Wise Women Blog Lana

Laugh at Life

Stop Press - Pellowah Workshops coming to Bondi 14th and 15th November! (see below under Pellowah Healing techniques)

Hi Wise Women

I hope you have enjoyed a healthy and happy week with many opportunities to smile.

You're never fully dressed without a smile.
Martin Charnin

Good News

We hear and read about so much devastation and sadness throughout the world whenever we turn on the TV, radio or internet. When we pick up a newspaper, the news is usually full of drama.

How do we assimilate all of this? How do we cope with so much negative news every day?

Each time we hear or see bad news we think to ourselves - "isn’t that atrocious or I can’t believe the horror I am seeing or how terribly sad", our heart aches and our emotions are stirred and we may even shed a tear or two and then we try to push those distressing thoughts aside and get back on with our lives ...or so we think. So just how much of this negative information that bombards us each day stays with us? Imagine if all of this dreadful news remains in our subconscious? Do you often feel sad or unsettle and are not quite sure why? Maybe it is our subconscious dwelling on the bad news.

It’s about time the media picked up on the good news and plastered the front pages of the newspapers with – “Little Miss 6 went into remission today with no signs of cancer. People walked the streets of Sydney today with smiles on their faces as they were happy to be alive. Luna Park is a great place to visit - just for fun".

Imagine if we had smiling happy people on the covers of the newspapers and on television news bulletins? Would we still buy the paper or watch the news? Or are we so addicted to drama that we need our fix each day?

I want to feel happy and I want a reason to smile more. I have decided that in the future I will choose to immerse myself in happy, inspiring stories and avoid the depressing, discouraging stories that are constantly thrust upon us. This does not mean I will bury my head in the sand, I want to know what’s happening in the world and I’m willing to do what I can to help. I also like to keep up with current affairs. However, I don’t want to overtax my mind with depressing thoughts and images that I know will stay with me for a very long time, maybe even forever.

Come on girls, free yourselves from negativity and let’s get happy!

A laugh is a smile that bursts.
Mary H. Waldrip

My Week

If you visited my blog last week, you will know that I had an IV infusion of iron and vitamin B12 as I had let my body become quite ill and run down. I said I would report back to you on how things turned out.

Well...I arrived at the doctors surgery after overdosing on ‘rescue remedy’ (flower essences) and gingerly waited in the waiting room for the doctor. I tried to remain stoic, but my shaking legs and regular sighs gave me away. I admit it – I’m doctor phobic! Anyway, I was taken to a room by my very kind doctor who produces the IV bag ready to insert. I have one glancing look and as I gulp for breath, I mention that I had better lay down in case I ‘accidently’ pass out. My more than patient Doc slaps my arm causing the veins to stand to attention and I was so tensed up that even the slapping hurt! Anyway, all eventually went well and I survived (so did the doctor), and I’m back again next week for a double dose. Soon I’ll be firing on all cylinders! Have you had a similar experience? Tell us about it lana@wisewomensworld.com.

Last Friday night Mr J and I were kindly invited to a private suite at the trots (harness horse racing).

The venue was fantastic and our room overlooked the finish line.

By the time we had arrived we had built up quite an appetite and happily stuffed ourselves with a wonderful buffet of fresh seafood followed by a myriad of sweet delicacies. In between our regular visits to the buffet we had a flutter on the horses. My friend and I were choosing horses, not by their form but by their names, and we were winning!!! We started to feel so ‘cocky’ that we placed our money on a bet called the ‘first four horses past the finish line’ and we won that too! Talk about girl power.

Danger – I’m not advocating gambling as I know that gambling doesn’t pay. I do enjoy an occasional flutter on the GG’s (once or twice a year) and always bet only what I can afford to lose.

Pellowah Healing Workshops

Not many of us have heard of the benefits of Pellowah, however, since learning about it I have spoken to others who understand the technique and they tell me that the healing benefits are amazing.

Read more about Pellowah below.

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.
Woody Allen

Pellowah Healing Technique

Ensha Reiya

Do you want to live life with energy, enthusiasm and purpose?

Pellowah Healing Technique is channelled from Divine Source Energy. Pellowah is a simple powerful and effective form of energy healing increasing the capacity for positive change in your life. Pellowah isn’t just for therapists who would like to learn a new modality or those who require some healing in some way, Pellowah is for Personal and Spiritual expansion whatever stage of life you are in.

We are past the stage of doing things the hard way, Pellowah creates that change of mind that is much needed at this time, enabling life to unfold easier. Pellowah works on a physical, emotional and spiritual level building upon the positive frameworks you already have in place.

Pellowah workshops are coming to Bondi NSW on the 14^th and 15^th November 2009.

For Bookings phone Ensha on 61 7 38996808

Email – ensha47@hotmail.com

www.pathwaystopotential.net

Pellowah Level One Workshop (1 day)

• Increases your inner peace, inner strength and inner confidence

• Brings clarity of mind

• Improved problem solving skills

Pellowah Level Two Workshop

• Experience a new unlimited perspective

• Establish your own inner authority

• Fulfil your goals with energy, enthusiasm and ease

• Personal and Spiritual Expansion

Do yourself a favour and find out more about these valuable courses - call Ensha for further details on 61 7 38996808 or contact me via email - lana@wisewomensworld.com and I will forward your details on to Ensha.

Laugh at Life

Laughter is a universal language which has the power to connect the entire humanity,

Dr Madan Kataria

Steve Wilson, Psychologist says that Neurologists have discovered that newborn infants seem to have an inborn ability to laugh and smile, which has survival value because it is linked to the immune system. The immune effect of laughter stays with us for a lifetime. In light of the facts about how stress defeats the immune system, this is a very good piece of information to have. Whatever tickles your funny-bone, laughter is the best medicine. The physiological benefits of laugher are indisputable.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of laughter

Visit Gigi

Gigi has some fascinating stories to share this week - visit her now

Wise Words

Smile and laughter quotes will show how smiles and laughter can make your days sparkle with happiness.

Laughter, some said it's the best medicine in the world.

So start smiling and laughing as much as you can. Have a hearty laugh over every amusing situation. Laugh even at yourself and smile at the simplest pleasures in your life.

With smiles and laughter, your days will become lighter, more joyous and more bearable even on those hay-wired days. Your smiling face looks much more appealing and beautiful too.

Give away your smiles freely and in abundance. Spread your laughter around as it's contagious.

Heart hugz

Lana James

Iron Woman

Hi and Welcome Wise Women

I hope your week has been full of joy.

What about those crazy dust storms that hit the east coast of Australia?

I awoke on Wednesday morning to an eerie looking, thick blood red sky. I can normally see the bay from my bedroom window and that morning all I could see was RED – it was like some prankster had covered all of my windows in thick red paper.

There was thick red dust everywhere and you could smell its strong odour from inside the house. Outside the dust pervaded your nose and filled your lungs. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw joggers running past!

In my 50+ years of life I have never witness anything like this!

Driving around during the day was peculiar, every car was covered in dust and the thick remnants of the dust storm littered the streets. Even Sydney Harbour Bridge was shrouded in a veil of thick dust rendering it almost invisible.

Let’s hope we receive some much needed rain to help our farmers who critically need water and also rain to wash down our cities and flush out the residue dust that is plaguing our Asthma sufferers and others with respiratory illnesses.

My Week

Well I have been feeling a little less than chirpy lately and have been laboriously dragging the unwilling and lethargic body around so I decided to get myself checked out by a doctor. Luckily, I found a very compassionate, forward thinking female doctor who is non-judgemental about my ‘doctor phobia’. She is also completely honest and straight to the point which I respect, she even told me that I looked like a 'wet dish cloth'. I must admit I was initially taken aback until I looked at my reflection in the mirror and realised she had me matched to a tee.

After doing all of the preliminary examinations, the Doc sent me for a blood test. I may have given birth to 2 children earlier in my life - but the thought of a needle piercing my skin and sucking the blood from me, really had me shaking in my boots (literally). I hate to admit it, but I have been known to pass out on occasions when having blood tests.

This time however, I didn’t feel anything as my overactive mind had been diverted by my granddaughter who was entertaining me with her wonderful banter.

Must take Charli with me again next time as a diversion tactic!

Well the results were less than ideal - nil iron and 40 g/l haemoglobin...I know, I know...I should have consulted the doctor much earlier before my health got out of hand...Anyway, today I’m having an intravenous infusion of iron and B12. Doesn’t sound like a lot of fun – but I’m hoping it can crank up the engine. I’ll let you know how I get on.

I also reluctantly managed to make my half yearly checkup with Fred my Dentist and also had my teeth cleaned. I was battling to make it up to the stairs of the dental surgery as I have been feeling so ill lately and all I could think of was that horrid sound of the 'teeth clenching' drill...it just makes my hair stand on end.

Anyway I'm glad I made the effort as my teeth feel so much better for it and because Fred is such a humorous guy we shared a laugh as well which was a bonus.

Take a look at my article on Smile Makeovers

~~If you judge people, you have no time to love them~~

Mother Teresa

Dressing Up

Lana and Gigi

Do you find it hard to find fashionable, stylish clothes designed specifically for our age group? There seems to be a lack of stores in Sydney that offer us variety. What is it like where you live?

One of our readers, wise woman Maureen, recently asked about dressing for over 50’s so Gigi and I got together with our own personal tips.

Read more - Clothing for the Older Woman:

If you can help us out with your fashion tips please contact us

~~Do not allow yourselves to be disheartened by any failure as long as you have done your best~~

Mother Teresa

Visit Gigi

Gigi has been juggling work life, social life and fitness – I just don’t know how she fits everything into one week!

Click here to see what she’s been up to lately

~~We can do no great things,
only small things with great love~~

Mother Teresa

Wise Words

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfil it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

~ Mother Teresa ~

Until next time wise woman...

If you have been putting off any of those medical checkups that you know you need – please go and do them now – don’t wait until things become more difficult...like I did.

Do yourself and your body a favour and pick up that phone and start dialling....

Heart Hugz

Lana James

Staying Alive

Hi Wise Women

Hope you all enjoyed last week and had a chance to kick your heels up!

My Week

Di and I catch a dose of Disco Fever

On Saturday night Mr J and I were invited to a birthday bash at a night club (the birthday boy is part owner of the club).

It’s been a very long time since I have been to a disco so the first dilemma I faced was -what to wear???

I sorted through the wardrobe looking for something with sparkles and decided to team it with my “play safe jeans”.

We entered the night club at the sensible baby boomer hour of 7pm (the night club doesn’t officially open until 9pm).

The memories came flooding back as we walked through a dark, smoke filled room (courtesy of the fog machine) with flashing disco lights and loud music.

Many conversations began with “remember when”...and were answered by – “sorry, can’t hear you...say again.”

Before long, our 50 something friends were strutting their stuff on the dance floor. There was a lot of Saturday Night Fever style dancing going on and instead of shaking our well used booty's to the latest tunes - we kept fond memories alive by gyrating to “You’re The One That I Want”, “Funky Town” and other records from that genre.

We shared a fabulous retro evening with terrific friends and as 10:30pm struck, the young folk in their 100’s burst through the entry doors. This was our cue to say our goodbyes and head home to bed. Times have certainly have changed!

Father’s Day

Charli, Mr J and Bam Bam

I hope all the deserving dad’s out there enjoyed Father’s Day!

This year we decided that our usual celebration at a local restaurant was becoming far too difficult with 3 young, energetic and noisy grandchildren so instead, my daughter and son-in-law offered to have it at their home.

Mum (that’s me) came up with a very bright idea – "let’s have it catered for so that we females can also sit back and relax and enjoy the celebration."

I was so lucky to find a caterer “At Your Table” who were extremely reasonably priced and cooked us a four course feast. Ellie, the owner even cooked for the grandchildren and they just lapped up the delicious Swedish meatballs and mash. The males also helped themselves to the kids table.

We ate, drank, chatted, laughed and played with the grandchildren– a perfect Father’s Day

Read more about “At My Table.”

Lana’s Trivia Time

Did you know?..

Around the world, WEDDINGS share common ground - no matter what the religion or culture, the typical wedding is a joint celebration for the families that involves a wedding cake and traditional foods. Foods that feature prominently in weddings include:

China - roast suckling pig, fish, pigeon, chicken, lobster and a type of bun stuffed with lotus seeds are commonly served. It is especially important to offer both lobster and chicken: the lobster represents the dragon and the chicken the phoenix, so including both on the menu is thought to harmonise the Yin and Yang of the newly joined families.

Indonesia - foods served depend on the region and religion, but could include spicy rice dishes like nasi goreng, dim sums, sushi or even Western recipes like beef wellington.

Italy - food is a very important part of an Italian wedding. Bow tie shaped twists of fried dough, sprinkled in sugar, represent good luck. A roast suckling pig or roast lamb is often the main dish, accompanied by pastas and fruits. The traditional Italian wedding cake is made from biscuits.

Korea - noodles are served, because they represent longevity.

Norway - the traditional wedding cake is made from bread topped with cream, cheese and syrup.

Britain - the honeymoon has been said to originate from a time when the father of the bride gave the groom a moon’s (month’s) worth of mead (alcoholic beverage made from honey) before the bride and groom left after the ceremony.

Birthdays

The custom of the Birthday Party originated in medieval Europe, when it was supposed that people were vulnerable to evil spirits on their birthdays. Friends, family members, festivities and presents were thought to ward off the spirits. Traditional birthday foods from around the world include:

Australia - birthdays are often celebrated by sharing a decorated birthday cake with lit candles, which the person celebrating the birthday blows out while making a wish.

England - a cake may be baked containing symbolic objects which foretell the future. If your piece of cake has a coin, for example, you will one day be wealthy.

Ghana - the child’s birthday breakfast is a fried patty made from mashed sweet potato and eggs. Traditional birthday party fare includes a dish made from fried plantain (a kind of banana).

Korea - for their first birthday, the child is dressed and sat before a range of objects including fruit, rice, calligraphy brushes and money. Whichever item the child picks up predicts their future; for example, picking up the rice indicates material wealth. After this ceremony, the guests eat rice cakes.

Mexico - a papier-mâché container in the shape of an animal (piñata) is filled with lollies and other treats. The blindfolded child hits at the piñata until it breaks. The treats are shared amongst the guests.

Western Russia - the birthday boy or girl is given a fruit pie instead of a cake.

Book Review

Gail O'Keeffe (Author)

I recently interviewed Gail O’Keeffe, the author of the book - “The Remembering.”

The book is a powerful true story of courage and survival against the trauma of child sexual abuse. Gail writes fluidly, disarmingly frankly and with soul stirring passion.

This story is a page turner. My emotions fluctuated from sadness, despair, empathy, anger, disbelief and shock to joy, triumph and inspiration as I absorbed every word.

Read or listen to my interview with Gail (both of us were crying at the time).

Nan’s Brag Book

Charli and Master 6 out driving

Life can’t get any better when your grandchildren race up to you and throw their arms around you for a big bear hug, especially, when it is for no particular reason – just because they love you.

I also adore seeing them looking at me with eyes that reflect their unconditional love.

When they talk to me I am so mesmerised by their every word and I find myself laughing out loud so often at the innocent and incredibly humorous things that they say.

Thank heavens for grandchildren!

Salt Lamps

I have recently purchased my very own unique looking salt lamp. I have wanted one ever since I first laid my eyes on a particularly interesting and beautiful one in my ‘energy healer’s' clinic.

The store where I made my purchase advised me to look at every lamp as each one had their own unique characteristics and I should choose the one that I was most drawn to.

It was almost like choosing a puppy from a litter!

I soon fell in love with a particular lamp and just had to give it a home.

The lamps are just amazing, the salt from these lamps come from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, the purest salt in the world and was formed by nature millions of years ago. Mined 800 meters below the surface in salt mines, chunks of salt rocks are brought to the surface.

Theraputic Uses

Apart from the beautiful, warm and cosy atmosphere they create, salt crystal lamps are known to improve the quality of the air by producing negative ions.

An ion is a molecule that carries a charge - which can be either positive or negative. Negative ions are beneficial to our health. They act as 'Air Energizers' or as they are sometimes called 'Vitamins of the Air'.

In nature a high concentration of negative ions in the air can be found near waterfalls, at the beach, or in the crisp mountain air. Enclosed environments, air pollution, cigarette smoke and electromagnetic pollution reduce the number of healthy negative ions in the atmosphere.

Scientific studies show that salt crystal lamps can increase the negative ion count by up to 300%!

Studies have shown that the impact of negative ions on our health and wellbeing is significant. The use of negative ionisation is said to boost the immune system and to improve a variety of symptoms, including allergies, headaches, stress, asthma and insomnia. The improved quality of the air enhances the body's utilization of oxygen, assisting concentration and alertness. Dr. Albert P. Krueger, a microbiologist and pathologist at the University of California, proved in his research with burn cases that negative ions can kill bacteria and reduce infection.

Where to use them?

I use my salt lamp in my office near the computer. It’s also beneficial near televisions, around smokers, in bedrooms, in meditation rooms, in areas of convalescence like doctor's rooms and health centres and anywhere else where you would like the air quality to be improved or preserved.

It’s also great to use in the children’s room too to aid concentration and it has been known to assist with asthma like symptoms.

Visit Gigi

Gigi has had another action packed week. See what’s going on in “Gigi’s World.”

Wise Words

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you should continue to dance like ‘no-one is watching’.

Love thyself – Each and every-day find time to look into your own eyes in a mirror and say at least 21 times, “I love and accept myself just as I am.”

Until Next Week Wise Women

Enjoy this wonderful Journey - life.

Hugz

Lana James