tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665628705152306882024-02-19T05:08:46.588-05:00A Slice of LymeSarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-73161530665654921092012-08-21T13:53:00.001-04:002012-08-21T21:08:01.238-04:00A Community Joins Hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W_KIhpMSXhk5Y3TyukZ5T-RWCMugxeMspxv2LBZDCX6gbi19090O98HOYhmquGnnvWT1jIkg86s_JdXAZl3CspI7-RVqkrjcYB5_v3Gg7rT_XvXLGj06-xZyS3dzd_W0JoYPX6HLv-U/s1600/A+Community+Joins+Hands2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W_KIhpMSXhk5Y3TyukZ5T-RWCMugxeMspxv2LBZDCX6gbi19090O98HOYhmquGnnvWT1jIkg86s_JdXAZl3CspI7-RVqkrjcYB5_v3Gg7rT_XvXLGj06-xZyS3dzd_W0JoYPX6HLv-U/s400/A+Community+Joins+Hands2.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed...it is the only thing that ever has."</span></b></i></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">~ Margaret Mead</span></i></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I honestly believe there is nothing more beautiful in this world than witnessing compassion translate into action; I've been privileged enough to experience this a handful of times in my life, but the sheer abundance that has occurred during these past 30 days of it, has been so astonishing to me,</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> that I simply had to write about it : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Here's a glimpse at what's been happening "behind the scenes" as a result of our campaign merely existing:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wYlM2KkXLMelRh0i3Xp8K-aUmsY0wXcj8cOKP1HOP286YU80Z97cUGIUoV1G2hmLJZmkgNwNtusPPm36ZgN6E3jAXK1nVYBDkc7Z1bq6u__mw44OoKLJ17ooSo03FVxZJfvFlhLhVXo/s1600/Icon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wYlM2KkXLMelRh0i3Xp8K-aUmsY0wXcj8cOKP1HOP286YU80Z97cUGIUoV1G2hmLJZmkgNwNtusPPm36ZgN6E3jAXK1nVYBDkc7Z1bq6u__mw44OoKLJ17ooSo03FVxZJfvFlhLhVXo/s1600/Icon3.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>A renowned architect by the name of <a href="http://www.iconarchitect.com/firm_profile.html">Dan Goodrich</a> has contacted Inanna House, and pledged to not only help them draw up the blueprints for the center, but has also offered to help oversee the construction of it...free of charge! (That's about $300,000+ he is foregoing...) Why would anyone be willing to do such a thing? Because his daughter went four years undiagnosed with this condition, witnessed how the our healthcare system treats, ignores, and downright robs Lyme patients who attempt to receive adequate treatment, and knows that Inanna House can help.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Lol - don't get me wrong, I consider this man a saint, but the only time he can do this is AFTER Inanna House receives their 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization Status (which is included in the campaign budget)...after all, he IS self-employed and will most definitely need that tax write-off.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b>*Note: Because I had included the cost of having blueprints drawn up in my original monetary goal for the campaign, I have sent a request to Indiegogo, asking them to subtract that particular amount. Unfortunately, whether they chose comply with this request is entirely up to them.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvFI9AZ2MQfNMG9z0jvYiLhWY4zYQE8qwlO8xvGFdPiAoKvx3trpLXJwattU2V_89k0a1AMPrZrcxW3SGnaUctGdWx-Uz7oiGv_LtKLZ2RSH2uODAnWvOSx110eSp9UaVXZsLu3Qj-P8/s1600/Laura+Wild+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvFI9AZ2MQfNMG9z0jvYiLhWY4zYQE8qwlO8xvGFdPiAoKvx3trpLXJwattU2V_89k0a1AMPrZrcxW3SGnaUctGdWx-Uz7oiGv_LtKLZ2RSH2uODAnWvOSx110eSp9UaVXZsLu3Qj-P8/s200/Laura+Wild+Pic.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wildcondor.com/">http://www.wildcondor.com/</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Laura Wild (widely known as Wild Condor), writer for <a href="http://www.publichealthalert.org/">Public Health Alert</a> is "buzzing" with excitement about Inanna House. Laura has been a health care journalist, and Lyme Disease patient advocate for the past 15 years, and is honored to help support Inanna House. She is traveling for the rest of the summer, but plans on writing an article in the well known PHA newspaper about Inanna House and Mara Williams once she has returned.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Even though our conversations have only been limited to e-mails and FB messaging, Laura's warmth is entirely palpable, and it has been both a complete honor and pleasure getting to know her. Because her own website is literally chock-filled with valuable resources and information regarding TBD's, I have created a link for it under her image, and in the "Resources" section in this blog. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtBT3vrzfNVPtT19scjWoHrffVe66tMK-LUQNE2SpcMgYbMt2IG9vsTDoO8J4swHVhot4Y9Lq9d2tU6Qo6W6bYzXoxtrSqFbfWiJJP78mBwFoxpF-fX7BC6XfA5GHF4XbPDDhX8RcVFE/s1600/The+Zen+Engines+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtBT3vrzfNVPtT19scjWoHrffVe66tMK-LUQNE2SpcMgYbMt2IG9vsTDoO8J4swHVhot4Y9Lq9d2tU6Qo6W6bYzXoxtrSqFbfWiJJP78mBwFoxpF-fX7BC6XfA5GHF4XbPDDhX8RcVFE/s320/The+Zen+Engines+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.tickedoffmusicfest.com/">http://www.tickedoffmusicfest.com/</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Gregg Kirk, lead singer of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheZenEngines">The Zen Engines</a> and founder of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TickedOffMusicFest">Ticked Off Music Fest</a>, a most anticipated, upcoming event to be held in Philadelphia in October 2012, had originally planned on giving ALL of the proceeds from this event to the <a href="http://www.xprize.org/press-release/tick-borne-disease-alliance-and-x-prize-foundation-create-%E2%80%9Ctbda-diagnostic-x-prize%E2%80%9D">TBDA</a>, but after hearing about Inanna House, he has redirected a portion of the proceeds to benefit them as well!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPeHyvijPPHgR2pLWkiXLXAVZIDQElraOuAp040hAFFBpNTPLKw6B7oO-bfqr2okyvJRfbH_drZEtvbMPf53XRDVP52tWYzlbm2jDvu-V3FN29QEGT0RkM_PXwkYCX9NG8V5NqMM8BLo/s1600/Maisie+Profile+Pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPeHyvijPPHgR2pLWkiXLXAVZIDQElraOuAp040hAFFBpNTPLKw6B7oO-bfqr2okyvJRfbH_drZEtvbMPf53XRDVP52tWYzlbm2jDvu-V3FN29QEGT0RkM_PXwkYCX9NG8V5NqMM8BLo/s200/Maisie+Profile+Pic.png" width="120" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Maisie (also known as <a href="http://lymechick.com/2012/08/07/make-inanna-house-a-reality/">Lyme Chick</a>) has joined forces with our cause and besides being one of the most sincere, kind-hearted person I have ever met and someone whose friendship has been a true gift for me, has been doing everything she can to see this campaign succeed. Again, I can't stress enough how selfless her involvement has been, for she is still battling CLD and unlike most of us, is not financially desperate. Honestly, she COULD have decided to not care, but has instead, decided most generously to participate...for you.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPshmF4HVOWZXWZPC2fuUMoJXfcmVH_e6Ph6YJprFLlz3aVktBQSy91Dd_JHoLgLL5YDjLJtuk-oeTLZyPAFEXqp36XmVJ6jK53ivhM7ed0rAET00NpYjSONaC3B_czVq0GuEfg1-nT4g/s1600/Congressional+Hearing+Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPshmF4HVOWZXWZPC2fuUMoJXfcmVH_e6Ph6YJprFLlz3aVktBQSy91Dd_JHoLgLL5YDjLJtuk-oeTLZyPAFEXqp36XmVJ6jK53ivhM7ed0rAET00NpYjSONaC3B_czVq0GuEfg1-nT4g/s200/Congressional+Hearing+Image.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Every Lyme patient knows of the Congressional Hearing that was held on July 17, 2012 at 2pm to address "Global Challenges in Diagnosing and Managing Lyme Disease - Closing Knowledge Gaps." Many of you may remember the outstanding <a href="http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/112/HHRG-112-FA16-WState-WhiteE-20120717.pdf">testimony</a> given by <a href="http://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/evan-j-white-1489083">Evan J. White, Esq</a>. Although I never imagined he'd actually call me back after I left an embarrassingly nervous and rambling message in an effort to tell him about Inanna House...he (to my utter disbelief) did! And, although he has quite the handful and is VERY busy with both his Law Practice, and with the new birth of his son, he has kindly offered to help Inanna House by holding future fundraising events for them, so long as he is able. </span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i>It is important to understand that ALL of these people are extremely Lyme Literate, and it would have been impossible for me to try to either persuade or convince them of the sincerity of Inanna House had the Organization not spoken volumes for itself. In that sense, I did absolutely nothing but make them aware of it. We all know that centers like this one are sorely needed, and these are just some of the people who are fighting to make it happen.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i>On a more personal note, however ecstatic I may be over the upcoming prospects for Inanna House, my mission in creating the campaign was to help expedite the building process of this center. Reaching our goal <b>now</b> would allow that to happen. Make no mistake, Inanna House <b>will</b> be built...I have never fought for anything so fiercely in my entire life, but the success of the campaign, and how quickly you would like to see it become a reality is ultimately up to you...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Thank You So Much For Your Time,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></div>
Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-55487765973258434942012-07-27T21:30:00.002-04:002012-07-28T14:55:08.665-04:00Seeing Right Through Me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeEdYESu_iS4JFPy414PUdfs1gByI2hocydVxYCfAKitrUh57PctNLDz5RpHQq6LanWXvM4qFlWAH2EfCxfG1p2_Q93AbWRe2zZ5eJe7ketKKWCvMvgvnwarZlmpoA183dztlux1i7fg/s1600/Seeing+right+through+me....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeEdYESu_iS4JFPy414PUdfs1gByI2hocydVxYCfAKitrUh57PctNLDz5RpHQq6LanWXvM4qFlWAH2EfCxfG1p2_Q93AbWRe2zZ5eJe7ketKKWCvMvgvnwarZlmpoA183dztlux1i7fg/s400/Seeing+right+through+me....jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>For the past several years, I've found myself stumbling into old friends at the most random of moments, and have learned something that I have come to discover, every Lyme Patient knows: I LOOK FINE. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In fact, no one would ever expect that I was even remotely ill. It's actually become kind of an art of mine, hiding my physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms from everyone, hell - if you look at my facebook pictures you could almost call me a liar...but deep inside I'm always yearning to actually feel how I look.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It's surprising, but this wasn't <b>always</b> the case, I did have a period where a handful of some very unfortunate souls witnessed what Lyme ACTUALLY looks like. One of them even wrote about it in an effort to help me win a war I was entrenched in for over two years with disability. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I will forever be grateful to him for writing this. I barely remember anything that happened during that last couple of months in 2007, and without it, I would never know what a normal person must "think" when they witness something as crazy as this...Clark, I miss and love you very much, thanks for watching me go through hell and having the guts to write about it xo </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here is the letter NY Disability received:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CLARK PERRY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2607 Halm Avenue</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Los Angeles, California, 90024</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">(310) 903-7282 </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 13, 2009</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To Whom It May Concern:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been asked to describe my observations of the physical and mental condition of Sarah Lamando during the fall and winter of 2007.</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At the time, Ms. Lamando and I both resided in apartments at 4437 Ambrose Avenue in Los Angeles. When I first met Ms. Lamando in early 2007, she was full of energy and enthusiasm, practicing yoga, horseback riding and several other sports on a daily basis. She led me on many energetic hikes through nearby Griffith Park. In conversation, her mind was sharp and witty. She was, in other words, a happy and healthy young woman with an infectious enjoyment of life.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beginning in September 2007, I witnessed a shocking change in her physical and emotional demeanor. She lost weight rapidly and her healthy skin tone grew pale and sallow. She became inexplicably disoriented in the middle of conversations. Once, at a restaurant, she became so confused and withdrawn from her surroundings that we were forced to abandon our meals. I gently escorted her back to her apartment where she collapsed in bed and could not move for several days.</span> </div>
<div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She had just been hired as a massage therapist at one of Los Angeles’ most renowned health spas, and her clientele included celebrities in the entertainment industry. This was her dream job so it was especially heartbreaking when her decline became so debilitating that she could no longer work. Her physical grace and strength vanished and she began to suffer frightening seizures. This happy and healthy young woman had, in a few short months, been reduced to a bed-ridden shadow of her former self. It was devastating to witness.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In December 2007, Ms. Lamando’s condition had become so life-threatening that she was forced to give up her dream of living in Los Angeles and return home to New York, where she immediately began intensive treatments for her condition.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">I have witnessed family and friends suffer from a variety of ailments, including cancer, alcoholism and manic depression. Ms. Lamando’s physical and mental deterioration during this period was more rapid and severe than anything I have ever experienced.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I knew little about Lyme Disease before meeting Ms. Lamando. Since then, I’ve educated myself about this chronic disease. I understand that Ms. Lamando has worked hard to regain some of her health, and for that I am thankful. But it frightens me to realize that she can suffer a relapse at any time.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope this letter serves to illuminate particulars about Ms. Lamando’s medical condition. If I may provide any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address and phone number.<br /> <br />Sincerely,<br /> <br />Clark Perry</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i>I think the saddest part about the letter is that, however horrific it may sound, it is still only a <b>fraction</b> of what was really happening to me. The <b>scariest</b> part about it is that it can happen to ANYONE...</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i>If you are considering on contributing to our indiegogo campaign, please, don't wait till the last minute. Trust that there is a reason I picked this organization, and please realize that I did it in an effort to protect future generations....</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i>My grandmother used say to me, "Thank God you have your health, Sarah," and I used to laugh at her not understanding what it meant to NOT have something I felt was so obviously "there". Now I know what she meant and pray that at such a young age, you never do, but if so, that there will always be a place for you to go.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i>All My Best,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah </i></span></div>
</div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-63905960597190032822012-07-18T05:26:00.001-04:002013-03-26T18:19:51.838-04:00The Art of War: According To a Pisces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE0bVlaX4VvTmX5-P59SHjuHlidUoXeHfv-hb3i6_XW-8P5zzCmeqY51aCSvmKQ147OfEIsvzu5C7iKFtatZc2YczS1NixjqBmqVv0m_3hrYTjCoulFJ6yrVI7UYdFyZ_Sp1w0o6K5bo/s1600/being+like+water.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkt6UbVwCm_VZ9N5zdpuGMkUJNFm82yCoU_KKZum71NkUaqUWoAd3VYKcyygvtD4_GVru4dD_3OncLPFPnnplMeQ60yOlMuaa1CXLTw-NL-kcAbWtAS4BWZN9qyHZIjTIxIvFt9EOvpI/s1600/Be+like+water+final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkt6UbVwCm_VZ9N5zdpuGMkUJNFm82yCoU_KKZum71NkUaqUWoAd3VYKcyygvtD4_GVru4dD_3OncLPFPnnplMeQ60yOlMuaa1CXLTw-NL-kcAbWtAS4BWZN9qyHZIjTIxIvFt9EOvpI/s1600/Be+like+water+final.png" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Recently, while putting together the final touches to the Indiegogo campaign, I had the honor of speaking with the Founder and CEO of Inanna House, Mara Williams. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Something she said, struck me and I finally realized why I've chosen her vision for Inanna House to both advocate and fundraise for.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I had inquired about getting a very prominent Lyme Advocate involved in the campaign, and she simply replied that this person was too busy, and so entrenched in trying to change <b>"the Political Affairs regarding Lyme Patients" </b>to participate.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The second she said that, a vision of a person passionately throwing himself against an enormous black mountain in a desperate attempt to move it, flashed threw my mind, and I kind of chuckled and said, "Well that's not gonna happen just yet... : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Please don't misunderstand, I admire ALL efforts that are being put forth to change and rectify the controversy surrounding this epidemic...it's just that I've recently chosen to "fight" in a different way - one that suits my nature much better : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I'm sure there are a LOT of different opinions about Pisces in general out there, but the ONE thing that is incredible about us is our ability to adapt! </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Going back to the metaphor above, if </span><b style="color: #20124d;">I </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">saw an enormous black mountain that I needed to have moved, I would NOT throw myself against it, no...the Pisces in me would simply want to carve a watery path </span><b style="color: #20124d;">around</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> it, and ask </span><b style="color: #20124d;">others</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> to follow and -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">in a nutshell, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">this is what Inanna House is doing for us!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Eventually, if enough of us follow that path, something amazing would happen, something <b>only</b> water could do. It would erode the foundation of that impenetrable rock and we'd all watch in wonder as that mountain simply crumbled to the ground. Now...wouldn't that be the <b>ultimate</b> understanding of Lao Tzu's quote in The Art of War, "Know Thy Enemy"??</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><u>Here's What We Need To Do</u></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i>Click on the icon for our campaign below, and if you can, contribute - we have amazing perks AND if we don't reach our goal in 45 days <b>all</b> contributions will automatically be refunded, so there's no harm in trying : ) </i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i>I know there are many Lyme patients in financial despair and cannot contribute, but even then, there's so much you can do to help. A short lesson in understanding the "Indiegogo platform" will help you show you why:</i></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">*They have something called a "gogofactor" which means that a unique computer algorithm can automatically tell how many people are going to the site and sharing the campaign with others. <b>If enough people go to the site and share using the "Indiegogo Sharing Tools" Inanna House will be featured on the website itself, which in turn, would gain us global and media exposure!</b>*</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><u>How to "Share"</u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i>If you have a facebook or twitter account, go to the website by clicking on the icon below, and click the facebook "like" icon on it; if you have a twitter account, click on that icon and tweet something GREAT about it!</i></span></span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i>E-mail the campaign to any contacts and friends you'd like and use this <b>particular</b> URL link to direct them to the campaign: </i></span><a href="http://igg.me/p/161260?a=666784">http://igg.me/p/161260?a=666784</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i>(it's the gogofactor URL)</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i>If you have a blog or website, please either share this post, or create your own post about it, and use this HTML embed code to get the image below, it will enable them to click on it and direct them to the site:</i> </span><iframe src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/161260/widget/666784" width="224px" height="429px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i>The last thing you can do to help us get featured is just by going to the site and clicking through it...that's it!</i></span></li>
</span></ol>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="429px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/161260/widget/666784" width="224px"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>All My Best,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah : )</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>PS: I <b>know </b>my pitch video is a little choppy; I did my best, and I have Lyme Disease - get over it! I do enjoy a good laugh though, and am happy to be the fool for a good cause, soooo if you want to see something REALLY funny, go to my "blooper reel" in the Gallery Section on the website : )</i></span></div>
</div>
Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-69176946946004202732012-06-24T16:00:00.000-04:002012-06-24T16:00:04.799-04:00It's simply "Awe"some...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFW6xKbYrCpXiM4roV-8qDM5OTlkQOND9GB5MSNmmiJPdJQCER6h79UcYQXm4RTZ_01N-CPFRLOwIydw8X9QU3Vr6bcQLKu0fSgHeUkcK6-nkPh-FBmcVb9fdHea_aw43xDdvdUGt77I/s1600/In+Awe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFW6xKbYrCpXiM4roV-8qDM5OTlkQOND9GB5MSNmmiJPdJQCER6h79UcYQXm4RTZ_01N-CPFRLOwIydw8X9QU3Vr6bcQLKu0fSgHeUkcK6-nkPh-FBmcVb9fdHea_aw43xDdvdUGt77I/s400/In+Awe2.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;">Photograph by Sarah Lamando</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In my life, I've been told a time or two that I'm "good" with words, that I have an innate ability to express how I feel in a way that is totally relatable to others.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In most regards, particularly pertaining to life experiences I've had, I would say that I agree with that statement. In fact, I believe that there is only one experience that I often find myself unable to describe coherently. But...in this post, I will do my very best, and hope that in some way it can be understood by anyone.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>There is another aspect that has developed from my experience of being a "Lyme Patient" for so many years that I hadn't realized existed until recently - you may call an emotional side-effect if you'd like : )</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Those of you who have read "My Story" and have noticed that I haven't been able to move past the year 2007, might understand that the "fight" I've gone through since that time has, in a way, hardened me, which, I believe, is something that is completely incomprehensible and shockingly debilitating to my normally overly trusting, idealist, and warm-hearted, piscean nature.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>I don't want to believe or ever remember the experiences I've had just fighting these past five years. Fighting for my health, fighting for treatment, fighting to be heard and believed, and watching my heart slowly start to harden when I wasn't... hardening more when I lost friends, when desperate acts to help raise funds for treatment were ignored, when I watched my family be torn apart from lack of understanding. All of these experiences are literally "unbelievable" to me. So much so, that I almost don't want to tell the world that such things exist. I'm even ashamed that they do.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>So...after having SO many years of these types of experiences, can you possibly understand how entirely "Awe"some it is to watch something unfold in such a beautiful way...in a way that my old self would not only believe, but expect.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>The "something" that I am referring to, is the response I've gotten from <b>so</b> many amazing people who are willing to help out with the upcoming campaign fundraiser for Inanna House. I simply am astonished...lol, almost mystified by this, and adamantly need to thank all of the people who are planning on contributing.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Thus far, here's what we got going for us:</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">A $1,000 Gift Certificate to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/">Crate and Barrel</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">, graciously donated by the Turf family.</span></i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">A Gift Certificate for a free month of Bikram Yoga from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://www.BikramYorktown.com/">Bikram Yorktown</a>.</span></i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>A handmade artisan jewelry piece from Cheryl at <a href="http://www.lavendercottageoriginals.com/">Lavender Cottage Originals</a></i></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>A Handmade artisan jewelry piece from <a href="http://www.etcmodernvintage.com/">Etc..Modern Vintage Jewelry</a> donated by <a href="http://www.lizteich.com/">Liz Teich</a>. (Follow her awesome fashion blog called <a href="http://dearandi.wordpress.com/">"Dear Andi"</a>!)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Signed copies of books from celebrated authors <a href="http://www.marawilliams.net/">Mara Williams</a> and <a href="http://www.katinamakris.com/">Katina Makris</a>.</i></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Photographic Prints donated by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DreamKatchesPhotography">Jeremiah Katches</a>, an amazing artist and fellow Lyme sufferer.</i></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Handmade Spa Products including Dead Sea Salt Scrubs and 100% pure Dead Sea Mud.</i></span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>I'm still waiting on a few more inquiries, but know more will come through. To everyone who has given me the opportunity to experience this nearly forgotten sense of grace...Thank You, I am completely:</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy41XWlTh7V7dgnadEcaWBASbp2R_-u3xr4FidWx94V8qqBz0eY3PRpuP0aQHptSn6ohlvSyIR41OTyP4mc7qW6x32OgSgON0BQgF_oGY-oTMArKAn1p6sCefwT6F9G3EI8WoY3kB4rz8/s1600/Tongue-Tied-in-Awe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy41XWlTh7V7dgnadEcaWBASbp2R_-u3xr4FidWx94V8qqBz0eY3PRpuP0aQHptSn6ohlvSyIR41OTyP4mc7qW6x32OgSgON0BQgF_oGY-oTMArKAn1p6sCefwT6F9G3EI8WoY3kB4rz8/s640/Tongue-Tied-in-Awe.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>The campaign will be launched on Indiegogo.com on July 15th, so there's still time to join in on all the great energy and these sincerely moving acts of patronage.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Lastly, I'm so proud to be a part in the creation of Inanna House, and in the last few weeks have been put in charge of sending out their monthly newsletter (Yay!). </i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Please check out our upcoming event to see how you can get involved: <a href="http://www.inannahouse.org/events.html">http://www.inannahouse.org/events.html</a> or contact me at SarahLamando@InannaHouse.Org.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>All My Best,</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i>Sarah</i></span></span></div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-90091097045344232092012-06-15T12:38:00.004-04:002012-06-15T12:38:49.145-04:00Crossing the Celebrity "Red Tape" Divide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7DmNAFQpL95fxQBmxua1w6s3dmiAijzvqJovGwG4JL-ErDSpRXnHAsGgKNzWT9WScFfesGxmyp4Z3xAV1LB_gFdZL5KwUnETAlWVLVMFd4vpuISKsIES34s52YpVV6Yv4c9sYBRvL9o/s1600/Red+Tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7DmNAFQpL95fxQBmxua1w6s3dmiAijzvqJovGwG4JL-ErDSpRXnHAsGgKNzWT9WScFfesGxmyp4Z3xAV1LB_gFdZL5KwUnETAlWVLVMFd4vpuISKsIES34s52YpVV6Yv4c9sYBRvL9o/s320/Red+Tape.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Those of you who've read my previous post, <a href="http://www.asliceoflyme.blogspot.com/2012/05/taking-initiative-for-inanna-house.html">"Taking the Initiative For Inanna House,"</a> would know that for the past few months I've literally exhausted myself in an attempt to raise funds for this amazing healing facility.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I feel so fortunate and proud that I was at least able to raise close to $1,000 for them, however, from this I've learned one very important lesson, and have also found myself asking one very important question.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I've always had this annoyingly stubborn notion that if you want to get something done, you have to do it yourself, but circumstances being as they are, health-wise at least, I'd liken the experience to being similar to that of a Cancer patient trying to fundraise for the American Cancer Society while undergoing Chemo. Kinda silly, no?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>There is a very prudent and heartfelt reason for this kind of idiocy however, and it is this: Unlike The American Cancer Society, Chronic Lyme Disease Patients really don't have an Organization or Society to help them while they are sick, and they especially don't have these types of programs to raise money for those who can't afford treatment. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This realization got me thinking (oh boy : ) about a simple question.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Would knowing the right people, those of influence in particular, help raise the kind of money needed to make Inanna House a reality?</b></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This question has led me, Mara Williams, Celebrated Author of "Nature's Dirty Needle," and Katrina Makris, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Late Stage Lyme Disease Survivor and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>bestselling Author of "Out of the Woods" form an idea for a different kind of fundraiser...</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxLwKyuXjvRi0dL_4hQuC4mxn-k35XgTeTJbKf9s_y0RpgPQ8kILmOXYDg8Tpjvo2vMAM7wCYx-I5f0tyFdycIMc7iwCQvoYmmc6vtmXRouREGJ-fFXJaDU-_flxyHeAaQ10PmQwMrvk/s1600/indiegogo_logo_white_med_res.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxLwKyuXjvRi0dL_4hQuC4mxn-k35XgTeTJbKf9s_y0RpgPQ8kILmOXYDg8Tpjvo2vMAM7wCYx-I5f0tyFdycIMc7iwCQvoYmmc6vtmXRouREGJ-fFXJaDU-_flxyHeAaQ10PmQwMrvk/s400/indiegogo_logo_white_med_res.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://indiegogo.com/">Indie Gogo</a> is an amazingly successful on-line fundraising platform for various causes, and might just be exactly what is needed to get us to our $175,000 start-up goal. However, it is my understanding that the success of an endeavor like this is solely reliant on the "Perks" it gives to donators. <b>And this is the area I need help in...</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgledf5zt9g5BJvmo_f3_n5UhL3fxwYsov1Ruu-2sJ3q4HOljQS6cpLEVLI-EHy49YCZYjJbDUOfj5W5Q9je_12RGg__EoxXfiIf0eR57zoNAsdKo76DP9YaTiwWCBias-vU37PRzpk5OQ/s1600/Perks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgledf5zt9g5BJvmo_f3_n5UhL3fxwYsov1Ruu-2sJ3q4HOljQS6cpLEVLI-EHy49YCZYjJbDUOfj5W5Q9je_12RGg__EoxXfiIf0eR57zoNAsdKo76DP9YaTiwWCBias-vU37PRzpk5OQ/s200/Perks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b><i>If there is anyone out there who has a contact, whether it be a famous celebrity, artist, musician, actor, sports player etc. who would be willing to participate in this fundraiser by either signing autographs or memorabilia, donating signed by artist music cd's, or even donating products or a service as a "Perk" for a high paying contributor, please let me know - I would be SO grateful!!</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><b><i>I can be reached at: </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lamandos22@gmail.com</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Also, if anyone has any other ideas as a "Perk" for this campaign, I am definitely ALL ears : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Thanks again,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>PS: We can't begin the campaign until all "Perks" are noted and accounted for, so please let us know before July 1st.</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-81803081049706952542012-05-31T19:28:00.000-04:002012-05-31T19:28:30.291-04:00Taking The Initiative for Inanna House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgr7WWaEo2gX9QgD5CZ53nlFD6LoRXVUAzxrkStfrNkUpfqSfdBpDpGyYMFWQqeFsAxlYay__wJru8PLKueivcufaVg28TNAllqZjRkpw-7SSQ6HXGRlXqay8LPlcnmsyaMBXDGoSAE0/s1600/We+Can+do+it!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgr7WWaEo2gX9QgD5CZ53nlFD6LoRXVUAzxrkStfrNkUpfqSfdBpDpGyYMFWQqeFsAxlYay__wJru8PLKueivcufaVg28TNAllqZjRkpw-7SSQ6HXGRlXqay8LPlcnmsyaMBXDGoSAE0/s400/We+Can+do+it!.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> <u>INITIATIVE</u>: </i></b></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Success comes to the person who does Today what you were thinking about doing Tomorrow.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I remember looking at people who fundraised for various causes, and found myself curiously wondering at their passion, their dedication and, of course, their perseverance. I would look at them and think,"Jeez! What on EARTH lit a fire under that guy's ass!" Lol - you know what I mean...What created that motivation? What happened to them?</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Well, one random early April day, I finally got a taste of this elusive fire; it literally exploded within me as I learned that my step-father and mother were, after thirteen years, ending their marriage, and...that this action was partly due to his inability to understand or even accept how Lyme Disease has affected me and my life. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>In fact, he became so adamant and abrasive towards me about the fact that my illness was, "ruining their marriage" that I actually had to leave the house and was graciously taken in by my Uncle and Aunt.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>At the time, I was already planning my first Inanna House Fundraiser, but the events mentioned above made me take it to a whole new level. I simply could not process all the emotions I was having regarding the situation, and my role in it, that I found myself obsessively trying to distract myself by creating bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, Dead Sea Salt Scrubs and Mud to supplement the donation classes that had originally been intended as the main fundraising tool at the Yoga Studio we were having the fundraiser at.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The only thing I was capable of focusing on was the idea of Inanna House, and how it simply needed to exist so that something like an illness tearing a family apart due to ignorance and a lack of resources, such as a place that offered in-patient longterm care for people like me, would never happen to another family again.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Looking back on the last two months, however, I can't help but notice that good things CAN come from seemingly catastrophic events. I don't know how long I will be staying with my Aunt and Uncle, but my time spent here has literally been an oasis of peace...so different from the tension that I suppose I always knew was there when I was living with my step-father and his children. I think I'd have to invent a new word for them, because "gratitude" simply can't contain or even explain the bursts of emotion I feel every time I realize where I am...all I can say is that I haven't slept this well in years!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Although I hate that it happened the way it did, I can also honestly say that I haven't seen my mother this excited about her future in years...she has already sold the house and is steadfast in her decision to move out to Ojai, California with my sister and eventually, me. In my heart I know she has always dreamed of moving to the west coast. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>As for the fundraiser itself, I honestly didn't make as much money as I had hoped for them, but I still have tons of handmade items left that will eventually be sold at other upcoming venues. So, when all was said and done, we made a whooping $655.00, and in my mind...that's a pretty good start : )</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Here is a slide show of the event and some of the products we made for the fundraiser:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/azco-u0cSAc" width="640"></iframe><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It would have been impossible to pull something like this off by myself, so I kindly like to take a moment to thank the people who made this event possible:
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpKkpNqaTGWbtBcriagESvj-HLeRQrZwRl-FOKVB5_Dxoiq-LBsufWz_TEy-LAnsGsgFfwkbI_UB67uNDpkW5SsUxshKef9LNu-KTk_j7mmPTOsSkr_LlixFLAab42EWZnQysToBAzj4/s1600/Inanna+House+Fundraiser13+Katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpKkpNqaTGWbtBcriagESvj-HLeRQrZwRl-FOKVB5_Dxoiq-LBsufWz_TEy-LAnsGsgFfwkbI_UB67uNDpkW5SsUxshKef9LNu-KTk_j7mmPTOsSkr_LlixFLAab42EWZnQysToBAzj4/s1600/Inanna+House+Fundraiser13+Katie.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Kaitlyn Orchanian </b>is an amazing instructor and marketing director at the <a href="http://www.bikramyorktown.com/">Bikram Yorktown</a> yoga studio, and is the person I initially contacted to see if "Inanna House" could be part of the studio's <a href="http://yorktown.patch.com/articles/getting-sweaty-for-a-cause?logout=true#photo-9191178">Community Karma</a> weekly donation classes designated for non-profit organizations. It is because of her that this event was even remotely possible.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8YFhCaYG8joT-PBVFcH4uDaJuXRLwIYZvcVbZyHnQVX4LjLAtghjGEMrKrfWPKyrlCpQ5sUM7m2uvt-Xf7Eu114aIqQJ1wzVt4dAL7B2piQX38Yf_FL16ybmdG5JRFkAi0FdYcoIPuY/s1600/Inanna+House+Fundraiser+11+Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8YFhCaYG8joT-PBVFcH4uDaJuXRLwIYZvcVbZyHnQVX4LjLAtghjGEMrKrfWPKyrlCpQ5sUM7m2uvt-Xf7Eu114aIqQJ1wzVt4dAL7B2piQX38Yf_FL16ybmdG5JRFkAi0FdYcoIPuY/s320/Inanna+House+Fundraiser+11+Jane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Jane Kartsch </b>is the owner of both the Bikram Yorktown Studio and the <a href="http://www.bikramyogabronx.com/">Bikram Bronx</a> Studio. I hadn't realized that both studios were participating in the donation classes for Inanna House, and was overjoyed to learn that $350 was donated from these classes alone. Thank You Jane! xo</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKI7q9BQ8BGFJbt0YsfZNPc11-TaBrfNf0M1enBDurf5wPkPgjifVV4S2icybx8ll9qNjV71z7QNwArC0Y76LZAuU4frANZf6MeXx8LS2-feEWXar7NLWaI3GOq1cdeGj0hMn3WjAzeQM/s1600/Aunt+Tracy+and+Uncle+Tony2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKI7q9BQ8BGFJbt0YsfZNPc11-TaBrfNf0M1enBDurf5wPkPgjifVV4S2icybx8ll9qNjV71z7QNwArC0Y76LZAuU4frANZf6MeXx8LS2-feEWXar7NLWaI3GOq1cdeGj0hMn3WjAzeQM/s1600/Aunt+Tracy+and+Uncle+Tony2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>There isn't enough I could possibly say to <b>Tracy and Tony Mosca </b>(my Aunt and Uncle) for all they have done for me these past months...I wouldn't even know where to begin! </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>They have not only given me a safe, peaceful space to heal, but have also supported my fundraising efforts, and amazingly donated tons of supplies for creating jewelry that has been left over from their own six-year, $61,000 worth of fundraising efforts in Yorktown, NY's <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=37014&team_id=1028446">Relay For Life</a> for the American Cancer Society. This year, on <b>June 8</b>,<b> </b>I'm honored to be joining in on their team and plan on donating 50% of all items sold to Relay, and the rest will go to Inanna House...now, that's what I call a win/win situation : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaycP9s2aQbJorjqG90yYva0RqXaKWpqatoeohP2snP0-7ubcc4DNEWStyS5c9u2Cu2SelaHccs1u_LOdDqRb7fw6HCpRJ5YX41q_zpg9hj1lDtRFaTBXpudY-HauXyLub53a8K4hza8c/s1600/Lauren+Innana+Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaycP9s2aQbJorjqG90yYva0RqXaKWpqatoeohP2snP0-7ubcc4DNEWStyS5c9u2Cu2SelaHccs1u_LOdDqRb7fw6HCpRJ5YX41q_zpg9hj1lDtRFaTBXpudY-HauXyLub53a8K4hza8c/s400/Lauren+Innana+Post.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lauren Bova</b> and I have known each other since Grade School. In fact, we were inseparable our Senior Year, and even then I was truly astonished of her unique, artistically funky and creative ways. Her re-entrance into my life has truly been a gift, and I would say that she has been a great muse and teacher to me in my own creative efforts. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Her talents to create fashion mixed with a deep passion for everything "Green", and an ability to take something old and transform it into something unbelievable and new is entirely uncanny. At the moment, her products such as handmade jewelry, rugs, scarfs, hats, crocheted purses, satchels, and pocketbooks are exclusively sold at <a href="http://www.salonellehair.com/">Salon Elle</a> in Armonk, NY, but she plans on supplementing this with an upcoming Etsy Shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bovella#">Bovella</a>. Look for it in the future and be amazed...here's a taste of what you'll find: </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfJYnKJODYGLmYrbPy7jVh_cdVzj3uGEW5zREEImdxjOHbttUYp1tMYfqOpmBhgHHGn7kdxx8tMZ13ums7AO4Me3pB6jn7KyhRLgFB4PrOiIHaIn-YElZuBDbcJcJr0Jt4O_Gn0En3bE/s1600/Bovella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfJYnKJODYGLmYrbPy7jVh_cdVzj3uGEW5zREEImdxjOHbttUYp1tMYfqOpmBhgHHGn7kdxx8tMZ13ums7AO4Me3pB6jn7KyhRLgFB4PrOiIHaIn-YElZuBDbcJcJr0Jt4O_Gn0En3bE/s640/Bovella.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SCf8PPN_B1FunrmoJtVHgIrLv54eQMkk_UgROCk3oNI_RUpgUVyLQBikTEXJ9MSuzFmVpzQ3WzxsDn4hVdYxA6W6ela-mJMacmA5tLWSOlSYr2Fdga5FunxqzMERxUcavRwhYrFb-lQ/s1600/Salon+Elle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SCf8PPN_B1FunrmoJtVHgIrLv54eQMkk_UgROCk3oNI_RUpgUVyLQBikTEXJ9MSuzFmVpzQ3WzxsDn4hVdYxA6W6ela-mJMacmA5tLWSOlSYr2Fdga5FunxqzMERxUcavRwhYrFb-lQ/s320/Salon+Elle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I'd also like to thank <b>Lydia Cassia, </b>owner of <a href="http://www.salonellehair.com/">Salon Elle</a> Hair Artistry for lending me ALL the supplies, gift boxes, and wraps, needed to present the products sold at the fundraiser. I literally think she saved me a small fortune by doing so! Thank You Lydia!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiCuGxneiK2w_nQ5N2H32DpORpi77UCw6u0kmaXXf8694g8TbsXhTFz_m-ke2JiNGdY51yl0dvygLk7Y72E0OlGSZ-YyUnUAcP3UV4BiNfRMFicVgjb9oFdqc_EfI9ZitnR-ldA9bPto/s1600/Mother's+Day+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiCuGxneiK2w_nQ5N2H32DpORpi77UCw6u0kmaXXf8694g8TbsXhTFz_m-ke2JiNGdY51yl0dvygLk7Y72E0OlGSZ-YyUnUAcP3UV4BiNfRMFicVgjb9oFdqc_EfI9ZitnR-ldA9bPto/s320/Mother's+Day+Pic.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>When I told my Mother that my "Dead Sea Salt Scrubs" HAD to be organic, I don't think she envisioned spending hours of her time grating two bags of limes so that I could add real lime peel to the concoction, but she did it! She also managed to help set up the event, which meant putting up with my wretchedly incessant OCD remarks about how EXACTLY things should be placed and where. And, she did all of this during one of the most trying times of her life with as much grace as I have ever seen. So, of course, my final BIG thanks goes out to my Mother. I love you! xoxo </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Much Love and Many Blessings,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span></div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-11024646780091960542012-03-31T12:24:00.001-04:002012-03-31T12:24:15.711-04:00Crafting The Day Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXaHRJYIgY1eJvHNscLzdZ1lGASJfXHFv8V6-YGlbRMMC-tATvKW_VnY0hPUsLmXRRYmLFx7iUis_xy4Hpj34NQJwSXN1iUgO5WvBpwb9cDJC1ldKmWVVYm0zDjeq22pZbS-laveRwdI/s1600/Crafting+the+day+away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXaHRJYIgY1eJvHNscLzdZ1lGASJfXHFv8V6-YGlbRMMC-tATvKW_VnY0hPUsLmXRRYmLFx7iUis_xy4Hpj34NQJwSXN1iUgO5WvBpwb9cDJC1ldKmWVVYm0zDjeq22pZbS-laveRwdI/s400/Crafting+the+day+away.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Many of you may have noticed that my posts have been scarce this past month. (So sorry bout that...) What I've come to realize though is that energy is a Lymie's most precious commodity, and when you don't have a lot of it, multi-tasking is simply impossible. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Happily, I can say that I'm not pulling a "disappearing act" this time, but am slowly forging my way towards May, filling my days with crafting projects. Why? Because the month of May is "Lyme Disease Awareness Month" and I've become determined to raise as much money as possible for <a href="http://www.inannahouse.org/">Inanna House</a> . Lol - I've written about this amazing healing center manifesting its way into reality for months now so I doubt any of you have no idea what I am referring to, but if you don't, please click on the "Inanna House" link above to read more about it. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I would sincerely like to thank Katie, Jane and <a href="http://www.bikramyorktown.com/">Bikram Yoga Yorktown</a> for designating this May's monthly donation classes for the benefit of Inanna House, and for allowing me to set up a table where all the goods - like the decorative votive candles pictured above can be sold to benefit the House as well. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It does take a LOT of time and energy to create these items, so I'm planning ahead and starting early! (super smart idea : ) </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The best part is that it hasn't cost me a cent! These are things I just happen to have stored around the house or are things that friends and family have donated for the cause. Pretty cool, huh?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Even though it may take me longer than the average person to pull this together, it is SO good to know that I CAN do something to help - Inanna House is a place that I've, at times, literally cried myself to sleep wishing such a space existed for me to go to and heal. How could I not help create it??</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>So...if you were wondering why I fell off the radar, well...now you know : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Many Blessings,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-37496847036006077892012-03-08T22:02:00.000-05:002012-03-09T00:04:17.590-05:00Creating a Sacred Healing Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqjYj0_F5d6LNj4BPaYKYlIpRbWVB9OA67F-LQ1SGszqlOCbJRyaJrS6ASs7T7lrEPW-plLjkx6ZOkVixP8un0jn9dd0CjGQwK685ML-4zLHhOEgnK2S-vBexqv2mk70iG2XgiEDNLXE/s1600/eco-chic-bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqjYj0_F5d6LNj4BPaYKYlIpRbWVB9OA67F-LQ1SGszqlOCbJRyaJrS6ASs7T7lrEPW-plLjkx6ZOkVixP8un0jn9dd0CjGQwK685ML-4zLHhOEgnK2S-vBexqv2mk70iG2XgiEDNLXE/s400/eco-chic-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Most lyme patients spend a LOT of time in bed. Because of this, I would say that one of the most important things you could possibly do is make your bedroom as much of a "healing space" as humanly possible. There are several simple adjustments you can do to make it so - here are a few </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">suggestions.</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li>Stagnant energy is the very last thing that is wanted for any kind of "healing" to take place. Remove all clutter, throw away anything not needed...the idea is to create more space, not stuff it with "things".</li>
<li>Doorways are very important in relation to how you are facing them while you sleep. Make sure to align your bed so that you can both see, but not be in a direct line with your main bedroom doorway. Don't be afraid to "cut a corner" if you need to in order to have your bed facing the doorway at a diagonal. You can always hang plants, or buy an easel to place an inspirational painting or picture in that corner behind your bed if you decide to go this way.</li>
<li>Never place your bed directly under a window! This has a tendency to drain energy, which is the exact opposite of what you want.</li>
<li>As far as bed frames and blankets go. Never go "vertical". If you have a headboard or footboard on your frame with vertical rods in the design - get rid of it! The same goes for vertical patterns on comforters and blankets. Always go with horizontal or non-linear patterns otherwise.</li>
<li>Forget about beds that are 10 feet off the ground (lol). You are healing, you need to be grounded, soooo - get closer to it!</li>
<li>Colors for your bedroom are usually an individual preference. However, earth-toned colors, in my opinion, are the most healing and grounding. </li>
</span></ul>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMWD8uaHH7wmyWAAoLMY6OsCM9MPBhL_a5tVK7DZxihBv_qFb8Xcu5MY8P1MlKdnmW8FMHRc61FmIZTLV0ZnFUWdfhpopA0ehvv8sTPJ6OQTlEJ51UlcoWiDYNUkm9IobL6rP8t2VMQE/s1600/Nikken+Magnetic+Therapy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMWD8uaHH7wmyWAAoLMY6OsCM9MPBhL_a5tVK7DZxihBv_qFb8Xcu5MY8P1MlKdnmW8FMHRc61FmIZTLV0ZnFUWdfhpopA0ehvv8sTPJ6OQTlEJ51UlcoWiDYNUkm9IobL6rP8t2VMQE/s200/Nikken+Magnetic+Therapy.png" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li>For those of you who have severe sensory overload issues or EMF sensitivities, one of the MOST valuable tool I've ever come across to help relieve this are <b>Nikken Magnetic Products</b>. I myself own a magnetic mattress pad, comforter, pillow and shoe insoles. Due to the cost, it has taken me quite awhile to accrue these items, but I NEVER go anywhere without them! If I do - I immediately notice the difference. If you have any doubts about the therapeutic nature of Nikken Magnetic Technology, try buying a pair of shoe insoles first. If you don't immediately feel a comforting energetic barrier start to surround you, forget the rest : ) You can purchase these products at <a href="http://www.Nikken.com/">www.Nikken.com</a> </li>
</span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Moving past the bed itself... Buy Salt Tealight Candles or Lamps and light them often. Salt candles releases positive ions, cleanses the aura, the energy of a room, and provides a comforting luminescence while you sleep. (Click on image to purchase.)</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00189A5KW/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=aslofly-20&linkCode=am2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00189A5KW"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00189A5KW&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=aslofly-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=aslofly-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00189A5KW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<li>Sage often with smudge sticks. This ancient Native American Art is palpable - you can literally feel the negative and/or stagnant energy from a room leaving when you do this. (Click on image to purchase.)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000XQ8OR2/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=aslofly-20&linkCode=am2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000XQ8OR2"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000XQ8OR2&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=aslofly-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=aslofly-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000XQ8OR2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
</li>
</span></ul>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li>Remove as many EMF-producing producing products from your bedroom as possible. TV's, computer's, cellphones etc. If you can't remove them, at least unplug them while you are sleeping. EMF's produce negative ions, are shown to weaken the immune system and even cause depression...(hence - the salt candles : )</li>
<li>Create a "Vision Board" and hang it on a wall in your bedroom. A vision board should consist of images and words using any kind of medium that you can creatively think of to literally show you what you WANT in your life. If you're sick, obviously images of health and healing, energy, vibrance, freedom etc are thoughts that all should come to mind. Cut out pics in a magazine, or paint them on a canvas...or - do both!! Make it evoke an emotion that gives you the will to strive forward, even on your worst days. Look upon your vision board every day and know that this IS your future...</li>
</span></ul>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nEZ68u4XUqDhjIgVrsSBxMPDm9QB_YSaASZaQmPEauY1XYlrZYAZ-7wNL9nHYUgG7jNuvQg4AoH615uyk7-JlCCtdQ5F1zIkirXsZbwtSHdQsLWmFndy8hg9dFAgvafyqaZSPWCnXfg/s1600/Vision+Board+Example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nEZ68u4XUqDhjIgVrsSBxMPDm9QB_YSaASZaQmPEauY1XYlrZYAZ-7wNL9nHYUgG7jNuvQg4AoH615uyk7-JlCCtdQ5F1zIkirXsZbwtSHdQsLWmFndy8hg9dFAgvafyqaZSPWCnXfg/s400/Vision+Board+Example.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><b>This is just an example...Be Creative!<br />
</b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Assign an area in your bedroom (different from your actual bed) where you can either make an altar or simply place a chair; a place where you can go to everyday and practice a healing art. Whether it be prayer, reiki, meditation, chanting, sitting with mudras or just listening to healing music, create a space that is ONLY reserved for when you are practicing this healing art. Let nobody else into this area. This is your space to heal. You'll notice with time that it will actually start to have a certain energy to it, a healing energy filled with the sum of every accumulated healing effort you have put into it. Eventually, just sitting in this space will be a healing experience.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Does anyone ever think about what they do when they first wake up in the morning? Lol - I know from experience that to most Lyme patients, this is the absolutely worst part of the day. (<i>Aghhhh- I can't believe I have to get through another day of this!!! </i>- type feeling, right?) Here's something that may help...Pick out a tiny prayer, saying, affirmation or mantra that suits you and immediately repeat it three times when you first wake up. Then, have a glass of purified water, a "green" vitamin powder, and a spoon within reach. The very first thing you should put into your body after your prayer is something nutrient dense, and a green drink fits the bill. After YEARS of trying nearly every kind of multivitamin supplement known to man, I can honestly say that absolutely nothing compares to <b>Vitamineral Greens</b> by Health Force. If you are interested in purchasing this amazing product click on the image below.</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001H0T4TA/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=aslofly-20&linkCode=am2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001H0T4TA"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001H0T4TA&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=aslofly-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=aslofly-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001H0T4TA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Lastly, I know that you may need help in creating your healing space - don't be afraid to ask someone to help you set it up! </i></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<b style="color: #4c1130;">Note:</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> A lot of the suggestions made here follow Feng Shui principles. If you would like to know more about this ancient art, I highly recommend reading the following book: (Click on image to purchase.)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0609806610/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=aslofly-20&linkCode=am2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0609806610" style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0609806610&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=aslofly-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important; color: #20124d;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=aslofly-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0609806610" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">I sincerely hope you find at least some of these suggestions helpful and wish you all the best, with days filled with an abundance of love and healing.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Sarah : )</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">PS. I know that for a lot of us, leaving the house is often a challenge in itself, so if you are interested in purchasing the salt candles or lamps, tealights, Feng Shui book, sage, and vitamineral greens that are mentioned in this post all at once, I have added them to my "Amazon Store" (link on top corner of page) for your convenience. All of the products except for the vitamineral greens are in the "Sacred Spaces" section. The greens are under "Nutrients". Nothing like having healing stuff delivered right to your door : )</span></i></div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-50481089720813654252012-02-16T12:09:00.000-05:002012-02-16T12:09:12.426-05:00A Craniosacral Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a_WR4w6p_SZfwnoLWqruHCrvYujsG7pPF_uIS87PzCS5v2abX9WyhFrUsR0laFuxl2r0-8SG6ZDdyYQIPA1sVRUxL1gKxVwzfD2Z4_2M1V7zkOw-qvQGd9k6rxygnln0fs5F8SLnyg0/s1600/canyon_beauty.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a_WR4w6p_SZfwnoLWqruHCrvYujsG7pPF_uIS87PzCS5v2abX9WyhFrUsR0laFuxl2r0-8SG6ZDdyYQIPA1sVRUxL1gKxVwzfD2Z4_2M1V7zkOw-qvQGd9k6rxygnln0fs5F8SLnyg0/s400/canyon_beauty.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I remember the first time I stumbled upon Craniosacral Therapy very clearly. It was in the Fall of 2003 and after receiving my then routine Reiki session, I was just about to leave Stonewater Sanctuary when I saw a woman talking to a group of people in an adjacent room. Curiously, I went to see what all the fuss was about, and immediately became interested in this captivating story about a Doctor who had discovered something remarkable about the Central Nervous System, something that at that time had been barely studied or even touched by Western Medicine.</i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Against all common knowledge, this woman ascertained that not only were the sutures of the cranial bones NOT fused, but that they even (gasp!) moved minutely in a rhythmic fashion to accommodate the fluid pressure created by the production of cerebrospinal fluid in the 3rd and 4th ventricles of the brain. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>As this fluid was produced, she relayed, there was a slight expansion in the cranial bones, one that could actually be palpated as the cerebrospinal fluid was being produced, and when this fluid was being reabsorbed, there was even a slight contraction that could be palpated as well. Together, this rhythmic expansion and contraction of the cranium had a cycle of anywhere between 6-12 times per minute. (The variation is in itself an indication of how strong or weak the person's central nervous system is.) This cycle is commonly known as one's "Craniosacral Rhythm".</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Wow! That was a LOT to absorb, and honestly very hard reconfigure in my already, "the skull is fused, the skull is fused" filled mind. I almost didn't buy it. In fact, the only reason that made me think otherwise was when out of the entire group, she picked me to do a demonstration on...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I hadn't told her anything about me. She didn't know I was still recovering from my first bout of Lyme, and I was interested to see what she would say about my own rhythm. To my surprise, the first words out of her mouth as she placed her hands in the proper position underneath my head were, "Have you been very sick lately, Sarah?" (What!?!)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I knew no one at the Center could have told her because she was a guest speaker and did not work there or even know any of the other staff, so I simply asked her, "What makes you think that?"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>She laughed a little and said, "Well...probably because you barely have any kind of Craniosacral Rhythm...I must say this is something I haven't seen in quite a while for someone your age."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I immediately told her I was trying to recover from Late Stage Lyme Disease, and she seemed to understand everything after that, even saying that it was actually a common phenomenon seen in people like me.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I wondered if that was going to be the end of it, but again, she surprised me..."Let me see if I can help you out." She said.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I barely felt any kind of movement from her hands, but in seconds I was immediately overcome with a very strong acidic sensation that started to permeate throughout my head. "There." She said, "I just gave it a boost for you."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I didn't know how to respond, but I didn't like what was happening to me, so I thanked her, got off the table and practically ran out the door. I barely made it to my car when I lost it, tears of such intense emotion poured out like rain. I never thought it would stop. I kept thinking, I haven't cried like this in ages, what's going on with me?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>By the time I was pulled back into my driveway at home, a profound exhaustion came over me, and I silently crept into bed and immediately fell into a dreamless sleep. I woke up 12 hours later.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>What was the most interesting about this experience was that during this time, I often found myself participating in hobbies that I, as my old self, would never even think about doing. Puzzles, sew by number type projects and the like.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I had even started to make a quilt for my sister...one day, a couple of weeks after my craniosacral experience, I was working on this project when suddenly I stopped and, as if I was looking at the fabrics surrounding me for the first time, thought to myself, "Why would I ever want to do this...?" My personality was starting to come back, my old self, so to speak, and in my heart I knew it had a LOT to do with Craniosacral Therapy.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>PS. In future posts I'd like to talk about how this therapy works more clearly, but for now it's the story that led me to learn this therapy for myself that I wanted to relay.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Please note: Craniosacral Therapy is contraindicated in Acute Lyme Disease, so unless you have been treated in some form or the disease has become chronic, it would be unadvisable to try. If you would like to try this therapy, I recommend finding a practitioner who has had "Upledger" training. Go to <a href="http://upledger.com/">http://upledger.com</a> and click on the links that lead you to a therapist. I would also advise in finding a practitioner who has taken many courses in the field.</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-60668610277665326922012-02-04T23:05:00.003-05:002012-02-04T23:05:55.602-05:00Disappearing Acts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWFn6p9v08ZgyOy3ynIm-qhuRnnaNUKmIQ78NM76JHBBv4E47cDoZZoBvlcRJpuW5mzXstoriXMXG4SdPBrggTVOFRr-kdMNxt50OGnGa3uvDwLXwWMEEym2tgFOHzx1NkAMK0EdX3Pw/s1600/lose_control_by_eliseenchanted-d4bdn4w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWFn6p9v08ZgyOy3ynIm-qhuRnnaNUKmIQ78NM76JHBBv4E47cDoZZoBvlcRJpuW5mzXstoriXMXG4SdPBrggTVOFRr-kdMNxt50OGnGa3uvDwLXwWMEEym2tgFOHzx1NkAMK0EdX3Pw/s400/lose_control_by_eliseenchanted-d4bdn4w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>My friends and family would probably be the first to tell you that I have become quite skilled at pulling "Disappearing Acts".</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>To them, this may seem strange, but to me it is an essential survival tactic I use when I simply can't take it anymore. There are markers for these bouts, that I have recently become aware of. Oddly enough, it starts when I begin to get the feeling that if actually hear, read, or write the word "Lyme" one more time, I'm seriously going to lose it, but if I really think about it, it ALL boils down to elementary math. Like so:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>If "A" is equal to the amount of energy I spend creating the facade I use to hide behind basically everything that comes along with an illness like this, and "B" is equal to the energy I mentally, physically and emotionally have at any given time. Then whenever A < B, I disappear.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Disappearing can be very, very frustrating to people, but I would urge them to not take it personally when I barely say a word around the house, and stare aimlessly at the computer all day. Or when I don't return phone calls, e-mails, texts, and fall behind on this blog; when I basically can literally do nothing more than sleep around the clock.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I would also like to say that observations of me during this time can be quite deceiving. Those who live with me may have the misunderstanding that I simply become deeply depressed every month or so. However logical that may sound, it's almost laughable how far from the truth that actually is. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>During this time, I don't feel numb, disinterested or lethargic. On the contrary, I usually am in a world of physical pain that I can't expect you to understand and therefore, respectfully keep silent about it. I don't talk, not because I have nothing to say, but because I am usually sooo mentally disorientated, confused, and emotionally liable that I actually know that it would be in everyone's best interest if I kept my mouth shut : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The inspiration for this post has a lot to do with a remark a friend of mine made to me the other day. He said, "When I feel down, I want my friends around me." In truth, I actually understand this thinking, I've been through that kind of "down" before, but I wish to god people could understand that what I am referring to here is not a down, it's a complete "out for the count" type scenario. So please, even if you don't get it - just know we love you, will be taking a few weeks off, and would be sincerely overjoyed to see that you are there whenever it is we are able to reappear.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Thanks for listening : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-35889119902408518512012-01-14T16:25:00.001-05:002013-02-15T00:40:20.163-05:00One Very Strange Dream...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hTdlDzNJC8RChcymPOfTjXVZFtK0RTHr1Y1x4QQRtVfmXlAhH3v0lUGULrwKlf2TuR3vWrQ586DtfSoDYKrohpx9Z3Hgvix9Bd1xMhoR8DYfT7AqhfPmnw0pyCDWaqKDaYjlsu14MrU/s1600/day+dreaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hTdlDzNJC8RChcymPOfTjXVZFtK0RTHr1Y1x4QQRtVfmXlAhH3v0lUGULrwKlf2TuR3vWrQ586DtfSoDYKrohpx9Z3Hgvix9Bd1xMhoR8DYfT7AqhfPmnw0pyCDWaqKDaYjlsu14MrU/s400/day+dreaming.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>My closest friends would agree with me when I say that, in my life, I've often had profoundly insightful dreams, and in this post, I'd like to tell you about one of them. I didn't realize it at the time, and certainly didn't understand it then, but I do now, and my hope is that the message in it will resonate within your hearts...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I will tell you this: You will <b>not</b> like this dream at first (lol - you may even think I was having a nightmare!). That's okay, I didn't either, but please, wait for the end.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>If you have read some of my previous posts you would know that as a teenager, I was very preoccupied with the idea of mortality and relentlessly questioned the purpose of life itself. So, it would make sense that I happen to experience this very vivid and unforgettable dream during that time. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">For some reason, my most memorable dreams often include my sister and our best friend, and this one was no exception. The first thing I remembered was the smell of chlorine, and although there was no indoor swimming pool, the three of us were dressed in black one-piece bathing suits that were reminiscent of the 1940's. Besides that we each had white matching swimming caps on and nothing else. I could feel the rough tiled floor beneath our bare feet, had a sense of a lengthy window that lightened pale blue walls, and illuminated the swirls of steam surrounding us, and for the first time realized we were waiting in a very long line. </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">This particular line was strange - it had <b>rules</b>. It was simply understood that we were all unable to leave it and that we were also forbidden to change the order in which the three of us were standing. My sister was before me, my friend behind, and it seemed as if hundreds of other, men, women and children were both in front of and in the back of all of us.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">There was a buzzing chatter from were we stood. No one could see the front of the line, could understand what we were waiting for, and the taste of fear and apprehension about this fact burned like fire in our mouths. We all knew we were trapped.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">For what seemed an eternity we stood there, slowly moving forward every now and then, penetrating the fog, and desperately hoping to see what fate awaited us. </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">When I did finally see where we were headed, where the line actually ended that is, a wave of shock and horror permeated throughout my body as I watched in utter disbelief as two militant men, grabbed the arms of the first person in line, dragged them over to a pale blue wall, and forcefully spun them around to face an over-enthusiastic firing squad. The person was then asked to count down from ten, and the second they reached the number one, was shot dead and thrown into the pile of unfortunate souls who happen to be in line before them.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I could feel my body freeze with the stunning realization that I, along with the two people I loved most in the world, were about to...die. Oddly, panic or protest didn't entertain my mind in the least. In fact, although I could not say the same for my sister who was practically roaring in defiance by now, the only thoughts that raced through my mind were ones of curiousity. I wondered if it was going to hurt to die, how would it feel? What would happen to me afterwards? Where would I go? This is <b>really</b> IT...I kept thinking, why aren't I freaking out??</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>As we approached the front of the line, I became distraught that my sister was before me, my friend and I tried to calm her hysterics, but she seemed unreachable, and by the time her turn came and she was forced to start counting down, I remember listening as her voice trembled the numbers out loud. I saw her face fill with fear as she neared the end, and then contort into one of absolute rage as she somehow managed to flee her captures and make a run for it. The sounds of shots fired rang out, and I looked away in despair, knowing she hadn't made it.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I was next in line, and quickly turned to my friend before the soldiers came near, attempting a lame joke by saying, "Well, I hope to see you in a few." We both forced a sad smile for reassurance, and I closed my eyes as I was led to the wall, turned around and asked to start counting. I remember saying the first few numbers out loud with ease, but as I reached five, my pace slowed a bit as my mind began to race again, asking the same questions it had before. I just couldn't believe this was really IT...my voice started to shake but I continued to count down. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I heard the shots fire the moment I said, "One," but never felt the bullets. Instead I felt a sensation of swift descent as if I was on a roller coaster ride that had been hovering over the top of a huge drop, and finally released at such an incredible pace that my stomach leapt. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The drop seemed to last forever and the speed was lightening fast...suddenly I came to a quick and abrupt stop and finally opened my eyes. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Emotions of sheer joy, happiness and...confusion flooded through me as I found myself sitting cross-legged next to my sister and our friend in a bright white transparent-like room. (This dream was SO before "The Matrix" it's not even funny...) We all looked at each other with wonder. Where are we? What happened? It seemed the three of us had absolutely no idea where we were. "Did we die?" I thought to myself, and as if on queue a man appeared to walk through the transparent walls to sit next to us.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>He was unimaginably beautiful - it was his eyes really, I couldn't tear myself away from the warmth, light, and gentleness I saw in them. Seriously, it almost hurt to gaze upon him and that kind of light. He was wearing a reddish-brown cloth that reminded me of some kind of historical monk and his feet was wrapped with ancient sandals. Comforted by his presence I asked aloud this time, "Did we die?"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>He took a moment to answer, but when he did, I couldn't help but notice how his voice held an incredible soothing paternal melody to it. He answered ambiguously, saying that in "our" sense of the word, yes we did in fact die.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Well, I replied in awe, what do we <b>do</b> now?" He looked at me and smiled. "Do what I do." he said, and with a wave of his hand the white transparent room instantly transformed into the most beautiful tropical paradise I had ever seen.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Do what I do." He said..."<b>Create</b>..." </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I awoke the next morning with a feeling of complete peace, but I soon became confused. Why did he say create? I had never understood that part. You see this was before all the ideas of the "New Age" movement came with its' Law of Attraction, and movies like, "The Secret". Only after being introduced to these ideas did I finally understand the notion that our thoughts and emotions are truly an incredible creative force, and that the choices we make on a day to day basis about them have a remarkable impact in the creation of our own personal realities...in fact, one might say that they even become our lives. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>What I am learning from this is that although I cannot control that my illness wasn't "caught early," and because of that am unsure of what my own future entails, but I CAN control certain things that hopefully will have an amazing impact for my future reality.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3Vb3V_sNs1CYNWNmH2AxVXA7l7qCCQz2Yse3siv2bmBcq6OEu7zvMlEgzNRatwVRF0H1s5UYBp-xZjtjbcVsK1DR8LchR3hsn-K74draMwPBW0wnSM_JA4azLf4tba08GDRK9Ue0iTc/s1600/Do-What-You-Can-With-What-You-Have.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3Vb3V_sNs1CYNWNmH2AxVXA7l7qCCQz2Yse3siv2bmBcq6OEu7zvMlEgzNRatwVRF0H1s5UYBp-xZjtjbcVsK1DR8LchR3hsn-K74draMwPBW0wnSM_JA4azLf4tba08GDRK9Ue0iTc/s400/Do-What-You-Can-With-What-You-Have.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I can chose which foods I put into my body, I can forgive myself for not being a "perfect patient" all these years. I can choose to work with my body instead of against it. I can create boundaries for those who don't understand my condition and learn to say NO when they ask too much of me (and not feel guilty about it!) I can allow myself to receive love and healing and be okay about the fact that it may take years</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> to heal. I can put myself first (wow, that's a big one!)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The last thing I want for myself is to leave this world knowing that I could have made better choices to help myself recover. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It may take longer than usual to manifest, but I think, for me, this just might be the lesson of a lifetime. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Much Love and Many Blessings,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-66229589280771098882012-01-11T17:31:00.000-05:002012-01-14T03:25:03.964-05:00Shelter from the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG55NLRpqg3_9APdTFfuC3BUbwOaPTBRc70YcMEqsB7Zy-_tgDbsSmAOaocsowScIZ6i9ULagl989_liFYRWMtIX5SJtswT8U3MzYmQLLBfc0R9wgTkLu57jOY-iaqVBxwoLeDWQTHcs/s1600/girl-and-rain-dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG55NLRpqg3_9APdTFfuC3BUbwOaPTBRc70YcMEqsB7Zy-_tgDbsSmAOaocsowScIZ6i9ULagl989_liFYRWMtIX5SJtswT8U3MzYmQLLBfc0R9wgTkLu57jOY-iaqVBxwoLeDWQTHcs/s400/girl-and-rain-dark.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's 2am in the morning and I'm rolling in the New Year hunched over a porcelain white toilet waiting for waves of nausea to cease. Although this may sound like a typical scenario, it is anything but.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I wish I could say that I've drunken too much or even that I've come down with a stomach virus, but no, the nausea is from an entirely different malady, and is one that I happen to suffer from monthly.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> I call it "The Monthly Ten" - 10 days of hell to be exact, a period in which my symptoms become so severe that I basically become completely bedridden.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This night was a little different though, you see usually I can help myself out. Usually, I can sleep in the hyperbaric chamber which actually stops what I'm about to tell you from occurring at such severity.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It starts with a little bit of a headache - that's my queue, but I ignore it and it spreads. Within 15 minutes my skull feels as if it's about to implode from pressure, the joints in my spine feel as if the very presence of gravity itself is enough to make them crumble, the muscles in along my spine and head tighten to such a degree that I begin to walk at a very awkward and slow gait, and there is a sense of something very acidic - like battery acid pouring down my back and swirling throughout my head. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Noise begins to bother me, light truly hurts to look at, finally my neck stiffens to stone and I feel as though I'm suffocating, as though oxygen is no longer reaching my brain and I become confused, disorientated, desperate and...nauseous.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This, of course, leads me to the bathroom, but nothing comes up, and I'm stuck. Where can I go? The hospital is not an option for me; I've been down that road, and know from experience there's nothing they can do for me. So what do I do? I whisper for my mother who is luckily awake, and she accompanies me into the bathroom where I continue to writhe in pain, she tries to talk to me but what she's saying doesn't penetrate, and I'm not making any sense. All I know is that this needs to stop, I need to sleep. So, I do the only thing I can think of, look her straight in the eyes and with urgent desperation say to her, turning my cheek to the side, "Mom, pleeaaseee - Knock. Me. Out...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Why am I telling you this story? Because it made me realize that there absolutely needs to be a place for us Lymies to go, a refuge, a shelter from the storm so to speak. A place where we are understood and helped by those who have been there. A place beyond the controversy, beyond the doubts - where people REALLY understand that we are very, very sick, a place of healing.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxzieRscXU_N0DOT2FLa4mcGU6t4pp8Ee15nJnipLmOO0YfWbAjyGjR1zyJ6UQboETIlF_2gi50eQ3bK74uUpWtp-orm2se3_GpGqIgjwIuG3tBwHv2tFnWEAG08TJeraOt18TzZKb4Q/s1600/sfthe+storm%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxzieRscXU_N0DOT2FLa4mcGU6t4pp8Ee15nJnipLmOO0YfWbAjyGjR1zyJ6UQboETIlF_2gi50eQ3bK74uUpWtp-orm2se3_GpGqIgjwIuG3tBwHv2tFnWEAG08TJeraOt18TzZKb4Q/s320/sfthe+storm%253F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>I've mentioned Mara Williams in a previous post named "Something To Talk About" and her vision of creating the "Inanna House" that would provide exactly what I've mentioned above. She is actively attempting to make this happen, and I (lol) actively WANT this to happen...sooo what do we do? Besides purchasing her book, "Nature's Dirty Needle" to help raise funds, why not throw a small fundraiser in her honor? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>If there's anything you can think of to help her make Inanna House a reality, please contact Mara through her blog "Voyaging Lyme" (link on left hand side of page), or by e-mailing her at Naturesdirtyneedle@gmail.com</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you for your consideration and your support!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>All my best,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>PS - If anyone has donated any amount to this site via the pay pal button and I have NOT contacted them, please let me know...</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-47519053033439975942011-12-29T23:04:00.000-05:002012-01-04T13:24:30.314-05:00A Horse of a Different Color...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~ Mahatma Gandhi</span></i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>As a woman, and probably a Pisces, (sorry for you non-astrology believers...) I never quite "got" the whole idea of "Fighting Fire with Fire" - it just <b>doesn't</b> make any sense to me...when I hear people speak of this well known ideology, I often turn my head to the side, nod in COMPLETE confusion, trying desperately to understand this kind of nonsensical logic when all the while, the <b>only</b> thing running through <b>my head</b> is, "Huh, um...Rrriiight...you know...<b>Water </b>would probably be a MUCH better solution for that..." Hell, I mean - it HAS worked pretty darn well for our firefighters all these years - right?? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Unfortunately, what I have noticed is that the "Western World" tends to not "agree" so to speak with what they would most likely consider to be my "idealistic" (even romantic) notions mentioned above.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And THIS is why I tend to get <b>ecstatic</b> whenever I meet or see someone who has cleverly managed to put the principles I so adore into practice - and SUCCEED.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>You may or may not have heard of her, but I'd like to introduce you to a person I am VERY fond of, a person who has literally stepped outside the box and dared to take a look at molecular biology from a completely different perspective; a perspective that I believe will not only change the way the medical community understand bacteria, but one that will hopefully lead to the NEXT generation of antibiotics. Her name is <b>Dr. Bonnie Bassler</b>, and I believe her work to be the future in modern medicine.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To learn who she is, and what she has discovered take a look at this quick video:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<iframe 0"="" allowfullscreen="" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HxZ1KlmuEtM?t=1m36s frameborder=" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I <b>have </b>tried numerous times to put her famous "TED" video (found under the "inspirational videos" in this blog) up in hopes that it will, lol, start a FIRE amongst us CLD patients with all of the implications this discovery of "Quorum Sensing" <b>could</b> mean for our future, but it hasn't really seemed to catch. So - I decided to spell it out and write a post about her and WHY I think she's <b>so</b> amazing!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In order for me to do that, let's go back to my little analogy about fighting fire with fire. In my eyes, I believe this is how today's "broad-spectrum" antibiotics work. They do NOT distinguish "good" from "bad" bacteria and basically <b>kill</b> everything in their sight. This is NOT good, and actually NOT true. With the discovery of antibiotic resistance, mutations, pleomorphic changes in the bacteria to avoid being harmed, as well as the discovery of impenetrable bio-films, one would <b>think</b> that a "new" tactic is in desperate need. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>What Bonnie has essentially managed to do is this: in a world where the <b>only</b> answer to <b>anything</b> pathogenic is KILL! KILL! KILL! Here's a woman who is basically cocking her head to one side and saying, "Hey! Don't you know that the best way to win a war and <b>still</b> preserve the land is NOT to blow <b>everything</b> to shreds? Why don't you simply silence the enemy's lines of communication? Seriously, what could they possibly <b>do</b> then? Now, THAT is what I call fighting Fire with Water : ) </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you Dr. Bassler for your unbelievable work, and I'm sure that I'm not the only who thinks this when I say: </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpVlwwlZMOimTE8W3gLlxGOGcXvTDXsWIuUOePHyvIxW8YeiuxiIwrQ7TTwSWVNBghg7EwVMnvlgNaFlWTqKQcrVRan_oFnkKpBi9oqeWodJ-F-CEvO4pC6ljuxKnvbIDgOiJKNGuxsM/s1600/your+existence+hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpVlwwlZMOimTE8W3gLlxGOGcXvTDXsWIuUOePHyvIxW8YeiuxiIwrQ7TTwSWVNBghg7EwVMnvlgNaFlWTqKQcrVRan_oFnkKpBi9oqeWodJ-F-CEvO4pC6ljuxKnvbIDgOiJKNGuxsM/s400/your+existence+hope.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To learn more about Dr. Bassler, please visit the following sites:</i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://molbio.princeton.edu/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=27">Princeton University Molecular Biology Website</a></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S31/91/70M02/index.xml?section=people">Obama Nominates Bassler to serve as a memeber of the National Science Board</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>And for those of you who are EXTREMELY left-brained and want a <b>truly </b>scientific explanation, here is a speech Dr. Bassler gave to the NIH (National Institute of Health in 2009)</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C1Rvu5A8iWw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Lol - my <b>favorite </b>part is when she says (to the <b>NIH</b>), " So I really only have one goal in this seminar and that's to <b>try to convince</b> you that bacteria talk to each other."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Another favorite quote that she says is, "...What's SO remarkable is that the last 60's year's of antibiotics <b>actually</b> worked...!"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Lastly, as a side note if you will, I read an article in the news (from my very <b>own </b>blog by the way) this morning, entitled, "Don't get thrown for a loop by Lyme Disease" written by a Dr. who advocates against the existence of CLD. In the article he states that those of us that say we have it are pretty much <b>insane...</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The <b>only </b>thing I could think to say to this man is this: Lyme patients often suffer from various lapses in cognitive abilities. <b>One </b>of them happens to be the ability to process and assimilate NEW information. With <b>all</b> of the emerging evidence on this disease and its' co-infections, I can't help but wonder if he may possibly be suffering from the same malady :P</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Many Blessing and Thanks for Reading!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-9607394715226557662011-12-17T21:37:00.000-05:002012-01-05T18:18:09.627-05:00The Part of Me I Hope Remains...<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i>"People do not see the world as it is, they see it as they are."</i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's funny how things change... I remember when I fell in love the first time, the only thing I seemed to notice were other people in love; people who were happy - just like me. Life was easy, weightless, and time seemed to move just a little too quickly. Not that I noticed that particular peculiarity of it, but how could I have? I'd never known differently...</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I also remember the first time I experienced depression and anxiety and how during that phase, I only seemed to notice <b>things</b> that were depressing and anxiety producing. How my body felt heavy, and this time, time seemed to move at SUCH an excruciating slow pace. Even the world seemed more burden-filled, dark, and unsafe.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Now, I'm pretty sure that the paragraphs above are relatable to most people to some degree; everyone has had at least a "sense" of these types of feelings before, however, I can't say the same about CLD. I know it's <b>not </b>something that is relatable to a LOT of people, and this fact unfortunately separates me from the "norm" and catapults me into a space that is only familiar to me and the Lyme Community. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Because of this, I believe that in some respect there's an opportunity here that I don't want to pass up. So, this is the part that I hope remains with me, the part that I <b>never</b> want to forget from having this particular experience:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqPdf8cGLHTeKv0cJx3uju2XeLAcZ4W5l0zdiorOXrB9x84te12bKACyCd55FLgHAOPNSP-l85BWzH3vj782sx6Y7Y-c-3wUUUVDF-BqeSGU4fIx7Be5-9ooiQOKZTq4a6Jz_2FdjF3w/s1600/thebestthingsarenthings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqPdf8cGLHTeKv0cJx3uju2XeLAcZ4W5l0zdiorOXrB9x84te12bKACyCd55FLgHAOPNSP-l85BWzH3vj782sx6Y7Y-c-3wUUUVDF-BqeSGU4fIx7Be5-9ooiQOKZTq4a6Jz_2FdjF3w/s320/thebestthingsarenthings.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">1. From experiencing years of suffering, feeling helpless, and desperate, I couldn't help but "notice" and have deep compassion for others who have experienced the same (and I'm not just talking about Lyme...), and because of that I will </span><b style="color: #4c1130;">always</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> remember to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">take only what I <b>need</b> (no less, no more), and GIVE anything "extra" to those who need it. In order to do this, I will constantly remind myself that:</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn19n0yFe3SIUwrEBS1wRNEq5gZXSMwwf4ovfGDGHM18oHGQVQeHYcyVZNJSHRKhnfldAt4ZZmAQnwEw_-6NYDL4d6Nnsj03un_jq32UNLAY1OfXF0_8iSuSa-MgEGp_W7jA5Vy2YCUA/s1600/plato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn19n0yFe3SIUwrEBS1wRNEq5gZXSMwwf4ovfGDGHM18oHGQVQeHYcyVZNJSHRKhnfldAt4ZZmAQnwEw_-6NYDL4d6Nnsj03un_jq32UNLAY1OfXF0_8iSuSa-MgEGp_W7jA5Vy2YCUA/s400/plato.jpg" width="307" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>2. Because my illness is "Invisible", I want to remember to never <b>judge</b> anyone...I can honestly say that no one can tell what a person is going through just by looking at them, and because of this I will remind myself to:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">3. I realize that this may sound like a totally RADICAL idea, but because I've seen how the very </span><b style="color: #4c1130;">governing bodies</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> that were made and meant to </span><b style="color: #4c1130;">protect</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and serve us without ANY KIND of conflict of interest or gain, </span><b style="color: #4c1130;">completely</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> abandon, ignore, humiliate, and leave people like us to continue to suffer and die for nothing but greed, money, stature or simply because their ego's refuse to say they were "wrong", I've realized that SOMETHING needs to change.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">I actually believe that as a whole, the world would be a MUCH better place if everyday people began to entertain the notion that we are ONE, and therefore <b>responsible</b> for one another, and for each other's well being. For me, the days of "This is not your problem" are over - if I see an injustice being done, and know that help is both<b> wanted </b>and needed, I WILL NOT stand aside and watch. </span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbYohfuqArC1TKZ006sbHVAEFbPpbY-hPB9NfWolN-WoLHeaxy_SRhsdIut6-OrGbk04oMJmqDSMoC3_X1QJAOllGdaPBWcWCOJiLIbVHnp_FCkvaxmFUdgFLx2A-5fEKOxARTqP8Y1g/s1600/Robert+Kennedy+Quote+Humanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbYohfuqArC1TKZ006sbHVAEFbPpbY-hPB9NfWolN-WoLHeaxy_SRhsdIut6-OrGbk04oMJmqDSMoC3_X1QJAOllGdaPBWcWCOJiLIbVHnp_FCkvaxmFUdgFLx2A-5fEKOxARTqP8Y1g/s400/Robert+Kennedy+Quote+Humanity.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">This also means that I'm now an advocate for "Practicing Random Acts of Kindness". I WANT everyone I meet to be happier after they've left. These two ideas put into practice can cause quite an extraordinary ripple effect... try it and see : )</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ29J61XaVIA5IY4HYXFc1y7TxvOSb6hMGKGVn5zNZWLaTgiunSibj2zQ7ljmlNmkV8t1Sd3CMtArBTYs9zLyNEeDJ6mXH7D231jOLySMh-blpl5NHSU-GEwb8AYx6tdyorTADyR7bUKU/s1600/Mark+Twain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ29J61XaVIA5IY4HYXFc1y7TxvOSb6hMGKGVn5zNZWLaTgiunSibj2zQ7ljmlNmkV8t1Sd3CMtArBTYs9zLyNEeDJ6mXH7D231jOLySMh-blpl5NHSU-GEwb8AYx6tdyorTADyR7bUKU/s400/Mark+Twain.png" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">4) This last tid-bit is something that I think I will have to work on for a LONG time before I come to terms with it, but after YEARS of experiencing feelings of anger, despair, frustration and downright disgust towards those "governing bodies", I've learned that anger and all of those other emotions are a poor use of whatever limited but precious energy I have, and realize that it in itself is toxic to feel on a day to day basis. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">There is only one quote, and it's a favorite of mine, that even allows me to entertain the notion of "forgiveness" towards those who have wronged and ruined the lives of SO many, and the above is it. I HAVE to remember that to be wronged is to be hurt once, but to not forgive those who have wronged you, empowers them to hurt you <b>twice</b>. From now on, I'll do what any Pisces does best - learn to cleverly swim around obstacles...even if they are ones that were never meant to be there in the first place.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Thanks for reading and Many Blessings,</i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span></div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-34145508434579299032011-12-14T00:37:00.000-05:002011-12-14T00:48:35.509-05:00Why Are You Telling Me This...?!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aQGEnkC3kE6uAvgZCfapwrJL5R6cuizFoplo46pvGrqCFtumA940xwiQv3t2iq0-I8DBKZ992plmWLZJXEJ8fdqAEsHZEVGc8sok0jDR6oBmxe5W806P9ghqdG8FHeIH4lMKcTxFISM/s1600/Blogging+is....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aQGEnkC3kE6uAvgZCfapwrJL5R6cuizFoplo46pvGrqCFtumA940xwiQv3t2iq0-I8DBKZ992plmWLZJXEJ8fdqAEsHZEVGc8sok0jDR6oBmxe5W806P9ghqdG8FHeIH4lMKcTxFISM/s400/Blogging+is....jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I know a lot of my friends and family are a bit shocked, and maybe even a little embarrassed that I am sharing such a deeply personal and vivid account of what my life has been like with Lyme Disease. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's actually interesting to note that before I started this blog, I NEVER had ANY intention of "coming out" and sharing my story, so I suppose I have two questions to answer regarding that....</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>To my family and friends: I know some of the things I've been talking about is hard to hear, but please know that I'm <b>not</b> telling it for you. I'm actually writing it for everyone<b> but</b> you, with a sincere desire to spread awareness to as many people as I can about this disease.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> It's the only "weapon" we have as a community against the controversy, and I feel that if enough people are "Aware" of what can happen if not treated early, that it will not only aid in the prevention of later stage manifestations, but will also eventually FORCE our governing bodies to finally acknowledge us so that more and much needed research and the "fight for a cure" can even BEGIN.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This leads me to the second question I need to answer: Why am I coming out <b>now</b> about it? Well, there's a couple of factors that went into this. Mainly, it's because I was simply too sick to actually create a blog, but there was also the yearning to NOT want to be associated with the disease <b>at all</b>. I just wanted to get better and forget it EVER happened. Lol - trust me, there's a MILLION other things I'd rather be blogging about! Fun, Wonderful, Adventurous things - things that I can only dream of at the moment.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">I once asked a cousin of mine, (who is a very left-brained "realist"...lol - we're quite the opposites :) I asked him why the CDC or ISDA won't put money into research to learn more about Lyme, it's co-infections, how it effects the body, and why aren't they trying to find a cure for us? His answer will always haunt me: He simply replied, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">"Sarah, it's because Lyme doesn't <b>kill</b> you".</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> Oh - how I very much disagree with that statement! It actually does KILL a person, in every way possible without them actually dying (and in some cases, people DO actually die from it!.)</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Everyday, I feel like I need to prove myself to people, like they don't believe me that what I'm going through is real, and that in itself is exasperating to me. I SO wish the medical community was more like our Judicial System...Like - What ever happened to being "Innocent until Proven Guilty". I mean...gosh - I've <b>never</b> been a liar, a hypochondriac, and I certainly DON'T suffer from Munchausen Syndrome! In fact, I absolutely <b>hate</b> going to doctors, hospitals or anything of the like, and believe me, your "sympathy" is the LAST thing I want or need.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Even if we had a rather large death count for this illness, think back to when "AIDS" first came out, and how long it took the CDC to do SOMETHING about it, and that illness REALLY <b>did</b> kill - and quickly!...it's such a shame knowing that it could've been contained...Don't believe me? Take a look at this scene from the movie, "And The Band Played On" and see what I mean:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cdIIiYFg3cs?rel=0" width="600"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Luckily, there have been "Independent" Organizations that have risen to the challenge, and are finding their own ways to research and raise funds. This is beyond miraculous, and because of these organizations we have some hope to hang onto.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I honestly don't know how long it will take, but ONE DAY, <b>I know</b> CLD will be acknowledged, and actually feel very saddened by that at the moment. I know it sounds ridiculous, but really, when this DOES happen, what can they possibly say to us? Can they give back years missed, friends lost; can they repair our jaded hearts from being cast out and labeled as "crazy" or "psychosomatic" patients when for years what was REALLY happening is that we were infected by a vicious anti-biotic resistant, stealth bacteria? (Don't you remember warnings about this type of anti-biotic resistant bacteria in the early 90's? Why IS everyone <b>so</b> surprised that it is actually happening!?) </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The answer is <b>NO </b>- they really can't; I just don't think an "I'm Sorry" will cut it this time. It's too late. The <b>only</b> comfort I will get is knowing that I was part of the group who DEMANDED a second look, a look that I know will eventually save millions from having to go through what I have. THAT is <b>why </b>I'm telling my story...I only hope that you will to be brave enough to read it...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Many blessings,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>PS: If anyone has been following, "My Story," you may be wondering where on earth Chapter 6 is. To be honest, September 2007 is VERY hard for me to look back at and write about, and a LOT of it I simply cannot remember. I also don't want to post it during the holiday season, but promise to do so afterwards. Trust me, it will be a VERY hard read, and even though I survived it, I can sincerely say that sometimes, I wish I hadn't. There are just some things that should never be experienced, and I would count those last four months in LA as one of them. Don't worry - there was NO suicide attempt this time, I learned my lesson the first time! But...I <b>did</b> repeatedly beg my sister to kill me, and at times I almost think she considered it. Because of that whole experience, we even have a pact about what to do if I <b>ever</b> become that "gone" again...</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-7082814956924012942011-12-09T00:54:00.001-05:002011-12-13T16:02:39.495-05:00Little Bee and Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>If any of you have read the book, “Little Bee” by Chris Cleave, you’d know that experiencing certain situations can drastically change the way a person perceives their reality.</i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wjreUiLkcqyzoAZ4LVx6WtUIJpikLuVbxyLmtNJ8XURH_aCLuZD8yg07oHpxp3msgfW69yQsvJUEHczAV5HaIfN9FcnDJdLlPj4SbxcD4fL3HYbZaAP4DyZbLfCoXYzLEBfpU7MfFHw/s1600/Little_BeeCvr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wjreUiLkcqyzoAZ4LVx6WtUIJpikLuVbxyLmtNJ8XURH_aCLuZD8yg07oHpxp3msgfW69yQsvJUEHczAV5HaIfN9FcnDJdLlPj4SbxcD4fL3HYbZaAP4DyZbLfCoXYzLEBfpU7MfFHw/s320/Little_BeeCvr.jpg" width="208" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The book is about a little girl who after watching her Nigerian village be destroyed and all of her family raped and slaughtered after an oil company had discovered that underneath her land, lay abundant, untapped natural fossil fuels; she alone survived and was sent to a refugee camp somewhere in England that she eventually escaped. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>The Nigerians that had been paid to “get rid” of her family had done so in such an unimaginable way, that whenever this girl found herself in a new environment, in any new type of surroundings, the very FIRST thing she did was find a suitable and effective way to...kill herself. Why? Because she knew that if anyone ever found out who she was, she would be sent back to Nigeria, and her fate there was, in her mind, so horrible, that she would rather die quickly and by her own hand than go back. <br /><br /> Why am I sharing the details of this book? Well, if I try to set my political and VERY “Green Energy” (Oil Hating) beliefs aside, it’s because I’ve noticed a similar change in myself after years of experiencing life with Chronic Lyme. It has given me a new set of eyes, changed my thoughts about the world, and above all, what I care about in it. <br /><br /> I started noticing this about two years back, when after being completely bogged down by medical expenses and seeing no reprieve from it in sight, I began to look at my surroundings and whatever new environment I entered into and start to really “look” at material things, comparing what each item costs to what kind of medical treatment or item needed I would have been able to <b>afford</b> had I NOT bought whatever the “thing” was I was looking at. I also started to do this with other people as well... </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Lol - you know when a person gives you the “once over” look (hate those people!!) to kind of weigh and measure you as to how fashionable you are, or well kept - basically it’s a VERY shallow way to determine how “worthy” of their time (at least in their mind’s) you are. <br /><br /> I began to notice myself doing the very same thing, but in the complete opposite manner. I would mathematically calculate the cost of what they were wearing, their accessories, shoes, and makeup were, and found that the higher the number was, the more sick to my stomach I felt. I felt like shaking them, like they needed waking or something, and I couldn't seem to stop these three despairing questions from running through my head;<br /> </i></span><br />
<div>
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Why are you buying such useless shit, that will probably end up being in a landfill three years from now, completely forgotten by you, and adding to the very severe non-degradable waste issue we are experiencing right now!</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Do you know that your <b>outfit</b> could’ve given me five months worth of treatment, that I honestly have <b>no idea</b> how I'm going to be able to pay for? Why aren’t you using the money you’ve earned to save for anything and everything you can’t conceive of at the moment? Please...don’t do what I did - build a safety net for yourself! Just in case...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> </span></i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">I apologize, but this has to be said...Do you know that what you are wearing was probably put together by a <b>child</b>, who works in a sweat shop, lives in a third world country, and gets paid pennies by the hour...Ummm - I’m sorry, how much did you say you paid for that “designer” outfit you’re wearing? </span></i></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG41M50TDB22U9XNZ69eJp6e5SEoe8Lamq3FCalRHmSXns5om0gg3o9WueDCy7x_d65oX2rNr_rlX072BjsON1skKwrjlDk5D2T3v0sndFs_L9upHEdUUGbMSXRSIKGfMyL5byTfBWIY/s1600/LFHS_T-shirt_mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG41M50TDB22U9XNZ69eJp6e5SEoe8Lamq3FCalRHmSXns5om0gg3o9WueDCy7x_d65oX2rNr_rlX072BjsON1skKwrjlDk5D2T3v0sndFs_L9upHEdUUGbMSXRSIKGfMyL5byTfBWIY/s400/LFHS_T-shirt_mosaic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Did you also know that what you are really paying for is the advertising costs it took for that company to put your product on some photo-shopped, impossibly flawless model up on a billboard, to try and make you think that having that product is what “Happiness” is all about?? Does knowing this change AT ALL how you feel about what you just purchased? If not - <b>I honestly don't want to know you </b>(Lol - and I BET, by now, you probably don't want to know me : )</i></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8AL1cRuePb5M2mzfOErmAWqCQ0b6tWwtK4_eYPZ3602l6RIfi3dxrmrv3jQ9Lmv9ve6px5lDOhUugOUiSlToUoBFnqVNRybFQo7DqfJpTsN6SaQ79kO7dX2_kAvXNI4KZ6gZB3C6URw/s1600/advertisin-baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8AL1cRuePb5M2mzfOErmAWqCQ0b6tWwtK4_eYPZ3602l6RIfi3dxrmrv3jQ9Lmv9ve6px5lDOhUugOUiSlToUoBFnqVNRybFQo7DqfJpTsN6SaQ79kO7dX2_kAvXNI4KZ6gZB3C6URw/s400/advertisin-baby.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b>Bottom Line:</b> I REALLY don’t care about material things anymore. (Hmmm - there was probably a MUCH nicer way to say that...uhh -sorry?)<br /><br /> The thing that surprises me the most is that people <b>already</b> KNOW this - it’s become the norm. Our generation was brought up on “Brands,” have completely disconnected with nature, and therefore, cannot even emotionally react and even connect to its’ alarmingly destructive changes or imagine what that really MEANS. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Don't Believe me? Try this: In one minute write down as many name brand products you know AND the names/species of the trees/plants and animals that are found in your local area. Lol - see what I mean?!</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Mark Twain really DID get it when he said, </i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> “Civilization is nothing more than an endless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.”</i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>Even though the above mentioned is true, it IS the "Holiday Season," so if you care enough and understand that there <b>is</b> something you can do about this, please try avoid buying products from the following companies that are notorious for their child-labor sweatshops. Also, there ARE some really<b> awesome</b> companies out there that refuse this type of child slavery and believe in "Fair Labor or Trade". This list is a little harder to find, but I know that Patagonia is among them, and that both Nike and H+M have both (forcefully) been cleaning up their acts and are now members of <a href="http://www.fairlabor.org/fla/">FairLabor.org</a> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>Also, independent artists such as those who make products to sell on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy.com</a> make awesome and unique gifts as well. Some of these artists even donate portions of their proceeds to charities, including Lyme organizations! (which makes me VERY happy : ) So, for this christmas, why not give them a shot?? Happy Shopping!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE2O2k7tezgvCRQvUdtQ0V-mtvkk2Vl6w-biM4xoFqZmbNziNGwS9gUiyNVn8-y4Hz-KLZk2kuwYP_99cqNhJ7yMKWaI3eiTRhMObzMiUn3X1ha-t1cMNN-rIvxnbX9GnFVmBikkVYKQ/s1600/sweatshop-brands.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE2O2k7tezgvCRQvUdtQ0V-mtvkk2Vl6w-biM4xoFqZmbNziNGwS9gUiyNVn8-y4Hz-KLZk2kuwYP_99cqNhJ7yMKWaI3eiTRhMObzMiUn3X1ha-t1cMNN-rIvxnbX9GnFVmBikkVYKQ/s640/sweatshop-brands.png" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;"><i>List found at: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://feelgoodstyle.com/2011/05/09/sweatshop-labor-used-to-produce-common-brands/</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i>Many blessings,</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sarah</i></b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-36900513133794668812011-11-29T00:52:00.000-05:002011-11-30T22:42:21.476-05:00Lucky 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW9JHm3wuPiGIVS6Q4i1-GDrY-FfbbOE3aMMjoBGxRxCn3IMyEPklU99AHuYEAylTXAr5Ut7Keu92N_JAflPoSG9jPZlkg_sF0x_XtOyZHQiJDG0T_xSuAHJ3VrliMvUV2BUxiZ9pjTI/s1600/believe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW9JHm3wuPiGIVS6Q4i1-GDrY-FfbbOE3aMMjoBGxRxCn3IMyEPklU99AHuYEAylTXAr5Ut7Keu92N_JAflPoSG9jPZlkg_sF0x_XtOyZHQiJDG0T_xSuAHJ3VrliMvUV2BUxiZ9pjTI/s320/believe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I was eight years old when I first learned that there are no coincidences in life. Actually, there were a lot of "firsts" that day as it was not only the day I gained the above understanding, but it was also the day I would experience my first "traumatic injury" as well as my first conscious hospital visit (being born and having a bi-lateral hernia procedure done at two months doesn't count!), and my very first MRI. Here's the story:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>If you were to ask her, my mom would tell you that when our nanny, MaryAnne, (Man-Ann as my sister and I would call her until we could get that darn "ry" sound right) first introduced us to her horses, that it was similar to watching at child gaze upon a celestial being. We immediately fell in absolute LOVE and awe with these majestic animals; one that even the test of time would ultimately surpass.</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNd0AbweEu4NjsfB946mbV1OoD0Zn4D0RMGAwJ9AiUnjL6pxpxKbmaoqXtIKPvOeD-wpcS8ZWu5WULtFE_mahV6aCkm3cvi1J9FrREnxs21P0fV772igrpsm0JaNs5EO3WRGR5owReX4/s1600/black_friesian_fel_non_by_vikarus-d33vzo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNd0AbweEu4NjsfB946mbV1OoD0Zn4D0RMGAwJ9AiUnjL6pxpxKbmaoqXtIKPvOeD-wpcS8ZWu5WULtFE_mahV6aCkm3cvi1J9FrREnxs21P0fV772igrpsm0JaNs5EO3WRGR5owReX4/s320/black_friesian_fel_non_by_vikarus-d33vzo3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">The Black Friesian: A Girl Can Dream : )</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I can't tell you how many times we would literally <b>beg</b> our beloved nanny to visit that barn, and eventually we found ourselves in the saddle - english riders in the making.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>At the barn one morning, I was thrust on top of a spunky thoroughbred, named Siran, with nothing but a knitted hat my grandmother had made me. Usually we would wear a riding helmet whenever we climbed on the back of a horse, but this day was different. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Maryanne had fitted the horse with a lunge line - which is basically a long rope that is attached on one end to the horses' bridle, and the other end, held securely by my nanny. It enabled the horse to walk around in wide circles with Maryanne standing at its' center. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Before this event, I had only ridden ponies before, and was thrilled (and a little intimidated) to be on such a huge animal, so we decided that a slow <b>walk </b>was the only gait I would be riding at that day. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>To an onlooker, this probably would have been quite the boring scene had it not been in fate's hand that on this particular day, MaryAnne's husband, Dick (Lol - aptly named : ) had also been at the barn and decided to not only drive his enormous truck up the sandy path next to the pasture we were in, but to also honk his VERY LOUD horn a couple times, just in case we hadn't realized he was there. (Sigh...the stupidity of some people...)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Well, as you can imagine, the sound gave Siran quite the start, and he immediately started bucking and rearing, and tried to shoot off into a gallop while Maryanne desperately did everything in her power to calm him down. I tried to hold on as long as I could, but being an eight year old, unskilled rider got the best of me, and with one last buck of persistence I went flying through the air.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I remember landing on my side, and turning onto my back completely stunned. Suddenly, I felt a sharp, swift blow to the head and everything went black.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It was only when I was being carried into the car that I awakened, took one look in the mirror and realized I was had been trampled. It was truly an awful sight, both my eyes started to form black rings around them, and even the whites of my eyes started looking blood red. I also happened to have a huge crater of bloody hoof-print on my forehead from where I was hit, and believe me, it was not pretty.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>At first I wasn't in any pain at all, just numb, but as the time went by, I started to feel just how badly I was injured. For some reason, I found myself being mad at "God" over the whole thing, and as only an eight year old would do, started to believe He <b>owed</b> me for this. Lol - I even decided that I should be granted a wish for it!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GUxuOAcQn3JzRG-hJOh2UFetECxoyRqQhiSdMZe_6mWDQX3VOCf_Vnhz8s3X0CtwlQrgTEtj6QyWI6otth6GfJUkRWr3Sb_Sx6o2HXAgE6ux3BBpx6w5DIhTmlp1uz5jt6KPfUga2TA/s1600/The+Man+From+Snowy+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GUxuOAcQn3JzRG-hJOh2UFetECxoyRqQhiSdMZe_6mWDQX3VOCf_Vnhz8s3X0CtwlQrgTEtj6QyWI6otth6GfJUkRWr3Sb_Sx6o2HXAgE6ux3BBpx6w5DIhTmlp1uz5jt6KPfUga2TA/s200/The+Man+From+Snowy+River.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Now, during this time period, my favorite movie had been, "The Man From Snowy River" (It's an old horse movie - of course it was my favorite!) and as I lay on the MRI table, I silently asked god to make a sequel to my favorite movie, so that I may watch it one day. (Hey - at the time, I considered this to be a very BIG and important deal!)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Later on that evening, I was released from the hospital, and headed back to MaryAnne's house to rest. What I could not have known was that while I was being treated, Dick, must have felt some kind of remorse for causing such a perilous situation, and went to the store to pick up some movies and popcorn for us to watch once we came home.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFdTsuIArqyrzmYLwFoA1N6Vi6FaFEb70FQP38MNUFvJ_fJqkGNW4Os9NdAiyicPMY1Xr5EV9PupCOCNvZLd1zeEvq7e-GPCH_UkH2rurPcyG-3Rt-ClA7Q0ywgDRlKSCEIlGLZWVF6A/s1600/Return+to+Snowy+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFdTsuIArqyrzmYLwFoA1N6Vi6FaFEb70FQP38MNUFvJ_fJqkGNW4Os9NdAiyicPMY1Xr5EV9PupCOCNvZLd1zeEvq7e-GPCH_UkH2rurPcyG-3Rt-ClA7Q0ywgDRlKSCEIlGLZWVF6A/s200/Return+to+Snowy+River.jpg" width="141" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I'll never forget two things about the moment I saw him again back at the house. First was the look of undying guilt and utter shame he held in his eyes, a look the drained any anger I had felt towards him about the situation. The second was the title of the movie he handed me in hopes of forgiveness. Not believing what I was seeing, I remember reading the title of the movie again, just in case I was hallucinating, but no, what I held in my hands was definitely something I could not have known had already been made. Unbelievably, it was the movie I had wished for, a movie called, "Return to Snowy River"...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>The effect this experience had on me as an adult, is one that I think is quite understandable. Not only do I NOT believe in coincidences, but I even believe in the idea of "signs" as a way to help guide me on my path. Don't get me wrong, I <b>never </b>look for them, but am always observant when they appear. Hey - the last time I checked, there IS NO manual or instructions out there as to the purpose of one's life, and following signs, to me, has become more or less of a subtle guide, a way of letting me know I'm on the right path; doing the right thing. And for me, the "sign" I'm referring to just so happens to be the number 22.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>It first started to appear when I was in high school, and I didn't take much stock in it as it was more of an affection than anything. It had been my first love's birthday, and the number he always wore in football. In the beginning, the number just reminded me of <b>him</b>, and therefore made me happy.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a0VU7NjuD7Nx0qeDcXjHzx8OJQRn8BgalrlrPZRFC7QOE0Toxc8Co-9u03ecvK15KLDf9p6sGPnaI1hCc0tZfWlhLgViG5ggSrPT_6NYj3QDLvmnhqIzAZCBseznmOATbRQhLXYo5Bg/s1600/walkabout+pic+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a0VU7NjuD7Nx0qeDcXjHzx8OJQRn8BgalrlrPZRFC7QOE0Toxc8Co-9u03ecvK15KLDf9p6sGPnaI1hCc0tZfWlhLgViG5ggSrPT_6NYj3QDLvmnhqIzAZCBseznmOATbRQhLXYo5Bg/s400/walkabout+pic+for+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><i>Walkabout 22 Adirondack Trip 1999<br />(From Left) Amanda, Hannah, Mary and Me </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Later though, I would realize that there was more to this. When I was a senior in high school I was one out of four people from our high school chosen to be part of an alternative senior year called "Walkabout". There was three to four people chosen from each high school in the Westchester County, NY. It had been one of the best year of my life, I met amazing people, our curriculum included an internship, a community service project, and (for gym credit) two, one week camping trips - one in the Catskills for the fall, and one in the Adirondacks in the spring. We experienced hands on learning, and our teachers treated us as adults - we were even allowed to call them by there first names! (That was definitely a first : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>It was the first time I felt like a part of a community; the first time I ever felt empowered, like I was able to do something that mattered in this world. And - I took this experience as a sign...How could I not, after all - we were the 22nd group to ever experience "Walkabout", and therefore we were known as Walkabout 22.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXawa-Pq-B-RG9z_TiehOjZnPZ2bEqckvbef_tGewG1UsuPn4Quodj_lWS-6KUA0DM4IgS_g5frWS6V2z-fDlPHxulOukEbEwcUdVu9gJs4_gVF8jEu4h1yM_oMPx7LDuomMLCzS8t98/s1600/Tahoe+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXawa-Pq-B-RG9z_TiehOjZnPZ2bEqckvbef_tGewG1UsuPn4Quodj_lWS-6KUA0DM4IgS_g5frWS6V2z-fDlPHxulOukEbEwcUdVu9gJs4_gVF8jEu4h1yM_oMPx7LDuomMLCzS8t98/s200/Tahoe+22.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">Had to keep it!!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Much later, as I was waiting in line to get my Team In Training, Lake Tahoe Cyclist Race Number, I couldn't help but be pleasantly surprised to see that out of the thousands of cyclists that were riding that day, and therefore the thousands of numbers I could have been given, mine just so happened to be 22.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>There are actually <b>many </b>more circumstances that I've had where this favorite number of mine has popped up, but I think you kinda got the idea, right? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>I would say that the point of telling you about this story is this: Having Lyme Disease is one Scary "Mother" of an Illness to go through, and I tend to enlist all and any help I can get! Oddly enough, that "help" often includes following serendipitous acts and signs (Lol - especially when I see my Lucky number 22!) that I now know better not to dismiss. At <b>every</b> turn, and in every progress I've made on my journey has most likely been the result of persuing some seemingly unconnected coincidence. So let me ask you this, and I think it will be the <b>only</b> time I won't be referring to astrology when I ask it, but - What's your sign?? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>Lots of Love,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRk2pivUq7P4Eik-VFI7uP-A9tvneCcYo5vQ-XJwg4wU9E-mdEEj57Ymygcwtc1dY_754Tez4RF6jsg5T6gx2Z7lDgUGHH_YoK8KLcCeRKSReiqPYcdqkVTxblaNZiC66bDst235I7A0/s1600/funny+coincidence.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRk2pivUq7P4Eik-VFI7uP-A9tvneCcYo5vQ-XJwg4wU9E-mdEEj57Ymygcwtc1dY_754Tez4RF6jsg5T6gx2Z7lDgUGHH_YoK8KLcCeRKSReiqPYcdqkVTxblaNZiC66bDst235I7A0/s400/funny+coincidence.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>You KNOW I just <b>had </b>to put a tiny bit of humor into all this...LOL.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-20134736505423282992011-11-22T21:11:00.001-05:002011-11-23T00:26:03.323-05:00Priceless...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWWzFgEj0sgzxO_XH6MAfJVTw9n8bV6bZQ_UC-hCq1BuezKt1DRpSTceR0A_UCXKZ7l1dPo0r1J5LAqKTW9RSeJKU9hDDt4HRtd-DGKoX8AEAtfz8i85RY8q8MNRhsIDsm4XJalhtXzQ/s1600/Wise+Woman%2527s+Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWWzFgEj0sgzxO_XH6MAfJVTw9n8bV6bZQ_UC-hCq1BuezKt1DRpSTceR0A_UCXKZ7l1dPo0r1J5LAqKTW9RSeJKU9hDDt4HRtd-DGKoX8AEAtfz8i85RY8q8MNRhsIDsm4XJalhtXzQ/s320/Wise+Woman%2527s+Stone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>"Why are you building me a house?" a woman once suspiciously asked me, as if Habitat for Humanity held some kind of monetary gain for its' participants that she was blatantly unaware of. I noticed the confusion in those guarded, untrusting eyes of hers, a look that forced me to look away for a moment and re-examine my motives. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>"Well...I think it's mostly because I <b>can</b>." I finally replied. It took me a moment before I looked up again at her after answering. The first look she had given me had left my heart pounding with the knowledge that this woman had suffered in a way that I, in my twenty-one years could not begin to imagine, and for some reason had left me feeling ashamed. I couldn't help but think that a look like that must have been developed over time, and almost felt responsible for it, as if something or someone <b>could</b> have prevented it from ever surfacing.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Overcome with the guilt that accompanied this thought, I almost didn't realize that I suddenly was surrounded by warmth as this woman reached out to embrace me. The hug went just as quick as it had come, and she pulled away, but not without first taking a moment to grab my face gently with her roughly calloused hands, raising my head up, and with a detectable quiver in her voice, whispering, "Thank You" to me. She then turned to look at her nearly finished house, placed her hand over her heart and with amazement, headed away from the porch we were both standing on and into the front door of her new home. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I remember standing there for a second, feeling dazed and overwhelmed with emotion as I tried to choke back the tears that were starting to threaten my composure. It wasn't her words that struck me, I hear people say, "Thank You" a million times a day and often for reasons that are minuscule in comparison. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xlTqbuPacGGiJdq7l3DtvdxSO3JhSYKr7ePVlsol7nWv-ViAJVyLeN-NsK03btSkqMNSpAt1W3UeJb42Q7JgyFiW5L_fgoCoBAPxkVDoCdeCDj-Rehp5YVOJCRXNzkvvaSYrz1_uApo/s1600/flower+through+rock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xlTqbuPacGGiJdq7l3DtvdxSO3JhSYKr7ePVlsol7nWv-ViAJVyLeN-NsK03btSkqMNSpAt1W3UeJb42Q7JgyFiW5L_fgoCoBAPxkVDoCdeCDj-Rehp5YVOJCRXNzkvvaSYrz1_uApo/s320/flower+through+rock.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Nope. It definitely wasn't the words that left me speechless, it was the look in her eyes as she said it. They had softened with gratitude, tears of joy were playing at their corners as if some of that ice she had formed around her heart had melted, and with that a weight that even Atlas couldn't shrug had been lifted. To her, I didn't just help build her a house, I had somehow managed to restore her faith in humanity. What I had given her was a home, but what she had given me - that look, and the implications behind it, was <b>priceless</b>. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">There is a short story I'd like to share, a story that some of you may have heard before, but is worth repeating...</span></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><b><u>The Wise Woman's Stone</u></b></span></span></div>
<blockquote>
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">"A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a very rare and precious stone in the midst of a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to him, offering to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone inside and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation, and the traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."</span></blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlgiE8oeqRXSS2IjY45SBfTc6ba0a3WQCcU25PEZPsd-64JytwwcIZctmjCtsCzJH0c8ZPyYFbR_IBHNJUVG1-2MCz1lfvCBLpr80BJYET7KgrFzTRh3Yfijm7fHanh0AjrLoKZIH4bc/s1600/Favorite+Lyme+Disease+Awareness+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlgiE8oeqRXSS2IjY45SBfTc6ba0a3WQCcU25PEZPsd-64JytwwcIZctmjCtsCzJH0c8ZPyYFbR_IBHNJUVG1-2MCz1lfvCBLpr80BJYET7KgrFzTRh3Yfijm7fHanh0AjrLoKZIH4bc/s320/Favorite+Lyme+Disease+Awareness+Photo.jpg" width="288" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>A lot of people think that Chronic Lyme Disease is an invisible illness. I couldn't disagree more. There's a certain unmistakable look in the eyes of every Lyme sufferer I've ever come across, and I even notice it in mine at times. It's the look of someone exhausted from carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, a look that holds immense physical pain and unrelenting mental confusion that often is incapable of verbal expression; the look of defeat in a battle-wearied soul. But how many people ever really take the time to look into those eyes...why on earth would they ever want to?</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I guess the message I'm trying to convey is that, in my experience, there is <b>nothing</b> more rewarding than giving to those in need, and that - if you are healthy enough to do so, it is the one thing that I find is the most enriching to lives (yours included : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>PS. In a previous post, I said that I would <b>try </b>to avoid advertising on this site. However, one of the main intentions of this blog is to help raise funds for the medical treatments of those in need. Unfortunately, the whole "donating" idea hasn't proven to be effective, and believe me, in this economy - I understand! </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>However, raising funds <b>is </b>still a priority of mine, and therefore I've "given in" to the whole advertising idea, and have even joined "Amazon Associates" where if you go to the page entitled "My Amazon Store" and purchase a product through that online store, Amazon has agreed to give me a 15% commission.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i> I've also added info-links (they're the underlined words colored in fuchsia). If you click on them, I will receive a small payment, however, I feel obliged to tell you that if you find them EXTREMELY annoying, all you have to do is click on the question mark after you hover your mouse over the link and chose the "opt out" option. This will prevent your browser from ever seeing them again.</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4FWjkgCkwEjFI1qXCous40w4l0O4oVcbJCcOh4WFAQyz2jy8YTag0IGJLSMZgqqVsIyrGcIIfuJEYtr6jgJwYnYGy7ZcbyyjIlYHYKKO2S-bSu7_hTVhTQ4I1C81-yehB1x2Sf0aBNw/s1600/THANK-YOU-SWIRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4FWjkgCkwEjFI1qXCous40w4l0O4oVcbJCcOh4WFAQyz2jy8YTag0IGJLSMZgqqVsIyrGcIIfuJEYtr6jgJwYnYGy7ZcbyyjIlYHYKKO2S-bSu7_hTVhTQ4I1C81-yehB1x2Sf0aBNw/s400/THANK-YOU-SWIRL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">One last, but VERY important thing. I can't help but notice that I've accrued some followers along the way, and to be honest, many more than I had originally expected! To me this is truly an amazing kindness, one that I can't help but feel unbelievably grateful for. You have no idea how good it feels to know that I'm not alone, that these words are not being most heartfully said in an entirely empty room. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>Thank You...</b></span></i></span><br />
<br />Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-14198937474600096432011-11-13T20:53:00.001-05:002011-11-16T12:59:52.515-05:00Something to Talk About...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is truly an honor to introduce Mara Williams, best-selling author of, "Nature's Dirty Needle" as she shares her story about her daughter's struggle with Lyme Disease, why she wrote her book, and her upcoming and much anticipated plans in the creation of her unique healing facility called Inanna House. <b>All proceeds from the sale of her book are directly going into the funding needed to create this amazing center.</b></span></i></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span></i><br />
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></i></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBEaf0KB1LZ0eSTWd6cikW5Tas25vmIQCU1cFxIK-izrgoK1QwbSKfHoHtEHXpZxsCFxVPHG08N2uicWy507k86X0-cab2IrvX_A6hOvdAj5UooSpWhBeqCft76D4pJlj5ezBeqdaxts/s1600/MaraW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBEaf0KB1LZ0eSTWd6cikW5Tas25vmIQCU1cFxIK-izrgoK1QwbSKfHoHtEHXpZxsCFxVPHG08N2uicWy507k86X0-cab2IrvX_A6hOvdAj5UooSpWhBeqCft76D4pJlj5ezBeqdaxts/s320/MaraW.jpg" width="223" /></a></span></i></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Hello, my name is Mara Williams and I am a Nurse Practitioner. Three years ago I was working for an Integrative Doctor who discovered her daughter had Lyme Disease. She decided to begin treating it and spent the next few weeks with LLMD's. Anything that she did, I needed to learn as well, so I dove right into it. I listened to ILADS workshops, studied power point presentations, and read whatever I could find about the disease. Needless to say, I was absolutely stunned by the medical controversy, the political conflict of interests, and the horrific marginalization of care that our current healthcare has bestowed upon those who suffer from Chronic Lyme Disease.</i></span></span></i><br />
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Eventually, I left this practice and moved on to work at <a href="http://www.aaimed.com/">Gordon Medical Associates</a> where I began what I call, "Grad School" for CLD as well as other Chronic Illnesses. Then, about a year and a half ago, I was shocked to discover that my own daughter, Amanda, had Lyme Disease. She fell gravely ill, and our journey began in earnest on Sept. 26, 2010, when we first went to the ER for unrelenting vomiting and severe dehydration. Since that day, we have been gone an additional sixteen times for the same symptoms, and she has also been admitted seven times as well. We tried several different hospitals, but they were all the same in how they chose to address her condition. <br />
<br />
On our seventh trip to the ER, I finally realized that Amanda was not going to get the support or treatment she needed for her illness. The only thing the hospitals were willing to do for her was to get the vomiting under control and give her IV meds for a few days until she was able to take food and fluids by mouth. Because her initial CT Scan and labs came back normal, no diagnostic work-up or antibiotics were given to her. One doctor wanted to diagnose Fibromyalgia, another Rheumatoid Arthritis, and most just saw Amanda as a Psych case.<br />
<br />
I knew then that what was needed was a center where those with tick borne diseases could go for treatment and support in a compassionate setting and receive care as if they were in a hospital with 24/7 nursing care and other support.<br />
<br />
I began talking to friends about creating such a place that I would call, "Inanna House" and telling them how I envisioned it. One friend advised me to write a book so that I would have some clout when I presented a business plan to those with the resources to fund the center. <br />
<br />
This motivated me to write, "Nature's Dirty Needle". The book describes what it is like for those who suffer from Lyme and its co-infections, how it affects their families and friends, and how it impacts their lives on every level, and in every way. I wanted the book to be a resource for those still undiagnosed, and for those family members of Lyme sufferers who do not believe that they are sick, and mistakenly think it's all in their head. Reading story after story of cases with so many similarities brings home the reality of Chronic Lyme Disease, and how devastating it is for everyone concerned. <br />
<br />
I have been asked many times to write another book with more stories after Inanna House is up and running and cannot wait to do so, and share all the success stories we will have to tell from it.<br />
<br />
Inanna House will be a place of hope, healing, and peace. I envision a retreat-like setting in the country, private rooms, safe pathways for walking, pools and hot tubs, an infrared sauna, energy treatments, IV treatments, IV antibiotic treatments, detox programs, organic, healthy foods to eat, and emotional support. I believe that the mental, psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects need addressing in order to completely heal from any disease, and this will be a part of the program as well. I also plan to create an endowment so that those who have depleted their resources can still come and experience this unique type of healing. At this center, the best of all worlds of medicine will be incorporated into the program.<br />
<br />
Inanna House will also have MD supervision. There will be treatment rooms, a clinic, and room for conferences and classes. I hope to be able to offer residencies for health care professionals so we can increase the number of Lyme literate providers. I also hope to use the clinical data we collect to further prove to the nonbelievers that we aren't crazy, and that these infections do indeed exist, and in epidemic proportions. <br />
<br />
Currently, we are treating Amanda at home. We give her IV hydration everyday, and include amino acids and minerals, and phosphytidal choline, which helps bind the die-off toxins, clean cellular debris, and enables the liver to function better. We are giving her meds around the clock every four hours. <br />
</i></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Her pain with the Herxing is incredible, but after fourteen doses of Gentamycin for Bartonella, her eyes are more clear, her brain is more sharp, and her nausea is better. She is encouraged and feels that she is finally moving forward. However, it's unbelievably shameful that we are forced to do this at home because hospitals either don't believe she has an infection or are in fear of their liability. </i></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
This MUST change, and by creating Inanna House, I believe that the Lyme community will be taking their first step in the right direction, and will soon be shown the acknowledgment they deserve in our current healthcare system.<br />
</i></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank You,<br />
<br />
Mara Williams, NP</i></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Please help us create Inanna House by clicking on the link below, and thank you so much for your support! Lots of Love, Sarah<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=aslofly-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1937445097&ref=tf_til&fc1=295C59&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=6E2242&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-30730090680716800082011-11-11T21:26:00.001-05:002011-11-14T23:24:06.414-05:00The Relationship Dilemma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD4W7kwUlWvcCqoUQ1cbHr6pnzNan8jUsWSbzJJq2iLPSkDal8xNY1nZTy6fmMu49Hgyj4GVr3-XWvvBw_LdckLNGWtVJfhu8fB3iRm1iQhRJBqRVmoPfuBCOChPl0dM-rBRAWTu0VT4/s1600/True_Love.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD4W7kwUlWvcCqoUQ1cbHr6pnzNan8jUsWSbzJJq2iLPSkDal8xNY1nZTy6fmMu49Hgyj4GVr3-XWvvBw_LdckLNGWtVJfhu8fB3iRm1iQhRJBqRVmoPfuBCOChPl0dM-rBRAWTu0VT4/s640/True_Love.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">"I was once so in love, that everyday I would wake up and smile just knowing he was in my life, and all mine..."</span></i></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>At times, the hardest thing for me to imagine is that the quote written above was actually once said and experienced by...Me. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sometimes I don't even remember what it was like to be that "person" I once was. It seems like she existed in a lifetime that swiftly ended LONG ago. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'd like to go along and say with the rest of the "Haven't yet found that RIGHT person yet" crowd, but my hesitance towards any type of serious relationship is for an altogether different reason.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Please don't misunderstand, in the now almost 10 years I've been aware of and constantly trying to keep at bay the illness I suffer from, I <b>definitely</b> have had relationships every now and again, but they were with people who I knew would never work, and at the most would last six months (lol - which is usually when the chemistry runs out and the both of us realized we had NOTHING in common).</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I believe it was a conscious choice I made, and one that most people could understand. You see, when someone is critically ill, most people assume that they either get better, or - die. That's how it is in Nature and how it should be in life (in my opinion). </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>No one wants to watch someone they love suffer for years and years, and AFTER those years and years even the "sufferer" notices the changes in those "loved ones" around them. It IS <b>really </b>hard to watch; a dire situation where <b>both</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> parties involved seem to whither, fade, and lose that "light" within them with every failed attempt after another. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>SO. Having said that - why would I purposely allow someone in my life if I knew I would be a burden to them? I'd like to think that when you enter a relationship there should be a 50/50 give and take, and I know that with being chronically ill, that is something that I simply cannot give.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcEesRZCGqv23vDRvpU8g52fA5LRFNjvEWj6GDddJQzPKSYf4iEm99NmB61G1A7GfjCmn7LCSylHNsKtQGge92UGuerm-YsIP6ZcLFY4yPKi0vDwjHNdYtX0vw1B-0D-boXyv5IAgmSU/s1600/lonely-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcEesRZCGqv23vDRvpU8g52fA5LRFNjvEWj6GDddJQzPKSYf4iEm99NmB61G1A7GfjCmn7LCSylHNsKtQGge92UGuerm-YsIP6ZcLFY4yPKi0vDwjHNdYtX0vw1B-0D-boXyv5IAgmSU/s400/lonely-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>However, I <b>never</b> thought it would take this long...I always felt I had a "shot" at recovery (and still DO!), it's just that I'm coming to realize that Life without Love is just as damaging to a person's soul as a disease is to their body. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'd like to think that one day I'll meet someone who can look me in the eye and without need for explanation, just somehow <b>understand</b> where I've been, <b>know</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> where I'm at, and with that knowing, catch me as I (inevitably) collapse with sheer exhaustion into their embrace, soaking up all the Love I've missed out on, and finally being able to give that love back with the simple knowledge that this person has been <b>there</b> too. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I watched an oddly beautiful movie the other day (ironically) called "LOVE" and was so captivated by the beauty in the opening lines that I thought to share, as it not only reflects how I often feel, but continues to give me hope in the most lonely and dark days:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>"Sometimes when I wake up, I feel like I'm still dreaming. I feel like all the colors and shapes of the world have collided, and all I can do is just sit there and watch. I think a person's heart has a way of turning off when it can't find reason...I guess that's why nature has always had an inspiring presence - there everything follows a purpose...</i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>...I'd like to hope our history is worth remembering; an imprint of careful design, a feeling of heartfelt purpose, and a sense of hope for something greater than ourselves. Then...maybe I'll wake up."</i></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> Sarah</i></span>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-18192478072384489492011-11-06T21:10:00.000-05:002011-11-06T23:09:54.646-05:00Dear Universe: "You Win."<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj867S8NYpfiri6kL2d2b2d64mHRjSjGkMIxJbBpKqv8XFX64IL1jCvJhqUsaSlJnUmDUTyXicuI5-2wsaGJul_a6QY2_HvpDvUnXX2BVu043QpGsA6M-UafBJBAhzRD0vSRgPZQ0feQnM/s1600/Universe+wins+girl+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj867S8NYpfiri6kL2d2b2d64mHRjSjGkMIxJbBpKqv8XFX64IL1jCvJhqUsaSlJnUmDUTyXicuI5-2wsaGJul_a6QY2_HvpDvUnXX2BVu043QpGsA6M-UafBJBAhzRD0vSRgPZQ0feQnM/s320/Universe+wins+girl+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><i>Photograph taken by: <a href="http://www.rosiehardy.com/">Rosie Hardy</a></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i>"I have found that there are times when there is simply nothing else left to do but run outside, throw your hands up, look with sheer amazement at the Universe, and with astonished humility and awe say..."<b>You Win."</b> </i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Believe it or not, I no longer envy those who have the illusion (Yes - <b>illusion</b>) that they are not only in "complete control" over their lives, but even feel as if they are its choreographers. Nope! I can sincerely say that I had abruptly abandoned that notion a LONG time ago, and (obviously) for good reason!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Before this illness, however, I actually used to think of myself as a very imaginative person, and could even have probably come up with a million different problem-solving solutions to "what if" scenarios on the spot. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>However, of all the millions upon millions of things I could have conjured up in my crafty brain, not once (ever) did it occur to me that I would end up where I am today: not only trying to live with a chronic illness that even the best horror novelists couldn't conceive of, but ALSO having absolutely no CLUE how to fix it. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It seems that with both the controversy and the illness itself, every road I attempt to take inevitably turns out to be a dead end. Sometimes, it's almost as if they're SO many walls around me, that I often feel completely and utterly - trapped. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>And...THIS is where the whole "<b>You Win"</b> comes in : )</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's ironic how we consider calling on a "higher power" (whatever that may mean to you) only after every possibility and every resource has either been exhausted or has failed. I often wonder why it takes SO many people to get <b>that</b> far, and that desperate before they realize that just saying, "You Win" (please fucking help!) was an option they had <b>all along</b>.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Surrendering to the notion that <b>you</b> cannot possibly control and see the outcome of all the events put into motion in your life is quite an interesting prospect. Why? Because there is a <b>second</b> part (the part I LOVE!) that inevitably comes with it. The part that, after doing so, literally catapults you down paths you never thought to follow, ones that ultimately lead you to the answers found in places you never even <b>dreamed</b> of looking. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Like I said in the beginning, I no longer envy those who "think" they are in control of their lives...why? Because their realities are filled with finite possibilities whereas mine, mine is open to the fact that there are (often unexpected) endless ones. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>All it takes is to stop saying <b>Why?</b> and start asking that "Higher Source"...<b>How?</b> If you trust that "one day" you'll understand the "why" part, please try and put that same <b>trust</b> in this - it works (if you let it!)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Lots of Love,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.yousaytoo.com/backlinks/1496nyu0fcbx6txjho61swrtb"><br />
<img alt="YouSayToo Revenue Sharing Community" src="http://www.yousaytoo.com/backlinks/1496nyu0fcbx6txjho61swrtb.png" /><br />
</a>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-90723052322457118602011-11-01T04:08:00.001-04:002011-11-02T02:29:22.492-04:00Bridging The Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL-WuVG01PXvEyV3EGKb61LUNrkJSVT1MKQFvv-e9a1gFy5YPDd4wdWFL512bnUCPaJYJZrGtEorA9pOvlHhwVOMfbSNSbG_zY1YqVEIWYtLmRz-jFWPMK64qbWDGWHUlV8WdzNEeHgI/s1600/metaphorically+speaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL-WuVG01PXvEyV3EGKb61LUNrkJSVT1MKQFvv-e9a1gFy5YPDd4wdWFL512bnUCPaJYJZrGtEorA9pOvlHhwVOMfbSNSbG_zY1YqVEIWYtLmRz-jFWPMK64qbWDGWHUlV8WdzNEeHgI/s320/metaphorically+speaking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">"</span>People May Not Remember Exactly What You Did, or What You Said, But They Will Always Remember How You Made Them Feel"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i> -Unknown </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I've been told quite a few times in my life that curiously, I have a "way" of explaining things that sorta makes whatever I'm talking about, not only understandable, but almost...palpable. (Wow - Kudos to ME, right?! : )</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>What's my secret? - I <b>like</b> to talk in metaphors...that's it! (Um...Sorry to disappoint...) But it's actually the only tool I have that enables me to "bridge the gap," between what I may experience that you may not understand. How do metaphors help with this? Well...it gives me the opportunity to allow you to momentarily "feel" (using symbolic analogies) what I feel. Actually, it's pretty easy...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I often get a LOT of questions from various people, asking me to <b>describe</b> my symptoms...most times they are surprised at what I end up saying (which I find extremely entertaining : ) So - here's the list:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b>Note: Thankfully, I do not feel like this ALL of the time, and I certainly cannot say that other Lyme suffers have the same experiences I do, but I CAN say that throughout my long history with this illness, every single one of these "metaphors" have been fully felt and expressed in the exact manner I describe below.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Q.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What does having Lyme feel like?</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> <b>A</b>. It feels like I'm trapped in prison with a <b>really </b>annoying, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> life long neighbor. One who simply <b>refuses</b> to leave me </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> alone...REFUSES!!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NZFKQ6YSZlKNNbz8tfGLNFfzu8WDlUGGTpLgjnqLpYja4ozoMs3fI053sCfcoZbDHgPp7XFxQgmJFFqXweUqBsxasTLcUmdiUtJ4BDN1xTqMmGWSlJrCrRi8DrPDbab-cuIHQ2aDfwU/s1600/prison+cell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NZFKQ6YSZlKNNbz8tfGLNFfzu8WDlUGGTpLgjnqLpYja4ozoMs3fI053sCfcoZbDHgPp7XFxQgmJFFqXweUqBsxasTLcUmdiUtJ4BDN1xTqMmGWSlJrCrRi8DrPDbab-cuIHQ2aDfwU/s320/prison+cell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Gosh...can't someone <b>please</b> (for the love of God!) get me one</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>of those "Get OUT of Jail Free" Cards! Sigh...this whole set-up we got going here, is <b>seriously</b> driving me BAT-SHIT <b>crazy!!</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">*Notice how I'm "personifying" a bacterial infection here. This is <b>not</b> a mistake - every single Lyme patient I've ever met will tell you the same thing. They very strangely, and quite uncommonly feel as though they're playing a torturous game of ME vs. IT. They are oddly <b>aware</b> of its presence...which is something I've NEVER felt about any other type of illness or infection I've ever had.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Q.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What do you mean when you say you feel </span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> weak and tired?</span></b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b style="color: #4c1130;"> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>A.</b> Are you a swimmer? When you were a kid, did you ever</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> have contests with your friends to see how long you could</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> hold your breath underwater? If so, do you recall the</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4RJf0lECoX59fJYAdwPo9-nHATcQB5euGqz1h4vdnuCMPJbOIMQZehItD42EP6aRSMTDSzgHauhFfx1MR5ZMQWSlKc59nuLZZDjMIzKIa6HoOPv6P_iiFa8EA5ZtHyQ4Ug-teqzIT-I/s1600/drowning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4RJf0lECoX59fJYAdwPo9-nHATcQB5euGqz1h4vdnuCMPJbOIMQZehItD42EP6aRSMTDSzgHauhFfx1MR5ZMQWSlKc59nuLZZDjMIzKIa6HoOPv6P_iiFa8EA5ZtHyQ4Ug-teqzIT-I/s320/drowning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> sensation you felt, just a </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> millisecond before you </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> decided you couldn't take </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> it anymore, and came up</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> gasping for air? </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> Remember how the "life"</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> seemed to drain out of you, </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> and you felt your entire </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> body almost go limp as </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> you started to </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">fade out (right</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> before you came up for air)? </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> That momentary </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">sensation you felt, the one that made you </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> feel like you were </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">going to die if you didn't get oxygen...Yeah</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> - that's how </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">"weak and tired" I feel <b>every single second</b> on</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> most </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">days.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">3)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Q.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What does the "pain" in your spine, joints, </span></b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> and head feel</span></b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> like? Didn't the IV Rocephin </b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> help with that?</b></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>A. </b>Have you ever cut your finger, or some other body part, that</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> eventually became infected? Do you recall what it felt like?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> It's an </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">unmistakable burning, tingling, gnawing, infection-</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> type pain. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Now, remember when you came to your senses and</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> FINALLY put some Neo-sporin, hydrogen peroxide, or some</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> other topical antibiotic remedy on the infected area?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> Notice how doing so seemed to tame that "fire" you felt?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> How you kind of sighed with relief, knowing that doing so </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> was <b>exactly</b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> what your body needed to fix the problem? It was</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">soothing and comforting, right? </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">The area surrounding my </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> spine, joints, and head feel </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>very</b> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>much</b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> like that "infected</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> cut", and for the first few months, </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>receiving the IV Rocephin,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> felt almost like a liquid Neo-</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>sporin. It had a way of "taming</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> that infectious fire" and it </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>allowed me to pretty much get on</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> with my day. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Unfortunately, for me, the last few months were </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> different. I </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>suddenly felt like I had a MUCH bigger "cut" and </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> was still</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> adding the same amount of that liquid Neo-sporin. It</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> just </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>wasn't enough anymore, and I slowly felt that fire come</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> back. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It was only then that I just <b>knew</b> I was in serious </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> trouble...especially when my Dr. suddenly decided it was</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> time to STOP the treatment, but that's a different story.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b>4) Q. What are your thoughts about applying for</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> and receiving disability for Lyme Disease?</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>A. </b>I find that the "disability" process is quite similar to </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> suddenly waking up one day and realizing that your house</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> and everything you own is on <b>fire</b>. Frantically, you start</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> calling the fire department, the police, and every other local</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> entity that may assist you, while barely managing to crawl</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> to safety without becoming engulfed by the flames yourself.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> You mistakenly think that the people you called are on their</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> way, but it is only after EVERYTHING you ever had is lying</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> in molten ash around you, and you are left with nothing, that</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> they <b>finally </b>decide to show</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> up.</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b>*The rest of the following questions, I actually don't have metaphors for, BUT I am happy to answer them all the same : )</b> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><b>5) Q. If you're SO disabled, how can you possibly</b></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><b> be writing a</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>BLOG??</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>A. </b>To be honest, it took me about 4 years to be able to start</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> "writing" again. Even now though, my symptoms wax and</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> wane in such a way that there are times (a LOT of them) </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> where I look at what I've written so far and wonder how on </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> <b>earth</b> I was able to not only write an <b>entire post</b>, but even be</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> able to coherently organize, plan, and execute a single </span></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7m8jFA9wpVrKmDCjTEtowhX9BdRM2HVfBFcj_4zwz72EoqR4cSDB8P-kyBK1-YOuOqRQe5F8F1aDlvsgmqtEgqSmY0iy4Dm9aHpAal4B-yPxDQxwqh6GXV40wPKxvN0cejcyxpA-XOs/s1600/handwriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7m8jFA9wpVrKmDCjTEtowhX9BdRM2HVfBFcj_4zwz72EoqR4cSDB8P-kyBK1-YOuOqRQe5F8F1aDlvsgmqtEgqSmY0iy4Dm9aHpAal4B-yPxDQxwqh6GXV40wPKxvN0cejcyxpA-XOs/s320/handwriting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> fucking sentence! (As you can see this obviously frustrates</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">me...) What do I do to get around it? I write when and what</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> I can, and try and be grateful that I'm able to do so...at least</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> <b>part </b>of the month.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b>6) Q. Why are you constantly saying "I'm Sorry"</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> whenever you </b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b>have those seizure-like </b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> episodes, walking issues, and periods </b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b>of </b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> paralysis?</b></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>A.</b> For the LIFE of me, I simply <b>do not</b> understand why people </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> don't "get" this! To me, going through this type of experience</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> while someone is <b>watching</b> is the most mortifying, horrifying,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> and utterly embarrassing thing that could EVER happen!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> I HATE it when people see me lose control over my body like</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> that! I mean - how humiliated would YOU feel if you </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> suddenly, for no reason at all, lost control of your bowels, </span></i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycUrhaPkn7_nEKCP8Bne4ZRoodsDjHWFot8AWBrPuPRzI-9ZHdu5fD87_BUbguzpxyKm6dI8bRfAU7SZjxiBb7O5REnMnsgL72Giz4oK8Gn9gefOdSvYcBJIUeyyWiq0ZdyfurIv6sv0/s1600/sorry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycUrhaPkn7_nEKCP8Bne4ZRoodsDjHWFot8AWBrPuPRzI-9ZHdu5fD87_BUbguzpxyKm6dI8bRfAU7SZjxiBb7O5REnMnsgL72Giz4oK8Gn9gefOdSvYcBJIUeyyWiq0ZdyfurIv6sv0/s400/sorry.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> and actually shit </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> your pants in front</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> of everybody!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> Thankfully </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">that</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> humiliation has</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> NOT happened to</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> me, but I would</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> imagine the feeling</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> being quite similar.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> I'm only 30 for </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> Christ's sake. SO -</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><i> let me say it again: </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>7) Q. You're going through so much...why don't </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><b> you ever cry?</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b> A. </b>For two very easy reasons. The first is that the saying, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> "People can get used to pretty much anything" is very true.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> In that respect, I've simply gotten SO used to constantly being</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> in pain, dealing with the financial hardships, coping with the</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> endless (self-inflicted) loneliness, and trying to just "get by",</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> that THIS reality has become almost "normal" to me. In fact,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> the <b>only</b> time I actually cry is from any kind of RELIEF (Ha -</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> it's more like a "reprieve"!) I</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> experience over any one of the </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> above mentioned being even temporarily abated. The second</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> reason is that (especially with the neurological, cognitive,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> and psychiatric aspects of this illness) some of the symptoms</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> I experience are SO downright bizarre, incomprehensible</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> and astonishingly unimaginable, that when I experience them,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> I often find myself in a state </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">of complete shock and can not</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> even <b>begin</b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> to mentally process </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">such a phenomenon - much less</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"> have an "emotional response" </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">to it!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b>8) Q. Why does having "moments of clarity"</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><b> ultimately make you sad? </b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">A. </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">There are moments, even hours that randomly occur where</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> a shift takes place, and you suddenly, and without effort,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> <b>feel</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> and perceive everything normally again. (You'll know</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> when this happens because you'll suddenly start wondering</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> with alarm, why on earth you AREN'T working, are living </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> with your <b>parent's</b>, DO NOT have a social life anymore, and</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> are SHOCKED to realize that you are NOW 30 years old! -</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> where did those three years go?!) While you experience this</i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-76FIYqXYforYd6sTWMd0S2phu9QHpBJ6FbkJHtBFf9s56DLCk3GzU4bP5jOapM0A6s3av1cgB85g1b-Sr4w6_854SewxCH9ZXwmjJTWVGeXOVLp0i8i9oolx8VQRb0RNsdfA3PRNzz4/s1600/Unreachable+apples.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-76FIYqXYforYd6sTWMd0S2phu9QHpBJ6FbkJHtBFf9s56DLCk3GzU4bP5jOapM0A6s3av1cgB85g1b-Sr4w6_854SewxCH9ZXwmjJTWVGeXOVLp0i8i9oolx8VQRb0RNsdfA3PRNzz4/s320/Unreachable+apples.png" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> you think it will stay, that you are "back" to your old self </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>again, and you begin to have <b>HOPE</b>. Without fail, however, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>these moments or hours <b>never</b> last, and you can almost feel </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>yourself being pulled back into "Lymeland". You desperately </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>try to fight it, to hold on to this sudden clarity, but attempting </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>to do so is pointless - it's like trying to catch the wind, and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>you watch helplessly as this feeling fades,</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> as it slips right through your fingers. </i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b><br />
</b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b><br />
</b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>*If you are reading this paragraph and managed to make it through to the end of this post - I sincerely Thank You! (I KNOW no one likes to hear about this type of stuff...usually, and quite understandably, it's simply easier to look the other way.) </b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b><br />
</b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>However, please know that I am not looking for "sympathy" here, my intention is really to help people UNDERSTAND how life-changing this disease can be if NOT caught in its early stages, and one of the ways I can get that through to you is, unfortunately, by trying to have you imagine yourself experiencing the kind of insanity that comes along with the later stages of the illness. </b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b><br />
</b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>Hopefully, by now, Lyme Disease is AT LEAST on your radar...it IS epidemic nowadays, and prevention and early treatment is KEY.</b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b><br />
</b></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Best Wishes,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Sarah</span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yousaytoo.com/backlinks/1496nyu0fcbx6txjho61swrtb"><br />
<img alt="YouSayToo Revenue Sharing Community" src="http://www.yousaytoo.com/backlinks/1496nyu0fcbx6txjho61swrtb.png" /><br />
</a>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-83776690094198663422011-10-25T07:22:00.000-04:002011-10-25T14:41:27.191-04:00Lyme on the Brain: Part 2 - Hemispheres<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrNH-KlTaHO2mvdGPxQGPfsP4byaT5ibc0p9h1tbp_h2uc5YQBvGmdeQRoWhqipmkrjRzmX11jsxkhuFJWGPQoq10AAwPy5WSCLoT0FXf896RJJG2HpiTWEnB6U5ruMNK-FbDeoBbLHo/s640/3brain3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small; font-style: italic;">Although I REALLY hate Advertisements...(especially those for "luxury items"), I DO have to give props to the person who created this particular advertising campaign...Well Done Sir! : )</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Know Thyself"</i></b></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> - Socrates</i></span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's interesting to me how most people don't realize that they are essentially walking around with two <b>very different</b> "personalities" that ultimately work together in such an amazingly integrative and complex way, that they not only end up NOT realizing this, but assume that the patterns of thought and what they essentially <b>care</b> about are simply "who they are", and are completely unaware that their own "individuality" is really the result of an elaborate combination of the two (right and left) brain hemispheres working in a particularly unique and intrinsically harmonic way.</i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RQ2M8nPNkeTttcGTtgQ9FlbDdhh5duO8mxYlREqc8uakURBNjaAkvlEtsUj05VhHPfAuavIV1TcgdVZYnfOy0aCkQyfKOS68mFuxHRPB-t0No_VdqDMKqwVaWy5w_mYaDaCZ1FUsHOs/s1600/rt%253Alt+brain+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RQ2M8nPNkeTttcGTtgQ9FlbDdhh5duO8mxYlREqc8uakURBNjaAkvlEtsUj05VhHPfAuavIV1TcgdVZYnfOy0aCkQyfKOS68mFuxHRPB-t0No_VdqDMKqwVaWy5w_mYaDaCZ1FUsHOs/s320/rt%253Alt+brain+lady.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><i>Right Brained Vs. Left Brained</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's safe to say that every person relies more dominantly on either their "right brain" or "left brain", but rarely are they exclusive to only one side. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b>Note: The following is a two-part, fun and easy test to help determine not only which side of the brain you are most dominant in, but also, the results will give some insight into what type of "personality" you have from the end results.</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetubVIm7qd6EQR4c7cFtXGRX5cgB8BsIzcIbFn2BIvNaMSE3xNUrDUb-85pQl3b4K_455uEN-ToVJFsrSNA6yk11C2Wo2jxCek8cDbuxb3NhRGQ0TXtxfaCmxXS8eb9Jo7FOgT5Ltf4g/s1600/thumb+test+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetubVIm7qd6EQR4c7cFtXGRX5cgB8BsIzcIbFn2BIvNaMSE3xNUrDUb-85pQl3b4K_455uEN-ToVJFsrSNA6yk11C2Wo2jxCek8cDbuxb3NhRGQ0TXtxfaCmxXS8eb9Jo7FOgT5Ltf4g/s320/thumb+test+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Out of all the different methods of determining which side you are <b>most </b>dominant in, this is the easiest way I've ever came across of finding out: Take a quick moment to cross all of your fingers together and notice which thumb (right or left) is on top. To get the most accurate results please do which ever way "feels" most natural to you...Lol - this is NOT a pass or fail test! </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> If your left thumb is on top, then you are pre-dominately "right-brained". And (obviously) if your right thumb is on top, you are predominately "left brained". </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Write which thumb is on top (Mine is the left thumb), and then continue on to the next part:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zyMm9gflt2y56L0eDvYvXbPHMdrVlDsj-ZRPH1n2Jawvdj6Me9WVljD0Jsy4T74-3GAT6p1U4Kckw3dc4C7-du3OPCW83tUVh8a0y5HD2hhfgM3aOT-D5sACiyR0HB9GDojE4p5WeuY/s1600/ARM+test+brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zyMm9gflt2y56L0eDvYvXbPHMdrVlDsj-ZRPH1n2Jawvdj6Me9WVljD0Jsy4T74-3GAT6p1U4Kckw3dc4C7-du3OPCW83tUVh8a0y5HD2hhfgM3aOT-D5sACiyR0HB9GDojE4p5WeuY/s320/ARM+test+brain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> Cross your arms together and notice which arm the right or left is on top. (Mine is the right arm.) If your right arm is on top then it's an indication that you also have "left brain" qualities...and vice versa</i></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>What does all of this mean: Check it out. There are only four possible combinations here and each can tell you a little more about your particular personality.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><b>1) Right Thumb on top (Left Brained), Left arm on top (Right Brained):</b></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><i>These people like to take care of others, and often display Leader-Type qualities. They innately have keen observation abilities, and are effortlessly able to "see through" situations, being able to discern the root-cause of any problem. They are often quite good at serving as mediators, and are considerate and kind to both conflicting parties. </i><i>Because of their cool and calm nature, and strong sense of responsibility, they tend to become the "head" of a group and are often p</i><i>opular among people. </i><i>However, they may not be able to help themselves in becoming involved in the affairs of others, but only because they have a "protective" sense and want to make sure everyone around them is safe and okay. They also can be v</i><i>ery concerned about how others view them, and are always on alert.</i></li>
</span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>2) Left Thumb on top (Right Brained), Right arm on top (Left Brained): my personality...</b></span></i></span><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These people are by nature, considerate, traditional, and often indirect; they dislike conflict, and direct confrontation. They are</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> instinctively able to "read" others, and often adapt their behavior to make those around them as comfortable as possible. </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although they are not very good at taking initiatives, they will always be willing to take a step back to support others. They often have s</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">table personalities, and are very "protective" of the people they love. </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Their weakness is that they cannot say no to those in need, and will often put other people's needs in front of their own.</span></i></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><b>3) Left Thumb on top (Right Brained), Left arm on top (Right Brained):</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The people are very creative, curious, imaginative, free-willed spirits who love to be challenged and are extremely straight-forward in expressing their needs. </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Once they decided to do something, there is no talking them out of it, and they must do it right away. They are daredevils and often </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">put themselves into dangerous situations (just for the rush) without first thinking it through (sometimes foolishly). </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Their weakness is that they don't listen to others, and will filter in only what whey want to hear in a conversation. </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">However, because of their straightforward attitude, they tend to be fairly popular.</span></i></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><b>4) Right Thumb on top (Left Brained), Right arm on top (Left Brained):</b></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><i>These people are dedicated, cold, perfectionist types who use logic in all aspects of their life. They are not emotional beings, and t</i><i>he only way to defeat (or win over) them is through reason alone. They have a lot of pride, and a strong impulse to "do the right thing", however, the "right" thing to do is often seen as either "Black or White" to them. There are no grays in their world.</i><i> If they are your friends, they are extremely trustworthy. </i><i>However, if they are your opponents, they can be very tough to deal with. Their weakness is that they can be a very 'anal' perfectionist, and as a result, often leave a bad first impression of being hard to deal with.</i></li>
</span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Interesting game, huh? Of course, I cannot say it is 100% accurate, but I do notice that a LOT of people displaying these type of qualities once completing the game, and usually can even guess which of the four personality types they are before they even try it! (Challenge me - I dare you! Lol...)</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>You may be asking yourself...How does this relate to Lyme Disease? Well, if you take a look at the following diagram of what the right and left frontal lobes are responsible for, you might just find yourself completely SHOCKED at how (in the Later Stages) pretty much ALL of these abilities seem to be completely stripped and affected by the disease:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwyj7zpfb47BONCEigvraEa5k5IuhzYPpllZoLkWcX-k-amWVrwJwCi0rRejydxQKKCGyrlhDgaMoWZaRr7O9ofyoAor_QU2pUo0kTk7N-ri_8OKCyAbzCU4DZ-4FUGjFXMRK9rB5uqw/s1600/frontal+Lt-Brain-vs-Rt-Brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwyj7zpfb47BONCEigvraEa5k5IuhzYPpllZoLkWcX-k-amWVrwJwCi0rRejydxQKKCGyrlhDgaMoWZaRr7O9ofyoAor_QU2pUo0kTk7N-ri_8OKCyAbzCU4DZ-4FUGjFXMRK9rB5uqw/s640/frontal+Lt-Brain-vs-Rt-Brain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Lol - did your lower jaw just drop to the ground when you saw this? - I KNOW mine sure did : )</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sigh, sooo - we already know that through SPECT scans, Lyme patients often display decreased blood flow through specific areas of the brain, but that it is not a diagnostic tool, since other illness (particularly auto-immune) like Lupus and MS can also display the same features. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>However, what really GETS to me, is that at NO point in my illness, even when I was showing the onset of severe dementia, and mimicking aspects of parkinson's and ALS, besides a "decreased signal to my right ventricle, and some scarring"... my MRI tests (which show brain structure, not function) ALWAYS came back relatively normal. The question I pose is this: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><b>How can that possibly be?</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>I can't help but think of only one reason why this is...and, of course, it will greatly challenge the beliefs of Western Medicine. So, please tune in on my NEXT post where I will attempt to connect another very important, but highly unrecognized part of the Central Nervous System and its affects on the brain. For those of you who haven't guessed already, the "part" I'm referring to is the Craniosacral System.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Many Blessings,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah </i></span></div>
</div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-54145897116543006342011-10-23T23:03:00.000-04:002011-10-23T23:03:58.767-04:00Whose Afraid of Dying?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5itD6YmfV7Jvp_nl7QcfvIxG7w-odzf5k6i9Pdm3mJ8F2gjvqwB5ziIEWBElu4htPecCzv6HLkcxxspd1gEHnFKzMfhpmnfqoHgJisdjH3I15qln_z1OdkREjfaSGNrA7CV7knacpCA/s1600/hour+glass+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5itD6YmfV7Jvp_nl7QcfvIxG7w-odzf5k6i9Pdm3mJ8F2gjvqwB5ziIEWBElu4htPecCzv6HLkcxxspd1gEHnFKzMfhpmnfqoHgJisdjH3I15qln_z1OdkREjfaSGNrA7CV7knacpCA/s200/hour+glass+close+up.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>"What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I experience, I understand." </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- Adaptation from Confucius</i></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>It's funny to me how most people only entertain the notion and seriously take into consideration their own inevitable "mortality" (for the <b>first</b> time in their <b>entire</b> lives) at a certain age, which, unfortunately is often later in life...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Why do I find this amusing? Well, because for me, the idea of "dying" is something that has literally haunted me ever since I was a very young teenager...something that I would actually lose sleep over, spending endless nights tossing and turning in bed while four very unsettling and unacceptably unanswerable questions raced through my mind. These were:</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5I06Uln29gJOJyhiGIJdSQwdVLK6FcGY51PSO-hXfHXj7RsFkORQrjr2wuY7qnXQJonvtmuA5M5K1KqzWcSn4aW11ldFdCjPA5b74aNSWaqjDU890lrJ_Bk0nwEbrsksF9QWavtLJxc/s1600/question-mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5I06Uln29gJOJyhiGIJdSQwdVLK6FcGY51PSO-hXfHXj7RsFkORQrjr2wuY7qnXQJonvtmuA5M5K1KqzWcSn4aW11ldFdCjPA5b74aNSWaqjDU890lrJ_Bk0nwEbrsksF9QWavtLJxc/s400/question-mark.jpg" width="265" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>1) What will happen to <b>me</b> when I die; where will <b>I</b> go?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>2) What will it feel like? (Gosh - it must be terrifying, why is this the <b>one</b> thing everyone must do alone?)</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>3) If I can't answer the first question, then how can I possibly understand why I am <b>here</b> in the first place? What is "here" anyway?! I'm supposed to just be <b>okay</b> with the fact that I'm situated on a planet that is part of an "infinite" Universe? Also, if I can't understand why I am "here" (whatever that means...), then what is the <b>purpose</b> of ...life?</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>4) Why does it seem like I am the <b>only</b> 15 year old truly concerned and alarmed by this! What on earth is <b>wrong</b> with me?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>*<b>Note:</b> I understand very well that all religions have answers to at least half of these questions. I myself was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith, attended a Catholic elementary school, went to church every Sunday with my italian grandmother, studied in CDC, and got my Communion. However, nothing I ever heard throughout my religious upbringing truly "resonated" with me or even comforted me in the slightest. In fact, if anything, it left me with more questions than answers...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Having said that, it's also very important to mention that I not only sincerely respect the varying faiths of others, but BELIEVE that what they "believe" is actually very true...FOR THEM. I respectfully do not push my own beliefs onto others, and am sincerely grateful when they do not push theirs onto mine.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Besides the whole "death" thing, there only was one other strange fear I had... Call it a premonition if you'd like, but I was <b>always</b> absolutely terrified that I would end up with a rare Brain Disease. Whether it be a Brain Tumor, MS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's or just plain old going bat-shit crazy - I was paralyzed with fear just by the thought of it.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sooo...if someone were to tell me back then that at twenty-two years old, I would be disabled by a disease that not only affected the brain and mimicked a couple of the more horrid illnesses mentioned above, but that it would ultimately be too "unbearable" to LIVE through, and that I would even attempt to take my own <b>life</b> to try and escape it! - My. God. All I can say about <b>that</b> is - sometimes <b>not</b> knowing the future is truly a blessing!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Ironically, in the end, it really did take having that Near Death Experience for me to absolutely abandon <b>any</b> negative connotations I may have had about my youthful phobias. In fact, pretty much every person I've ever heard of "experiencing" a NDE will tell you roughly the same thing. Not only do I find that they are not afraid of dying, but most are even...lol "upset" that they have to come back!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Another thing I've noticed is that having this type of experience will forever alter the way they view and even lead their lives afterwards. The "change" in my perspective can pretty much be summed up in the following story and from the implications in it:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">In<sub> </sub>the last century, a tourist from the States<sub> </sub>visited the famous Polish rabbi Hafez<sub> </sub>Hayyim.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">He<sub> </sub>was astonished to see that the rabbi's home<sub> </sub>was only a simple room filled with books.<sub> </sub>The only<sub> </sub>furniture was a table and a<sub> </sub>bench.</span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">"Rabbi,<sub> </sub>where is your furniture?" asked the<sub> </sub>tourist.<br />"Where<sub> </sub>is yours?" replied<sub> </sub>Hafez.<br />"Mine?<sub> </sub>But I'm only a visitor<sub> </sub>here."<br />"So<sub> </sub>am I," said the<sub> </sub>rabbi.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Many Blessings and Much Love,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>PS. If you have NO idea what I'm talking about in this post, please go to "My Story" and read Chapter Three: As I Lay Here Dying.</i></span><br />
</div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366562870515230688.post-41467664648708252662011-10-14T00:49:00.000-04:002011-10-14T14:01:28.556-04:00Hints, Suggestions, and Ideas for Caretakers, Loved Ones, and Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvEzX0ZO0n-EqP-R2BysfAnWVdEw1xbomy32nH5FITr32L6-hZTps5X0da31CZUKT7lowJggnoZOp8aKJaktQ-fOnU6AJF-iCt53V1-kRB4duKKDPdw4i0nasFumcmFBdqrC5CyoEtg/s1600/I+love+someone+with+Lyme+disease.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvEzX0ZO0n-EqP-R2BysfAnWVdEw1xbomy32nH5FITr32L6-hZTps5X0da31CZUKT7lowJggnoZOp8aKJaktQ-fOnU6AJF-iCt53V1-kRB4duKKDPdw4i0nasFumcmFBdqrC5CyoEtg/s320/I+love+someone+with+Lyme+disease.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px;"><div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>...But don’t have any FUCKING idea how to help them!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Note: If the above message applies to you, then this posts' for you baby! : )</b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>1. Please do not force us to lie or be sarcastic by asking us, "How are you feeling/doing?" Also, unless you purposely want to make us go postal, Do Not (Ever) say, "You look great!"</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLUzsX9N8hR9DMfHH1YM9xAVTIZ2NyLRULCN3bSVvnQw8_rjEy26JKQrowOQsMpF2hQrnFEZtzNk58bg641GjmXAe2XLfi1j-Oam2QzHnlRqOx2aLpCwztb6rNEvNJyhM6QF54Zu8TGY/s1600/I%2527ll+let+you+know+when+I%2527m+feeling+better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLUzsX9N8hR9DMfHH1YM9xAVTIZ2NyLRULCN3bSVvnQw8_rjEy26JKQrowOQsMpF2hQrnFEZtzNk58bg641GjmXAe2XLfi1j-Oam2QzHnlRqOx2aLpCwztb6rNEvNJyhM6QF54Zu8TGY/s1600/I%2527ll+let+you+know+when+I%2527m+feeling+better.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Trust me, when these chains finally break, and I AM feeling better, you will not only be the very first person I <b>tell</b>, but I will also probably Broadcast it ALL over the Radio, TV, and (possibly) Internet! In fact, don't be surprised if you see a YouTube video of me doing a victory dance to the song "Walkin' on Sunshine" as well...</i></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Hint: </b>Try saying, <b>"It's so nice to see (or hear from) you!"</b> and give us an extra bit of "Love" in that hug instead.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Handwriting - Dakota'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>2. Please do not judge us if we're not "perfect patients"!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This is a BIG one for me...and when I see those disapproving stares as I take that first sip of coffee or reach for that deliciously comforting Raspberry Scone, sometimes I literally want to scream:</i></span></div>
<blockquote>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"I'm sorry...do you SEE wings on my back or something?! NO - I'm <b>human</b>, I'm flawed, (and am going through some seriously frightening SHIT at the moment that I'm trying to handle with as much <b>grace</b> as humanly possible!) Please forgive me if I'm not being a complete "Angel" about it!"</span><br /></span></i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. Please do not "Ask" if we need help! Of COURSE we need help... </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>This is basically a story of "IF and THEN"...IF you love someone who has Late Stage Lyme Disease, THEN you should already <b>know</b> what their symptoms are, be educated about the very controversial climate we suffer in, and understand that we are desperate!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxzk4recfJRixdqJhM_lhtmrApLi80_Bb5zysRDGIJ-2B2SEKnjKist7zYnRdgSf9Ci39CnzqnsH6NDv18X35RujtfFjfpVQ3yx93UJFouvKEle3vnkHPTRP48kdzLeTftkWqINB-qwc/s1600/GotGuilt-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwmJKmgRkP3mhd9lZbxTgWq-ygOzC1tcz135rhNunWZllw3HFD7Iot9N2OSr0pnFjJcslFv_owXvgtFujUZGuAwGLXW5Hn3I014VE6aaOrUM_R_bxiC8un2famniNIlmz-aEzHgGX9Cc/s1600/GotGuilt-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwmJKmgRkP3mhd9lZbxTgWq-ygOzC1tcz135rhNunWZllw3HFD7Iot9N2OSr0pnFjJcslFv_owXvgtFujUZGuAwGLXW5Hn3I014VE6aaOrUM_R_bxiC8un2famniNIlmz-aEzHgGX9Cc/s200/GotGuilt-300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Also, it <b>really</b> does take a "Village" to help cure a Late Stage Lymie. Please do not mistake yourself in thinking that a single caretaker can do EVERYTHING by him or herself! <b>It's simply not possible</b>, and when OUR caretakers get stressed, WE get stressed (which does not help our already "Off the Charts" Guilt factor we have from knowing that our illness is a CONSTANT burden to them!)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i>Here are a few suggestions for those who do care enough to help:</i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>We often spend the day by ourselves, sometimes not talking to ANYONE for days (which is extremely lonely). This can either be because we don't want to burden you with "talking" about how we are feeling, or it can be that "talking" is literally too exhausting for us. BUT we <b>miss</b> our friends...please DO send texts, e-mails, or letters just to say you're thinking of us, or even maybe something that will make us laugh : )</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Food is critical, and we have a particular diet to follow, however - seldom do we have the energy to actually <b>make</b> our own meals. You would probably bring us to tears with gratitude if you'd be kind enough to bring over some leftovers we can eat.</span></i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Give our caretakers a break once in awhile and offer to either drive us to our Dr's appointments, pick up our medications, or any other "stuff" we may need.</span></i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>The financial costs for treatment of this disease are astronomical, and is probably the <b>number one</b> thing we worry and stress over the most. If you are unable to help us out yourselves in this regard, please consider throwing a little fundraiser for us - trust me, we are grateful for every cent we can get. (Plus - it's good for Karma : )</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Sometimes, just coming by and sitting next to us for an hour or two while we watch a movie will do wonders for us. (Even if we don't say anything, knowing you are there, sending your love to us <b>really</b> is enough!)</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Please do whatever you can to create a private healing "space" for us to stay while we are sick. We've already lost everything, and being "on display" in front of everyone, adds one more notch to the complete and utter <b>shame</b> we already feel about that.</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>If you are far away and can't do any of these things, please pray, send love, prana, energy, or hopeful healing thoughts to us whenever you can. It really does help!</i></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: x-large;"><b>4. If we "Offend" you by either saying, not saying, doing, not doing, or forgetting to do pretty much ANYTHING - Please, don't take it personally!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Understand that we are suffering from a Multi-systemic (that includes the Brain) Infection. Because of this, it is extremely unpredictable as to what we will be able to do or not do, act like or not act like, on ANY given day. This BAFFLES us as much as it does you!! If you are <b>still</b> by our side after seeing us deteriorate to a near invalid, trust me - the very LAST thing we would <b>want</b> to do is upset you in ANY way!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YJVVR6skPmMhKoqCGZzdwfigbsMqBtWbUGgLo5BdnohCpfgAH943tIHZe19Xi3R8_L3_pJbpMOKHoLSax-QVBieeB3ionAEgKKV0W8cG_o9DG_V9s9MOpuJuczx5tAXOPWVNWlexy-Y/s1600/sorry+to+have+caused+all+this+trouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YJVVR6skPmMhKoqCGZzdwfigbsMqBtWbUGgLo5BdnohCpfgAH943tIHZe19Xi3R8_L3_pJbpMOKHoLSax-QVBieeB3ionAEgKKV0W8cG_o9DG_V9s9MOpuJuczx5tAXOPWVNWlexy-Y/s400/sorry+to+have+caused+all+this+trouble.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: x-large;"><b>5. We understand that it is VERY hard to relate to what we are going through, but do YOU understand how hard it is for us to relate to you??</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Honestly, when my friends call me and start talking about their "normal" day or what they did over the weekend (went out for dinner, had a few drinks with friends, went shopping, etc), it does three things to me:</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">It metaphorically makes me feel as through you're talking about a dream I just had, but now that I'm awake, is something that my body vaguely recalls but is just beyond my mind's reach.</span></i></li>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Makes me realize JUST how sick I am, and the comparison makes me want to cry.</span></i></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>If I'm being brutally honest here, sometimes it makes me wonder...<b>you know</b> I'm desperately struggling just to keep my head above water, right? Would it really <b>kill</b> you, to spend one night in, like maybe once every three months, and help me out just a little with the money you saved from doing so? Is that TOO much to ask? If so - why?! I'd do it for you in a heartbeat!</i></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: x-large;"><b>
6. We KNOW that it has been years since we've "been well", please understand that this frustrates and upsets us as much as it does you! We WANT to be well again more than ANYTHING! Don't give up on us!! (And we won't give up on you!) </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEaoKs4JxZrRXfyIMj29-YzQ9xuVwws7dDc5RPAM00dts5vB3LLq8rhyJ0jH1rSqiz50QnH80ItaHoXgwT42O9MbMbsRM2jTB1zvuT9CoWwPv1GVri2tSQ80WwkzSdHZESdPVn5X5AF0/s1600/Love+me+till+my+heart+stops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEaoKs4JxZrRXfyIMj29-YzQ9xuVwws7dDc5RPAM00dts5vB3LLq8rhyJ0jH1rSqiz50QnH80ItaHoXgwT42O9MbMbsRM2jTB1zvuT9CoWwPv1GVri2tSQ80WwkzSdHZESdPVn5X5AF0/s400/Love+me+till+my+heart+stops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Thanks for listening!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Sarah</i></span> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Sarah Lamandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767238679288635618noreply@blogger.com4