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]]> http://ecofamilynews.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/we-have-a-new-blog-address/feed/ 0 Eco Family News http://ecofamilynews.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/adventures-on-the-sea-girlfriends-spend-a-spontaneous-day-in-a-mercury-retrograde/ http://ecofamilynews.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/adventures-on-the-sea-girlfriends-spend-a-spontaneous-day-in-a-mercury-retrograde/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:06:58 +0000 Eco Family News http://ecofamilynews.wordpress.com/?p=64 ]]> I am usually someone who likes to plan for a day of adventure, so when my girlfriend Jeri called Friday night to see if I wanted to sit in for her son on a Santa Cruz Island kayak trip, my immediate response was, “I need to sleep on it.” For some reason I have always had issues around ocean voyages because they require me working through lots of fears of seasickness. Kayaks are not a problem – it is the boat ride getting to destinations that I fear will torture my stomach. I had two bad experiences as a child. However, on falling asleep I remembered that my great trips in Hawaii always went well despite my fears – all I had to do was stay in my seat (outside) and do nothing but meditate. So I am happy to report that I decided to go.

We arrived at the harbor, early by Jeri’s calculation, but in fact we were late. Lucky for us the boat was late too. The kayak rental person alerted us about rough water conditions around the island and gave us a two-minute safety speech, including cautions against going into the caves, and handed us our life vests, helmets and oars, pointed to the kayaks on the grass outside and said, “Have fun.” By this time there were red flags waving in my head raising panic and fear. Not just about the boat going over, but that I would survive the day. Just then the transport boat pulled in and I noticed there were no outside seats that faced forward, at which point I went into my full-on mantra … “I can do this, Spirit has my back, and a really good plan for me,” which I continued to repeat over and over until all passengers were on board and we crossed the great divide.

Jeri was extremely supportive and, like a restless cat looking for its spot, she danced around the boat maintaining her own settled stomach. About halfway through the hour-long trip, I suddenly realized I was alone on the back of the boat with a baby stroller and sleeping baby, the white noise of the motor and the misting spirits of the rudder waves trailing the boat, and I burst into laughter. That is when I began to relax. Still in meditation, I smiled and had spontaneous outbursts of laughter the rest of the trip over.

Once we were safely on land again, I suddenly realized that all the other day trips I had taken with kayaks were guided tours with much training prior to taking off to sea. That wasn’t the case here. The kayaks were floated to shore and placed on some rocks where Jeri and I were to retrieve them by ourselves.

With no time to waste, we both made a quiet assessment of what clothes were important to keep dry. With decisions made we changed our clothes right there on the beach as if no one else were watching. I buckled on my vest, and much-too-big helmet, grabbed my oar and kayak, took a deep breath and headed to the water. (Note to self – always check helmet fit before leaving store.) Jeri looked at me and together we laughed as we began to try and figure out how to get these big yellow spheres into the intimidatingly cold water.

OK — so picture two moms who have pretty much zero experience in kayaking on their own in a somewhat strong current, attempting a skilled launch off a rocky shoreline while dressed for summer on a cold and windy day. Since Jeri had done this trip before, I watched her with a keen eye thinking she was the experienced body here. She actually turned to me and made a suggestion on how I should approach the situation and as she was talking neglected to realize that her own kayak had left shore without her. I began laughing and yelling, “Jeri, your kayak,” so in her flip-flops she began trying to go after it to no avail. That is when I jumped into action – Wonder Mom to the rescue – and without thinking twice, I was in my kayak and paddling swiftly to the rescue. Mission accomplished and I returned to shore with vessel in tow. Neither of us could stop laughing – it was a true Ally McBeal (or Lucy and Ethel) moment at sea.

Once both of us were successfully in motion, off we went into the wind and up the breathtakingly beautiful coastline battling the strong currents – all by ourselves. Most of the other sea goers had taken the earlier trip and were hiking the island, so for the most part we were the exclusive human riders of the sea. That is when I realized that I really feel much safer in numbers and began my mantras again – “Spirit, my angels and all peaceful sea creatures watch over us and protect us,” and “I am a strong warrior woman and I can do this.”

At one point three people came around a cliff in kayaks and ventured into a cave with their guide. Jeri watched and felt compelled to join them, but didn’t. With the sound of crashing waves pounding the rocks, I found myself scared to get to close to the entrance, but slowly made my way into where Jeri was floating. The water was like a calm lake right there, fantasy blue and crystal clear – we didn’t even have to use our oars. After a few minutes we continued a little further up the coast and realized we were already out of time and needed to head back to the dock.

When we approached the cave area again, Jeri decided she would brave the journey through the crashing waves of the cave, which meant I either had to go back out and face the vast sea around the big cliff all alone, or go with her through the cave. Neither seemed like a reasonable option, but I was out of time to think as she took off on her challenge without me. So I headed back around the cliff with my calming peaceful sea creatures mantra passing through my quivering cold lips. Like magic about halfway around the cliff, a sea lion appeared with a mate and they stayed with me the rest of the way until I was safely reunited with Jeri. We both lifted our oars with pride that we survived our different paths, and in gratitude of our welcomed guests – the peaceful sea creatures.

On the way back to the main island Jeri and I laughed continuously at our adventure and then were graced with one more moment of joy when we were surrounded my thousands of dolphins dancing around us with the rhythms of the sea, which was an incredible gift to a day already filled with adventure and lots of laughter among two girlfriends.

Thanks Jeri for the opportunity, and the journey. Unfortunately we have no photos – just lots of laughter and memories of our journey.

View pictures of Santa Cruz Island Caves -

http://www.pbase.com/gillian/image/3842776

http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.chis10704.html

Most insect repellents are made from DEET. DEET actually enters the bloodstream when applied to the skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using repellents containing more than 10% DEET on kids under the age of six. DEET is classified as a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency and has been associated with a variety of health problems ranging from dizziness, rashes, hives, uncontrollable twitching, muscle spasms, seizures and even death.

Children are especially susceptible. In 1995 alone, the National Poison Control Center in Washington, D.C. received over 6,700 reports of repellent exposure, including one death, and of the 6,700 reports, two thirds occurred in children age six and under.

In 1995, New York State banned products with 30% or more DEET after reviewing 44 public health studies; The U.S. Military supplies soldiers with 33% or less DEET products; and DEET is suspected of being responsible, in part, for Gulf War Syndrome.

The greatest public awareness around DEET products was brought about when ABC’s PrimeTime Live did a twenty minute segment on DEET alerting the consumer of it’s potential danger. The program told the stories of Tim Christiansen, who in 1994, at the age of 26 years, died after applying DEET twice in one day; on Elijah Harrison, an 8 year old boy who’s mother sprayed him with a 25% DEET product once a day for two days – he still suffers from seizures; and on Everglades National Park workers who experienced rashes, dizziness and numbness of the lips after using a DEET repellent.

Fortunately, there are natural bug repellents on the market today that are safe and nontoxic. In a comparison of natural products versus a DEET based product, independent tests showed that the average DEET repellent lasts four to eight hours, while those containing natural ingredients need to be reapplied about every two hours. DEET products may last longer than natural repellents, but when it comes to the safety of our family, especially children, most parents would agree, it is worth the added responsibility of additional applications.

According to Good Housekeeping Institute, The National Parenting Center and the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada (a government based research facility) the best natural product on the market today is Buzz Away by Quantum Health, an essential oil product, (formulated with Citronella, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Peppermint, all pure, natural plant extracts.) It ranked the highest among natural repellents tested, and proved to be most effective against mosquitoes, blackflies, gnats, and no-see-ums. Researcher James Heal, at the University of Guelph found that protection provided by Buzz Away is similar to that provided by DEET-based OFF! Skintastic.

Also, in clinical testing another natural bug repellent, All Terrain proved to hold 100% effectiveness for two hours and 95.8% for an additional hour.

Larry Clifford, the Assistant Superintendent at Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Arkansas, was concerned about the possible problems that pesticides might pose. “My research presented caution after caution about DEET products,” Clifford explained. Arkansas is known as the mosquito capital of the world so Clifford decided to compare natural repellents to DEET at his park’s annual mosquito calling contest. In one event, contestants put an arm in a box with 500 or so mosquitoes. They compared Buzz Away with DEET products. When DEET covered one contestant’s arm in the test chamber, little wing beats of the mosquitoes were felt. With Buzz Away sprayed on the arm, mosquitoes were buzzing 2 to 3 inches away. The test proved an obvious difference to the participants.

Marcus Laux, a Los Angeles based physician and author, knows first hand that natural repellents can work even in extreme conditions. Laux leads camping expeditions to the rain forests of South and Central America to study medicinal properties of indigenous botanicals and states, “The mosquitoes there are fierce – in the Amazon they’re as big as birds – Buzz Away worked even under the harshest conditions.” Dr. Laux does reaffirm that products like Buzz Away must be applied frequently, as much as once every hour or two, in heavily infested areas.

Buzz Away is especially easy to use on very young children with their convenient towelettes, which are very travel friendly. Vitamin B1 is another secret weapon against biting insects and bugs, and can be taken internally, or in an easy to work with application of the Don’t Bite Me Patch. The patch can simply be placed on the child’s skin. (If left on too long it can be hard to pull off.) The dosage would be dependent on the situation and age of the child, anywhere from 50mg-400mg. Always check with a qualified health practitioner for appropriate recommendations. It is reassuring to know that there are natural effective methods to support us in doing our best to keep our kids safe from toxic chemicals.

Natural bug repellents include:

Buzz Away
All Terrain
Don’t Bite Me! Patch
Badger Balm
Burt’s Bees
Calfornia baby

Anyway the major plumbing work that needed to be done was in my laundry room and after much discussion we came up with a plan. So I bought a rain catcher barrel from Home Depot, which included a mesh screen (to catch lint) and a hose attachment for $160 – tax and shipping included. We placed the barrel outside the laundry room wall, which faces an exterior wall and then added an extra out going drainpipe next to the original one that goes into the city system. We positioned the outflow drainpipe to go out the back wall and hang over the rain barrel. The outflow hose from the washing machine can be placed into either the garden, or city draining pipe, depending on our watering needs. So in the rainy season I can direct the water back into the city system so as not to over water the garden. By designing it this way, when we do use the reclaimed water option it will immediately go directly from the washer into the garden.  One of the big problems with a grey water system is when water sits around, and is not maintained properly, it can become a breeding zone for bacteria and mosquitoes. But with this humble simple system, we are always using the water immediately so there is never any standing water to create a problem. Another important factor is that I only use natural cleaning products, which actually nurtures the plants and won’t pollute the ground water.

The first time I used the system I was so excited to watch the mechanics of the system actually work the way we had hoped. I never imagined that one medium size load of laundry would generate approximately 54 gallons of water. So I saved at least 95 gallons of water with the systems first use. Another plus about utilizing this system is the whole process gets me out in the garden for a much needed break. It encourages me to take time to smell the roses while watering them. What an enriching and empowering experience and achievement. Something I love about my life is that something so simply, can bring me so much joy.

A few other things I do to conserve water are:
• Installed a Smart Faucet – www.water-saver-faucet.com – on my kitchen faucet, which was really easy – screw off, screw on. This gadget saves 5,000 gallons of water a year per person, per faucet. So if you install a smart faucet on two faucets, one on the kitchen and bathroom faucets and there are three people in the house, it is approximated that you would be saving up to 30,000 gallons of water a year … wow.

• Placed a four-minute timer in my shower … it is a good thing the water doesn’t automatically shut off after four minutes because I usually reset it for one more time allotment … lol … and simply not shower every day – sitting behind a computer 12 hours a day doesn’t really produce much sweat.

• Only water the front yard a few times a years during the hottest months. Fortunately there are lots of big trees that offer much shade in the summer. The back yard has a lot of edible growth and we use a drip system and a watering can (and now washing machine reclaimed water … yea).

I have several other ideas about how to conserve and reuse water and will keep you posted on their development, and my progress.

The weekend always starts off with the Organic Farmers Research Foundation’s (OFRF) meet and greet luncheon. The OFRF is a non-profit organization that sponsors organic farming research and education projects, disseminates the results, and educates the public and policymakers about organic farming issues. Chef Donna Prizgintas, took a bow for 12 years of service to the luncheon, as she presented (with the help of other notable chefs) a true southern treat complete with sage roasted ham, fried chicken (not a vegetarian’s delight), grits, biscuits with gravy, and my favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake with rose geranium chantilly.

Farmer Dave Christensen was this year’s grant recipient, who give a brief keynote on breeding organic corn seed, and his life’s work developing Painted Mountain Corn. He laughed as he spoke about the indigenous peoples advice for him to sing to his corn, and admitted to at least having good conversations with it. I ran into several old friends at the luncheon including Chef Susan Teton a true advocate for children’s healthy nutrition, green living and holistic lifestyle expert Anna Getty (beautifully pregnant), and Christopher Gavigan, Executive Director and CEO of Healthy Child, Healthy World – as we discussed a continuing partnership between HCHW, Whole Children, Whole Planet and Eco Family News.

In the days that followed, I ran into Peggy O’Mara with Mothering magazine, where we briefly caught up while washing hands in the rest room at the Marriot, Maxine Wolf with KIWI magazine – we had a great conversation about setting a new healthy standard for kid’s nutrition, Kim Walls, MS, CEO of Episencial and Laryn Callaway, Founder and CEO of Organic Bistro makers of a healthy frozen gourmet meal for families on the go.

Peas of Mind launched their new veggie wedgies, which are pretty tasty and aren’t even on their website yet. I was introduced to the Wysi cloth, a biodegradable 100% natural pulp fiber cloth that is really absorbent and compact for travel – one of these touch to water and it grows type products … cool. Organic Essence introduced a new concept … eco-friendly lip care stick and shea cream (a mixture of natural ingredients) both in biodegradable containers … I mean the most earth friendly packaging yet … a must to check out. I was supposed to do an interview with Scott Cecil, President and Founder of Save Your World (whose mission is to help save the rainforest, one Product = one Acre of Rainforest Saved for One Year), but misplaced my tape recorder … oops – it was a really technically challenging day. After a previous interview the tape recorder wouldn’t turn off, and while walking by the Green Mountain Gringo booth – the best chips and salsa ever – Carl Lill tried to help me with the recorder, but I ended up erasing all the previous interviews … oh well. Good thing I have a fantastic memory and I was able to jot down all pertinent info taped … lol … Back to Save Your World … they were launching their new yerba mate/aloe Save Your Hair® color-safe shampoo and conditioner, which looks like a great addition to their full line of other organic body and personal care products, that smell naturally divine. Watch for a feature on them in a future issue of EFN. While I haven’t tried their new shampoo and conditioner, I did try Nature’s Baby, the company’s president Adena Surabian, put a sample of their baby shampoo and conditioner in my hand while I was cruising by, which I did try, and to my surprise, I have fallen for a new product – who knew that a baby line would meet my snobbish standards and capture my hair’s affection.

While there were hundreds of amazing products and companies that caught my attention (in addition to the ones above) here are a few of my favorites: www.kettlecuisine.com (sugar and gluten free soups and Feingold approved – I had lunch at their booth more than once), www.firstjuice.com (great idea to put organic fruits and veggies together … sneaky), www.nelliesallnatural.com (natural laundry, dishwasher and dryer products), www.bratdiet.org (B.R.A.T. – an acronym, a gluten free soothing beverage from bananas, rice, applesauce and toast), www.sensiblefoodscom (yummy organic crunchy dried veggie and nut snacks), www.pukkaherbs.com (fabulous herbal tea blends), www.ecobambooware.com (made from sustainable bamboo), www.juniperridge.com (finally a truly natural incense),  www.funkymonkey.com (kid delicious crunchy fruit snacks), www.fruit-66.com/news.html (breaking down barriers into the schools), www.greenfuji.com (while they are not rechargeable, they are cadmium, mercury and pvc free – yea), www.preserveproducts.com (keeping toothbrushes and razors out of landfills), www.greehearts-us.com (creating healthy bbq’s with carbon neutral charcoal briquettes), www.onewithnature.com (have some of the most incredible smelling soaps), and www.plantlife.net (fun pamper stuff) – stay tuned for more news on all of these folks, and others in the future.

In this new study, an independent lab tested 48 kids’ products for 1,4-dioxane and found it in 67 percent of the products. Of the 28 products tested for formaldehyde, 82 percent were positive. Seventeen products were contaminated with both 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, both linked to significant health effects. You can read more about this report at http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=414. There is also a safety guide to children’s personal care products on that page as well.

Beyond the findings of the study, I feel it is important that parents know that current regulations don’t require chemicals to be proven safe to get on the market, or stay on the market. The Toxic Substances Control Act is what is suppose to be protecting us, however, when it was passed back in 1976, most of the chemicals slated as safe were never tested, but rather grandfathered in at the time. This Act is the weakest of all major environmental laws we have today. Under federal law EPA does not have the authority to demand the information it needs to evaluate a chemical’s risk, and neither manufacturers nor the EPA are required to prove a chemical’s safety for use in these products. I consider this to be a huge problem that truly falls short of protecting us, especially protecting our children. This year the Environmental Working Group needs our help – they are working hard to reform this safety hazard, please read about the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act – http://www.ewg.org/kidsafe – and sign their declaration.

After a vibrant, awarkening, opening drum ceremony, the first amazing woman to present was someone that Marsh (the producer) had only met the day before, Doris K. Reed, a stunning African American woman – poet extraordinaire. (Who knew, that a treasuring moment was about to take place?) While there was no mention of Black History Month, I thought how poignant that Reed would set the tone of the day with her poem “Joy”, which for those of you who know Marsh’s work (with the six essentials), joy is a prominent aspect. The catchy bluesy music started, the lights softened and words began to flow – “Beautiful little girl sitting quietly by life’s tree, looking at the world in wide-eyed wonder at the many things to see … So innocent, trusting, full of grace and charm, I long to hold you forever and protect you from all harm …” Reed delivered her complete “Joy” (read in “Tending My Garden“) to the group of Amazing Woman, all of whom were moved to a standing ovation. www.poetextraordinaire.com

Dr. Sharron Stroud – Named among 100 of the world’s most recognized communicators, then took the stage and declared, “We must do the work within ourselves!” Find your place of peace – a place within yourself that has never been touched, or judged, a sacred place of peace. She encouraged us to always look beyond the moment, or situation of our expectations. To draw a bigger circle around our expectations when there is a sense of disappointment, and ask, what can we give to the situation? This action of service will bring the joy in every moment. Find your courage to be in the world and live your life. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Stroud starts her day with a prayer that begins, “As I accept the magical, mystical and the miraculous …”. It is important to believe in yourself, our cells are listening, and will respond to our thoughts and words. Remember each one of us is an individualized magnificent expression of this universe. Her definition of success is to do what you say you will do.  www.innerfaithworldwide.com p.s. Why do birds sore? They take themselves lightly.

Maria Nemeth, PhD, New York Times bestseller of “The Energy of Money” adds to Stroud’s definition of success – do what you say you will do with clarity, focus, ease and grace. Make friends with your monkey mind – the constant chatter. Our lives are shaped by the words we find interesting. Always focus your energy where it can do the most good. Enjoy the journey to the goal, take small baby steps and appreciate them, or you may find trouble at the border. A border being the edge of a forest that has no path, enter the forest and create a new path – you are a trailblazer. Grace is appreciating we are an instrument of Spirit, and our gateway is gratitude. www.academyforcoachingexcellence.com

Reconnecting to the physical body through movement/dance is always a treat for me. Tarnie Fulloon, PT, MA founder of BodyFreedom helped all of us amazing woman tune in and make a connection to our bodies. Fulloon facilitated engaging us to tap into our feminine divineness by moving our bodies with closed eyes so we would really feel every essence of our being – every muscle, every joint, every movement, a moment of free expression – in a totally safe environment. www.awarenesscenteryoga.org

Once Fulloon had us connected physically to our bodies and in a zen feminine space, Cindera Che, a Dancing With the Stars Performance Coach took us to a different level that allowed us the experience of dance invoked by a present emotion – the being board dance, the dance of anger, the sad dance. She gifted each of us with a pink feather boa to utilize as a support prop for our feminine. Che showed us what it is like to enjoy an improvisational choreographed exercise of rhythm, soul and sassy feminine that touched my spirit. We followed her, and our intuition in finding a divine way of moving, walking and tilting our heads naturally. For me it was shire pleasure to watch 200 women kick loose in a twenty minute period and be taught from start to finish an amazing woman’s day dance routine, and the ability to perform it together, 10 times through with finesse – a true sense of accomplishment. www.thecheway.com Thank you Marsh for bringing these Amazing Woman together  – again – for a day of joy, experience and sharing, brilliant!

There were other amazing women who presented and contributed to the days program with their  divine and inspirational energies, including – Marie Diamond, Barbara Niven and many other remarkable feminine leaders – my exercise is writing about only five.