BOOBIES – Hug them-Love them-Save them
April 4, 2008 in Current Affairs, Well-Being
We’re so proud of our Boobies and so glad to have them! We all jumped at the chance to show them off. The saying on our t-shirts says
“BOOBIES – Hug them-Love them-Save them”
We’re wearing them in support of “Race for the Cure” on April 20 here in Spokane. Our Monica (center in photos) put a team together to walk the race, but she didn’t stop there. She and her team (Team GiGi) have created these t-shirts, tanks, necklaces, buttons & bumper stickers to raise additional funds. 
All proceeds taken in will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Monica, in shock by her Mother’s recent diagnosis of Breast Cancer was inspired to raise money for 
Breast Cancer research and awareness as a way to feel like there was something she could do to make a difference. The good news is that her Mom (who goes by the nickname, Gigi) recently finished chemotherapy and is doing very well. We, here at DM Studio are very proud and inspired by Monica for being proactive and also for using just the right touch of gentle humor to deal with a scary diagnosis. So many of us have experienced a family member or friend who has dealt with the devastation of Breast Cancer and/or live with the fear of negative results from a Mammogram. My mother very bravely dealt with this diagnosis 5 years ago. It was a mammogram that revealed her cancer. 
The good news is that it was caught early which made the prognosis as well as the treatment a little less traumatic. So remember the slogan, “BOOBIES – Hug them-Love them-Save them” and do your exams and get your Mammograms. Check out this link if you’d like to support Team GiGi or get a t-shirt. Grace and Blessings to all who have suffered.
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These boots are made for walkin'!
March 12, 2008 in Excercise, Well-Being
Right now, I'm beaming with self esteem, because (after a long winter) I went out for my first outdoor walk of the season. The treadmill serves it's purpose - but it's not the same as the great outdoors. I saw some amazing sights this first walk. Amongst still quite significant mounds of snow (6"-18" high), I saw all the classic signs of Spring in Spokane: a lady attempting to garden, a man hosing down his driveway, a teenage boy washing the family car and a girl walking her dog in a sleeveless top.
As I was walking, I was thinking about all the great benefits of walking. At first the obvious comes to mind - it's great for heart health, it helps you lose weight, and it boosts your mental well-being. But if that's not enough to inspire you - you can also sound really healthy to your couch potato friends when you casually work it into conversation that you were out for a brisk walk in the elements yesterday; your neighbors will notice that you didn't blimp-out over the winter; it's 45 minutes that you know you won't have your hand in the cookie jar (unless you sneak them with you in your jacket pocket), and it's virtually a free activity (unless you buy an ipod and numerous books on CD to keep it interesting after your second walk of the season) Guilty!
With all these benefits - it's still a push to get myself out the door. But I'm always SO glad I did, when I'm done.
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My weekend - yikes!
October 1, 2007 in Well-BeingI’ve been trying to shake some very annoying neck/back pain lately….so I decided I really needed to just “lie low” for a few days. My good friend, Lynn who loves to nurture an ailing friend, also lives on a mountain in Idaho where the lifestyle can be very relaxing. So I went up to the mountain and hung out with her and her husband, another friend, Mark and the three cats, George, Gracie and Zeus. (oh, and Rachel the talking parrot)
As I mentioned Lynn loves to cook and she’s good at it. The ingredients are always hearty and nutritious. We were just starting to taste one of her delicious soup/stews when she started coughing and choking. She jumped up in a panic and it soon became apparent to us that she wasn’t able to get air and was seriously choking. Her husband ran to her and started to do the Heimlich. I had been sitting next to her and knew she really hadn’t done more than test the broth and hadn’t taken a real bite on anything large enough to choke on. She signaled us that her throat was swollen closed. My first thought was that maybe ice would take down the swelling. I ran to the freezer and in my naivety, I tried to hand her one ice cube. In desperation, she grabbed the bag of ice and wrapped it around the front of her throat. Almost immediately she started to get some air and regained her ability to breathe again. Naturally, we were all pretty shook up – especially her husband. The rest of our evening was in recovery from that incident.
The next morning, we got a call from Crystal and Dan (my good friends and Lynn and Neil’s son and daughter-in-law). They had been in a car accident. They were okay, but Crystal had a mild concussion, both had whiplash and were shook up. They needed advice and comfort. We are all full of both!! By now, things were starting to seem a little weird and not completely relaxing. So even though my need to relax and recuperate from my own “issues” still existed, I was feeling a little restless and I was needing to do something! I guess I wanted some control over something. So, I made the announcement to Lynn to get everything in need of cleaning into her laundry pile (which was already HUGE!). I was going to do all their laundry while I was there. (she was thrilled to say the least)
Thank goodness, there were no more major incidents for the rest of the weekend. (and I got all her laundry done) We watched old movies and very carefully chewed and swallowed our food. I guess that’s the great things about friends. The weekend started out with her “saving” me and it ended up with me “saving” her right back!
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From an Inspired & Healing Friend
September 18, 2007 in Well-Being A faithful crafter and loyal fan, Gloria - thank you for sharing your story with us. The healing power of purpose and joyful activity is incredible. -Debbie
Throughout the past year I have waited each month for your beautiful and endearing desktop patterns. Each day I wake up and see the cute little ones on my laptop… a wonderful way to start the day. You have helped me through a hard time of getting through breast cancer since, after reading your story, I am going to try and do something with Prim Annie dolls and make Breast Cancer for the Cure Quilts. I have already sold everything I have made so far. I owe it all to you. I have followed you and learned to use my imagination and ideas as you do with items that appeal to others, what a winning spirit. Thank you again for your wonderful site. Looking forward to all the new ideas I know you have coming our way.
Gloria
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Lying down on the Job
August 24, 2007 in Well-Being
This looks pretty bad doesn't it?
"Careful, don't trip over the boss - She's lying around on the job, again!" Yes, I do have a very good explanation. I threw my back out and after returning from the Chiropractor I was just following his instructions. Honest. My eyes were open and I was thinking about art the whole time. See, that's the problem with having a photographer right there in the office. Next thing I knew, my disregard for decorum had been captured on film. Talk about a vulnerable position. So, why fight it - I might as well let you see the real me at the office.
At least someone is hard at work at her art table. (That's my super duper wonderful painter, Gil-Jin)
Take it Easy! Debbie
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Maya Angelou's Best Poem Ever
March 29, 2007 in Well-BeingHi There - I'm sure we all receive a variety of things that have been forwarded to us via email. Some are down-right hilarious, some make you weep on the spot, and some just really strike a chord. Here's one that applies to being a healthy, strong woman who knows how to take care of herself and interact with world no matter what comes up.
I love Maya Angelou.
MAYA ANGELOU'S BEST POEM EVER
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER,
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND
WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it....
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...
After reading this, I feel pretty good about what I know - but I now realize that I need to head out to Victoria's Secret and get me one of those black, lace Bras!
Debbie
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Go Red for Women!
February 12, 2007 in Well-Being
I got to attend the American Heart Association "Go Red for Women" annual lunch event this week. First of all, it is quite a visual sight to witness a large room of people all wearing red (at least all the ladies were). The purpose of the lunch is to bring women together to educate them about how they can prevent heart attacks and heart disease and understand that it is now the number one killer of women (as well as men).
Before the luncheon, they had a silent auction, I had donated a large bed size quilt to help raise funds for the AHA. Yes, the other purpose of the event was to raise money to continue to fund research and education.
Of course the Luncheon was delicious (very yummy!). The keynote speaker was Jennifer Bushman (the Kitchen Coach) who reminded us how important it is to have family meals (with real food). Besides eating a nutritious and delicious meal with the family - She said that action also relaxes you which is also good for health.
In our goodie bag they also included some Go Red pins and a small stack brochures with Heart Health tips and asked attendees to share these will people you care about. So, I thought I would share with you:
5 Simple ways to love your heart:
It's not hard to reduce your risk for Heart disease. Start today with small, simple actions like these:
1. CELBRATE WITH A CHECKUP: Let each birthday remind you that it's time for your early checkup and talk with your doctor about how you can reduce your risk for heart disease.
2. GET UP OFF THE COUCH: Step, march or jog in place for at least 30 minutes most days of the week - you can even do it while watching TV
3. QUIT SMOKING IN FOUR STEPS: Can't go cold turkey? Cut the number of cigarettes you smoke each day in half; then cut that number in half; cut it in half again; finally, cut down to zero!
4. DROP A POUND OR TWO: Cutting out just 200--300 calories a day - about one candy bar's worth - can help you lose up to two pounds per week and gradually bring you closer to a heart=healthy weight.
5. BECOME A SALT DETECTIVE: Check out the Nutritional Facts panel on packaged foods to see how much sodium (salt) they contain. Aim for a total intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams (ABOUT 1 TSP. SALT) PER DAY.
Love your heart! Debbie 
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The good life!
January 17, 2007 in Well-BeingThere are some things that I do, experience, or receive that are reminders to me that I'm living the good life. Hand's-down Number One indicator that I lead the good life is to be able to have someone come in and clean my house for me. My ship would sink without that - since I've had my memory swiped clean 
- and I have no recollection of how to vacuum or clean the toilet.
Another indication of the "good life" was last weekend. My good friend JoAnn and I had a couple treatments done at our local Zi Spa (located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) just about 45 minutes from home. The day had come for our treatments and we were so
excited. First of all you get to put on these warm and oh-so-cozy robes to wear. You head down to the Zen room to lounge in reclining chairs, drink tea (or wine) and enjoy the fire and soothing music. I started out with a facial - she put all kinds of yummy smelling stuff on my face. It's nice because you also get a little neck and arm massage too. I noticed a positive change in my skin - plus, I was starting to feel more relaxed. That is the other major benefit to spa time.
Next I went for a soak. The Tub room was lovely with a very zen-like ambiance, nice music, and candles. The Tub has a contant overflow, so the water is always up around your neck (where I need it most). The aromatherapy and ingredients in the soak were all meant to bring some relief to sore muscles and joints. I heard the "knock, knock" on the door - I couldn't believe it was already time to get out. I did not want to get out of the tub - not no way!! But at least my heated robe awaited for me. Back to the Zen room where I ordered a yummy (healthy too) salad and tea and hung out enjoying the environment for another hour.
Awwww........the good life. (No complaints, here.)
Debbie
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Your Comments & My Sleep Strategies
January 11, 2007 in Well-BeingDear friends out there in Blogsville......It's funny, the comments so far have typically been along the lines of: "Enjoying your blog; Thanks for blogging, Like your stuff, etc" (which I do appreciate!) - but 
"Wee hours in the Morning" struck a chord and inspired some advice of how to get to sleep; what to do in the middle of the night; to "why don't you go down in your basement and work on art!" I guess there is always the choice - do you keep trying to fall back to sleep, or do you just resign to the fact that's probably not going to happen and do something productive! My current policy is to try for at least an hour to fall back to sleep. (of course, it does depend a little on just how early it is!)
Sleeping well has been a life long challenge for me. I remember as a little girl, lying in bed and hearing the opening and closing music for The Tonight Show coming out of the "rec- room".....(my dad was a big fan of Johnny Carson!)
And it just seems the older we get - everything gets a little more challenging - including a good night sleep. I don't know how you keep from waking up in the middle of the night, but after years of struggling to FALL asleep, I have quite a list of strategies that I've tried over the years.... So, hopefully - Sweet Dreams. Debbie
My (Counting Sheep has never once worked for me) “Getting to Sleep" Strategies:
1. Wear Socks to bed - so your feet don't get cold
2. Take a nice soak in the tub (with Epsom salts) and stretch before hitting the hay to relax
3. Drink warm milk before bed (calcium helps make you sleepy) - if you add a little drop of whiskey- that might really zonk you!
4. There's always the good old standby of a glass of wine on your bedstand paired with a good (but not too good) book
5. Layer blankets - so you can shed one if you get too hot (don't you just love those middle of the night hot flashes!)
6. Put your pj's on at least an hour before getting into bed - signals your brain that it's almost time to sleep
7. Plan on working on something in bed (like your blog!) - and you will barely be able to stay awake
8. Treat yourself to the softest sheets and the most comfortable pillows you can afford
9. Remove the TV from your bedroom - clicking the remote control from one stupid show to the next (that I really don't want to watch) puts me in a trance - but not to sleep.
10. Run a fan in your room for white noise (don't point it towards you if it makes you chilly)
11. And it's easiest to fall asleep when your teenager is home and safe (and his car keys are under your pillow)
Good luck getting to la-la land.....Debbie
