Bumper Sticker LOL

     I do love reading bumper stickers. They offer everything from great wisdom to total foolishness. Last night I saw a great one that made me laugh out loud.
     This being a presidential election year, you often see stickers touting the person's chosen candidate. They usually include some sort of red/white/blue, stars and stripes, etc. This one had that colorful decoration, but this is what it said: 2016: We're Screwed. Still makes me laugh!
     Hope you find something today that makes you LOL!
               Leta

Nothing but Angels

This is the Daily Guide (meditation) from Science of Mind magazine for 8/24 written by Rev. Dr. David Ault. I like it so much, I'm offering it here just as written:

     We are perpetual students and the world is our classroom. Profound and necessary learning comes from situations we encounter outside our comfort zones. Within every dialogue, every interaction lie opportunities for us to willingly examine the varied range of subjective perceptions and emotional reactions erupting from us. These encounters are gifts for growth. As Neal Donald Walsh poignantly writes from the perspective of God in his "Conversations with God" book series, "I have sent you nothing but angels."
     Imagine that sentiment as a personal motto--that every individual you have encountered has been an angel on assignment to assist you toward your greater yet to be.
     The classroom of the world would take on a different energy. We would see our relationships as an outpouring of divine order. Holding a grudge, polishing our injustice button or investing in righteous indignation would not consume our energy. Instead, we would review the past and present timeline of our life with a depth of conscious understanding, regretting nothing.
     This freeing revelation is known as living in alignment. When I am aligned with the divine principle of Life, I have no resistance to any lesson, any teacher. When this happens, the gifts of life are free flowing. 

Look, there's an angel!
         Leta

ADIP

     ADIP = Another Day in Paradise. Many folks use this phrase in a sarcastic sense, but I don't. I use it via initials every day in my journaling. This is paradise, should we choose to see it that way. It's merely a choice. The beloved spiritual teacher, Edwene Gaines, says, "Earth is the party planet, didn't you know?" I personally love to subscribe to and live that sentiment.
     Yesterday morning I went to a coffee shop in Fort Collins for a morning brew and to sit quietly and read. As I settled my stuff at the counter by the front window, I noticed slips of paper under the plexiglass countertop with sayings written on them. My eyes landed first on this: We see what we create. Amen and amen! I believe my life keeps getting better and better... ADIP (what I create) and that's what I continue to see... a life that keeps getting better. Another way I often state this is "I lead a charmed life."
     Does all this mean my life is perfect, I never get upset, that no one ever crosses me? Hell, no! Those bumps in the road are my opportunities to practice my creating abilities. Am I creating more suffering for myself in unpleasant situations, or am I choosing to bring myself back to paradise? Response times vary, trust me, but I'm learning.
     "Icing of the cake" of my coffee shop visit: a long-time Chicagoan saw me through the window in my Cubs gear (going to the Cubs-Rockies game) and came in to talk with me and cheer the Cubs on. We had a lovely, joyous conversation. What fun!
     I'm going back to that delightful coffee shop shortly.
             ADIP,
                Leta

Human as Spaceship

This is "Human as Spaceship," the Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 15. (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html) Here's the Explanation: You are a spaceship soaring through the universe. So is your dog. We all carry with us trillions of microorganisms as we go through life. These multitudes of bacteria, fungi, and archaea have different DNA than you. Collectively called your microbiome, your shipmates outnumber your own cells. Your crew members form communities, help digest food, engage in battles against intruders, and sometimes commute on a liquid superhighway from one end of your body to the other. Much of what your microbiome does, however, remains unknown. You are the captain, but being nice to your crew may allow you to explore more of your local cosmos.

Pretty cool, huh? Want to explore the amazing microbiome that you are, and delve into its awesome ability to maintain itself? Check out the Slow Medicine Class & Retreat by clicking the tab above. It's going to be an amazing adventure. The sign-up deadline approaches, and there are only a couple of spots left. Join us--you'll be so glad you did!

         Leta

So Good to Be Home!

     I'm back from my trip. It was glorious. I went with the attitude that I won't likely ever pass through these countries again, so I'm going to enjoy all the eats and drinks they have to offer. And I did. And I paid for it. My hip ached the entire trip. While I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful food and outstanding beer, I was ecstatic to get back to my Whole30 way of eating as of this past Sunday. I am noticing great improvement in my left hip, very little irritation left. All very enlightening.
     One of many fine beers I enjoyed...

Life is good!
      Leta

Off & Runnin' -or- There's No Place Like Home

     I did my last "major" Whole30 reintroduction with legumes on Sunday/Monday. I had some peanut butter and a couple servings of beans. Neither one had much of an effect that I noticed. I've become so in love with cashew and almond butters that I can pretty much ignore peanut butter. Occasional beans are no big deal--I never did eat them all that often.
     I'm leaving in a few days for a 15-day vacation in Europe. So I'm off & runnin' with taking my best choices on a major road trip. I'll have much to report when I get back home, and I'm sure, based on past travel experiences, that I will be ecstatic to be home to get back to my healthy (W30) eating.
     I experienced one of my favorite benefits of W30 on Monday morning. A friend went clothes shopping with me (she's a saint, I'm not a shopper) and I was treating myself to something new as a reward for completing W30. For the first time in 2+ decades, I was able to buy regular-sized clothes (Size L) in a regular (not plus size) store. No Xs involved!!! Major joy. And I LOVE the top I bought, can't wait to wear it on my trip.
     Thanks to all who have shared this journey with me and supported me along the way!
          Love, love, love,
               Leta

The Build-Up was Better than the Actual Event

     Whole 30 reintroduction continues. Day 7, Thursday, was the day to give gluten a shot. I had a piece of blueberry coffee cake late morning, and at long last, after 37 days without, I had a beer in the evening. Neither one had an immediate effect. However, the sweetness of the coffee cake made me realize that I don't want to re-awaken sugar cravings. It was good, but not good enough to risk that. And, sad to say, as much as I thought I was missing beer, it really was just OK. Both items made me feel fat. And after a month of not feeling that feeling, I really do not like it. I'm not saying I'm giving up sweets or beer for life, but I will certainly consider indulging much more carefully in the future.
     On to Friday, whereupon in the evening, I had the 2nd beer (otherwise I ate W30 for the day). I also had a massage in the afternoon, which usually makes my body, and especially my left hip, quite happy. Alas, my left hip ached all night Friday night, so I have to acknowledge that gluten is a "thang" for me to avoid. Bummer, I must say, because that's probably been my favorite "food group."
     On Saturday, as I got moving through my day, my hip ache went away, thank goodness. This Whole 30 adventure has brought up the interesting internal discussion of what food is worth what. Before W30, beer and sweets, as shown by my behavior, was worth any aggravation, even though I never went crazy on either one. Now, post W30, neither is worth a night of aching, or several nights, or the physical limitations that come from a chronic ache.
      Next introduction is legumes on Day 10...