In growing an arts enterprise internet marketing is as important and effective for artists as it is for any other product or service. It does however require an approach uniquely geared toward the artist's work. When we're creating art we're not inventing version 7.3 of the latest high tech gadget. We're creating art. We're creating original, one-of-a-kind, (often) tangible work. We're expressing ourselves through color and line and shadow - through voice inflection, through language. Art is personal - subjective and even intimate in it's reach. Art is not mass produced widgets or even a cool iPhone.
Hence, the marketing of an artist's work creates specific challenges.
"The Arts" is a broad category.
When marketing the arts online there are varying approaches that work better than others depending on the specific work. An artist's work might be on canvas, behind a camera, or as performance art. It might be a collective endeavor, it might be individual. It could be vocal, instrumental or written material. But whatever media or medium an artist employs sharing it via the internet can bring tremendous reward. But the process of getting from here to there can be daunting and time consuming. The internet and it's tools are high tech - in some ways might be seen the antithesis to art. This is not so. The internet is another medium for communication - as is art. The two are on the same continuim.
By way of a little background I'll share some of my story. I retired my social work career when my daughter was just a year old and went back to doing what I really loved - painting.
Fast forward twenty years; I'd been professional artist working the show circuit long enough that I decided to look around for another way to make a living.
I was lucky. I'd lived according to my own terms, I stayed home with my daughter, worked when I needed to, got lost in the creative process, got away on weekends, - and got paid for it - most of the time. Often, shows were great fun and I got to rub shoulders with an amazing array of talented people but...
... the cold, wet shows when nobody showed up and the ones where the promoter neglected to advertise, and the ones where the space was so small... at the end of the year when ends really didn't meet. And the gallery/studio I drove an hour to and from every day got to be too much.
In hindsight there were ways to do thing differently that might have worked better but every business faces problems. I figured I'd had a great run and I was lucky - most people don't love what they're doing most of the time which is what I'd had. So, I decided to step away from my talent as my work and find some other part of me to, hopefully, earn a living and maybe even get ahead.
Somewhere around three years ago a friend shared her excitement about a Network Marketing company (multi-level marketing, aka MLM)) she'd discovered. It didn't take long for me to learn enough about MLM to be interested in Ann Seig's ebook The Renegade Marketer I found it exciting. Bottom line was, use the internet. Let people who are looking for what you do - what you offer find and approach you. Forget about mass exposure -'blanket marketing' - and hope for the best. That's old school. Instead, learn what the best of the internet really has to offer - it can be an interactive tool where relationships are built.
I'd had a great website for a while but it seemed a little like setting up a beautiful gallery here on our 50 acres where nobody else lives. We set up a great shop in cyberspace wasteland. Everyone wanted to know if I had a website but very few people got to it. Unless I told them about it at a show. They still preferred my presence. I realized it was as much the relationship as the merchandise that mattered.
The online world today has changed. Both in attitude and action. There are more affordable tools and more effective training and much more effective outcomes using smart internet marketing. As the internet has matured people have become generally more comfortable, understanding and reliant on it. It is a part of virtually everyone's life.
About a year ago I found the perfect collection of tools for me. I am much smarter today than I was a few years back. To a large extent because of Renegade Pro. A comprehensive and affordable suite of training videos designed to help the novice or advanced internet user learn and master a range of internet marketing tools and techniques.
Originally Mike Klingler began building RenPro to train his MLM team. He developed a series of internet marketing training videos that are complete, comprehensive and easy to follow. Ann's book was published in '07 - she and Mike partnered soon after to bring the marketing arm (the ebook) and the training suite together. Together Ann and Mike offered an the answer to many MLM business owners' challenges - how to attract the people who are looking for what they have to them without harassing or having to resort to 'used-car sales' techniques.
PBN (Professionals, Businesses and Non-Profits) is the newest spoke of the Renegade Pro wheel. Anyone who understands the need to reach outside the old familiar marketing methods to bring their businesses into the online arena effectively and cost efficiently will appreciate PBN and RenPro.
PBN is being developed by experts in a wide range of fields to help our peers navigate the world of online marketing by effectively utilizing the resources available through the Renegade Professional suite of tutorials.
The skills taught by RenPro are as readily applicable to traditional business as they are to any MLM endeavor - including artists, promoters and non-profits using art related activity as fund-raising or community building efforts. PBN speaks directly to traditional small businesses - real bricks & mortar type businesses or home-based businesses (artists & craftpersons) and those related to the arts.
I am a PBN marketing specialist for Artists and Craftpersons and art related organizations. I am proud to help grow and develop these businesses via the internet. I am excited to know that even while life in the arts has become more challenging than it might have been in earlier times, there are options and the doors are still open.
The arts are alive.
And thriving. Provided we continue our work our children will find a way to know and express themselves in ways that no other form will satisfy. The arts serve a critical role to our way of life - to our culture.
But these are times of change and change we must. But we must not lose our art - it is our culture - our humanity. It is civility, it is rebellion, it is many voices. But in this time of massive change, we will do well to listen to Eric Hoffer's wise words,
"In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."
In many cases it is time for those of us in the arts to step outside the familiar box - it is time to learn how to flourish in today's and tomorrow's world.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Work from Home Making Art? Sounds like a dream come true!
Does the idea of working from home by creating your art and selling enough of it to maintain or improve your standard of living appeal to you? It can be done. It is done - all the time. There are people out there who despite the prevailing notion of the "Starving Artist" defy the odds and make it work. Your talent is yours to share. The world needs it - you need to express it.
Selling original art work at shows - all varieties of shows is one avenue to make your dream a reality. Or selling through galleries - your own home shows - hitting the pavement & selling through furniture retailers or even agents. These are only some of the ways artists have succeeded. And of course there's free lance work all around. Find your niche and go for it! Artists are imperative to making sense of a chaotic world - critical to helping change the view from dull and gray to vibrant and colorful.
But it takes a plan. Even before that having a degree of certainty of success depends on cultivating habits of success and understanding and developing your talent.
I'm in the process of organizing for publication what worked and what didn't in my own 22 years of self-employed professional work in the visual arts. I'll keep you updated. It's a fun process and I hope it will be of some value to anyone hoping to contribute their own talent to the pool.
But in the mean time take a look at this list of 50 habits of successful people. Look it over - think about it - where do you fit? The next step is to make a decision and make it happen. It takes time but if you're willing to get help from people who know, you'll do well.
Seek and you shall find.
Jump and the net will appear. - (Zen saying)
I found this list buried in my archives. I think it's worth considering. I wish I could properly credit to the author but unfortunately that information wasn't attached. But it sounds like it could have been James Ray - bless his heart. I know he has studied success for at least 30 years but whoever wrote it it's worth passing along. As they say, take what you need and leave the rest.
"Success is really a profound individual perception. Not only is there the commercialized notion of success, bred by whatever culture you live in, but individually, success is different for everyone, and changes as you grow older.
It has been my observation that nearly all of us set our expectations too low. I have studied personal development literature for over 30 years now, and one of the more common themes is the agonizing thought of winding up on your deathbed not having at least tried for your dreams and goals.
The first step, of course, is to set your goals. I ran an article by Brain Tracy several years ago on goal-setting that is loaded with helpful tips on how to write your goals down to increase your chances of success.
But there are also certain habits and characteristics that more successful people display than others.
This is a great list created by LifeHack, of qualities that successful people have, which have been noted in many books on the subject:
1. They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.
2. They find lessons while others only see problems.
3. They are solution focused.
4. They consciously and methodically create their own success.
5. They may be fearful, but they are not controlled or limited by fear.
6. They ask the right questions -- the ones which put them in a positive mindset and emotional state.
7. They rarely complain.
8. They don’t blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions and outcomes.
9. They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what they have effectively.
10. They are busy, productive and proactive.
11. They align themselves with like-minded people.
12. They are ambitious.
13. They have clarity and certainty about what they want.
14. They innovate instead of imitate.
15. They don’t procrastinate.
16. They are life-long learners.
17. They are glass half full people, while still being practical and down-to-earth.
18. They consistently do what they need to do, regardless of how they are feeling on a given day.
19. They take calculated risks.
20. They deal with problems quickly and effectively.
21. They don’t believe in, or wait for, fate, destiny, chance or luck.
22. They take action before they have to.
23. They are more effective than most at managing their emotions.
24. They are good communicators.
25. They have a plan for their life and they work methodically to turn that plan into a reality.
26. They become exceptional by choice.
27. They work through the tough stuff that most would avoid.
28. They have identified what is important to them and they do their best to live a life which is reflective of those values.
29. They have balance. They know that money is a tool and ultimately, it’s just another resource.
30. They understand the importance of discipline and self-control.
31. They are secure in their sense of self-worth.
32. They are generous and kind.
33. They are happy to admit mistakes and apologize.
34. They are adaptable and embrace change.
35. They keep themselves in shape physically.
36. They work hard and are not lazy.
37. They are resilient.
38. They are open to, and more likely to act upon, feedback.
39. They don’t hang out with toxic people.
40. They don’t invest time or emotional energy into uncontrollable things.
41. They are happy to swim against the tide.
42. They comfortable with their own company.
43. They set high standards for themselves.
44. They don’t rationalize failure.
45. They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and to have fun.
46. Their career is not their identity, it’s their job.
47. They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.
48. They finish what they start.
49. They realize that not only are they physical and psychological beings, but emotional and spiritual creatures as well.
50. They practice what they preach."
These are big shoes to fill but not impossible in the least. Start cultivating if need be - if not nurture.
http:/www.4impressions.etsy.com
Selling original art work at shows - all varieties of shows is one avenue to make your dream a reality. Or selling through galleries - your own home shows - hitting the pavement & selling through furniture retailers or even agents. These are only some of the ways artists have succeeded. And of course there's free lance work all around. Find your niche and go for it! Artists are imperative to making sense of a chaotic world - critical to helping change the view from dull and gray to vibrant and colorful.
But it takes a plan. Even before that having a degree of certainty of success depends on cultivating habits of success and understanding and developing your talent.
I'm in the process of organizing for publication what worked and what didn't in my own 22 years of self-employed professional work in the visual arts. I'll keep you updated. It's a fun process and I hope it will be of some value to anyone hoping to contribute their own talent to the pool.
But in the mean time take a look at this list of 50 habits of successful people. Look it over - think about it - where do you fit? The next step is to make a decision and make it happen. It takes time but if you're willing to get help from people who know, you'll do well.
Seek and you shall find.
Jump and the net will appear. - (Zen saying)
I found this list buried in my archives. I think it's worth considering. I wish I could properly credit to the author but unfortunately that information wasn't attached. But it sounds like it could have been James Ray - bless his heart. I know he has studied success for at least 30 years but whoever wrote it it's worth passing along. As they say, take what you need and leave the rest.
50 Habits of Successful People
"Success is really a profound individual perception. Not only is there the commercialized notion of success, bred by whatever culture you live in, but individually, success is different for everyone, and changes as you grow older.
It has been my observation that nearly all of us set our expectations too low. I have studied personal development literature for over 30 years now, and one of the more common themes is the agonizing thought of winding up on your deathbed not having at least tried for your dreams and goals.
The first step, of course, is to set your goals. I ran an article by Brain Tracy several years ago on goal-setting that is loaded with helpful tips on how to write your goals down to increase your chances of success.
But there are also certain habits and characteristics that more successful people display than others.
This is a great list created by LifeHack, of qualities that successful people have, which have been noted in many books on the subject:
1. They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.
2. They find lessons while others only see problems.
3. They are solution focused.
4. They consciously and methodically create their own success.
5. They may be fearful, but they are not controlled or limited by fear.
6. They ask the right questions -- the ones which put them in a positive mindset and emotional state.
7. They rarely complain.
8. They don’t blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions and outcomes.
9. They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what they have effectively.
10. They are busy, productive and proactive.
11. They align themselves with like-minded people.
12. They are ambitious.
13. They have clarity and certainty about what they want.
14. They innovate instead of imitate.
15. They don’t procrastinate.
16. They are life-long learners.
17. They are glass half full people, while still being practical and down-to-earth.
18. They consistently do what they need to do, regardless of how they are feeling on a given day.
19. They take calculated risks.
20. They deal with problems quickly and effectively.
21. They don’t believe in, or wait for, fate, destiny, chance or luck.
22. They take action before they have to.
23. They are more effective than most at managing their emotions.
24. They are good communicators.
25. They have a plan for their life and they work methodically to turn that plan into a reality.
26. They become exceptional by choice.
27. They work through the tough stuff that most would avoid.
28. They have identified what is important to them and they do their best to live a life which is reflective of those values.
29. They have balance. They know that money is a tool and ultimately, it’s just another resource.
30. They understand the importance of discipline and self-control.
31. They are secure in their sense of self-worth.
32. They are generous and kind.
33. They are happy to admit mistakes and apologize.
34. They are adaptable and embrace change.
35. They keep themselves in shape physically.
36. They work hard and are not lazy.
37. They are resilient.
38. They are open to, and more likely to act upon, feedback.
39. They don’t hang out with toxic people.
40. They don’t invest time or emotional energy into uncontrollable things.
41. They are happy to swim against the tide.
42. They comfortable with their own company.
43. They set high standards for themselves.
44. They don’t rationalize failure.
45. They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and to have fun.
46. Their career is not their identity, it’s their job.
47. They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.
48. They finish what they start.
49. They realize that not only are they physical and psychological beings, but emotional and spiritual creatures as well.
50. They practice what they preach."
These are big shoes to fill but not impossible in the least. Start cultivating if need be - if not nurture.
http:/www.4impressions.etsy.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
My Art - my design - my life
Here are a couple my art pieces I've recently finished. My design is original
- just like my life (all of ours no doubt)
These plates are finished and usually available in whatever configuration might be called for.
But 'finished' is the operative word. Everything is actually a work in progress. I'm always working on a number of things at the same time. This is a sampling of what you will see when you find me at a show or call to place an order. Switch plates are familiar to anyone who's been following my work over the last few years. Especially the copper plates.
- just like my life (all of ours no doubt)
These plates are finished and usually available in whatever configuration might be called for.
But 'finished' is the operative word. Everything is actually a work in progress. I'm always working on a number of things at the same time. This is a sampling of what you will see when you find me at a show or call to place an order. Switch plates are familiar to anyone who's been following my work over the last few years. Especially the copper plates.
Virtually all of what I do I do in either copper, brass with interesting patina or stainless steel. Usually I incorporate delicate wire work and various other embellishments reflecting the natural surroundings in rural Ohio.
The brass plate shown here (the yellow metal) is a one-of-a-kind piece. It hasn't been graduated to the production stage - meaning this is the only one. And will probably stay that way. Unless I can get a lot quicker getting similar one's finished. If you're interested please call or, you'll know when you see it on etsy or at a show.
This particular plate as well as the copper Gingko plates have to a certain degree an asian influence.
The Gingko leaf has always been a favorite of mine - and many others - for it's undeniable loveliness - it's grace and strength.
It's not uncommon to see Gingko leaves in ancient art work like that originating in Japan or other asian cultures. Not only has the Gingko been long recognized for it's aesthetic qualitiy but, interestingly it is the only tree species that is gendered. There are male and female Gingko's trees.
The Gingko's longevity is, at least as much as it's aesthetic qualities, cause for reverence. I It has been told to me that the Gingko has existed unchanged on earth since the beginning of life as we know it.
It has a certain continuity not found among any other species botanical or biological. Despite whatever has come or gone the Gingko stays the same. I like that idea- consistency.
The most current rendition of my work depicting the Gingko leaf - the one shown here- has an actual leaf embedded beneath the copper. Each one is as original as the leaf itself.
Once the plates are on the wall they're surprisingly noticeable considering the fairly small footprint they occupy. Maybe they get noticed because they're unexpected.
The brass plate shown here (the yellow metal) is a one-of-a-kind piece. It hasn't been graduated to the production stage - meaning this is the only one. And will probably stay that way. Unless I can get a lot quicker getting similar one's finished. If you're interested please call or, you'll know when you see it on etsy or at a show.
This particular plate as well as the copper Gingko plates have to a certain degree an asian influence.
The Gingko leaf has always been a favorite of mine - and many others - for it's undeniable loveliness - it's grace and strength.
It's not uncommon to see Gingko leaves in ancient art work like that originating in Japan or other asian cultures. Not only has the Gingko been long recognized for it's aesthetic qualitiy but, interestingly it is the only tree species that is gendered. There are male and female Gingko's trees.
The Gingko's longevity is, at least as much as it's aesthetic qualities, cause for reverence. I It has been told to me that the Gingko has existed unchanged on earth since the beginning of life as we know it.
It has a certain continuity not found among any other species botanical or biological. Despite whatever has come or gone the Gingko stays the same. I like that idea- consistency.
The most current rendition of my work depicting the Gingko leaf - the one shown here- has an actual leaf embedded beneath the copper. Each one is as original as the leaf itself.
Once the plates are on the wall they're surprisingly noticeable considering the fairly small footprint they occupy. Maybe they get noticed because they're unexpected.
They're original, understated, sophisticated, tasteful, hand-crafted and very much worth the money. And they're fairly priced.
Pieces like this are a great finish to a room remodel or a great place to start when looking for inspiration for a redo or just because, like most of us, you've got the flat, plastic conventional variety all over and you're ready to start paying attention to details.
After all, it seems to me the best part of life is in the details - in the little things.
Right now, my (hopefully) 'work in progress' is not so much the actual end product but a critical element of the process - so I can offer more work without being hold up in the studio 24/7. I'm getting ready to study the method of mold making called 'Cold Casting'. It's has exciting possibilities. I'm looking forward to getting started with it.
But until that's actually up and running every single piece I show is entirely hand-crafted - and original. (Except I let the machine work be done by the metal stamping plant. That way they're certain to fit your configuration.) I specialize in design and finishing. The original part won't change but my hands won't be required to work so long on every single piece. In most ways that's a good thing - in others maybe not - for everyone. But it means my time can be spent creating new stuff not just producing the same stuff.
And it'll give me time to pay attention to my health and just enjoy what the world has to offer in my neck of the woods. Me and Woof (my dog - he's in the picture up top) love walking in the park every day - but there are too many days when we're in show season that I can't get out of the studio to take care of what I need to. A story I'm sure is familiar to many, many studio artists.
Off to work! Off to walk and off to vote!
Tomorrow? I have more ideas in the works - another couple fairly sizable projects. Stop back - I'll tell you about them. Until then - have a great day!
If you're interested to see more plates or the rest of my stuff a fair amount of it is posted at: http://www.4impressions.etsy.com
After all, it seems to me the best part of life is in the details - in the little things.
Right now, my (hopefully) 'work in progress' is not so much the actual end product but a critical element of the process - so I can offer more work without being hold up in the studio 24/7. I'm getting ready to study the method of mold making called 'Cold Casting'. It's has exciting possibilities. I'm looking forward to getting started with it.
But until that's actually up and running every single piece I show is entirely hand-crafted - and original. (Except I let the machine work be done by the metal stamping plant. That way they're certain to fit your configuration.) I specialize in design and finishing. The original part won't change but my hands won't be required to work so long on every single piece. In most ways that's a good thing - in others maybe not - for everyone. But it means my time can be spent creating new stuff not just producing the same stuff.
And it'll give me time to pay attention to my health and just enjoy what the world has to offer in my neck of the woods. Me and Woof (my dog - he's in the picture up top) love walking in the park every day - but there are too many days when we're in show season that I can't get out of the studio to take care of what I need to. A story I'm sure is familiar to many, many studio artists.
Off to work! Off to walk and off to vote!
Tomorrow? I have more ideas in the works - another couple fairly sizable projects. Stop back - I'll tell you about them. Until then - have a great day!
If you're interested to see more plates or the rest of my stuff a fair amount of it is posted at: http://www.4impressions.etsy.com
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Autumn Days Inspiration
Be inspired by Autumn's appearance!
Artists see layers of color, time of change, nature's revolution - evolution
Shorter days - longer periods of darkness - life growing still. Autumn in the northern reaches - well above the equator- a time when nature's opus debut's. It's masterpiece exposed as it's stunning painted landscapes emerge.
Freed from sweltering sun and drenching rains. Autumn brings to life, vibrant, bold October skies, cold nights, warm and windy days.
Golden yellow maple leaves, crimson fire bushes burning red, all hues of brown, rust and olive blanket the landscape. Crunching, cracking underfoot. Depositing their wealth for times far off, it's lucious bounty in warm, simmering stews.
Indisputable, undeniable cause for the open, creative, childlike minds of the artist
to cherish the season's vivid change.
But Autumn's time is short, always fleeting.
Extraordinary color leading too soon to vacant, gray colorless views.
With hope for a blanket of sparkling white ground cover to lay
below naked wooden trunks with branches
reaching boldly, bravely into open, frigid air.
Autumn leads to a time for silent, unseen renewal, reflection.
The time for quiet, considered steps.
Nature lays dormant - it's work goes underground.
~ Autumn ~
A mark in time to leave summer's lazy days behind and welcome work.
Impressions & co
creating artful spaces in everyday places
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Biting Bugs - the bane of Summer's heat
Natural Bug-Bite Deterrents
from Real-Age.com
Some of the tips that come from Real-Age are ones I really think worth passing along. This is one of those. Here in the mid-west and across the nation August heat and humidity bring a plethora of insects and other creatures that can be a genuine annoyance and sometimes even dangerous. But so can the chemical compounds on the market formulated to combat the problem. These natural deterrants can help eliminate it without the hazard of toxic chemical exposure.
If you can't stand the smell of DEET or citronella candles, try the natural bug-bite deterrent suggestions from Chinese doctor and author Maoshing Ni.In his book, In his book Secrets of Self-Healing, he recommends a three-pronged approach of clothing, diet, and essential oils.
3 Bug-Be-Gone Strategies
- Nix the Hawaiian shirt. Brightly colored floral patterns on clothing may actually fool bees and other bugs into thinking you’re a flower. So can smelling like a flower, so skip the perfume. Wear neutral-colored, protective clothing and scent-free soaps and lotions.
- Eat garlic. Garlic and other strong foods, like onions, might make you less tasty to biting insects. Watch this video for tips on how to buy, keep, and prepare garlic.
- Use essential oils. Natural insect repellents such as lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus can be mixed with water and used as a spray. (But be careful to avoid getting them in your eyes.) Find out which scents zap stress, too.
Take this quiz to find out if a bite might be serious. RealAge Benefit: Making a habit of taking proper safety precautions in everything you do -- at home and on the job -- can make your RealAge 1 to 6 years younger.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Health Care - What is it President Obama?
Health reform is here - again. President Obama has declared America's health
care a critical challenge - deserving immediate legislative solutions.
But the very definition of 'Health' is at the heart of this debate is it not?
Are the band aids we've come to call health care (surgery & drugs) what we're
really fighting over? Or want?
A truly healthier America cannot be achieved by looking at it through the narrow lens we're accustomed to or expecting this legislation will necessarily lead to a healthier America. We have become afraid of not having what these industries contribute to our health - or lack of.
To start, clarity about what we want and are willing,on a personal level, to
commit to would go a long way in solving our legislator's challenge. Do we
really want health or a simple solution like the ones the drug companies suggest
they've discovered and are perpetually uncovering to resolve yet another newly
defined disease?
Optimal health is more than a doctor writing prescriptions for the latest and
greatest drugs or performing the most extraordinary new surgeries. It is more than the insurance company deciding whether or not the cost will be covered.
Fundamentally, our desire for convenient, simple solutions and, immediate
gratification fuels the need for what we've come to call 'health care'. A pill is
easy. Fast food and convenience foods are easy - and simple in the short term.
Continuing to consider only the short term is not a solution. It is what brought us
to where we are now.
Heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and obesity rates have soared - along with the cost of conventional treatment. Our country is much sicker now than ever.
To a large extent the state of our health is a result of the times we live in- and, not insignificantly our approach to health care. The world we live in today is not what it was 50 or 100 years ago. These diseases,this sickness is driving what we believe to be a need for health insurance as we know it. And are convinced we must have. It is as though we expect there is no choice but to become gravely ill. We are petrified to be without the insurance that will assure our care and financial survival.
We have choices.
Prevention is a choice. Wellness is achievable.
Preventing disease means learning and understanding what makes our bodies
work - and what makes them break down. Preventing the break down allows
good health - wellness.
eating clean, healthy, nutritional foods. Walking, running, playing. i.e., exercise.
every day. And teaching each other and our children how to protect health
rather than feed ourselves and our children food that makes us unwell and
teaching practices that erode the healthy, vibrant, resiliant system we live in - our bodies.
Legislatively, the money we're arguing is important. It, for now. is a big ticket - it's a big job. But rather than allocating monies for one or another form of traditional insurance funds should be redistributed. Basic and catastrophic coverage for everyone. And an equal level committed to massive public health education initiatives. Educational programs focusing on nutrition and natural healing for health care providers, (M.D.'s included). Concurrent with school funding to teach children basic and ongoing nutritional mastery including the establishment and maintainence public gardens. Mandate and provide healthy, nutritional school lunches.
When we begin to teach each other and future generations how to best protect
their health through nutritition we'll have many fewer arguments about who should have the privilege of getting the latest and greatest heart meds or languish in the hospital or die prematurely from complications of obesity.
President Obama we elected you to make change. This is the change we need.
care a critical challenge - deserving immediate legislative solutions.
But the very definition of 'Health' is at the heart of this debate is it not?
Are the band aids we've come to call health care (surgery & drugs) what we're
really fighting over? Or want?
This argument is not really about health - it is about the distribution and accumulation of wealth.
A truly healthier America cannot be achieved by looking at it through the narrow lens we're accustomed to or expecting this legislation will necessarily lead to a healthier America. We have become afraid of not having what these industries contribute to our health - or lack of.
Are we simply pawns in an economic power play?
It is an abtruse play between us, the American taxpayers, the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. It's a big fight - it's BIG money and it's our lives. We should make sure it plays out in our best interest - there's too much at stake. And we all deserve the best possible health care - at a price we can all afford.To start, clarity about what we want and are willing,on a personal level, to
commit to would go a long way in solving our legislator's challenge. Do we
really want health or a simple solution like the ones the drug companies suggest
they've discovered and are perpetually uncovering to resolve yet another newly
defined disease?
Optimal health is more than a doctor writing prescriptions for the latest and
greatest drugs or performing the most extraordinary new surgeries. It is more than the insurance company deciding whether or not the cost will be covered.
Fundamentally, our desire for convenient, simple solutions and, immediate
gratification fuels the need for what we've come to call 'health care'. A pill is
easy. Fast food and convenience foods are easy - and simple in the short term.
Continuing to consider only the short term is not a solution. It is what brought us
to where we are now.
There's no doubt.
Where health is concerned America is in trouble. Heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and obesity rates have soared - along with the cost of conventional treatment. Our country is much sicker now than ever.
To a large extent the state of our health is a result of the times we live in- and, not insignificantly our approach to health care. The world we live in today is not what it was 50 or 100 years ago. These diseases,this sickness is driving what we believe to be a need for health insurance as we know it. And are convinced we must have. It is as though we expect there is no choice but to become gravely ill. We are petrified to be without the insurance that will assure our care and financial survival.
We have choices.
Prevention is a choice. Wellness is achievable.
Preventing disease means learning and understanding what makes our bodies
work - and what makes them break down. Preventing the break down allows
good health - wellness.
This is health insurance worth fighting for.
We must each take responsibility to change what needs changed. Growing andeating clean, healthy, nutritional foods. Walking, running, playing. i.e., exercise.
every day. And teaching each other and our children how to protect health
rather than feed ourselves and our children food that makes us unwell and
teaching practices that erode the healthy, vibrant, resiliant system we live in - our bodies.
Legislatively, the money we're arguing is important. It, for now. is a big ticket - it's a big job. But rather than allocating monies for one or another form of traditional insurance funds should be redistributed. Basic and catastrophic coverage for everyone. And an equal level committed to massive public health education initiatives. Educational programs focusing on nutrition and natural healing for health care providers, (M.D.'s included). Concurrent with school funding to teach children basic and ongoing nutritional mastery including the establishment and maintainence public gardens. Mandate and provide healthy, nutritional school lunches.
When we begin to teach each other and future generations how to best protect
their health through nutritition we'll have many fewer arguments about who should have the privilege of getting the latest and greatest heart meds or languish in the hospital or die prematurely from complications of obesity.
The argument we are engaged in now is not really about health -
it is about thedistribution of wealth. A truly healthy America cannot be achieved through legislation alone. We must open our minds about what precisely 'Health Care' means. And take action.
President Obama we elected you to make change. This is the change we need.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Vitamin supplements - what's really in your vitamins?
Health and nutrition experts recommend and sell vitamin supplements. WalMart sells inexpensively. Virtually every drug store, every nutritional company and even grocery store sells vitamin supplements. But where do they come from and who's looking out for the consumer? Can you be sure you're getting what the label says you're getting? Not necessarily.
Independent health product tester ConsumerLab.com is dishing up unsavory news for people who take multivitamins. Of 29 products tested, eight "failed" as mislabeled or contaminated.
Independent health product tester ConsumerLab.com is dishing up unsavory news for people who take multivitamins. Of 29 products tested, eight "failed" as mislabeled or contaminated.
- One vitamin water contained 15 times the amount of folic acid claimed on the bottle, while a multivitamin for older people provided less than half the vitamin A claimed on its label. And a men's multivitamin had traces of lead.
- New federal rules "were supposed to ensure the potency and quality of the products" says the Center for Science in the Public Interest Bruce Silverglade. "But apparently the rules are not having their intended effect."
Reported in the AARP Bulletin June 2009
As a distributor of health & wellness products you need to be confident your patients and clients are getting what they need. You need to work with a company who's practices are transparent. You need to know the company, it's manufacturing standards and it's integrity. When you can make assurances and feel confident you're providing access to products that are what's intended you can rest assured you're helping people find wellness. You can make all the difference in customer retention and satisfaction.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Summertime Treasure - healthy food & fun
Farmer's Markets are healthy food, summertime treasures! And we have the best in Ohio within arm's reach. Although we have plenty of land and a great garden I still love to shop the market - there's always good things we're not growing and produce that can't be had from the grocery. Enjoy yours - or visit ours. Sat. AM's on Shaker Blvd. @ Shaker Square. Half the market is edible & floral and the other half artists who create their own hand-crafted art wares. There's some great talent on show - But don't be late - it's all over by noon! Rain or shine. These are some photos of the market earlier this summer - it changes every week but it's always fun!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Personal Wellness - enjoying healthy food
Wellness, and healthy living by any definition requires good nutrition and healthy foods.This is the season for easy, affordable, healthy living! Great food! Fruits, vegetables and long, sun filled days after the long slow, dormant season is past.
We're rewarded with the farmland's harvest of amazing fruits and vegetables - and Farmer's Markets for local, mostly organic wares. Our own garden has begun to be our sole source of so many varieties of extraordinary lettuce, tomatoes and just today, sugar snap peas. Oh, and then the green beans are amazing - what to do with so many is the only challenge.
Our own strawberries are finished for the season but I found a great recipe for a desert we all loved the first time I made it. Ours was a Birthday/family reunion/independence day celebration. Instead of the ice cream cake we used to indulge in we substituted this and were very happy. It's an ice cream cake for health minded people with a sweet tooth. For the rest of the season we'll just have to get our strawberries from the market. It's too good to miss! The recipe was originally published in Natural Health Magazine in the June '09 issue.
No-Bake Peach Berry & Yogurt Pie
I hope you & yours enjoy it too! ;-)!!
It only takes about 15 min. to put together and over night to freeze (or 4 hrs minimum)
It's easy: Because it's basic assembly - pre-made ingredients: low-fat yogurt, light whipped cream, and a graham cracker crust, plus irresistible peaches, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
It's good for you: Dark berries contain some of the highest antioxident content around, and light whipped cream and low-fat yogurt keep the fat and sugar down. Best to be careful to choose organic fruits - especially peaches and strawberries since conventionally grown have been found to have high pesticide loads. (Check EWG.org for a more complete list)
Recipe:
8 ozs. low-fat blueberry yogurt
8 ozs. low-fat srawberry yogurt
8 ozs. light whipped cream
2 cups mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries in whatever combination you like)
1 9 inch graham cracker crust
4 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
1. In a large bowl, combine both yogurts and whipped cream. Add 1 cup of the mixed berries and fold in gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Spoon the yogurt-berry mixture into the crust and put in the freezer for at least 4 hours (freezing over night is ideal).
3. At least 15 minutes before serving, transfer the pie from the freezer to the refrigerator and let stand until soft enough to be sliced without effort. Top with remaining mixed berries and sliced peaches and serve (you can arrange the peach slices in a "fan" and place berries on top , if you like).
Per serving: 273 calories, 12.5 g fat (5g saturated), 37 g carbohydrates. 5 g protein. 3 g fiber. 10 mg sodium (7% daily value).
It's easy: Because it's basic assembly - pre-made ingredients: low-fat yogurt, light whipped cream, and a graham cracker crust, plus irresistible peaches, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
It's good for you: Dark berries contain some of the highest antioxident content around, and light whipped cream and low-fat yogurt keep the fat and sugar down. Best to be careful to choose organic fruits - especially peaches and strawberries since conventionally grown have been found to have high pesticide loads. (Check EWG.org for a more complete list)
Recipe:
8 ozs. low-fat blueberry yogurt
8 ozs. low-fat srawberry yogurt
8 ozs. light whipped cream
2 cups mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries in whatever combination you like)
1 9 inch graham cracker crust
4 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
1. In a large bowl, combine both yogurts and whipped cream. Add 1 cup of the mixed berries and fold in gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Spoon the yogurt-berry mixture into the crust and put in the freezer for at least 4 hours (freezing over night is ideal).
3. At least 15 minutes before serving, transfer the pie from the freezer to the refrigerator and let stand until soft enough to be sliced without effort. Top with remaining mixed berries and sliced peaches and serve (you can arrange the peach slices in a "fan" and place berries on top , if you like).
Per serving: 273 calories, 12.5 g fat (5g saturated), 37 g carbohydrates. 5 g protein. 3 g fiber. 10 mg sodium (7% daily value).
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wellness as Change
Losing a lot of weight, starting your own home based business, going to work for someone else; all can be a part of how to create the life you want, the life you love. Creating wellness - sometimes change is involuntary but always, the chance to begin anew. But success means accepting and embracing the unfamiliar, the unknown. Making changes. Being patient and taking action.
Looking up from the bottom of a deep ravine the climb can seem overwhelming . Although the journey might be difficult so too is continuing on a path that leads nowhere. A path that leads to illness, unhappiness or destruction of any other sort does not support wellness. It may however be the very path that leads to the acceptance of and even seeking change. However, without a substantial and intentional shift it does not guarantee success. Wellness will be elusive.
These well worn steps leading out of wooded valley seem a perfect metaphor for someone looking into the unknown - unable to see clearly what lies ahead. Or, imagine how exactly how to get to the intended destination. Just beyond these steps, out from under the wooded veil and unseen from below, lies a beautiful, lush green meadow where on this mid-summer afternoon we met a clear blue sky with gentle wisps of snow white clouds.
Corny. Kind of. Cliche' perhaps - but true.
That beautiful blue sky was what we met when stepping off the rise.
A perfect metaphor for the work and reward of resetting - in whatever way for whatever reason.
When intentional action is met with persistance and persaverance reward is certain.
It is the process that holds the greatest reward. Becoming stronger, more certain, wiser, focused, purposeful. Often overwhelm is the signal you're at the cusp of discovering something really worth your struggle.
Thoughts from some wise people:
"In times of change, learners inherit the
earth,while the learned find themselves
beautifully equipped to deal with a world that
no longer exists."
Eric Hoffer
earth,while the learned find themselves
beautifully equipped to deal with a world that
no longer exists."
Eric Hoffer
"I have not failed.
I have successfully discovered
1,200 ideas that don't work."
Thomas Edison
I have successfully discovered
1,200 ideas that don't work."
Thomas Edison
"Success is the ability to go from failure
to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill
to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill
Is there a moral to my ramblings? It is simple but not always easy.
Consistency and commitment bring the greatest rewards. Reward that may well exceed your expectations.
Hang on, keep going and keep growing. Keep looking - what you're looking for is waiting for you.
Leadership, training, belief and attitude are imperative.
Check out Ann Seig and Mike Klingler's contribution here @ Renegade University. It's full of incredible lessons for growing into today's world.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I am on the cusp of a new and exciting direction. Letting one go and assuming new directions is a slow process - for me. But it is something to be excited about. Today was spent with one foot in and the other out. Enjoying an early summer day with my family in transition. Saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Early Summer at the Lake
Our Beautiful 'Angel Dog'
Evolving
The caterpillar thought the world had ended...
...and then it became a butterfly.
Let, go, move on, move forward. Discover the greatness within.
...and then it became a butterfly.
Let, go, move on, move forward. Discover the greatness within.
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