FEBRUARY 2, 2011 WHO IS HAPPIER? YOU OR THE GROUNDHOG?

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

I was going to save these quotes for Valentine's Day, but I couldn't resist. As I always say there is no perfection in life, only progress. To be happy, you must look beyond any imperfections. Everyone, including myself has imperfections.

We all want to be loved. Being loved is a two way street- you must love in order to be loved. It takes work to love someone. It takes trust and honesty. Beyond my wildest dreams, I 'live in' the second quote. When I hear, "...feeling comfortable and safe...." with the person I share my life with and not being ashamed, I giggle. Do you remember when you first shared an apartment with a lover? There was always an oddness about going to the bathroom in front of them. It was a bit uncomfortable. You wanted to be quiet. I was thinking, why --this is a normal, hopefully daily occurrence that every human being must do. Do you remember your first date with your partner? As you approached the restaurant dining table, he/she smiled at you. I still get that smile from my partner when I walk in a room. I still get weak in the knees. I just have to distinguish if the weakness is arthritis and/or inflammation or is it that same old 'love'. As I get older it will be a combination of all three. I no longer judge other people's relationships. It is none of my business. I have been told many times there is a lid for every pot. Love is individualized and unique. There is no love without honesty.

Groundhogs are supposed to come out of their burrows today and look for their shadows. If they see them, it means there will be six more weeks of winter. Oh, not more snow. No shadows means spring is near. The real truth is that most groundhogs are asleep on February 2nd. Wild groundhogs may not wake up for six more weeks. So we actually tugged at the groundhog on the television today, just to see about the weather forecast. How horrible! When the groundhog does come out, he is not looking at his shadow but for mates and food. So, we disturbed his natural routine and he is NOT HAPPY.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

There are foods that promote happiness. A few spoonfuls of the right vegetable can turn your 'blue' or melancholy into 'yellow' sunshine. We do know that whole foods contain nutrients that provide physical and psychological benefits.

Everyone should eat more Folate containing foods. Folate or Folic acid is essential to decrease homocysteine, a cardiac risk factor. It also promotes a healthy brain. The foods that contain folate are leafy greens, sunflower seeds, beets and fortified whole grains. I prescribe more than the suggest RDA amounts for folic acid. All my patients take a minimum of 1 mg ( 1000 micrograms) per day.

Another B vitamin which I suggest is B6. This vitamin is essential for the 'hormones' of the brain called neurotransmitters (NT). Some of the neurotransmitters you are familiar with are serotonin (the happy NT), norepinpehrine (the stress NT) and dopamine (NT associated with Parkinson's Disease). You do not have to take extra B6 if you consume collard greens, broccoli, avocados, bell peppers and sunflower seeds. One herb, Allium contains B6. Allium is the Latin name for garlic.

Despite the mercury scare, everyone must consume omega 3 rich foods. Consume more salmon and sardines as well as flax seeds and walnuts. I am health conscious about where my fish comes from. I am hooked on http://www.vitalchoice.com/ for buying fish. You will taste a difference. If you want to feel happier- consume more omega 3 rich foods. There are studies linking depression to a deficiency in omega 3. Vegetarian sources for omega 3 are walnuts, flax and algae. Due to recent studies on the benefits of omega 3 on heart disease , I recommend 3-4 grams (3000-4000 mg) per day. Those who do not like large fish oil capsules or the repetitive 'burp' may want to consume more salmon. A 3 oz serving of salmon provides up to 1.9 grams of omega 3. So have two servings and you have met my recommended daily amount.

Until tomorrow...

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2011 EMOTIONAL HEARTACHE

"The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found in the heart."

"Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart."

Your emotional and spiritual heart does have the answer. How many of us actually trust our emotional heart for the answers? If we have had our heart hurt in a situation it takes time to trust and start again. We all have been hurt in relationships. This is called heartache. I haven't met anyone who has not been hurt, damaged or scared. We all move on. We let go.

A few weeks after my Mom passed away and everyone had gone, when it was just the two of us, Dad took me into my bedroom and closed the door. He said, "Patrick, listen, I want to talk to you about something. It's almost time. You are going away to medical school in less than one month." I said, " Dad, I do not have to go. You have so much to do, and Nanny and Poppy need me." My father answered, " Don't worry about that. I'll make it work. I promise you. I will take care of Nanny and Poppy for your mother. She would want you to go if it was me who died. She will always be with you." And my dad became the greatest hero I will ever know in my life. My father was sixty one when my mother died. He lived alone for the next twenty five years. It took time for my heart to heal. I would listen to Jerry Herman's "Time Heals Everything" from the musical Mack and Mabel and cry.

My own heartache lessened over the years. Today, now that both parents and grandparents are no longer here, I recite this quote:

When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead keep your head up high and gaze into heaven, for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal.

The American Heart Association designates February as Heart Month- or Heart Awareness Month. It is appropriate because Valentine's Day is on February 14th.

You can prevent heart disease with a dietary lifestyle and exercise change. I adhere to my seven lifestyle changes for protection against every disease. 1. Dietary 2) Exercise 3) Addictions 4) Meditation 5) Self -Esteem-Hobbies 6) Anger/ Resentment and 7) Self - Love

The emotional heart can be healed by attending to the 4th through 7th lifestyle changes- meditation, self esteem, eliminating anger/resentment and self love.
Your choices and actions can make a difference between healthy longevity and early death from heart disease. Some facts, NOT MYTHS you need to know are:

1. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise in several short stretches can decrease your risk of coronary artery (heart) disease.

2. The process of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries in older terminology) begins in childhood and is already present in most Americans by the time they are teenagers. Be careful of your children's diet.

3. Many people with the most aggressive cholesterol and other risk factors have a total cholesterol less than 200.

4. There are different kinds of cholesterol especially when you discuss particle size. Have your particles of bad (LDL) and Good (HDL) cholesterol checked.

5. Low fat diets actually raise cholesterol and increase risk in certain patients.

6. There is NO universal diet; it is dietary and lifestyle changes that matter.

7. Cholesterol is one of several risk factors. HS-CRP, Fibrinogen, Lipo@, and Homocysteine are important risk factors as well.

8. Certain vitamins/supplements have been studied for the treatment and risk reduction of heart disease. Omega 3 fish oils play a significant role in reduction of heart disease.

9. Low Vitamin D3 levels have been linked to heart disease.

10. Herbs can be prescribed safely to a heart patient by a certified health care practitioner.

Until tomorrow...

MONDAY JANUARY 31, 2011 WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT......BITTER MELON

"What other people think of you is none of YOUR business."

I used to worry about what people thought of me. I came to realize that it is none of my business what they think of me. I don't care what anyone thinks of me or my life. I can say that with assurance, because I am secure in who I am, what I do and why I do it. Everyone will have an opinion. I have opinions. I do not always have to agree with someone else's opinion. Even if what a person thinks is good, it is still none of my business. I used to need the affirmation of others. It had to do with my own self esteem at that time in my life. It is the same with acceptance. I wanted people to accept me. How I got their acceptance was to make them happy! I organized parties and invited those I wanted to like me. I didn't realize till years later that those individuals only liked me for what I could give or buy them. Now I can say , "You really like me... you really like me," as Sally Field did when she accepted her Oscar for Norma Rae. The nicest part is I do not have to do that anymore.

It is amazing what my children remember from those years. My children and I often reflect about their childhood. Their perspective is definitely more clear than mine, even though I was sober. Both saw the people pleaser in me. That is the 'giver' in me. Today, both see a stronger, self confident, happy man. I could cry because I see it too.

New Studies on Memory:

Recent studies have now correlated low levels of zinc and iron with memory deficits. Children aged 9 -11 with low levels of iron and zinc deficiency displayed a significantly impaired degree of both verbal and non verbal memory. There was a significant improvement after supplementation of zinc and iron. Key point: Have your blood levels of zinc and iron checked!

Bitter Melon ( Momordica charantia ) was recently studied for its neuroprotective benefits. This herb is traditionally used for maintaining blood sugar levels. Other herbs that have similar blood sugar maintenance are fenugreek, rosemary and cinnamon. Mice studies were done comparing groups of mice pretreated with Bitter Melon with others that were NOT pretreated with Bitter Melon. Those mice that received Bitter Melon had reduced oxidative stress in the brain (thus better blood flow to the brain) and better performance compared to those mice that were not pretreated. More studies need to be done on Bitter Melon for memory. Traditionally Bitter Melon is used for treatment of viruses, malaria and worms. There are even some anti cancer properties.

Until tomorrow...

Top two photographs: Bitter Melon and Bitter Melon flowers

Third photograph: Pennsylvania Icicles by Paul Fratellone

Bottom photograph: Gregory, Me and Rick at Jacques Cabaret in Boston MA celebrating Gregory's 21st birthday.

JANUARY 30, 2011 INTOXICATING LETTUCE

"Always be ready to accept the opportunity that will present itself and you will be successful."

This sounds too easy. It's almost is as if you must rub Aladdin's lamp and the wish will be granted. Listen patiently, consider realistically and realize that there are many opportunities that will present themselves. Not all of them may be appropriate for you, but some may be the right fit. For me, one of those opportunities occurred more than fifteen years ago, when I received a call from Dr. Robert Atkins, the high protein diet mogul. He wanted me to work with him, side by side in developing a Cardiac Program at his 6 story center in New York City. I couldn't understand- why me? How did he know about me? It turns out that a mutual patient, Ellie, talked to Atkins about me. I accepted the opportunity to work with him despite the fact that there would be some legal issues. I jumped into the water, accepting the challenge. Reflecting back, I would do it again. My own merits and success with him speak for themselves. I will be always be grateful to Ellie, and more so to Dr. Robert Atkins for his mentorship and friendship. I learned to always be 'me'. When success comes your way, one should always feel humble, blessed and grateful. Financial success should never compromise your integrity. My friend, Ruppert refers to me as the 'country' doctor--the people's doctor. I always try to the best of my ability to be the 'people's doctor'

I get so thrilled when I read new material. Yesterday I started reading about lettuce. Lettuce is not a nightshade like Datura. In the summer months Rick and I consume more garden lettuce than in the winter months. Most of you who have read about hallucinogenic plants have never tried them. Many people read about opium but never smoke or taste it. Unknowingly some people have eaten a substance that resembles opium in its properties--it is a lettuce species, Lactuca virosa. I am not a avid gardener yet, but I do know there are various varieties of lettuce. At this point I could not recognize the species L. virosa. Its leaves emit a narcotic odor and contain a milky juice. The milky juice has sedative properties. Although I haven't begun my botanical Latin course yet, I do know that lac means milk. Lactuca is the Latin name for lettuce. So we have 'milk lettuce'

The effects of ingesting L. virosa are similar to opium, although no opiates are present in the plant. In a way it is like the poppy seed, however you would have to consume a lot of poppy seeds to have an opium effect. Lactucarium is a milky extract of the stem secretion of Lactuca virosa. Effects are felt quickly but do not last long-- between half an hour to a couple of hours. They dwindle slowly. The plant has been used as an anesthetic and a sleep aid, as well as recreationally. Oils and extracts can also be produced from L. virosa. These oils and extracts are often added to tea to help induce sleep. The leaves of L. virosa are more bitter than other salad greens. Smoking involves either dried leaves or a sticky precipitate extracted from the leaves. Beverages can be prepared by soaking the leaves in alcohol

The sedative properties of garden lettuce have been known since the time of Discorides. Pedanius Dioscorides (circa 40—90 AD) was a Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist, and the author of a 5-volume encyclopedia about herbal medicine and related medicinal substances. He compared lettuce to opium, thus the name lettuce opium. Cladius Galenus, better known as Galen of Pergamon, was a prominent Roman physician, surgeon and philosopher who also dabbled in botany and herbs in his study of pharmacology. Galenus used the lettuce on himself. As he got older he used the lettuce to induce sleep. Centuries later a Pennsylvania doctor named Koxe restored the Galenus practice of using lettuce to induce sleep. I can envision an 'old' herbalist in a cottage among a wild lettuce field using L. virosa to sleep.

I have not found a lot of new research on this lettuce species yet. But a 1994 Herbalgram from the American Botanical Council mentions a text entitled High Road to Paradise: Intoxication. Life in Pursuit of Artificial Paradise. by R Siegel which I am looking for.

So the moral of the story is DO NOT hand pick your wild lettuce from the field unless you know your lettuce species. I am sure you can find L. virosa seeds and grow them in your own private garden!

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 29, 2011 SNOW WHITE'S APPLE DREAMS

" One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it" --Henry Moore

No one can predict the kind of day one will have. Everyone of us would like to have a great day, but you know that doesn't always happen. I am always ready, willing and now able to accept any kind of day. In Boy Scouts we always used to say their motto: Be prepared. I am prepared for the worst of days and also for the best of days. During morning meditation I visualize the day ahead. I visualize a happy, peaceful and serene day. If the day does not progress in the peaceful way I have visualized, I take a deep breath and start over again. Any day can be started over at any time I want. Life is what you make of it. I try to make the most of each day. Have you tried to meditate or pray in the morning as a way of starting your day? It is definitely better than the cup of java!

So, let’s finish with the sinister Thornapple. There are many species of Datura plants. D. metel is a powerful hallucinogenic. It reached medieval Europe from India. In India it is used to treat rheumatism. The sensation of flying through the air is induced by this plant. Historically in Mexico the seeds were used in ritual practices.

Some of the effects of this plant are relaxation, euphoria, visual hallucinations and confusion. There are reported deaths from ingestion of Datura plants. If taken orally, the effects are longer lasting than when smoked. I think the same is true of oral marijuana called Marinol versus the inhaled or smoked marijuana. There is an herbal-gram from the American Botanical Council on Thornapple (also known as Jimson Weed) entitled, "The Traditional Uses and Benefits of the Genus Datura."

It is hard to believe that Datura intoxication was reported in the 1960’s and 1970’s. People used the drug recreationaly without knowing the dosage or potential effects. There were 4 cases of teenage Datura intoxication reported in 1968. I have not seen any intoxication in the literature in the last 30 years. There was a review of Datura intoxication published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in August 1972. At that time there were 212 cases reviewed in the literature.

Another species of Datura called D. sanguinea is used by the Indians of South America. They use it with coca. The name used by this tribe is bovahero or yerba de huaca meaning the ‘ herb of the graves.’ The yerba name is derived from the idea that the Indians can communicate with the spirits of their forefathers. Another intoxicating drink called tonga is prepared from the seed capsules of D. sanguinea.

Throughout the world, similar hallucinations have been reported in people who consume the Thornapple species. I find the reported stories fascinating and informative. It is reported that the old Indian priests drank Thornapple preparations if they wanted to communicate with the Gods. This seems so ‘ Clash of the Titans’ with Laurence Olivier as Zeus...

Although the stories shed light on the plant species, it must always be remembered that the species Datura can have fatal effects.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 28, 2011 STITCHING YOUR WAY TO HEALTH

" When you give, you show your appreciation to the source of all things." Deepak Chopra

I am a giver, not a taker. I love to give. The only difference today is that I give without ANY expectations. In my past, I gave to allow more people to like me. I had low self esteem. I even did this with life-partners at that time. You would think your partner would love you for who you are! It doesn't always happen that way. I give today because I want to give, not because I feel obligated--nor do I need to be loved more. I am loved today by the people I choose to love. It is a happy feeling to know you are loved, and you do not have to give anything. I just have to be myself. I give of myself in my God chosen profession every day. This is my gift back to my Higher Power.

I give hand made tokens or gifts because I feel it is the right thing to do. Dolly Levi portrayed by Carol Channing, Betty Grable, Ethel Merman, Ginger Rogers, Pearl Bailey and Richard Skipper on the stage or Barbra Streisand on the screen said this:
"Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow."

I feel the same way about giving hand made crafts. If your God given hands can make a special gift, share it. Spread it around so all people, no matter what age can be encouraged.

A craft or hobby can help manage your stress. A hobby can also boost your self-esteem. You need to set time aside to do your hobby. One of my hobbies is Needlepoint. Whether you do other forms of stitching such as embroidery, petit-point, tapestry work, crewel, cross stitch or needlepoint, this book can be a valuable tool in starting your way to a healthy heart. Perhaps all forms of stitching should be called canvas work. Needlework is one of mankind’s oldest art forms. It dates back to Exodus in the Bible and has been found in the tombs of Egypt dating back to the 15th century. It came into its own art form in the 12th century in China. Due to technological advances and machinery, it became a dying art form. It was not until the early 19th century that needle work had its revival.

About twelve years ago, I realized I needed to find a hobby to idle my tension. I was in Florida walking on Los Olas Boulevard when I passed a store that had needlepoint designs in the window. I decided right then to start needle pointing. I went in the store and asked Joan, who paints her own designs to quickly show me a stitch. I easily remembered from watching countless hours of my mother, grandmother and Aunt Katie stitching while sitting in the living room. I bought my first needlepoint, an Orchid Floral. In addition to reading medical journals I began to read books on stitching. I think needlepoint could be one of the most rewarding hobbies you will ever undertake. Not only does it fill the hours and relaxe you, but also provides you with a finished product and a sense of accomplishment. It also makes one of a kind birthday and holiday gifts for loved ones.

Needlepoint as most hobbies, can be either simple or difficult. This depends on the individual. I have met some people who always use the basic and easiest stitches. I feel they use needlepoint as a restful pastime to create gifts for people. There are others who use needlework as a creative outlet. These crafter's delight in working with complicated patterns using a variety of threads. Some compose their own designs. I am a needle worker who is all of the above. Therapeutic though it may be, needle point for me is above all an artistic activity. And, needle work is not an exclusively a female hobby. I am sure we all remember when Hall of Fame Football player Rosie Greer started needlepoint as a hobby.

On a cruise six years ago, I pulled my canvas from my bag and started to stitch while sitting on a deck chair. When I looked up I saw two women also stitching, one doing needlepoint and the other, cross stitching. As we worked our needles, we talked about stitching and enjoyed the warm sun and cool breeze. We later met during the week to share our collection we each brought with us. One woman told me that stitching is a popular hobby among men who spend a great deal of time at sea. I have met many business executives who find that stitching helps them unwind after a stressful and tense day at the office.

My wallet quickly discovered that needlepoint can be an expensive hobby. It doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, and you don’t have to buy canvases that cost one hundred dollars. You can make equally lovely pieces for just a few dollars. You just have to buy the blank canvases and use a pattern from a book or a needlepoint magazine.

As with any hobby you may pursue, there are an array of tools to explore. For the beginner, perhaps one of the most confusing areas of needlepoint is in choosing the materials to be used. You can purchase a kit from a local craft store, a larger store such as Michael’s or obtain your materials by ordering online. There are kits by Dimensions , Sunset and Janlynn. Some original painted canvases are very expensive—you pay a premium for someone’s creativity. For the beginner, I am going to keep it really simple and introduce you only to the essential tools needed to complete the designs and patterns included in this book. Naturally as you become more proficient in needle pointing, you will explore other tools.

Canvas is the basic material needed for needlepoint and other forms of stitchery. The basic definition for canvas is the even, open-weave mesh to be covered by the needlepoint stitches. Both sides of the canvas should be identical. You need a canvas that is shiny and there should be no broken threads. There are two types of canvas, Penelope and Mono. Mono canvas is simply single-strand, whereas Penelope is double-strand. Most of the needlepoint kits contain mono canvas. For the beginner it is easier, as sometimes the needle can split the strands of a Penelope canvas. Canvas quality also varies. Remember this general rule: the fewer the holes, the larger the canvas. All canvases are manufactured in a total of twenty-two different meshes. The mesh of canvas is determined by the number of holes to an inch. For example, if a piece of canvas has twelve holes to an inch, it is a No 12 mesh. The only reason to know the number of holes to an inch is to know which classification of needlepoint you are doing. There are two standard classifications, gros point and petit point. I have done both. The simple rule is that gros point describes work on larger canvases whereas petit point describes work on smaller mesh canvases. The usual number of holes per inch for petit point varies from No 16 to No 40 mesh. A No 40 mesh will have 40 holes to the inch. In larger stores like Michael’s, I purchase MCG Textiles already measured canvases. The canvases should be at least two inches wider on all sides of the design you are stitching. For instance, a 10” by 10” design needs a 14” by 14” canvas.

You always need surplus canvas for taping. Use masking tape. Cut a piece of masking tape the length of each side, and wrap it around the cut edge of the canvas. You never want your thread or yarn to catch on rough edges. In finer quality stores, the owners always tape the sides whether you are purchasing a blank canvas or a painted canvas.

Use a stainless steel tapestry needle. The bluntness is very important. I always have found it a good idea to test the needle before purchasing. You should be able to prick your finger on the point. The size of the needle must be matched to your canvas. In most stores when purchasing a painted canvas the correct gauge needles are included. The following guide below is useful if you are designing your own canvas.

Canvas Recommended Needle

5 to 8 mesh: No. 15 needle
10 to 12 mesh: No. 17 or 18 needle
14 to 18 mesh: No. 19 or 20 needle
20 mesh: No. 22 needle
22 to 24 mesh: No. 24 needle

Some people want a needle for each different color of thread. I find this to be cumbersome.
Thimbles come in various sizes and should tried for comfort. I never used a thimble until about two years ago. I found a stainless steel thimble in my mother’s memory print box. I have that thimble placed on a table in the den where I do most of my needle work. I suggest buying several at a time, since they are easily misplaced or lost.

Scissors are a must for every needle pointer. There is no need to buy an expensive scissor. You should have two pairs of scissors: one small pair for trimming the loose threads on the back of the canvases after knotting, and a larger pair for cutting canvases. Small scissors with a cutting edge less than four inches (10 cm) are allowed in the cabin of an airplane. Today you can buy a cutting device which can be worn on a chain or tucked in your needle point case, too. I have several Clover Travel Cutters. I do have an old pair of scissors that belonged to my mother which I still like to use at home.

The choice of threads depends on you, but you will absolutely need threads. You can use either cotton, wool, or silk thread for needlepoint. Each thread has more than one component. The component parts for wool are called plies, those of silk are called filaments and those of cotton are called strands. All these components must settle into the canvas to make a solid covering. Also remember you can split the threads. Threads can be divided, doubled and even tripled. I have also mixed different colors after splitting the treads. If a thread does not split, do not use that thread.

Who doesn't love silk thread? This floss comes from France. French silk is often inconvenient to locate and costly to purchase, however the color and texture are so lovely that it is worth the extra effort at times. Recently at a flea market I purchased an original spool of Holland’s #10 tan silk. I use it sparingly on some of my designs to enhance the beauty. Silk thread has six filaments and is very thin. I recall that my mother used to buy silk from two stores: one in Cincinnati, Ohio and the other is Copaigue, New York. I find it very difficult to work with silk. I find it so difficult to run the needle through the back of your silk when you want to anchor a new strand.

The most common thread you will see used is cotton. Cotton thread has six strands and is easily divided. For small mesh canvases I usually use three strands. By using different numbers of strands on a single design it enhances the dimensions of the finished product. I have always used D.M.C. cotton. It comes in a variety of colors. I once counted sixty shades of red offered by D.M.C! I also like using a specific cotton called Wildflowers by Caron which can be purchased from the Caron Collection in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Cotton has disadvantages compared to other threads like wool. Cotton is less durable than wool. If you are making a pillow or the back of a chair, wool will last much longer than cotton. I have met some crafter's who feel that cotton is harder to work with due to the six strands. Cotton allows you to blend or mix a variety of colors. This is much more difficult when using wool. Considering all of this, I prefer cotton due to its availability and extensive range of colors.

Some needlepoint kits use wool. I am not fond of wool but it does bring a dimension to your canvas. There are several types of wool you can use for needlepoint. The needlepoint wools must have the strength of long fibers for you are pulling each thread many times through the large mesh canvas. There are three basic types of wool used for needlepoint: Persian, Tapestry and Rug Wool. Both the Persian and Rug wool are three ply whereas the Tapestry wool is four-ply. Persian wool is the most extensively used wool in complete kits available to buy in larger stores. I love using Tapestry wool for background wool to create thicker dimensions. I usually use the specific brand, Anchor. Rug wool is very durable and very inexpensive to buy.
It is my hope that my 21st century search for serenity is fulfilled by my needle work. It is also my hope that you who live in this technological, mechanical, toxic environment will benefit from the hours you spend with the needle in your hand

Happy stitching... More hobbies to come.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 27, 2011 A THORNAPPLE A DAY DOES NOT KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY

"Times are changing for the better. Continue on the path of trust. Be open to the new."


Change. Fear. Fear: Change. I use these two words interchangeably. For me change creates fear. I should say that change used to create fear. Now change creates a furry in my blood and a yearning to know more about life. I am a perpetual student. In my early 40's I returned to school for another fellowship and in my late forties I began my informal study of plants. I was knowledgeable about herbs and plants when I started but I wanted more. I yearned for more. I wanted to continue on my path of love, trust and health. Of course this created fear, but I 'let go' of the fear.

I am always open to something new. If a friend wanted me to act in a movie, television show or play, I would do it. I am always up for learning. Today I am not ashamed to say I do not know how to...

I will learn how to do 'whatever' to the best of my ability. I now know there is no perfection - only progress. So I am in the process of making progress in progress.


Since my visit to the New York Botanical Garden, I have been reading Plant Intoxicants: A Classic Text on the Use of Mind-Altering Plants by Baron Ernst von Bibra (1806-1878) This book was published in German in 1855 and translated into English. In the book he summarized the current state of medical and plant knowledge of the most psychoactive plants used at that time. I am trying to read the chapters that stimulate my brain, introduce a plant that was obscure at that time, or discuss plants that remain more or less obscure today. Von Bibra wrote about coffee, tea, chocolate and tobacco-- all of which were already in widespread use in his time.

Did I read about those plants? Of course not. I wanted to read and research the various species of Datura. These are the sacred visionary plants. The names you might have heard in relation to these plants are Thornapple and Jimson Weed.

It is interesting to note that the Datura species are part of the nightshade family. The edible plants in this family are familiar to many of us. Examples are tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes. Historically for over 300 years, plants in the nightshade family were thought of as 'diabolic incarnations'. In von Bibra's time, the name for the fruit of Datura was "Mad apple" or "Devil's work". But if you encounter its flower, you would never think this plant produces such change if ingested. The flowers are large, fragrant and 'handsome'. I do not like the word 'pretty' to describe a flower anymore. I do not think flowers should always be feminine. I want to describe a flower as masculine, handsome, intelligent and debonair. The flower is succeeded by a large egg shaped capsule, green in color and full of thorns. So guess what? It is called the Thornapple.

What confuses me when I read about this plant is the different common names it has, depending on the region. In Jamestown, Virginia it is Jimson Weed. Others call it the 'Devil's Apple'. Since it was exploited in the famous flying ointments of the European witches, it should be known as the "Witches Apple". Maybe Walter Ellis Disney used the apple in Sleeping Beauty as a representative of the Thornapple.

It is said that the whole plant is poisonous, but the seeds are the most active. Nothing destroys the potency of the seeds--not drying nor boiling.

This is one plant that is heavily embedded in religious rituals. When I began to read this I was automatically reminded of my past readings on Wicca Studies and the Green Man. We know our ancestors associated many spirits and deities with nature, wildlife, and plant growth. It was once thought that witches and shamans held the knowledge about using plants.

The Green Man is a god of vegetation (plant life). The Green Man is usually drawn with a human face surrounded by a variety of foliage and plants. So what happened to the Green Man and Wicca studies? Wicca studies, also known as paganism is still practiced today. The Green Man went into hiding as Christianity spread. I read many books on Wicca studies but the book I liked best is The Path of the Green Man by Michael Thomas Ford. So who do you think would be my favorite Walt Disney character based on the above paragraph? It is James M. Barrie's eternally youthful boy, Peter Pan.

It is still controversial whether the pagan rituals were for mere enjoyment, recreation, medicinal purposes or even diabolically intended. I have read that in China the Datura seeds were mixed with cannabinoids and even mixing the seeds with was limited to China and India. I would like to think that in a far away forest in a far away place is a man is sipping Datura tea and having an occasional smoke to induce vivid dreams and hallucinations.

Today, in 1904, Rose Mendola gave birth to Josephine Mendola. She would be the third oldest child of a family of 11 children. She lived at 2 Elizabeth Street in New York City. In 1925 she married James Calamis. These are my grandparents-Nanny and Poppy. I was the third oldest grandchild and without any qualms I can say I was her favorite. My Nanny and I were two peas in a pod. Growing up with your grandparents living in the same house is a unique experience--one that I was blessed and grateful to have. Every night after homework I went downstairs to watch Merv Griffin or Loretta Young with my Poppy and listen to old stories from my Nanny. There were plenty of old family stories. Over the last seventeen years, I have written down these family stories.

After my grandparents lost their last child (my mother) life become sublime. My dad, brother and I did our best to keep them uplifted. It was difficult. We hired Cyress, a Jamaican companion who lived with them until their deaths. My Nanny died one month after my daughter, Alyssa was born in 1988. She holds a special place in my heart. During one of my twelve step qualifications I said recovery is like baking a slow Bundt cake- the ingredients for me are 1/4 part my nanny, 1/4 part my mother, 1/4 part my Aunt Katie, and 1/4 part Fred Astaire.

My Nanny, Josephine Mendola shares her birthday with:
1756 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,
1885 - Jerome Kern, NYC, Broadway composer,
1921 - Donna Reed, Denison Iowa,
1955 - Mimi Rogers, Coral Gables FL, actress,
1965 - Alan Cumming, Scottish actor, and
1970 - Carlos Javier Bernardo, Dutch Prince

Until tomorrow...