From Anonymous

December 23, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

 

Have you ever received an anonymous gift? One such surprise, a delightful arrangement of orange lilies, was delivered to my house with a simple note attached: “Just because you are special, from Anonymous.”
From Anonymous! The mystery became all too much for the Nancy Drew in me to disregard. Even more enchanting—and contrary to my first assumption—was my eventual realization that the bouquet was not from my mother. Without a doubt, this was the most intriguing gift—ever! How does this story end? Well, I won’t leave you hanging. The mystery was solved in time, and the sender’s identity ultimately discovered—I am now married to the sender of those flowers.
Christmas is a time for giving. In fact, a legendary tale rumors that St. Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold down the chimney of a house belonging to a destitute and desperate father—allowing the penniless man to offer dowries to marry off all three of his daughters. But until recent days, I missed the significance of this celebrated story: St. Nicholas wanted to remain anonymous in his giving and didn’t wish for any acclaim for his good deeds.
Do we, like St. Nicholas, give generously, selflessly and without motivation to receive anything in return? Typically our incentive to give is prompted by anticipation to get something in return. We often desire acknowledgement or appreciation for our efforts. But what happens if we remove our expectation of reciprocity, and our call for recognition? Perhaps anonymous and random acts of kindness allow us to practice bigheartedness with an unadulterated objective.
Possibly you were taught the value in giving in a discreet manner. Even the Bible reminds us not to make a performance of our giving, telling us in a book by Matthew: “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself…When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively.”
Similarly, as we journey through life, we discover the pleasure in spending our money and efforts on someone other than ourselves. In case you think our joy in giving is somehow lessened when we give without taking credit, try it for yourself and experience the gratification of giving in secret.
Here are 10 cheery holiday-inspired ideas to help you conspire imaginative ways to give covertly this holiday season…
1. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in a line up.
2. Treat your neighbor by leaving goodies on the doorstep, along with an unsigned note.
3. Volunteer to help with the delivery of holiday food parcels for a local charity.
4. Love ordering online? Mail a gift to someone, and do not include your return address.
5. Create care packages to deliver at a nursing home or senior center.
6. Organize a basket with gifts to be delivered to a family in need.
7. Secretly give money to someone who is having a challenging time with finances.
8. Place an encouraging mystery card under the windshield wiper of a friend.
9. Take a poinsettia or floral arrangement to a patient in hospital who needs a visitor.
10. Give toys to a charity such as Santa’s Anonymous, providing presents for children.
Giving in secret is an excellent expression of thoughtfulness, or of your appreciation for someone, devoid of receiving recognition for yourself. It’s my favorite way of giving—and an ideal way to help those in need during the holiday season without leaving the recipient feeling embarrassed, indebted, or obliged to reciprocate.
Above all else, when a gift is given stealthily, there is an element of surprise. A gift which has no “strings” can be exceptionally meaningful. How much money you spend is not what matters. Even a thoughtful note or hand-made gift will convey the message: you are cared about. You might have to be a little sneaky, but what’s important is that in the end we make someone believe they are special.
Christmas time is the perfect opportunity to practice a bit of mystery giving. Be inventive, be generous and be enthusiastic. Just remember to try not to get found out. Be sure to leave no trace it’s from you!

http://darlingmagazine.org/posture-perfect

Posture Perfect

September 4, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

What ever happened to the scholarship of poise, posture and confidence?
I acknowledge that elegance is not a virtue I naturally behold. That being said, I openly confess that I certainly could benefit from attending finishing school, charm school, or any school commissioned to refine my delicacy of character or polish my manners. I am also certain that the outcome would be favorable; but let’s be honest, not miraculous!
In one of my hurried mishaps, I recently plunged myself face-first into a closed glass sliding door. The gentleman sitting opposite the glass, visibly stunned by my Ally McBeal-like calamity, was restrained enough not to laugh as he witnessed my body bouncing off the clean glass with a shocking thud. When I recounted this embarrassing incident to a family member, her only words were: “You’re like a bird.” And by that, she was not implying gracefulness.
Many of us desire to cultivate behavior and lifestyle practices that help us to look and feel our best. But where should we begin? First, let’s consider poise and posture. There is much we can glean from the lost art of poise, and the importance of posture for attractiveness, wellbeing and strength of both body and character. Poise and posture are states of balance or equilibrium; stability in the way we hold ourselves. When we practice good posture, we keep our body in balance. This is the basis for feminine composure. Additionally, poor posture is the culprit of many everyday aches and pains, leaving us vulnerable to injury. Case in point: Proper positioning while sitting at your desk or computer can dramatically reduce tension in your neck and shoulders. We also breathe easier and our blood flows more efficiently when our body is not compressed or misaligned.
Strengthening our core muscles plays an essential role in the development of postural perfection, and can be achieved through regular exercise—pilates and yoga in particular. Postural evaluation is also key. Seek an assessment from a professional, or follow these simple steps to quickly check and improve your posture:
-Stand tall, with head, shoulders and heels against a wall.
-Keep your chest up and out.
-Maintain a small gap behind your neck, and also behind the small of your back.
-Tuck your stomach in, using the stomach muscles to support your body.
-Keep both feet parallel and hip width apart.
-Have your head up, with chin level and parallel to the floor.
-Center your chin over your shoulders—not pushing forward or pulling back.
-Draw back shoulders, then relax them.
With time and practice, your posture can become perfect. You can apply these relevant principles to your upper body when sitting at a table or desk, and commit to carrying yourself with composure. Envision the African women with strength, beauty, and poise: shoulders back and down, head straight, chin up and centered, hips level, arms at equal distances on each side, and ankles straight. You, too, can be that graceful in time.
I’m not suggesting that your next Christmas photo need be one of you sitting on a white high-back chair, wearing a poufy dress with matching gloves, modelling a tiara placed fastidiously in an elegant up do, whilst holding a fan. We can all agree, that day is gone! Just remember that a self-assured woman walks tall and turns heads. Her composure and positive presence radiate confidence and contentment when she enters a room. She is not a debutante; she is simply lovely.
The world says “Strike a pose.” But we at Darling say, “Poise is striking.”

Photo credit: http://pinterest.com/pin/185069865907179812/

Paint The Town Red

September 1, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

I have always wanted to paint my front door red. A bright and beautifully bold red door sounds charming, don’t you think?
Sadly, my wish for a literal red door was expunged the moment I moved into a rosy-colored home; however, this desire has developed my thinking and moved me to desire a figurative red door, one that pleasantly forces me to adopt a new notion of hospitality.
What’s behind the red door?
For me, the appeal of a red door is it’s deep symbolism. Historically, a red front door means welcome; implying happiness, hospitality and place of safety. A red door heralds that all are welcome inside.
Often we focus our energy on styling or personalizing our home; we dream of renovation, decorating or re-furbishing projects. But how often do we ponder improvements to the essence and character that fills our home?
Mark Twain captures the heart of his home with such eloquence: “…to us our house was not insentient matter – it had a heart and a soul and eyes to see us with; our approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction. We never came home from an absence that its face did not light up and speak out its eloquent welcome – and we could not enter it unmoved.”
This is a tall order, I know, but much can be said about us by the tone we set for our home, and who we invite in. Do we keep company with only those who are popular or successful? Are the poor welcome? How about children? When is the last time that someone with a disability was invited to a party at your home?
Who will we open our doors to? Who will we let in?
To help us answer this question, allow me to introduce you to Katharina Von Bora Luther. Katharina was a German Catholic nun who fled the convent at the age of twenty-four and later married Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation, during the 16th century. The Luthers were known for their seemingly limitless demonstration of hospitality. They hosted many visitors; at times there were as many as thirty people boarding with them! Some were guests, and most of the others were boarders or students. They took no payment from anyone.
Katie tended to everything, including their animals, orchard and vegetable garden. She even slaughtered the animals herself and brewed her own beer! That’s right, she brewed her own beer. Please remember that this may have been Reformation times, but it was also Germany—and what makes for a better German hostess than the provision of beer?
Katharina and Luther modeled extensive hospitality and generosity towards the poor and needy. Despite their financial constraints, this notable woman of history managed to care for a large number of guests. Her table was surrounded by her own six children, and by students who would come to dine while sharing in theological discussions.
A great woman learns the art of hospitality.
Hospitality speaks of kindness, warmth, generosity and “welcome.” Like Katharina, one way to begin our new journey as a hostess who welcomes all is by seizing the opportunity to invite those who will be unlikely to return our hospitality.
Don’t be too shy to include those individuals who may be awkward to be around, or extend an invitation to people who are in a different age or financial bracket. If we overlook those with a physical disability, or those who are not well liked, not wanted, too old, too young, or just not “cool,” then we have failed to extend true hospitality.
Adopting a new notion of hospitality goes well beyond the literal décor of one’s home. Perhaps the role of hostess needs to transform into an all-encompassing endeavor, one that surpasses the superficial. If Mark Twain speaks truth about a home possessing a heart, a soul, and eyes to see us with, would yours emanate peace in its benediction?
So, Darlings, unlock the latch, turn the handle, and take pleasure in opening your door to discover never-ending “red door” opportunities.
Let’s paint our towns red!

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ugardener/2345895499/

Jazz Up Those Blues

July 26, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

Despite the usual tendency for trends to die a seemingly irreversible death, we sometimes find ourselves faced with a (gasp!) welcomed revival. The reappearance of the 80’s ankle length denim cigarette pant and the 70’s inspired wide-leg jean are obvious come-back trends. These, along with bold, bright and colorful skinny denims, bring a fresh and edgy look for this summer.
Many of us find ourselves following suit by modeling the latest fad, but we don’t need to fork out the big bucks every time a new trend hits the runway. In fact, we don’t have to be a professional to be a wardrobe stylist; nor do we have to be an expert to be a fashion designer. Here are some denim DIY do’s to resuscitate old jeans that are just “dyeing” to be brought back to life.
Use fabric dye to create your own colorful straight-leg denims or bright denim cutoffs:
1) Rescue an old pair of blue or black denims, or add a splash of color to white jeans.
2) Purchase fabric dye suitable for denim. Remember that polyester thread is often used to sew blue jeans.
3) Plan your design. Rubber bands can be used to secure fabric for tie dying, and duct tape can be used to create other designs.
4) If you want to lighten the jeans before using dye, or if you plan to tie dye, soak jeans in a mix of bleach and hot water – ensuring that the fabric gets completely saturated. Then rinse and dry.
5) To dye denim, begin by wetting jeans in a large bucket of hot water.
6) When using the dye, follow the package instructions carefully, and saturate the fabric evenly with color. Alternatively, you can use a sponge to blot various colors onto denim.
7) Let stand in the dye for the recommended time, and rinse following the instructions indicated on the dye package. Usually the package recommends hang-drying.
Additional fun ways to revive your denim:
Distress the jeans: To distress denim, use a cheese grater, sand paper, or scissors to achieve a worn look.
Jazz up an old pair of 70’s inspired wide-leg jeans with a crochet embellishment: Crochet flowers or designs sewn to the bottom of wide-leg jeans adds a unique “flair.”
Add color with fabric patches or a fabric belt: It’s very easy to sew a colorful patch to the pocket or knees of old drab denims. This alone can add some color and character to an otherwise dull pair of jeans. Try sporting a bright fabric belt, or weave a scarf around your waistband.
Before setting out to buy something new, first try to re-vamp an old pair of boring or worn-out jeans. Give them a completely new and unique look (not to mention wallet-friendly) that is right on par with the current/revived trends.
No more denim blues for you!

http://darlingmagazine.org/our-children-a-closer-look-at-the-orphan-crisis

Our Children: A Closer Look at the Orphan Crisis

July 17, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

Worldwide, there are over 160 million orphans.


Ask most of us to name one of these parentless, homeless or abandoned children, and we can only remember celebrated story book characters such as Oliver Twist or Anne of Green Gables. Famed writings such as Little Orphan Annie offer us charismatic personalities and engage us in story lines that make for triumphant best sellers. However, the utter quandary of our global orphan crisis is not portrayed by these heart-warming tales that soft-pedal the plight of the oppressed.


Our conscience is eased when the characters in such narratives are liberated of social injustices through fanciful fairy tale endings. Globally speaking, this same happy ending is an unlikely outcome for the majority of orphaned children.


Our world has a crisis: more than 160 million children are orphans today. These children belong to the human race. They belong to us all.


One of our world’s orphaned children is Carmen. I met Carmen at an orphanage in Baja, Mexico in May 2005, just a few months after her parents were killed in a motor vehicle accident.


Carmen and I formed an exceptional bond during the short time I volunteered in the Baja, after which I made a decision to sponsor Carmen. This required a small ongoing monthly financial commitment, but even more important to Carmen and me was the role I played by becoming her Tia, meaning “auntie.”


I exchanged letters with Carmen, sent gifts on her birthday and at Christmas, and made repeated trips to visit her at the orphanage—all things that have been meaningful for us both.


Carmen needed to know that somewhere, there was someone who cared about her; someone who loved her, or someone to whom she was special. Carmen is still special to me. Although she is now old enough to live outside of the orphanage with older siblings, I will always be her Tia. Carmen changed my life, giving orphans all over the world a name.


This is the plight of the orphan.


The word “plight” describes a messy situation. It means: dilemma, jam, tight spot, predicament, or troubles. The word well-depicts some of what it means to be an orphan in 2012. And yes, it’s a predicament at best.


Who acknowledges these children? Who cares about them?


Karen Hauptfleisch makes the world a better place for vulnerable children. Karen is the founder and hands-on heart of a South African organization called SOAPkidz. The acronym “SOAP” stands for Sunrise On Africa’s Peaks.


Karen and the volunteers of SOAPkidz empower vulnerable children by connecting them to nature through outdoor activities such as orienteering, hiking, mountain climbing, alien plant eradication, cycling and tree planting. SOAPkidz events and outdoor programs are structured to make the children feel special. They learn about respect for themselves, others and nature; and they learn to experience love and personal growth by developing positive values and attitudes.


Karen says, “We empower the children to look after themselves, take responsibility, make good decisions and confidently find their place in our society. SOAPkidz enriches the lives and shapes the values of both the kids and the volunteers who run the programs.”


Do you and I care enough to do something? What can we do?


There are countless organizations that offer orphan care, and there are many ways to personally and positively impact a child’s life. Each of these ways will require us to take initiative and to give of ourselves.


Give your time.

Contact local or foreign orphanages to identify their current needs and offer your help; or visit a regional or international orphanage. Partner with organizations committed to orphan care. Inquire of your district’s department of social services to see how you can engage to effect change in your home community.


Give your money.


Be big-hearted and open-handed alike. There are lots of charities, organizations, ministries, sponsorship programs that support orphan care. The bottom line is that our individual financial contributions can greatly help to relieve the orphan crisis.


Give your voice.

It’s troubling, to some extent, that our society takes such keen interest in global concerns, spotlighting the interests of our planet: global warming, water pollution, oil and energy sources, or the “plight of the rhino.” We converge for such causes (noble as they are) rather than weighting our cry for the wellbeing of its vulnerable population.


Many of us resist the idea that orphaned children are our liability. And for some reason, it’s much easier for us to take the platform for the extinction of a species than it is for us to mobilize to care for babies and children.


To bring about societal change we must not sidestep the crisis, but instead hasten to address orphan care. Creating and participating in events that create awareness is one way to advocate for those who have no voice.


Give your life.


It’s one thing to send money in an envelope or visit an orphanage overseas. However, opening our homes, and more importantly our hearts, is a calling that most of us will inevitably forfeit. Adoption provides a solution for some children, but the reality is that most orphaned children will never be adopted or belong to a family. In fact, we can approximate that only 1 percent of the world’s orphans will be adopted – ever.


In foster care homes and orphanages word wide, there are despairing children desiring to be adopted. However there is a paucity of parents willing to accept these children; especially those with diagnosed disabilities, or those children who have aged beyond babyhood.


Consider adoption or your role as a foster parent, or find ways to connect to families who are currently pursuing the channel of adoption or fostering. There is always room to offer these families respite care, or simply brave the road with them through our teamwork and goodwill.


What responsibility are we going to take on in the orphan crisis?


It’s remarkable how our perspective changes when we personalize our obligation, not only to our planet, but to its children. These are our children. We must not neglect, discard or spurn our orphans.
It is up to us meet their needs, and to show charity and compassion. It is up to you and me to defend their cause, jump life’s hurdles along side of them, and raise this generation of motherless and fatherless children.


Again I wonder what guardianship you and I will assume in the orphan crisis-and will it change our world?

Summer-Ready Radiance, Darling Magazine

Summer-Ready Radiance

July 10, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

The cool, dry air of winter and spring can be harsh, resulting in skin that looks neglected, frightening even the bravest of us back into our closet. Now that the summer air is here, it’s time to bare our shoulders and backs once again—and a little effort can go a long way in ditching dry, dull skin.


Follow these DIY tips to revive and restore your skin for summer-ready radiance from head-to-toe:


Hydrate: Drink approximately eight glasses of water every day to hydrate your skin; this will also aid in ridding your body of toxins.


Exfoliate: Use a body scrub—like the homemade one below—to exfoliate and invigorate the skin.
-Combine one part sea salt with one part baby oil (or sunflower oil).
-To scent: add a few drops of essential oil (optional).
-Use a circular motion to gently rub homemade scrub onto body while bathing.


Moisturize: Use rich moisturizers or body oils twice a day; the best time being after bathing or before bed. Allow moisturizing products enough time to absorb into your skin before dressing, since they can stain your clothing. Try using plant, seed or nut based oils to soften dehydrated or rough skin. For example, olive oil and avocado oil may be in your pantry already. These prove to enrich dry skin naturally.


Glow: If you’re a fair-skinned girl, know this: a sun-kissed glow can be achieved without the risk of sun damage by using a self-tanner. There are countless options available on the market today, including powders, creams, lotions, gels and sprays. Here are a few hints about application:


-Exfoliating first prepares your skin for a tanning or bronzing product.
-Regardless of which product you select, apply evenly and carefully for the most natural look. Remember your hands and feet!
-Pay attention to areas that tend to be dry, such as knees, elbows, hands and feet. A hurried or uneven application will tend to result in a sloppy outcome.


Protect: To avoid unwanted sun damage, never leave home without first applying sun screen on exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30.


So, who of us have flawless skin? None of us do! However, now that we have the tools for taking good care of our skin, we can put our best selves out there. Oh, and ladies, don’t forget to shave those legs!

Photo credit: http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/24336620525

Dithering Darlings

June 26, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

Indecision propels some of us to whimsically change our minds all the time. Whether done pointlessly or impetuously, continuous change in what we do or what we plan to do has great potential to exasperate others. Even more, the wastefulness that results from shifting plans and decisions so impulsively can turn reckless and risky; and our own irresolution can self-inflict a myriad of negative outcomes in our personal lives.


The British expression “chop and change” may be an unfamiliar one, but its meaning is clear: to change and change again. An unvarnished definition for this idiom is found in the Cambridge dictionary: to keep changing your ideas, opinions, activities or job.


For those of us who are guilty of “chopping and changing,” the root of such wavering is typically uncertainty and fear. There is no harm in being cautious; however people who suffer from indecisiveness typically lack the self-confidence to firmly commit to a decision.


Equally perilous, our nervousness or ambivalence can paralyze us into a state of idleness. We all know the saying: not making a decision is a decision in itself. The British Prime Minister, George Canning, wisely warned, “Indecision and delays are the parents of failure.”


So although we shouldn’t altogether disregard our astute perceptions which may lead to a momentary pause when making considerate choices, we must resolve to give ourselves permission to take action.

“We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over.” – Aneurin Bevan

If you struggle to make a solid decision, and stick to it, you may need to practice strategies in decision making. Consider the following suggestions:


Start by looking at the facts, and consider bigger picture in a purely objective light. Analyze, research and gather the information you need to make an informed decision. What are the facts? How is your decision likely to affect you or others? Will the short-term result be favorable, as well as the foreseeable long-term outcome? Know the expected pros and cons and weight them over.


Next, seek the advice of a few other people for their balanced opinions. This may mean asking a trusted friend for advice over coffee, or making an appointment to inquire of a professional. Include yourself in this intentional subjective journey and do not dismiss your own gut feelings. What does your intuition tell you? You may want to meditate on the decision at hand, relative to your own values, or pray for spiritual guidance.


Be honest with yourself. Are you unnecessarily changing something that already works, or perhaps cowering from taking the necessary risks to get to where you want to be?


Make a decision, and commit to it. Set a tangible goal and formulate a plan of action based on what you have gathered, learned and determined. Whether the goal requires one step or a hundred steps, establish how you are going to achieve it.


Launch out and don’t look back! Although it is good practice to evaluate our decisions at a later time, and recognize any unanticipated consequences, the focus of doing so should be purely for the sake of personal growth. There is a big difference between constructive self-evaluation, versus second guessing yourself along the way.


The direction you’ve chosen might not be the right decision, but we must choose what we know and believe to be best at the time; and then live it out with assertion and dedication! No more dithering darlings. Decide and conquer.


Photo credit: http://fabandfru.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fork_in_the_road.jpg

http://darlingmagazine.org/author/kelly-sommer

All Articles Written By: Kelly Sommer

A Handmade Mother’s Day

May 2, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

Living on a shoestring budget? Running short of inventive ideas? We all love to spoil mom, but you don’t need to spend a fortune this Mother’s Day to pay her back for everything she’s done for you.

When is the last time you fashioned a homemade gift? Whether you make use of your favourite hobby, or unveil a new hidden talent, there’s still time to craft a special gift.

First on the list, select either a plain canning jar that you can dress-up, or a unique glass container which bestows some character. Then determine whether your mom fancies being pampered, or prefers gifts of a practical nature.

If your mom appreciates gifts that she can actually use, then here are some simple ideas that you can present adorably in a jar:

Emergency Sewing Kit: By gathering a few spools of thread, needles, a measuring tape, buttons, and small pair of scissors, anyone can create an adorable sewing kit for mom’s home or office; and a pin cushion top with colorful pins inserted will add even more charm to this simple, but sensible gift.




Home-Made Jam: This is another gift well-suited for a pretty jar. Everyone loves confections that they can savour when entertaining, even if they are not gourmet. If you want to get fancy, try making chutney or antipasto. Simple recopies can be found for either, and these will be sure to delight mom’s taste buds.

Mini-Garden: Here’s another easy gift idea, well-suited for spring. Form a soil base that fills about 2/3 of the jar. This will be the home for seedlings that she can later plant in her indoor or outdoor herb garden.

For the pampered mom:

Gifts with an Indulgent Flair:

Try sea salts scented with a heavenly aroma for bath time, or delicious home-baked cookies. Cookies always taste better if one doesn’t have to share…



With a little jar and some artistic flair, the possibilities are endless. Once you are satisfied with your creation, don’t forget to add the final touches!

Remember to wrap your gift attractively, using ribbons or other adornments, and include a hand-written note or card. She is sure to keep this tucked away in her drawer for years to come.

Without a doubt, mom will surely appreciate a gift that is made with a bit of imagination and effort. It will create an opportunity for you to explore your creative side, and a special memory for mom.
If all else fails, whip her up a home-cooked meal. But whatever you do, make sure it’s done with lots of TLC.

Photo Credit:
mulipuli.blogspot.com
etsy.com
iammommy.typepad.com

Darling Magazine - First Print Edition

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darlingmag/darling-magazine-print-edition

Stretching Into Spring

April 13, 2012 by Kelly Sommer

Winter proves to be long and cold, providing just the excuse we need to let cobwebs collect on our outdoor gear. Yet the arrival of spring tends to draw many of us outdoors again. We finally escape the retreat of our winter nests, rousing to celebrate a new vitality, born of this season, awakening our hibernating spirit of enthusiasm.
Many of us will find ourselves spending increasing amounts of time walking, running, hiking, swimming, or perhaps playing team sports or smartening up our gardens. No matter what our occupation, leisure interests or personal endeavours, every spring stirs an unrestrained longing for open aired ventures.
No more recess–it’s time to drag those runners out of dusty closet, brush them off, and tie them to our feet. But how do we launch our bodies sensibly into action, without the usual limitation of throbbing muscles, or the dreaded possibility of injury?
The remedy: a proper warm up…

Undemanding motion and light dynamic stretching, involving the gentle movement of various parts of our body, will decrease the risk of injury or muscle strain as we launch into outdoor pursuits. A dynamic stretching plan will warm muscles, and in doing so, will prepare our joints for action and facilitate muscular co-ordination.
Other benefits of stretching include improved circulation, enhanced posture, better balance, and of course, increased flexibility.
Let’s review some straightforward tips:
1. Stretch slow and controlled. Dynamic stretching does not include bouncing or jerking.
2. Breathe! Be careful not to hold our breath while stretching.
3. Hold each stretch for 30 – 60 seconds (holding a stretch for a long period of time can cause the muscle to retract).
4. Avoid uncomfortable stretches; stretching should not cause pain. Overstretching can strain the surrounding ligaments and tendons.
5. Do not stretch cold muscles. Stretching is most effective after a brief warm up. Try walking at an easy pace for 10 minutes before stretching. Or stretch after a warm shower or bath.
Beyond the physical payback of stretching, or its benefit in injury prevention, stretching boosts our mind and mood. The increased oxygen supply not only nourishes our muscles, but it stimulates our brain, often leaving us feeling more awake and energized. This also provides us a channel to relieve tensions opposing both mind and body, and occasion to de-stress, de-fuse and reflect.
It is paramount that we stretch our muscles again post-activity, ending workouts or challenging activities with passive or static stretches. These are stretches that allow our body temperature to cool down, and involve holding a position to elongate muscles after they have been tightened and shortened. Doing so effectively minimizes restriction, stiffness or muscle tenderness that often hangs on after an otherwise rewarding work out.
A final pointer for muscular wellbeing: drink ample amounts of water. Hydrated muscles are happy muscles.
We stretch to prime and protect our muscles, tone our body, and most of all to feel alert and vibrant! Now we’re ready to kickoff spring with a twist added to our daily routine, remembering that summer is just around the next bend.

Darling articles:

http://darlingmagazine.org/author/kelly-sommer

Photoshop your life away?

A cover photo for Intelligent Life magazine caused a small stir recently because it dared the unthinkable: show a celebrity's actual face. Cate Blanchett, 42, appears on the cover in little makeup, her smile lines and wrinkles un-retouched. She looks less like an Hollywood star and more like a dignified human being, like someone you might see drinking tea at a neighborhood...

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/03/28/the-satanic-ideology-of-photoshop/

To Kill a Mockingbird.

 

I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.

If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other?

If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other?

E.B.C.'s Trek Goals!

Our team’s goal is to raise at least $100,000 to support TEF in their efforts to expand their Respite, Retreat, and Reach programs. They seek to grow here in North America, as well as internationally, particularly in parts of the world where the disabled are marginalized, neglected, even abused. Our goal is to find 20 people to accept the EBC Trek challenge, including two disabled team members.

Each team member is asked to raise a minimum of $10k. A percentage of that money will cover trip expenses and the remainder of the money will go directly to the foundation.

Any trek requires effort. Trekking high altitudes in the Himalayas requires determination. Trekking with a disability requires everything TEF stands for, including and especially a thriving spiritual and physical life, not to mention the support of people around them. Our primary goal is to raise money for TEF. But as stated in our Trek Vision, we’re also motivated by a desire to display God’s glory through the lives of the disabled by completing a challenge that most would find intimidating if not impossible – disabled or not.

Excerpt taken from: http://trek4tef.com/join-the-e-b-c-trek/

When I became a personal trainer, I envisioned myself instructing healthy, athletic individuals. As it turned out, the people who needed me were mostly unfit, unassured, depressed, unassertive, unhealthy or physically disabled. These are the people who are easily ignored, and usually desperate for encouragement. They are the people who need assistance to get out of a wheelchair, or perhaps just need someone to talk to.

I was fortunate to befriend so many gems that I otherwise overlooked. Life will always present us with opportunity to be "trainers". Just grab hold of it!

There is no passion to be found

in settling for a life

that is less than the one

you are capable of living. 

- Nelson Mandela

Chris' mountaineering website V-E

http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/

Note to the Dreamer

Vertical-endeavor has a vision. What’s our vision? To see people pursuing their dreams - big or small!  We are also excited to highlight those adventurers who are out to change the world, because we believe in you and the power of your dreams!

What date is burned into your memory?  Many people impacted by disability can tell you the day it started. It is the day the child was born, or the diagnosis was made, or the accident occurred, or the virus attacked the body.  And God already knew it....That’s helpful when the days are hard because of disability. He knows, and He has a purpose. 

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/when-god-launched-a-new-ministry

Perhaps for you, trekking to Everest Base Camp is a “bucket list” opportunity. Or, maybe it’s an entirely new and exciting idea. Either way, GIVE IT PURPOSE and trek for The Elisha Foundation. In March of 2013 twenty adventurers will support The Elisha Foundation (TEF) by trekking from Lukla, Nepal to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the highest mountain in the world. This team, including two able bodied disabled participants, will push themselves to trek 16 days to more than 18,000 feet to raise money for TEF’s ministry to the disabled community and their families.

Throughout the world, the perceived worth of those with disabilities is rooted in his or her ability to contribute to society. With this common error in human evaluation often comes marginalization and restricted access to the very resources that could greatly improve a disabled person’s ability to develop and live a fuller life. In many countries, the extra resources needed to facilitate physical, cognitive, social, and intellectual development for disabled individuals is not available, leaving them very little opportunity to succeed.

In trekking to Everest Base Camp, we have the opportunity to display the glory and the sovereignty of God in the lives of the disabled. We believe that those with disabilities have been created in the image of God, just as those without. We desire to show God’s glory as our disabled participants climb these mountain trails, just as they navigate the sometimes treacherous paths of their disability. What a testament of the infinite value of those with disabilities to the cultures of the world who find little to no worth in the disabled!

Vertical Endeavour is about a passion for mountains. It is about walking in them, climbing them, appreciating them, looking after them, respecting them. We also appreciate the Creator who formed them, leaving in them his fingerprints, and for giving us the capacity to enjoy them.

We cannot convince anyone of the emotions and thoughts that well up within us when we stand on a mountain summit or study its form from below. We cannot convince anyone of why we climb them and find so much joy in being among them.

  

We can perhaps say that there is something of the Creator's fingerprint in all of us, something which makes us aware of something greater and deeper than meets the eye. Something beyond money, careers and the business of our world. We look for significance, for adventure, for something that brings the feeling of life rushing through us. We even like a little danger to provoke us to ponder about what's really essential to life. To ponder why we are and who we are.

For us this quest expresses itself in the pursuit of a mountain summit, though we realise that ultimately there is nothing but emptiness to be found there. Rather, the pursuit of mountains reflects a much deeper journey, one in which everything points back to the Creator in whom alone our lives have context.

We also appreciate the comraderie, the companionship that forms with others that share our joy. We are grateful that we are not alone in this. We love how the mountains can bond diverse people together in a common quest to survive and to reach a goal. Thanks to all our friends that we've had the privilege to hike and climb with over the years. It's another reason why we do it.

Our hearts go out to under-privileged people, especially those that live in the mountains. Vertical Endeavour is also about caring for these people and about finding ways of assisting them. We believe that those that live in the mountains should also benefit from them and have the ability to utilize and care for them in a sustainable manner.

Mountains provide an excellent place for education. We support programmes and charities in which people from all walks of life can be taken into the mountains in order to learn more about themselves, nature, leadership, team building or life. We also support initiatives to raise funds for selected charities through organised events in the mountains.

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