Grandma, Reiki Master, Artist and traveler looking for others that want to laugh, dance and create! My goal is to have TEA with people all over the world. Thanks, Team Squidoo, for honoring my Watermelon with Lens of the Day on August 17th, 2007 Read what Team Squid had to say here: Watermelon. Yum. ... http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/tealady Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:30:47 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.squidoo.com/reversingheartdisease Take care of Your Heart so It Can Take Care of You! Heart Disease is the leading cause of death among American women. Heart Disease can be reversed. Here are some resources to help you discover how including a link to download a Free Bilingual Heart Health Guide Click Here To Make Your Own Page Like This. Image from iconfinder.com. healthy-living Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:52:31 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/health-benefits-of-pearl-barley- Known as Job's Tears (in Chinese, "yimi"), this grain (not a type of barley) has long been revered for its health benefits. Enjoy it alone, mix it with rice, or add to soups and stews. It's also wonderful as pilaf or risotto. In view of the numerous health benefits of this widely distributed staple food, why not incorporate the grain into everyone's diet? food-and-cooking Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:43:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/medicine_wheel "There is no one traditional medicine wheel," ~~Loren Cruden writes in her book Compass of the Heart: Embodying Medicine Wheel Teachings, she writes "there is no consensus about what medicine wheel refers to." Most land-based spiritual paths--whether of Native American, European, or other origin--have oriented spiritually to the "Six Powers" (the four Cardinal Directions, Earth, and Sky). Cruden states that the medicine wheel is one way of naming and using that orientation. "Early cultures throughout the world built rock structures which joined the landscape to the sky, some serving as calendars. Stonehenge in England is an example. Over 100 Medicine Wheels constructed by Native Americans have been found in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. Their complete story is lost in the vastness of time." J. Stickler, Valley City State University photo credit: unknown healthy-living Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:22:02 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/lovethatchocolat I love chocolate and I love to talk about chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most popular treats in the world. "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body....but rather to skid in sideways...Chocolate in one hand.....martini in the other....body thoroughly used up....totally worn out and screaming....WOO HOO - What a Ride!" (unknown) food-and-cooking Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:27:10 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/olympicmedals In the ancient Olympics, no medals were awarded. The first-place winner was given an olive wreath to wear on his head; second- and third-place winners received nothing. * When the Modern Olympics were revived in 1896, first-place winners received silver medals. Strangely, gold was considered inferior to silver. Eight years later, at the 1904 Games in St. Louis, gold replaced silver for first place. * Today's "gold" medals are actually sterling silver covered with a thin coat (6 grams or .21 ounces) of pure gold. * Olympic medals are 7 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) in diameter. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 13, 1996 sports-and-recreation Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:54:31 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/teahouse I love to visit Tea Houses. I'll write about the Tea Houses I have visited, the ones I want to visit and share my photos. I hope you'll tell me about your experiences. If you want to create your own page, click the create button on the right column. travel-and-places Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:30:45 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/haiku I love Haiku. I have created this lens to introduce the novice to Haiku and to share info with those who want to know more about Haiku. What is Haiku? Haiku is lyric poetry, a Japanese lyric verse form having three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables. Haiku traditionally invokes an aspect of nature or the seasons. If you are not familiar with Haiku, I hope to introduce you to it's beauty and sometimes it's humor. I have included on this page examples of Haiku, some history of Haiku and info about famouse Haiku poets. I hope you enjoy reading about Haiku and that you will post your own Haiku! books-poetry-writing Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:41:37 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Okinawan_Longevity Okinawan Longevity Japanese people have what is probably the world's longest natural life span. On average, someone born and raised in Japan will live to 82. This compares to the US average longevity of 77. The people in Japan with the greatest probability for long and healthy lives live in Okinawa. According to the Ministry of Health, Okinawan rates of coronary heart disease, cancer and stroke are the lowest in the world. Okinawans live into their 90's and 100's. This is attributed to a diet which includes fresh fish, fresh vegetables, seaweed, tofu, green tea and plenty of exercise. They walk and do their errands on foot. They raise their own vegetables and work in their gardens. The mainstay of Okinawa's world-beating longevity is clearly a lifetime of healthy habits healthy-living Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:56:15 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/yangtaichi108 Taijiquan in its complete form is an integration of self-defence, self knowledge and self well-being. T'ai Chi is a way of life that has been practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years. T'ai Chi means "the ultimate." T'ai Chi encourages the fulfillment of the individual person, yet also emphasizes that this goal should be achieved through moderate, natural ways of living. Followers of T'ai Chi believed that people should discipline themselves to be spiritual, healthy, kind, and intelligent; to be responsible for assisting others to reach the same levels of achievement; to enjoy the truth; to fight fearlessly against immorality and injustice; and to protect the needy and the weak. It was with these goals in mind that the martial art aspect of T'ai Chi came to be developed and emphasized. T'ai Chi theories were easily applied to the martial arts. Mind and body harmony, in tune with the natural order of things, was at the core of T'ai Chi. This offered a direction of development completely different from that of other forms of fighting techniques. It also yielded awesome results in terms of human abilities coming from the power of the mind. Thus T'ai Chi Ch'uan became the most powerful martial art ever known. Family surnames came to be associated with the different styles of T'ai Chi that were being passed on, mouth to ear, from generation to generation -- for example, the Ch'en style, the Yang style, and the Wu style. Many of these are still known today. Each style was distinctive, but all followed the classic T'ai Chi principles. Adopted from T'ai Chi Classics (Shambala) written by Way Sun Liao healthy-living Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:38:48 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/taichitshirts Are you looking for good sales on Tai Chi t-shirts and clothing? Tai Chi t-shirts are great for yourself and for gifts for Tai Chi lovers. These Tai Chi t-shirts and Tai Chi apparel are for Tai Chi lovers who play Tai Chi, who meditate or do other martial art activities. These t-shirts make great Gifts for all ages. If you are looking for Tai Chi t-shirts or Taiji Chuan T-Shirts, here's the place to find a few good ones. If you would like to create your own page, click the "Create" button on the right column. sports-and-recreation Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:07:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mr_bojangles Is it possible that anybody hasn't heard the lyric: I knew a man Bojangles/And he danced for you/In worn out shoes... The popular but enigmatic tap dancer, born Luther "Bill" Robinson, also known as Mr. Bojangles was a real-life folk character who entertained across the south of the US , New York and California, and some say he might have been one of the most gifted natural dancers ever. Read on to learn more about Robinson and the song that was written about him by Jerry Jeff Walker and recorded by many artists. My favorite recording of "Mr Bojangles" is by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. music Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:57:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Sweetpotato Is Sweet Potato part of your winter meal planning? It should be! I love Sweet Potato! One of my favorite snacks is Sweet Potato Pie. And it's so good for you! My purpose in creating this lens is to share with you some Sweet Potato recipes, stories and facts about Sweet Potatos. Enjoy! Flickr photo by bbebopr food-and-cooking Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:34:36 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/watermelon   "Whenever I want to feel really beautiful, I help myself to a glass of Daddy's watermelon wine." One lady to another in Destrehan, Louisiana My childhood memories of summer days are filled with thoughts of watermelons. Whether we sat down right in the garden to eat our fill or served it up cold, nothing better than a slice of watermelon with a tall glass of iced Sweetea to cool you on a hot day. Maybe you'll find a new way to beat the heat with watermelon with the info on this page.  If you want to make a page like this, click the "Create" button on the right ----->>> food-and-cooking Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:12:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/native-american-calendars Native American Wall Calendars are very popular for yourself or for Gifts both for their beautiful artwork and for their text presenting Native American Wisdom. There are Native American Calendars representing different groups and areas of North America. You will find a variety of Native American Calendars here. image by artist J.D. Challenger holidays-and-celebrations Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:07:22 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/oliveoilscam Is it true that most of the olive oil sold in the United States isn't really olive oil but something else passed off as "extra-virgin?" According to Dr. Andrew Weil, it is!  Here's what he says in his Q&A (Published 04/18/2006) Unfortunately, it appears to be true. I've been doing some research lately on the untold olive oil story, which is a scandal in need of widespread exposure and corrective measures. I'll be reporting on what I've learned this week in response to questions that I've been asked on the subject. As you know, I recommend olive oil as the best all-purpose oil, not only for salads but for most cooking needs as well. The monounsaturated fat in olive oil appears to be protective against heart disease, some cancers, and other chronic diseases while saturated fats such as butter and other animal fats and polyunsaturated vegetable oils are associated with increased health risks. (Omega-3 fatty acids from wild salmon and other types of cold water fish also are beneficial to health.) The highest quality olive oil (the extra-virgin form extracted from fresh olives with gentle pressing) also has a high fraction of antioxidant polyphenols that are very good for you. To qualify as extra-virgin, olive oil must have an acidity of less than one percent. (A few good brands state their acidity on the labels.) In Europe, olive oil must pass rigid taste and chemical tests to be ranked as extra-virgin and must be less than two years old. The age of extra-virgin olive oil is rarely stated on the labels of olive oil sold in the United States. Most of the olive oil sold in the United States is imported from Italy or Spain. While some Italian and Spanish olive oils are of very high quality, many products sold in the United States as "extra-virgin" may be a lesser grade of olive oil and some may be primarily canola or hazelnut oil to which a small amount of olive oil has been added for color and taste. Some olive oil we get here may come from pomace, the olive pulp left after pressing out the oil. Additional oil can be extracted from pomace by treating it with hexane, a chemical solvent - not a good practice. Even when the bottle contains genuine olive oil, it may not be from Italy or Spain as the labels suggest - both countries import huge quantities of cheaper olive oils from Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco or Libya, bottle them and label them "imported from" Italy or Spain. This is deceptive marketing. food-and-cooking Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:08:07 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/non-toxic_lawn_care Do you worry about putting chemicals on your lawn? We know that these chemicals find their way into the water systems and effect the health of our planet, not to mention the creatures that live here, including us. I would like to see the U.S. follow the example of the Canadians and ban cosmetic pesticides. Read about what the Canadians have done. I have also included information about other choices that we have. Choose eco-friendly versions. "Something big has happened in Canada, and I'd love it if we would all celebrate by urging our state governments to follow the Canadians' lead. The provinces of Ontario and Quebec have both banned the use of cosmetic pesticides! These are the type you put on your lawn and spray on your rose bushes. Astonishingly, Home Depot is listening and voluntarily stopping the sale of traditional pesticides in Canada and replacing them with eco-friendly versions. This is big news because the reason for this is to protect the health of pregnant women and children. Research shows that children who are exposed to pesticides and herbicides have a higher risk of leukemia, among other things." ~~Fitness, Health & Safety, Lawns & Gardens posted by Annie B. Bond care2.com healthy-living Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:10:04 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/barleytea The Roast Barley Tea has been a popular refreshing tea drink in Asia for hundreds of years. This barley tea is gently roasted to perfection in small batches and has unparallel taste and flavor. Barley Tea is a nutritious drink containing an abundance of amino acids, sugars and carmel-like flavours with a nutty fragrance and a pleasing mellow taste. Barley Tea is a refreshing non-caffeine drink that can be drunk in quantity by those sensitive to ordinary tea. Barley Tea can be made as richly flavoured hot drinks as well as excellent iced drinks too. food-and-cooking Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:13:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/medicinecards Native American Medicine Cards make great Holiday and Christmas Gifts. Based on ancient Native American wisdom, the Medicine Cards show the healing power animals bring us through each animal's unique ability.  Once you are familiar with different Medicine Cards, whenever you happen upon an animal in your life, whether it be a photograph, or seeing one, you can be aware of their medicine and see what they are showing you about yourself in that moment. healthy-living Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:25:30 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/pierre_bonnard (October 3, 1867 -- January 23, 1947) was a French painter and printmaker. I've always loved this artist's work although I have only seen a couple of his works in a gallery. After viewing this lens, I hope you will learn to appreciate the work as well. Flickr photo by centralasian arts-and-design Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:29:11 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Qigongforhealth The word Qigong (pronounced chi kung) is a combination of two ideas: “Qi” means air, breath of life, or vital energy of the body, and “gong” means the skill of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement. The art of Qigong consists primarily of meditation, relaxation, physical movement, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises. Practitioners of Qigong develop an awareness of qi sensations (energy) in their body and use their mind to guide the Qi. When the practitioners achieve a sufficient skill level (master), they can direct or emit external Qi for the purpose of healing others. For thousands of years, millions of people have benefited from Qigong practices and believed that improving the function of Qi maintains health and heals disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, good health is a result of a free flowing, well-balanced energy system. It is believed that regular practice of Qigong helps to cleanse the body of toxins, restore energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and help individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Although there is not yet an instrument that can measure the strength of Qi and that we may not fully know what Qi is physically, research has shown that external Qi of a Qigong master could produce significant structural changes in water and aqueous solutions, alter the phase behavior of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) liposomes, and enable the growth of Fab protein crystals (Yan et al. 1999). It has been said that Qigong is one of the most powerful healing traditions ever developed in human history. It is literally a health wonder of the world. healthy-living Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:29:43 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mongol_movie Mongol is the story of Genghis Khan who was the Ruler of the Largest Empire the World Has Ever Known When Genghis Khan was a boy, everything he loved was taken from him. When he became a man, he would fulfill his destiny. He would raise an army and he would take it all back. One day, Genghis Khan would become the ruler of the largest empire the world has ever known. Mongol was beautifully filmed in the lands that gave birth to Genghis Khan, a nomad's landscape of endless space, climatic extremes and ever-present danger. From the Mongol Film Trailer entertainment Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:25:05 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/olympicnews The Games have always brought people together in peace to respect universal moral principles. The Games feature athletes from all over the world and help promote the Olympic spirit. This lens includes Olympics information from blogs, news, photos and more. sports-and-recreation Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:40:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/kingtut This exhibition featuring treasures from over 2000 years of Egyptian history opens at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston OCTOBER 16, 2011 - APRIL 15, 2012. On November 26, 1922, the tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered, unlocking the most precious treasures the world had ever known. Throughout the 1970s, millions of Americans marveled at the treasures of King Tut in an unprecedented museum exhibition. After 27 years, the treasures of King Tut returned to the US in King Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, the greatest blockbuster exhibition of all time. The extensive exhibition includes more than 130 treasures beyond the imagination, from the tomb of Tutankhamun, other Valley of the Kings tombs, and additional ancient sites--giving us a glittering glimpse into the past. culture-and-society Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:17:05 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/herbalpillows Herbal Pillows are growing in popularity and Lavender is often used in Herbal Pillows. Lavender has been extensively used in herbalism. An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia healthy-living Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:27:46 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/wintersolstice The solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Why celebrate? The winter solstice brings the shortest day - and the longest night - of the year. The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice. Hence the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, "sun" and -stitium, "a stoppage." Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter. It's the beginning of new life...celebrate the return of the light. holidays-and-celebrations Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:20:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/8treasuretea Babaocha - Eight Treasures Tea  - is a special blend of eight of the following dry ingredients: Chrysanthemums, Green Tea, Jujube, Chinese Wolfberries, Dragoneye fruit, Rock Sugar, Raisin, and Tremella, which results in a mildly sweet and visually colorful beverage. This combination of ingredients produces a mildly sweet tea liquor with a cooling and refreshing taste, believed in China to reduce cholesterol, aid blood circulation and strengthen the body's immune system. food-and-cooking Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:26:21 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/vitamin_d Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine. It is both a vitamin and a hormone, Vitamin D, sometimes called Cholecalciferol, is the only vitamin that the body is capable of producing on its own. The only catch is that the body must be exposed to sunlight before it can produce this vitamin. It's not necessary to worship the sun to reap the vitamin-making benefits. An hour a week (Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times weekly) is generally adequate to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D.  All of the body's other daily requirement of vitamins must come from the diet and/or via supplementation.   healthy-living Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:50:59 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/lovetea I have always loved my tea -- hot or iced, morning, afternoon and evening, summer or winter. For many people tea is a popular drink to have with friends. In many countries around the world, tea drinking is an important social occasion. It is a time to relax and enjoy the loveliness of the simple things around you. "Tea"; they say, "is a healthy, enjoyable and stimulating drink, full of good qualities. It reduces loneliness and calms your heart; it is a comfort in everyday life." My favorite tea is "tea with friends!" Photo by me food-and-cooking Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:05:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/cancersurvivor The goal of this lens is to acknowledge National Cancer Survivors Day, an annual, worldwide Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries. Participants unite in a symbolic event to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality. In most areas, National Cancer Survivors Day is traditionally observed on the first Sunday in June, although this is not always possible due to scheduling conflicts and time differences. Celebrating its 25rd year in 2012, NCSD is the world's largest and fastest-growing annual cancer survivor event. healthy-living Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:04:49 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/taichiforhealth T'ai Chi Chuan is a type of internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. The practice of T'ai Chi promotes better health, increased vitality, mental clarity and a calmer spirit. The ancient art of tai chi is a moving meditation that uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today's busy lifestyles. Within this site you will find links to valuable articles, research and instruction dedicated to improving physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being through the practice of Tai Chi healthy-living Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:38:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/KOYAANISQATSI Koyaanisqatsi, with the music score by Phillip Glass, is the first film of the QATSI trilogy. It is a film that cannot be described or explained, it must be experienced. It is a remarkable film that touches profoundly and never lets you go. I've been a big fan of Koyaanisqatsi ever since I saw it at The Tivoli Theatre in the mid '80's. I was spellbound by the images and I've never looked at the world the same way since. Koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi word that translates "Life out of Balance". The film visually exposes the "out-of-balance" aspects of our lives on this planet. Be prepared to be changed! Unlike I AM The Film, Koyaanisqatsi isn't interested in offering any solutions, only making you aware with stunning visual images. "...for the many attempts there have been at imitating or emulating this film, there is nothing that comes close to achieving that level of involvement with the viewer." entertainment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:12 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/big_wednesday_best_surfing_film In the summer of 1962 on a beach in Malibu, three friends assemble on the shore to surf. "Big Wednesday is to guys what Beaches is to the gals - almost. It is a story about friendships and the changes that we go through as we mature. The film would have worked almost as well in any other number of sporting arenas, but there is the added bonus of the cinematography and the beauty, power, and lure of the sea. The film may take a while to appear as if it is going somewhere, but your patience will be rewarded." ~~Review DVD.net entertainment Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:18:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/whats-good-at-trader-joes There seems to be a few websites covering this subject, but this site is for Squidoo fans and readers. This is not only a collection of links to other sites, but it is also a place that you can list and vote on your own favorites. If you want to create your own page, click the "create" button on the right column. Flickr photo by muffet food-and-cooking Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:21:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/williamkatt Do you remember the TV show about a high-school teacher who gets a suit with special powers from a group of intergalactic green guys? He was a somewhat bumbling hero that went around solving crimes. It was a fun show with very likeable characters. This page is for the fans of that show and golden-haired William Katt. I've been a fan for years. entertainment Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:35:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/womenheartdisease Every woman needs to know about heart disease. The Heart Truth is that heart disease is the #1 killer of American women.  In fact, one in three women dies of heart disease.  But heart disease can also lead to disability and a significantly decreased quality of life. Unfortunately, most women don't know The Heart Truth.  Only 20 percent of women identify heart disease as the greatest health problem facing women today. The Heart Truth is that women don't take their risk of heart disease seriously-or personally.  Women often fail to make the connection between risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and their own chance of developing heart disease. If you want to make a page like this Click To Make A Page! healthy-living Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:36:21 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/reversingdiabetes Modern diabetic treatment programs drastically reduce meats, highfat dairy products, and oils. At the same time, they increase unrefined, highfiber foods, such as grains, legumes, and vegetables. One study found that 21 of 23 patients on oral medications and 13 of 17 patients on insulin were able to get off of their medications after 26 days on a near-vegetarian diet and exercise program. Studies show that during two- and three-year follow-ups, most diabetics treated with this regimen have retained their improvements. These dietary changes are simple, but profound and they work. Very low-fat, vegetarian diets are ideal for diabetics. healthy-living Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:21:08 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/red-date-tea This is a popular tea among Chinese used as a restorative tea for after childbirth or menstruation, or for anyone who has suffered blood loss. The Chinese red date is also known as Jujube. healthy-living Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:07:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/beingreiki I love giving Reiki. I was drawn to it the first time I heard of it. You must have been drawn to it also being that you are reading this page. If this is your first introduction to Reiki, Congratulations! If you also love Reiki, I'm happy to have you here. There is always more to learn! "Reiki is not something you "do". It is something you are." Diane Stien, Essential Reiki "Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by laying on hands [or it can be given without touching} and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's ;life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. " The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." Click Here To Make A Your Own Page Like This! healthy-living Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:43:03 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/best-shoe-calendars Are you looking for a Valentine Gift for someone that loves shoes? As you know, women who LOVE shoes can't get enough shoe-related gifts. Choose one of these Shoe Calendars to give your Valentine this Valentine's Day. She will love a Shoe Calendar for Valentine's Day fashion-and-beauty Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:45:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/medicine-wheel-garden If you have found your way to this page, maybe you are being called to build a Medicine Wheel, a Medicine Wheel Garden or a Sacred Circle. Have you thought about creating a Medicine Wheel Garden? Medicine Wheels and Sacred Circles have been part of Native American Spirituality as well as Celtic Spirituality since ancient times. Creating a Medicine Wheel Garden can be a spiritual activity and a learning opportunity for the novice as well as the experienced gardener. This lens is about Creating a Medicine Wheel Garden. healthy-living Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:09:49 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/pu-erhtea This unique tea is only just starting to become known in the Western world (pronounced "POO-air") Other names for Pu-erh tea: Puerh, Puer, Pu er, Pu'er. Pu-erh teas are known in China as "medicinal teas" and have long been considered a special delicacy and an indispensable part of daily health care. This beautiful porcelain cup is the time-honored way of serving tea in Chinese culture. healthy-living Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:20:21 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/TaiChi-Diabetes The news reports that there is a rapid increase in diabetes patients around the world. You may have diabetes or know someone who does. Research has shown that the ancient art of T'ai Chi and QiGong have beneficial effects on people with Type 2 diabetes. I have included some tips and lifestyle changes focused on managing and lessening the risk of diabetes. I encourage you to send this helpful information to others who may be affected by this disease. Photo of Junye Pan, one of my T'ai Chi teachers healthy-living Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:01:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/newport-folk-festival Fifty years ago, a folk festival took root in Newport Rhode Island. Last Summer, Newport Folk Festival returned to Fort Adams State Park; it was followed the next weekend by the Newport Jazz Festival. This year's lineups featured Carolina Chocolate Drops, Emmylou Harris, Wanda Jackson, Chris Thile & Michael Daves, and Sara Watkins with the Decemberists, plus a special benefit performance by The Low Anthem. NPR Music brought the music to listeners around the world live, broadcasting and webcasting full concerts throughout each event and streaming live video from a number of sets. To listen online, head to NPR Newport Folk Festival 2010 for all the folk and jazz. Resource: Nonesuch Journal music Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:52:31 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/the_eggplant Eggplant is a key ingredient in Italian, Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. Eggplant is popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Creole, Greek and French recipes. Eggplant is a vegetarian's delight, as its meaty firm texture is an excellent substitute for meat in many dishes. Photo by rdesai (Flickr) food-and-cooking Sat, 10 May 2008 23:22:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/icedtea I've been drinking Iced Tea since I was a small child and, yes, like all southerners, I drink it year round, not just when summer is searing, but when the snow flies, too. In the summertime, I keep a pitcher of sweetea in the fridge all the time. In the South we call it  Sweetea (Sweet Tea). Nothing beats a frosty glass of home-brewed iced tea.   June is National Iced Tea Month--so popular is iced tea that the entire month of June has been set aside in celebration and recognition. Celebrate with a Tall, Cool, Healthful Glass Every Day food-and-cooking Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:23:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Jasminetea Jasmine is a delicate, floral Chinese tea, traditionally served with meals. Jasmine tea is the oldest known scented tea; it had its origins in the Hunnan province of China during the Sung Dynasty, more than 700 years ago. Nowadays jasmine tea is produced in Taiwan and Viet Nam, as well as China. Jasmine Tea is usually made from Green or Pouchong (Chinese Green) tea leaves that are scented with jasmine flowers. The jasmine flowers are harvested during the day and stored in a cool place until night. During the night, the flowers bloom with full fragrance. The flowers are layered over the tea leaves during the scenting process. The quality of Jasmine tea is determined by the quality of green tea used as its base and the effectiveness of the scenting. image by Ann Warmbir watercolor-onloine.com  food-and-cooking Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:47:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/almond Did you know that almonds are a healthy snack and that they have been proven beneficial for weight loss, and can help to combat a number of health problems? Almonds posses a very high nutritional profile and are revered for their ability to strengthen the body and soothe mucus membranes. In the Indian tradition, they are called the "King of Fruits." Being that almonds are composed primarily of protein (16.5 percent) and oil (41 percent) and do not contain any starch, powdered almonds have historically been made into bread, cakes and pudding for people suffering from diabetes. Almond oil is similar to olive oil, but is sweeter tasting and more nutritious. food-and-cooking Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:42:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/FENGSHUI_101 Feng shui (fengshui), pronounced in English as "fung shway" or "feng shoo-ee", is the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. Feng shui literally translates as "wind-water."     The qi that rides the wind stops at the boundary of water. In its traditional form, Feng shui is a discipline with guidelines that are compatible with many techniques of architectural planning. Space, weather, astronomy, and geomagnetism are basic components of feng shui. Proponents claim that feng shui has an effect on health, wealth, and personal relationships. ~Wikipedia  culture-and-society Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:02:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/yangtaichi My goal is to educate people to the practice of Tai Chi and its many benefits.  More accurately known as tai chi chuan, the practice is a martial art system that includes both meditation and movement to enhance total health. Its movements are practiced in a slow, flowing sequence seeking connection between mind, body and spirit. While there are five major Tai Chi Styles, the basis of all types of tai chi practice is "the form." There are short forms and long forms that vary from style to style, but traditionally a long form involves 108 movements and can take up to an hour to perform, while a short form can involve from 24 to 48 movements and takes 10 minutes of less to perform. All Tai Chi styles follow similar essential principles and all styles have their unique characteristics. Certain styles are more appropriate for certain people. It is a good idea to choose what is the most suitable style for you.   This  lens is about the Yang Style. healthy-living Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:52:35 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/taijiChuan24 In 1956, the National Physical Culture and Sports Commission of the People's Republic of China, developed a simplified and shortened version of the Tai Chi Chuan form.  It was based on the Yang family style of Tai Chi Chuan.  The new short form consisted of 24 movements, and could be performed in 4 to 8 minutes.   The Beijing short form eliminated some of the movements that are found in the Yang family long form such as sweeping Lotus kicks, Toe Kicks, Snake Darts out its Tongue, or Carry Tiger to the Mountain.  The short form also greatly reduced the number of times that some movements are repeated in the long form (e.g., Ward-Off, Grasping the Sparrow's Tail, Waving Hands Like Clouds, or Single Whip).  The traditional Yang style long form of Tai Chi Chuan has 108 movements (postures or parts). Michael P. Garofalo  healthy-living Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:21:14 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/WorldTaiChi-QigongDay World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day - is a global health and healing event which unfolds across the planet. Beginning in New Zealand, this event spread stime zone by time zone across the globe through 60 countries across 6 continents. healthy-living Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:03:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/god-on-our-side "With God on Our Side" is a song written by Bob Dylan. The words seem as current now as it did in the 60's. "The lyrics generally address the notion of humans that God or some other higher power(s) invariably sides with them and opposes those with whom they disagree, and thus they don't question the morality of wars fought and atrocities committed by their country." ~ Wikipedia music Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:33:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/greenteaforhealth Green tea has been used in China for thousands of years for its health-preserving and revitalizing power. For years doctors have suspected that green tea possesses remarkable healing properties. The Japanese and Chinese have been drinking it for centuries and their cancer rate is among the lowest in the world. Decades of study have shown that even moderate amounts of the "wonder substance" can prevent disease  and actually lengthen life. Go For the Green Next time you're opting for that morning cup of whatever, go for the green. Green tea (the kind you're usually served in Japanese restaurants) has been shown to have terrific healing properties. Studies show that drinking 4 to 6 cups a day can dramatically reduce the risk of many types of cancer including liver, breast, lung, pancreatic and skin cancers. Researchers think the tea works as a sort of super anti-oxidant, able to block the interaction of tumor promoters. Green tea also lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, by preventing the development of blockages in the arteries. It also keeps blood sugars at a healthfully low level, and helps combat viruses. Who knew all that good stuff could be found in one little tea bag? The info on this page is for information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physcian for medical advice.  healthy-living Tue, 17 May 2011 23:17:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/rio-olympics COPENHAGEN, Denmark (CNN) -- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee announced Friday. A large crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, celebrates upon hearing the city will host the 2016 Games. A large crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, celebrates upon hearing the city will host the 2016 Games. It is the first time South America will host an Olympics event. The city has budgeted $14.4 billion to the effort, the largest amount of any of the four finalists, according to IOC figures. The final vote was down to Rio and Madrid, Spain. In earlier voting, Chicago, Illinois, and then Tokyo, Japan, were eliminated from contention. Photo by Rodrigo_Soldon sports-and-recreation Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:35:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/poets Poetry is as old as language. Why do we love it? Studies indicate that brain activity increases when people hear poems spoken aloud.Is poetry important to you? How does a person become a poet? Is there a poet in you? Would you like to create a lens like this? Just click on the "Create" button on the right. books-poetry-writing Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:07:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/wellnesscoaching I'm not a real doctor, but I play one on the internet! Ok, just kidding. I'm not in the medical field and I don't think of my self as a writer. What I am good at is research and reporting what I discover. I AM a cancer survivor and I have learned a lot in the last few years about being pro-active with my health and staying well. Being well includes living in Balance: Spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially ******* The greatest Wealth is Health. Don't believe it? Lose it and then see! Staying well is as important as anything else you do. I hope this lens will help you find the information you need to achieve and maintain health and wellness. I would like to be your personal Wellness Coach. Contact me by clicking on the link under the Tea Lady photo. healthy-living Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:57:31 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/future_olympic_cities Are you beginning to look forward to the London Summer Olympics in July of 2012? How about the Russian Winter Games in 2014 or Rio Olympics in 2016? Keep up with future Olympic cities here. If you would like to create your own lens, click the "create" button on the right column. sports-and-recreation Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:03:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/the-summer-solstice Solstice, from the Latin for sun stands still. For several days before and after each solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky-that is, its noontime elevation does not seem to change. This is a traditional time for celebrations around the world. It's "the first day of summer-the summer solstice-is the longest day of the year, the Sun reaches its most northern point in the sky at local noon. After this date, the days start getting shorter." holidays-and-celebrations Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:00:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/world-healing-day "Become part of a worldwide wave of ki enfolding the planet, as World Healing Day events in their many forms, including WORLD REIKI DAY, expand across the planet on the last Saturday of April each year. April 30th, 10 am local time worldwide. Events will be held in hundreds of cities in over 70 nations." healthy-living Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:38:47 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/john_hartford This is one of my lenses dedicated to John! I really really did have a crush on John, and got to tell him so in person once! If you haven't yet discovered John Hartford, I hope you will get to know him through this lens and learn to love his music the way I do. John Hartford won Grammy awards in three different decades, recorded a catalog of more than 30 albums, and wrote one of the most popular songs of all time, Gentle On My Mind. He was a regular guest and contributor on the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour and the Smothers Brothers Show. He added music and narration to Ken Burns' landmark Civil War series, and was an integral part of the hugely popular "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack and Down From The Mountain concert tour. But that hardly explains John Hartford. ~~johnhartford.com music Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:16:21 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/drinkingwater I want to take an active role in protecting my health. One thing that I know is very important is drinking lots of "good" water. What do you know about the water you drink? In some places of the world, good safe drinking drinking water is not always readily available. Do you appreciate your access to safe drinking water? healthy-living Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:39:42 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/profile-of-a-squidoo-lensmaster What kind of person spends hours and hours creating Squidoo lenses? I'm curious so I decided to find out. If you are a lensmaster, I hope your will help me build this profile with your participation. If you are not a lensmaster, please enjoy what you read here. And don't forget to "like" this lens if indeed you do! If you haven't created a Squidoo page, but you want to, click the "Create" button on the right panel and get started. Let me know if you need any help. squidoo-community Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:26:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/wasps-in-the-house Solitary wasps in the home can be a nuisance; daily sightings of wasps in the home may indicate inside nest building, and attention to the problem is required. Searching for and sealing off their point of entry is the best line of defense. Check your house for unsealed vents, torn screens, cracks around windows and door frames and open dampers. Observe the flight path of a wasp, especially in the morning, which may reveal the entry/exit point. education Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:48:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mineraloil Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are both byproducts of petroleum refinement. Most baby oils on the market consist of 100% mineral oil, yet mineral oil has several dangerous hazards associated with it. Mineral oil clogs the pores and prevents the skin from "breathing." It prevents the natural release of toxins, and it blocks the absorption of any beneficial ingredients (such as essential oils) blended into the mineral oil or contained in other products applied to the skin. healthy-living Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:26:32 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/white_tea White teas are appreciated by tea connoisseurs for their unmatched subtlety, complexity, natural sweetness, and delicacy. Delicate, smooth, sweet and fresh, these are the words typically used to describe White teas, the most rare and sought after teas on the market today. Grown in the high mountains of Fujian province, white teas undergo little processing so they have the sweet aroma of fresh tea leaves and are unique in quality. food-and-cooking Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:14:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/sweet_tea Southerners swear by their traditional sweet ice tea and drink it by the gallons. In the South, ice tea is not just a summertime drink, it is served year round with most meals. When people order tea in a Southern restaurant, chances are they will get sweet ice tea. Flickr photo by brianna.lehman food-and-cooking Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:57:11 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Naster Research has shown health benefits of laughter ranging from strengthening the immune system to reducing food cravings to increasing one's threshold for pain. There's even an emerging therapeutic field known as humor therapy to help people heal more quickly, among other things. Humor also has several important stress relieving benefits. ~Elizabeth Scott, M.S. entertainment Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:32:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/myfavoritetravel I love to travel. This lens is for people that like to think, read and talk about travel. I've included here a collection of information I've gathered to help with travel plans.You can also add your thoughts, travel-and-places Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:28:21 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/daniel-day-lewis-actor DreamWorks Studios just announced that Daniel Day-Lewis will take on the role of President Abraham Lincoln in the long-in-development biopic to be directed by Steven Spielberg. Lincoln will focus on the political collision of Lincoln and his cabinet over abolition and the end of the Civil War. DreamWorks expects to have the film in theaters late in 2012 through Disney's Touchstone label. Getty Images entertainment Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:07:28 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/expectantmomsyoga Please consult your physician before beginning any new form of exercise, especially when pregnant. Most people know that practicing yoga offers a variety of benefits – improved body flexibility and performance, stress reduction and a sense of inner calm. Yoga also provides numerous benefits for expectant mothers and mothers of newborn infants. “Prenatal yoga alleviates some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as back and hip pain, sciatica, headaches, varicose veins and swelling of the hands, feet and legs,” says Susan Arthur, a certified yoga instructor who teaches free prenatal and postnatal classes at St. Luke’s Hospital.  “Practicing yoga after the birth of a child can help new mothers to stretch, realign, strengthen and rejuvenate their bodies – and their minds.” healthy-living Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:05:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/qigong-exercises QiGong - How to cultivate the life energy/vital breathe for self healing. Qigong is both ancient wisdom and modern science. One of the most powerful self healing methods in the world today. Learn how to use QiGong by watching the videos on this lens. healthy-living Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:18:35 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/breathe "When we feel the pace of life is getting too quick, the pace of the breath also becomes too quick. We need to check in and slow the breath down--to remember to stop, look listen and breathe." ~~Ken Cohen Pronunciation: 'brE[th] Function: verb Inflected Form(s): breathed; breath·ing Etymology: Middle English brethen, from breth intransitive senses 1 a : to draw air into and expel it from the lungs : RESPIRE; broadly : to take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide through natural processes b : to inhale and exhale freely 2 to have life  Merriam-Webster Dnline Dictionary  -------------------------------------------------------------- Use your breath to relax your body "Breath is the link between the inner and outer worlds." -- Alice Christensen healthy-living Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:15:29 -0600