' is the Earl of Grantham on Downton Abbey and nothing more. It's time for television to wake up. 

"I believe that every right implies a responsibility;

every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty."

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874-1960)

p.s. Downton Abbey is a great show. PBS continues to lead the pack in quality entertainment!

N I C E L Y - D O N E - B O S T O N !

Boston Harbor Sunrise

"They failed because the people of Boston refused to be intimidated. 

They failed because as Americans we refuse to be terrorized. 

They failed because we will not waiver from the character, the compassion,

and the values that define us as a country." 

Barack Obama (1961-    ) 

M O V E - W I T H I N

"Keep walking though there's no place to get to. Don't try to see through the distance.

That's not for human beings. Move within, but don't move the way fear makes you move.

As you live Deeper in the Heart, the mirror gets clearer and cleaner."

Rumi (1207-1273)

H E A L I N G

There are some who would say that time heals all wounds. I'm not sure healing is ever attained when one loses a child, a friend, or a lover to a senseless act like the recent Boston Marathon bombings or the grievous sadness of 911, but time can lend a certain numbness to great losses or pain. 

As we get caught up in the continuous coverage of the recent events in Boston, we must be vigilant in keeping our perspectives intact. With each news update, interview, or photograph we are apt to let our emotions boil up, anger us, seek revenge. 

There are many who believe that giving that type of energy to such events makes their likelihood of recurrence stronger, while it makes us weaker. Revenge is the mask of fear, and fear is the weakening of the human spirit.

"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze too long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) 

REMEMBER - IN - YOUR - HEART

"Brief were my days among you, and briefer still the words I have spoken. And although death may hide me, and the greater silence enfold me, yet again will I seek your understanding.

It was but yesterday we met in a dream. But now our sleep has fled and our dream is over, and it is no longer dawn. The noontide is upon us and our half-waking has turned to to fuller day, and we must part.

If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more, we shall speak again together and you shall sing to me a deeper song. 

And if our hands should meet in another dream, we shall build another tower in the sky.

Remember in your heart... 

A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind..."

Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)

May  recovery come quickly to the people of Boston.

B O S T O N

Heartfelt condolences to everyone in Boston who was affected by today's tragedy.  

With love, to my favorite city.

BETTY WHITE - RECIPROCATE

"When I pontificate, it sounds so, you know, oh well she's preaching. I'm not preaching, but I think maybe I learned it from my animal friends. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.

A lot of people go, 'Well, I'll get a dog because I have a kid and a kid needs a dog.' And it doesn't work out for that dog and the dog is on the street. If everyone took personal responsibility for their animals, we wouldn't have a lot of the animal problems that we do. I'm a big spay-and-neuter supporter. Don't have babies if you're not going to take care of those babies. We don't need more. We just need to take care of the ones we have. Take responsibility and breathe kindness."

Betty White (1922 - )

Greatest Gift By Far

Greatest Gift

I look in their eyes

And delight to find

Only a love within

Even knowing no more

Of what’s in store

Than the moment they are in.

They host no prejudice

No grudge they hold

Their spirits untouched by pride

They are what they be

And all they know

Is that they, they love us so.

Whether rich or poor

They'd never care

As long as they with you are

See man's best friends

Will be true to the end

Creation’s best gift by far.

an original poem by Nancy Elizabeth Luz 

(c) 2011

This is Kayla 2008 

JUST FOR A LAUGH!

Today is my birthday, and so I am sending you a link to one of my favorite youtube videos. I've always considered dogs the Universe's greatest gift to mankind. Gotta love those crazy humans too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&gl=US&client=mv-google&v=EVwlMVYqMu4&nomobile=1

Okay, so maybe it's birds and the wonderful people who bring them to us. Thank you gents! Check this out too!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/REP4S0uqEOc

So many wonders to make us laugh in so many ways. 

THE OTHER SIDE OF CHOICE

What is the other side of choice? 

It might be you. Much of the time, choice involves another person - a salesperson, a mortgage broker, your friends, family... could be anyone. And in many cases, you are that other person. 

We all know how we would like to be treated by those 'in the know' when we are faced with making a decision, but do we do the same for others when they have a need? 

When you offer advice to family or friends, provide a service, sell a product, or promote an idea, can you say in all honesty that you do so with honor? Would you be proud of the self that you portray if you were on the other side of the conversation? Or do you let a little bit of power, a chance to make more money, or an opportunity to inflate your ego guide you?  

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, 

but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." 

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

G E T T I N G - I T - R I G H T

"By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth.

Don’t just teach your children to read. 

Teach them to question what they read.

Teach them to question everything.” 

George Carlin (1937-2008)

The Biological Human - Wellness tips for body, mind, & spirit

R E F L E C T I O N

"Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

C H O I C E

What is CHOICE?  According to one popular on-line source, choice is: 1. the power of choosing  2. the best part (of something) 3. the person or thing chosen  4. care in selecting 5. something preferred Sounds overall pretty positive, yes? What is choice really but a reflection of us, who we are and what we stand for! But do we use our ability to choose wisely, and select the best part of something or someone or do we follow others and do what they tell us is right.  We all make choices. Every day. However, taking responsibility for your choices is key to staying true to yourself. And that requires thinking. “To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) How many times have we allowed ourselves to be led by someone else because we thought him or her to be more educated, more experienced, or just more eloquent - parents, religious leaders, teachers, politicians, the boss at work, or any other variety of people. Look at today's headlines, television news, and internet buzz. War, guns, gay rights, health insurance - everyone has an opinion and wants you to join their side. But do you do the research? Do you spend the time to understand the issues? Or do you forward the next email or comment on a post, riled up perhaps by its inflationary content (that may or may not be accurate), without thinking! If the sender of a message has anything to gain by its content then we should all consider that message carefully, and with jaundiced eye. "There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) By following the crowd, by not taking a stand, or even worse, making a choice based on automatic pilot or rote response, you compromise who you are and what you stand for. One of the hardest things to learn to say is "No" to those we see as leaders in our lifetime and to stand up for ourselves and for others who may not be able to stand up for themselves. So say '"No" next time to that random inflationary email or reject biased news reports, and make a decision true to you - whether it be casting a vote or challenging a friend. "NO!" Learn to speak this little word In its proper place, Let no timid doubt be heard Clothed with skeptic grace. Let thy lips without disguise  Boldly pour it out Though a thousand dulcet lies Keep hovering about. For be sure our lives would lose Future years of woe If our courage could refuse The present hour with "No". Eliza Cook (1818-1889) The choice is yours. Make it your own.

T H E - S A G E - O F - C O N C O R D

"Relation and connection are not somewhere and some time, but everywhere and always."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

THE CREATIVE POWER OF THOUGHT

The following is a collection of teachings by Charles Haanel, author of The Master Key System written in 1912. Charles Haanel was thought by many to be one of the finest writers on self improvement and higher consciousness ever published.

Haanel believed that all power is from within and that if you can control your thoughts and focus on one ideal or desire, it will manifest in your life. A brief summary of his teachings is listed here. The book, The Master Key System is a free internet download (see link below) and is highly recommended reading. 

***

1. Thought is always seeking expression. Is it weak, critical, and negative? Or is it powerful, constructive, and positive?  Quality, character, and nature of thought creates your world without.

2. What do you wish to manifest in your life? Know that idle thinking dissipates, constructive thinking creates.

3. So create a clear, decisive, calm, deliberate, sustained thought with a definite end in view.

4. Three things are needed for success:

        The knowledge of your power

        The courage to dare

        The faith to do

5. Power depends on consciousness of power. Realize the power of attention: it generates interest, then dedication (to your ideal).

6. Silent thought concentration is the means. Hold your ideal in the consciousness and it will become the subconscious. Visualize the new pictures to hasten the process.

7. Think of being a ship’s captain, the train’s engineer. Focus, like a magnifying glass in sunlight. 

8. Reverse the evidence of the senses. Abundance not want. Health not disease. Harmony not discord

9. Use constructive, positive imagination. Rid all thoughts that are not constructive. Eliminate all fear, for that will destroy all power. The fear from doubt, hesitation, and criticism.

10. Our future is determined by our present. Do you see only the incomplete, the imperfect, the limited? You will only get more. The world without is an external reflection – so change the world within.

Free download:  http://www.thefreemasterkey.com/

K I N D N E S S

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, 

for you never know how soon it will be too late.” 

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

F R O T H -&- B U B B L E

Question not, but live and labor

Till your goal be won,

Helping every feeble neighbor

Seeking help from none.

Life is mostly froth and bubble,

Two things stand as stone:

Kindness in another's trouble

Courage in your own.

Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833-1870)

R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

While the internet has made us more connected, it has also made us more disconnected. How easy it has become to become inhuman. 

So easy it is to hide behind our LCD screens and cast dispersions into the ether of cyberspace. How easy it is to post or forward a disparaging or embarrassing picture, place it on our Facebook page for others to see and laugh perhaps uncomfortably, comment with words that bite and sting; then click that little x and step away, forgetting that: 

"No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible." 

 Voltaire (1694-1778)

Like when road rage strikes, it is easy to lose our sense of individual responsibility. We get caught up in the opacity of cyberspace, become disconnected, exhibiting behavior that we would not otherwise exhibit should we be face to face with a real person. Meanwhile those words or deeds we carelessly passed along hang in space, hauntingly, sometimes forever.

But perhaps we just need to be reminded: 

"It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal." 

In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized."

"If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.”

J. W. Goethe (1749-1832)