HOMEIssue 62
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In this issue:
1) Welcome Letter by Dream Walker
2) Natural Cold Remedies by Pat Valle
3) Green Minestrone Soup by Kim Newman
4) The Manifest Way: Encouragement by Myriam Maytorena
5) Aging Gracefully (I Wish) by T.W. Winslow
6) Seeing Possibilities Takes Vision by Rosemarie Rossetti
7) Desktop Themes by Bill Hoyt
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Welcome
Letter
Yá'át'ééh and welcome! It is a new week with new
possibilities. Let's all try to find the good this week,
shall we? No matter what is going on in your life, there
is some good somewhere. I long ago learned that even the
greatest adversity has its possibilities, hidden it in
somewhere. Sometimes a disaster is just the call to
action that we needed to make some changes in our
lives.
And speaking of changes, you might notice a couple here
in MousePages. In an attempt to get some new subscribers,
I am now exchanging ads with a couple of carefully selected
newsletters. I really wish that you would take a look at
them, and consider subscribing. They are both very nice
newsletters.
Another change this week is that we also have a recipe!
Those of you who have been subscribed for awhile will remember
Kim Newman, my best friend in the world, who lives in the
UK. She used to do a skin care series here. Well, she is
back! And with her usual smile, too.
I hope that each of you has a wonderful week, filled with
blessings! Remember, an old Navajo lady cares about you.
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Natural Remedies for Colds & Flu
by Pat Valle
Millions of dollars are spent every year on non-prescription
treatments for colds and flu. These treatments only give
temporary relief of symptoms instead of aiding the body
to heal itself naturally.
At the first sign of a cold or flu make sure to drink
plenty of liquids because you can easily become dehydrated
if not consuming enough. It's especially important if you
are running a fever. Your body is throwing off water by
means of evaporation, sweating and breathing. Herbal tea
such as ginger can be used with a pinch of cayenne pepper
to help the body sweat out the toxins. If possible, try
to move around instead of staying in bed. Moving around
helps to loosen built-up mucus and dispel it from the body.
Chicken soup is one of the best foods to use during a
cold or flu especially if garlic and onion are added.
This will help fight off infection as well as clearing
up congestion in the chest and nasal passages. An old
folk remedy I came across recently stated that slicing
an onion very thin and placing in on a small dish beside
the bed when you are ready for sleep, can actually aid
in breathing and unclog a stuffy nose and also dispel
mucus just by breathing in the vapors.
There is an excellent homeopathic remedy found in health
food stores called Oscillococcinum. This remedy is to be
used at the first sign of the flu; preferably within the
first eight hours of symptoms. Most people who use this
remedy find that it greatly relieves the duration of the
flu and can actually relieve symptoms overnight. Another
popular remedy is Bee Propolis because it works as an
anti-histimine, antibiotic and also as a nasal decongestant.
If you are allergic to bee products, go on to something else. Eucalyptus oil is also very helpful in relieving congestion.
Add a few drops of the oil to a warm bath or add to a pan
of hot water and breathe in the vapors.
Although a cold can be very draining and make you feel
miserable, it is the body's way of cleansing itself of
toxins, wastes and built-up bacteria which the immune
system can't overcome. The glands and lymph noses are
almost always affected and the normal cold usually runs
its course in about a week of so while it is going through
the detoxification process. During this time, eliminate
sugars, carbohydrates, coffee, red meats and dairy products.
Dairy products increase mucus buildup. Try taking chlorella,
spirulina, barley grass or wheat grass to speed up the
healing process. These "Superfoods" are rich in protein,
vitamins and minerals and are wonderful antioxidants which
detoxifies, cleanses and strengthens the immune system.
Last but not least is to make sure your hands are washed
often to avoid spreading viruses.
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**HEAL THE NATURAL WAY**
The Healing Alternative has natural healing therapies
for the mind, body and soul. Learn reiki, yoga, reflexology,
crystal healing, and more. Participate in free online
classes, read informative articles, all at the healing
alternative. http://www.thehealingalternative.com
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Soup Recipe
by Kim Newman
Green Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Olive Oil
175grms Baby Leeks or Onion
200grms Baby Fennel
(washed trimmed and sliced)
2 cloves of Garlic, chopped.
I small Turnip or Potato.
(peeled and sliced)
400grm can of Flageolet Beans
(drained and rinsed)
900mls Vegetable stock.
Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.
Method:
1. Heat the oil in a heavy based pan, add the leeks
or onion, fennel, garlic and turnip or potato. Cook
gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Don't allow
the veggies to colour!!!
2. Stir in the drained beans and stock, bring to the boil,
then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Or,
until the veggies are tender but not mushy !!!
3. Season to taste and serve with freshly grated Parmesan
Cheese. A dollop of fresh green Pesto can be added if you
like it.
A 'Souper recipe' for the cold weather and a tasty
Vegetarian soup!!! though, appealing to Meat Eaters
amongst us too!!!
ENJOY!!! :)
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With a weekly "speech" from writer and motivational speaker
David Stoddard, and guest columns from some of the most
knowledgeable people in the areas of goal setting, motivation
and dream fulfillment, Que Sera Sera is your gentle kick in the
pants to get you living a happier and more meaningful life.
Send a blank message to que_sera_sera-subscribe@topica.com.
Or visit him online at
http://www.dstoddard.net.
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The Manifest Way:
Encouragement
by Myriam Maytorena, M.Ed.
"Any man's life will be filled with constant
and unexpected encouragement if he makes up
his mind to do his level best each day."
--Booker T. Washington
I give to you today encouragement!
Have you ever had those moments where no matter
what you do, it seems that your plans are on hold
or just not working? As we approach the New Year
you may have decided to avoid those resolutions
because you are discouraged and may have failed
in the past to meet your goals.
It may be that you have applied for a new job
and the decision is taking forever -- sometimes
a moment can seem like an hour and thoughts race
through your head like a myriad of hidden fears
have all come out to dance and you didn't even
know that there was an anxiety party being held.
It may be that you are in a relationship and
while you think you are ready for the next step
your lover is filled with fear -- or perhaps you
are filled with fear. Sometimes waiting for that
e-mail or phone call can seem to be an experience
in infinity. You know those times when you check
your e-mail every five minutes or the voice mail
just to make sure it is working.
Or, it might even be that as a parent your child
has grown and left to pursue their dreams. And
though you pray and hope that they are well, the
waiting to hear is filled with all the things that
could go wrong or all the things that you thought
you did wrong raising them to this point.
Sometimes it doesn't matter if you are the most
centered, balanced person in the world. The moments
of not knowing can become a cacophony of uncertainty.
We ask ourselves: "Have I done all that I can do?"
And, of course, self answers back with a rumbling
no and gives us all kinds of examples (call them
fears) of how we might not be in control and that
the worst may manifest. Then the other side, our
spirit, jumps in with a response.
The inner battle begins and starts to escalate
until we are in a state of total inner chaos.
And here is my word of encouragement. This is
natural in this reality where we are spirit learning
to be human to experience these moments of utter
mind-boggling confusion. It is how we interpret
these moments that can make a difference between
how quickly we return to a state of balance or
how long we suffer from needless anxiety.
These moments are markers! Signs from our inner
world that our outer world is changing. The mind
is trying to reorganize itself to prepare for the
impending change. Thus, when all the fear come
swirling in to drown us in a deluge of anxiety
or concern, we can either shut it down by going into
depression or we can acknowledge it as a sign from
our inner spirit that all is coming to a new
beginning.
If you are going through change and have these
feelings, don't think that you are out of control,
going crazy or perhaps just not spiritual enough.
Do not think if you had learned how to meditate, or
trusted the divine spirit, or done something more
that you would not be having these thoughts.
Instead, have a little talk with your inner self.
You might want to say something like this: OK, mind
I understand that you are preparing me for change.
I get the message, now lay off. I am going to go
do something to relax and have fun. You just get
ready for the change and I will take care of the
moment.
If it helps you to have an affirmation (like my
rescue remedy) you might try this: I let go and
let spirit unfold for my highest good.
Today: Be of great courage and be en-couraged because
the signs of change are bringing you the opportunity
to become a greater expression of the divine you.
Walk in the light but do not fear the darkness because
that is where change occurs.
Myriam Maytorena, M.Ed. is a spiritual coach and counselor.
You may visit her at http://manifestreality.com
or at
http://angelwhispers.net
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Passing Thoughts, by T.W. Winslow
Aging Gracefully (I Wish)
Who was it that wrote about aging gracefully? I've been
trying to recall where I read about this and what the final
conclusions were. I've never been one to worry too much
about growing older. I don't lie about my age or stress over
birthdays. I've not joined the Hair Club for Men or sought
comfort in the seat of a fancy sports car. But yet, suddenly
I find myself deeply concerned about my age and the prospect
of growing older. For this, I have my Dad to thank.
I think we all can look back in time and pinpoint the exact
moment when we first realized that our parents were growing
old. For me, this revelation came when I heard my Dad's "noise."
You might know this noise. With every motion - bending over;
standing up; putting on shoes; taking off a jacket, ... a long,
low combination sigh/grunt is uttered.
I had never noticed my Dad making this strange sound before,
and it struck me odd the first time I became aware of it.
From that moment forward, I never quite saw him in the same
light. With each sigh/grunt he made, it became more clear to
me that he was growing old.
That was a long time ago and I'm happy to say my Dad is still
with us, making that same weird noise - now more than ever.
It's not his making the noise that has me so concerned. No,
it's my making the noise that bothers me.
It was a beautiful morning, the birds were singing and the
sun was shining. All seemed right with the world, until it
happened. I was preparing to shave as I do every morning. I
took a razor from the drawer and ran hot water in the sink.
I admired my beard in the mirror while waiting for the sink
to fill. Then I shut off the water and bent down to retrieve
the shaving lotion from under the counter. It was then that
my life changed forever.
Where it came from, I have no idea. How or why it happened,
I can only speculate. It was awful. Terrifying in fact. It
took me by complete surprise and would leave me a changed man.
It was the noise. That horrible, strange noise of my father's.
But this time, it came from me. Standing back up - shaving
lotion in hand, it passed from my lips, "hhhuuuuummmmhhhhhh."
It was like something out of a horror picture. I quickly
looked around hoping to find my Dad standing near. But no,
the dreaded noise came from me. I could only stand there in
complete disbelief staring at my reflection in the mirror.
Suddenly, I noticed the gray in my hair and the fine lines
around my eyes. Where did those deep creases on the sides of
my mouth come from? Who was this person looking back at me?
Finally, I came to my senses and thought, perhaps this was
merely an fluke, a one time thing. Maybe I had just imagined.
So I tried it again. I bent down, took a deep breath, and
stood up quickly. I think I saw my life flash before my eyes
as it passed my lips once again, "hhhuuuuummmmhhhhh."
Simply dreadful. In that one moment I aged twenty years.
Since then, hard as I've tried, I can't seem to stop making
the noise. Perhaps there's medication available or even
therapy which could help? But no, I fear I'm stuck with it.
My father's noise is now a part of me. (God help me.) I've
begun to notice how heavy the trash cans seem as I lug them
to the curb. I don't think my neck used to crack like it does
now, and I'm certain I used to be taller. I wonder if anyone
else has experienced going to bed completely healthy and
waking up in the morning injured? "Hhhuuuuummmmhhhhh."
I recently spoke with my brother who is a year older than I.
I guess I needed to know if he too was now making Dad's noise.
Waiting for just the right moment, I said, "By the way, you
know Dad's noise...," before I could finish, my brother replied,
"You too?" Okay, I realize I'm not all that old, and knowing
my brother is also struggling with this issue helps a little.
But still, this has been a very unsettling experience to say
the least. I guess we all have to deal with growing older,
and perhaps in time I'll be able to manage this gracefully.
But for now, all I can manage is, "hhhuuuummmmhhhh."
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About the Author:
T.W. Winslow is a syndicated columnist living in the
Pacific Northwest - USA. He is also the co-creator
of The Mystic Beagle - a romance and advice web site - http://www.mysticbeagle.com
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Seeing Possibilities Takes Vision
by Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
Sometimes seeing, isn't believing. Have you ever casually
glanced at something, only to stare in amazement, trying
to figure out what you were seeing? You couldn't believe
your eyes. I had one of these moments recently.
Last week, I was on vacation in San Francisco. My husband,
Mark, pushed me in my wheelchair along the water's edge at
Fisherman's Wharf. As we strolled by the rocky beach, we
saw a man crouched by a column of three rocks. These rocks
were of different sizes, carefully balanced, one on top of
the other. The largest rock, about two feet tall, was on
the bottom. The smallest rock, about four inches tall, was
in the middle, and another large, two foot tall rock was
on the top.
At first I thought that this was a piece of artwork that
had cement between each rock to hold it in position. The
more I looked at the column, and at the man who was in the
act of creating a second column of rocks, the more I realized
that each rock was carefully balanced and was not held in
place by cement. The column of rocks seemed to defy the
laws of gravity. I thought to myself, "Certainly this column
of rocks will tumble. That's impossible!" As I watched in
amazement, the two columns remained steadfastly in place.
This balancing act appeared impossible to Mark and me.
The man who positioned the rocks had another vision of
possibility in his mind's eye. He knew that what others
perceived as impossible was possible.
That's how it is in life sometimes. In our mind, we often
view activities and projects as impossibilities. We rule
out success without even trying. At other times, if at
first we don't succeed, we often give up.
We need to think back at the times when the impossible
ream did come true in our lives. We have all had lucky
breaks, unlikely successes, and surprisingly happy endings.
What made them different? Why did things turn out right?
What made the impossible appear to be possible?
I am amazed at the progress that I have made since my
spinal cord injury two and a half years ago. When I left
the hospital, I could barely lift my legs in the wheelchair.
Walking seemed totally impossible to me. Today, I walk into
my health club three days a week, using leg braces, and a
rolling walker. Last fall, I walked a mile. Last summer,
I rode my three-wheeled bicycle 18 miles. I can only wonder
what milestones lay ahead. I must not fall prey to eliminating
thoughts of greater accomplishments. The impossible is just
likely to be possible.
My determination and dedication to rehabilitation made
progress possible. There is no secret to my success. Hard
work and persistence pays off. Going to physical therapy
three days a week for two years, resulted in achievements.
What I have learned is that we foresee our future at times,
less optimistically than we should. We procrastinate, have
low self-esteem, are in a state of self-pity, and think that
we just can't make things happen. Think again!
Let this image of possibility be the focus of your life.
Tough times don't last forever. Situations change, and improve
for the better. Help is available if only we ask for it.
We need to take charge of our lives and circumstances,
and be more proactive in order for our situations to improve.
The next time I am faced with a challenge, I will remember
the image of the column of rocks. We need to not be so quick
to judge the challenge as an impossibility, but rather realize
that the impossible may become reality.
Copyright © 2001, Rosemarie Rossetti Rossetti Enterprises Inc.
All rights reserved worldwide.
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Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. would like to read your comments
about her column and the impact it has made on your life.
She also encourages your ideas for future columns. Contact
her at: Rosemarie@RosemarieSpeaks.com
, or 1008 Eastchester Dr., Columbus, OH 43230-6230.
Byline: To book Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. to speak at a
conference, contact her at: (614) 471-6100;
http://www.RosemarieSpeaks.com
Rosemarie works with organizations and corporations that
want to bring out the best in their people, and she
demonstrates how to live life with conviction.
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Desktop Themes
by Bill Hoyt, Hoyt Station Personal Computing
Every once in a while, when I'm working on someone's computer,
she'll remark, "...and can you get rid of those *awful* noises
that my grandson put on there?". Seems that Junior visited
and changed all the colors and pictures, and now every time
she does anything, the computer barks and moans and creaks...He
has installed a Desktop Theme, and she hates it! What to do?
Many Windows machines come with a series of matching icons,
wallpapers, and sounds. Each has a theme, like Baseball, the
1950s, or Mystery (my favourite). To see what you have on
your machine, go to the Control Panel (select the Start button,
then "Settings" and "Control Panel") and look for an icon
called "Desktop Themes". Select the "Themes" dropdown box at
the top and a whole list of them may appear. If you choose
one, you'll see what your computer will look like with the
new theme. Select "Apply" and it will change your computer,
select "Cancel" to get out without changes.
If you're happy with how your computer looks, you don't need
to read any further. But what if you can't find a theme you
like? Or what if you want some parts of one theme and some
parts of another? What if you have no themes at all?
If you want to make changes but don't like any theme you
have available, read on. We're going to take a quick and
easy look at four areas where changes can be made to give your
computer that unique look, or to fix the changes someone else
has made. Those areas are wallpaper, sounds, icons, and cursors.
The possibilites and combinations are limitless, but you're
going to have to get your hands a little dirty (don't worry,
though, you really can't hurt anything).
Wallpaper:
The easiest and most visible portion of the desktop theme is
the wallpaper: the picture or color upon which all the little
icons sit. Windows95 came with a plain, awful green...
Windows98 comes with a bunch of pictures and a few complete
themes, but if you bought your computer from HP or Dell, they
may have installed their own theme on it (usually an ad for
their products).
To change it, the first thing you need to do is minimize all
programs so you can see the desktop. This can be done by
clicking the square icon with a picture of a pencil on it
(lower left corner by the start button), or by clicking the
down arrow in each open program (the idea here is to be
able to see the whole desktop).
Good, now right-click somewhere on the desktop and choose
"Active Desktop", then "Customize My Desktop". A "Display
Properties" box should appear which has about 6 tabs, click
the one that says "Background". What you should see is a
little picture of your whole desktop, as well as a list of
available pictures (bottom left). If you click on a few of
the pictures on the list, you'll see the little picture of your
desktop changes, showing you what it will look like if you choose
this picture.
Find one you like? Click "Apply" and it's done. If nothing
tickles your fancy, you can just click "Cancel" and you'll
be done...no changes are made. If you just want to change the
color of the dektop, click the "Appearance" tab, select the
dropdown arrow next to "Color" near the bottom, and choose a
color you like. Click apply to keep it, cancel to go back.
Sounds:
Do you notice the music that plays when your computer boots or
shuts down? How about the little 'clicks' that sound when you
open or close a program? These are customizable, as well.
With the desktop showing, click the "Start" button, then
"Settings"/"Control Panel" and double-click the icon that has
a picture of a bullhorn or speaker (it's probably called
"Sounds" or "Sounds and Multimedia"). You should now see a
pop-up box...
Now click the "Sounds" tab and look at the list of 'sound
events' presented... these 'events' mean your computer is
doing something like opening a program or delivering new
mail. Try this: select "Exit Windows" on the list (click
it once), then click the square box with a triangle in it
(the "Play" button). Sound familiar? That's the sound
that plays when you exit windows, and this is where you
can change it, eliminate it, even add sounds of your own!
To change a sound, simply click "Browse" and a whole list
of available sounds should pop up...double click one and
see if you like it. Nearly every conceivable event in
Windows can have a unique sound, from animals growling to
movie clips. Have fun with it!
Icons:
Changing the icons on your desktop (My Computer, Recycle Bin,
etc.) is easy as well. Right-click the desktop and bring up
the "Display Properties" box you did to change the wallpaper,
then choose the "Effects" tab. Now you should see the icons
which appear on the desktop (only the Windows ones...installed
programs come with their own, and it's probably best to leave
them alone). Select one by clicking it once, then choose
"Change Icon...". A few Windows-supplied icons will appear
and you can select any one you want. But you are not limited
to those...
If you *really* want to play, you'll need to download a
collection of Icons from the internet. Put them in a directory
by themselves, and when you have the Windows Icons showing,
select "Browse" and find the directory. Now you can make
*any* icon appear on the desktop, from your favourite cartoon
characters to pictures of fish or birds...you can make it look
any way you want!
Cursors:
Did you ever notice how the 'pointer' or 'arrow' changes when
you're doing different things in Windows? Sometimes a little
hourglass appears, sometimes its just a straight line, at times
it's even a little hand. That pointer is called a 'cursor' and
it is customizable as well. From the Control Panel (review
the 'Sounds' section if you forgot how to get there), double-
click on the Mouse Icon and select 'Pointers'. Like the Sound
Events list, the cursor list will show different cursors for
different events, like when you are pointing at text or when
the computer is busy. Select one and click Browse and you'll
see a whole list of available cursors. Don't forget that you
must click "Apply" if you want to keep them, and "Cancel" will
get you back the way you were.
Good Computing to you!
About the Author:
Bill Hoyt is the Webmaster of Hoyt Station Personal Computing.
For the best in free software plus tips to make your computing
experience more enjoyable, subscribe to the Free Software
Newsletter by visiting http://www.hoytstation.com
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