Something Nice To Talk About

Napa Valley, California

2011-08-10T23:36:00.011-04:00

Have been enjoying taking photos!!

2011-07-27T13:12:00.017-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-03T14:53:00.011-04:00

"Will you ever begin to understand the meaning of the very soil beneath your feet? From a grain of sand to a great mountain, all is sacred. Yesterday and tomorrow exist eternally upon this continent. We natives are guardians of this sacred place."

~Peter Blue Cloud, Mohawk

New York - The Novel

2011-06-02T17:09:00.009-04:00

I listened to this book on CD. 30 CD's, 37 hours. I only listened to it in the car. It took me over 3 weeks to complete it, since I did not drive every day or long distance. But when I got in the car I was very much looking forward to the story.

It is the history of New York from the beginning until 9/11. Historical facts in a novel setting. Incredible storytelling. Get it from your library! Highly recommend it.

NYC Photos

2011-05-29T01:40:00.012-04:00

Catherine & William::Royal Love

2011-04-30T03:02:00.005-04:00

A Spring Day Walk

2011-04-22T11:37:00.021-04:00

My beautiful daughter Oceana & Pete's wedding.

2011-04-12T21:39:00.010-04:00

Solid Salt Scrub

2011-04-11T10:52:00.017-04:00

Tricia at Handmade Body Care has a great little gem of a product. A solid salt scrub! How fantastic is that. Since it's solid it is amazing for traveling. Each one is a single use, about a one ounce size. Mine lasted a little longer. The chocolate orange aroma is delicious. I love this new exfoliating emollient treat. Get some here or here. Slough off the old skin, get your skin renewed!

Harbour Island, Bahamas

2011-04-03T10:47:00.008-04:00

A beautiful walk on the beach!

2011-02-24T08:27:00.009-05:00

Beautiful Bahia, Brazil

2011-02-02T16:52:00.016-05:00

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T22:16:00.004-05:00

Books Read in 2010

2010-12-26T09:50:00.007-05:00

1. The Mother of the Little Flower by Celine Martin
2. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
3. Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant
4. The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux
5. What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman
6. The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz
7. Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende
8. Astrid & Veronika by Linda Olsson
9. Bridge of Signs by Richard Russo
10. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
11. Saudade by Anik See
12. The Weissmann's of Westport by Cathleen Schine
13. Shirley by Kelly McMasters
14. Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter
15. Pearl Buck in China by Hilary Spurling
16. Under the Same Moon by Kelli M. Donley
17. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
18. A Memoir: Extra Ordinary, Oridnary People by Condoleezza Rice
19. In With the Devil by James Keene & Hillel Levin
20. Even Silence Has an End by Ingrid Betancourt

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY--Brilliant & Funny

2010-12-23T15:44:00.002-05:00

Full Moon::December 21, 2010

2010-12-21T18:49:00.004-05:00

First snow and Cardinal

2010-12-14T15:52:00.006-05:00

Feels Like Winter....brrrrrr

2010-12-08T23:49:00.004-05:00

Birthday at Pure Food and Wine

2010-11-17T18:14:00.012-05:00

I love this picture! Bobby and I were dining at Pure Food and Wine in NYC for my birthday. The candle made this beautiful reflection of the water glass onto the wall. A lovely memory.

Daily Brazil Photo #7

2010-11-11T09:01:00.003-05:00

Daily Brazil Photo #6

2010-11-05T07:49:00.004-04:00

Daily Brazil Photo #5

2010-11-03T07:59:00.003-04:00

Daily Brazil Photo #4

2010-10-28T18:13:00.004-04:00

Daily Brazil Photo #3

2010-10-27T16:26:00.004-04:00

Daily Brazil Photo #2

2010-10-26T14:32:00.003-04:00

Daily Brazil Photo

2010-10-25T16:40:00.012-04:00

I will be posting a photo daily for the next 10 days from Brazil. We are here for about 2 weeks. In case there is no photo, it's because the internet was down. Here is the first one. Enjoy!

Summer to Autumn

2010-09-20T17:20:00.013-04:00

Beautiful time of year. Transition is stunning to watch.
Leaves are turning their hues.

Air feels cool and fresh, yet warm.
Enjoy your journey of one season to the next.

Driving Along Open Land

2010-09-04T09:23:00.009-04:00

Driving through northern Connecticut and Massachusetts is just so relaxing.

It is a serene feeling to see open land.

May your day be filled with peace and beauty!

On My Walk

2010-08-30T21:38:00.008-04:00

Brazil

2010-08-28T19:27:00.009-04:00

Dear Friends,

Please visit here for my current post.

Thank you!

jessica

Dubrovnik, Croatia

2010-08-07T18:43:00.032-04:00

Dubrovnik is a paradise. It has gorgeous coastlines, great cuisine, is friendly and clean. It is situated at the edge of the Adriatic Sea in the south of Croatia. The landscape is beautiful with natural steep cliffs, bays and beaches. Dubrovnik was severely damaged in an attack of war in 1991, however, the impressive medieval architecture and landscape still remain. It is a must to see. We are captured by its stunning beauty.

Lavender Sachets

2010-07-26T00:50:00.020-04:00

Making lavender sachets:
Cut two pieces of scrapbook paper, 5 inches by 6 inches.
Machine sew the two sides and bottom with similar color or contrasting thread, 1/4 inch from edge.
Fill with lavender, about 1/3 full. I purchased organic lavender on ebay.
Sew the top closed.
Create an oval piece and fold in half.
This can be put on top or on the side as it is shown on the vintage woman print.
Trim edge of oval piece with zig zag scissors.
Place oval piece folded in half on top or side.
Punch two holes and pull ribbon thru.

They are so pretty and smell so nice.
Place in draws, closet, desk, on top of dresser, etc.
I gave one to a friend and she keeps hers in her knitting bag.
Give it as a hostess gift or just give it. Everyone loves it.
Shake the envelope and squeeze occasionally to release scent.

Hipstamatic Pictures from iphone

2010-07-20T02:51:00.008-04:00

102 Degrees, Long Island, NY

2010-07-06T16:07:00.009-04:00

Today is Tuesday, July 6, 2010 and it is 102 degrees. Yes, 102!!

Walking outside is like a big hot hair dryer just coming at you.

Went out just for a while.

Staying in for rest of the day where it's nice and comfortable.

Passages

2010-05-31T21:47:00.010-04:00

While in Brazil, our last 5 weeks were very difficult. Watching my half sister become ill and then die. Dealing with medical beaurocracy in Brazil, eventhough she is from there was complex and at times confusing. Her final doctor, a compassionate and dear person, she was like an angel. Watching my mother's agony of losing her daughter was hard to comprehend; it's not supposed to be in that order. We all felt powerless, helpless. Yet it was her time to go.

A gift from S&D, (thank you) "Passages" The Mystery of Death/Finding Meaning In Life
by Tomas & Garth Fuller.

Some passages:

The dead have nothing except the memory they have left.
~Ferenc Molnar~ Hungarian 1878-1952

Since time began
The dead alone know peace.
Life is but falling snow.
~Nandai~ Japanese circa 1600

Death is one of two things. Either it is annihilation, and the dead have
no consciousness of anything; or, as we are told, it is really a change:
a migration of the soul from one place to another.
~Plato~ Greek circa 428-348 B.C.

Death is as sure for that which is born,
as birth is for that which is dead.
Therefore grieve not for what is inevitable.
~The Bhagavad Gita~ Hindu circa 400 B.C.

Life is not separate from death.
It only looks that way.
~ Blackfoot Indian proverb

2010-04-10T18:29:00.004-04:00

Taking a break.
A lot is going on.
Needing to recharge.
Will be back!

Matetic Vineyards, Chile

2010-02-18T17:12:00.026-05:00

We have been busy driving and visiting different places along the coast. Today we had lunch at Matetic Vineyards, located in the San Antonio Valley. Recommended by Erin & Chris. Thank you E&C....we love it here! Delicious lunch with incredible wine. This vineyard has guest rooms. We asked to look at a room and we decided to stay for a couple of nights, dinner and breakfast is included, plus a tour of the vineyard. After our lunch we headed over to the pool area that is surrounded by lounge beds and beautiful gardens. Our room "Pinot Noir" opens to at the terrace to the vineyard. Oh so glorious! Beautiful, relaxing, great food, and the weather is gorgeous. Nice way to spend our last two days in Chile.

Santiago, Chile

2010-02-13T23:30:00.015-05:00

Woven Recycled Magazine Coasters

2010-02-03T15:51:00.023-05:00

At How About Orange there is a great little tutorial on recycled magazine coasters. I made two, using different types of magazine pages. One of them was a very glossy type and it was difficult to work with, it kept slipping. The other was more of recycled type of pages, much easier to manage. It's nice to coordinate colors, letters, etc. I like the one with the glass on it because it is from a Hungarian magazine...I like to see the Magyar words in the different squares.

At the same blog there is a tutorial for a basket from newspapers. Will attempt that next.

Sunday Mercado

2010-01-27T14:05:00.010-05:00

My Avatar

2010-01-22T18:51:00.005-05:00

Here I am as a Na'vi from Pandora.

Staying warm in Bahia, Brazil

2010-01-10T16:23:00.013-05:00

Happy 2010

2009-12-31T16:01:00.009-05:00

Cheers! Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone around the world peace,

health, happiness, success, much love and kindness
in both giving and receiving.

Only the best in 2010!

Avatar

2009-12-21T17:36:00.022-05:00

What an awesome movie Avatar is. The special effects are brilliant. The story line is a similar message that we have heard before and need to hear over and over again. Take care of our earth. Take care of each other.

The Na'vi, standing 9 feet (2.7 m) tall, with tails, and blue skin. They live in harmony with nature. A beautiful creation they are.

Watch it in 3D. Loved it.

I SEE YOU!

"Avatar".
The I See You lyrics by Leona Lewis are displayed below.

I see youI see youWalking through a dreamI see youMy light in darkness breathing hope of new lifeNow I live through you and you through meEnchantingI pray in my heart that this dream never endsI see me through your eyesLiving through life flying highYour life shines the way into paradiseSo I offer my life as a sacrificeI live through your loveYou teach me how to seeAll that’s beautifulMy senses touch your word I never picturedNow I give my hope to youI surrenderI pray in my heart that this world never endsI see me through your through life flying highYour love shines the way into paradiseSo I offer my lifeI offer my love, for youWhen my heart was never open(and my spirit never free)To the world that you have shown meBut my eyes could not divisionAll the colours of love and of life ever moreEvermore(I see me through your eyes)I see me through your eyes(Living through life flying high)Flying highYour love shines the way into paradiseSo I offer my life as a sacrificeAnd live through your loveAnd live through your lifeI see youI see you.

Holiday Cards

2009-12-05T10:57:00.014-05:00

This year I am decoupaging my holiday cards.
Using decorative paper napkins, separating the plys to a single ply with the image.
Spread glue or mod podge decoupage glue on blank card.
Press carefully.
Let dry or almost dry.
Brush more glue on surface.
Let dry completely.
Embelish with gold pen, glitter, or whatever you like.
Write a lovely message.
It's very pretty.

Living Foods Institute::Atlanta, GA

2009-11-23T01:22:00.023-05:00

Ten days at the Living Foods Institute in Atlanta was an incredible detox/cleanse journey. Some came with health challenges, others just wanting to learn to eat healthier. The hands on work in the kitchen was amazing. Information on the importance of eating living live vegan foods was essential. The lectures on emotional healing, deep. Options to receive different types of therapies as often as one needed it was a nice variety...colon hydrotheraphy, reflexology, indian head massage, bach flowers, footh baths, etc. I feel renewed with vast information, recipes and bonded with some incredible people.

The Day of the Dead - All Soul's Day

2009-10-30T09:58:00.011-04:00

The Day of the Dead - All Soul's Day. Honored throughout the world, the holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remembering friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years.

With my little altar, I am honoring my ancenstors and all who have passed on.

The Conscious Army - Love Is The New Religion

2009-10-18T09:05:00.001-04:00

pure niceness....be the change you want to be in the world!

Orange Autumn

2009-10-05T20:44:00.021-04:00

A beautiful season autumn is. Crisp coolness in the morning with warm breezes by mid day. The different hues of oranges and yellows are happy....a glowing warm. This past weekend was all of this. And to top it off we got to see a contest of giant pumpkins. First prize went to a 1,070 HUGE pounder (first photo).
Hope you're having a happy, orange and warm time of autumn.

More Budapest

2009-09-25T17:54:00.014-04:00

Budapest, Hungary

2009-09-19T04:09:00.011-04:00

Budapest, Hungary. Visiting my beautiful birth city with my sister. Some mixed pictures. Enjoy!

Tribute In Light 9/11

2009-09-10T23:08:00.004-04:00

Tribute In Light

Women Go Raw - Mimi Kirk

2009-09-06T01:18:00.001-04:00

Mimi Kirk, sexiest vegetarian over 50. She is 71 years old this month.

Mallorca, Spain

2009-08-27T14:35:00.015-04:00

I love coming back to Fornalutx. An ancient, beautiful town in Mallorca with stone streets and steps winding in alley ways for pedestrians. Olives, oranges, lemons and almonds grow and sheep are in the fields. A simple lifestyle with very few shops. In the plaza there is a small market and a sitting area for refreshments. A few small, beautiful hotels have opened that were old houses converted. A pretty little picturesque village.

Madrid, Spain

2009-08-23T18:40:00.012-04:00

We're spending a few days in Madrid before going over to Mallorca....which is really where I want to be.

Craft Shed Installment

2009-07-29T18:52:00.032-04:00

This is so very exciting for me. An extra room was very much needed. Each time I was working on a craft project in the kitchen or guest room, I had to pack it up till the next day or next time I could continue. We thought of moving. Oh but we live on a beautiful private property with a pond, make that two, ducks walking by, an occasional fox and it's very serene. Our cottage is a u shaped structure, the middle with empty space, waiting for something to fill it in. And it got filled!

With the owner's approval and generosity of paying for half of it, we ordered a custom 10' x 14' shed. It is unfinished inside, but oh so wonderful. With two windows and double doors on both ends, one accessing from the kitchen side of the cottage and the other facing the front.

For two days after the installment I just kept going in it, looking at it, grinning silly. I am very grateful and happy. I have been organizing. I will take more pictures as I get a little more balanced with this excitement.

My Neighbor's July Roses

2009-07-23T15:41:00.010-04:00

"Waiting For Autumn"

2009-07-19T21:42:00.030-04:00

Waiting For Autumn is a warm story of personal transformation, a journey of spiritual discovery, exploration of soul’s profound awakening.

Over the years on my own spiritual quest I have had contact with some similar experiences that was in the book. It felt good to recall some of these and learn of new possibilities. The book was nice and easy to read and for me there was comfort in it.

Scott Blum is the author of "Waiting For Autumn" and the co-founder of the popular inspirational website DailyOM. I subscribe to Daily OM, which always has something interesting to think about.

Evian Roller Babies US

2009-07-10T09:22:00.001-04:00

This is hilariously cute and funny! Love it.
Enjoy!!

We Are The World

2009-07-04T20:13:00.001-04:00

New Mouse Pad

2009-06-28T20:11:00.028-04:00

I've been wanting to make my own mouse pads with the design of my choice. The round small ones are for the laptop to use with the mini mouse. Great when traveling, just put it right inside on the keyboard and close the top. My mini is the one with the circle design, fish for Bobby and the large one with cars is for his desk top. Great to use those pieces of fabric that you don't want to throw out, but don't know what to do with. It's super easy to make. I purchased the blank mouse pads on ebay. Or you can just spruce up your old one.

need:
mouse pad
fabric
wonderunder, from fabric store
iron

Cut fabric & wonderunder a little bit larger (about 1/2 inch) than the mouse pad.
Iron wonderunder according to directions to the wrong side of fabric.
Let it cool. Peel off the paper and following instructions of wonderunder iron fabric to mouse pad.
Trim to the edge of the mouse pad. It's amazingly simple. Will be making some for cute little gifts. Perhaps even a give away. Yeah, I think I will do that.

Rain, Rain, Go Away......

2009-06-21T19:47:00.017-04:00

Rain, rain go away, come again another day. Please!
It's been raining way too much here in New York. The plants are starting to cry from the excess wetness. The sun comes out a little and then hides.....then it pours. When indoors I do enjoy the rhythmic sound of it. Listen to the sound of it on this video.

Awesome Cars and Beautiful Sky

2009-06-18T22:07:00.035-04:00

This past weekend the race at Watkins Glen, NY was as always, exciting and fun. Look at these amazing cars. We stayed at a hotel overlooking Lake Seneca. The beautiful sky Saturday evening indicated that the weather would be perfect for Sunday's race. And it was!

Yamuna Body Rolling

2009-06-10T16:36:00.050-04:00

I've been doing various exercises for abut two months now. Gym stuff, yoga and the exhilirating Zumba. I love it all, it can hurt sometime as the body is getting strong, but I don't want to stop. Wanting to keep fit and stay strong. So I remembered Yamuna Body Rolling. A few years ago I took an intensive workshop with Yamuna, using body balls. I sure need it now and it feels amazing. It's a workout, a massage and chiropractic session...all of it. Body Rolling uses a small inflatable ball which you slowly roll under different parts of your body, elongating the muscles, relieving tightness, and improving alignment. You also strengthen your core muscles as you hold the positions. Right now the Sideline Routine DVD is my favorite. When I'm done I definitely feel longer and my muscles are relaxed as if I had a massage. My lower back and the sides of my thighs is where I mostly have tension and the body rolling is tremendously helpful. The Ultimate Body Rolling Workout book gives easy-to-follow instructions for specific Body Rolling exercises. I highly recommend this incredible technique. It's easy and you feel results right away. Also, great to take along when traveling. Deflate to pack. Inflate with the small pump that comes with it. Super easy!

Health Book Summaries

2009-05-14T22:56:00.040-04:00

I've been meaning to post about HealthBookSummaries.com. Just received the new summary via email, so it's fresh on my mind.

A great concept developed by Mike Adams of Natural News and Kevin Gianni of Renegade Health. They do amazing work and service in the health field.

HealthBookSummaries.com is a service where you can review health books for FREE! You get to read quite a few pages and there is an option to purchase the book. You can learn a tremendous amount very quickly by browsing these summaries. What a great service! After registering, a monthly email is sent with a new summary to read. How amazing is that? Kudos to Kevin and Mike!

Gratitude & Spring

2009-04-21T18:45:00.037-04:00

The cycle of life starts anew, with earth's energy awakening from dormancy. It is time for renewal. Spring is here. For the past three days I have been cleaning and organizing like crazy. Moving things out that have no use. Clothes and "stuff" that needs to be passed on. Making space for the new energy that is knocking at my door. Juicing, smoothie-ing to cleanse internally too.

With this, I am taking the opportunity to be grateful. Grateful to many people, family and all friends. No one is exempt from the twists and turns of fate, its ebbs and flows. So, I thank you for being there for me at difficult times, comfort was needed. Thank you for your support for Cascalheira, there were some good results.

Here are pictures of my gratitude walk. I walk this path often and the yellow rock with its message was especially welcoming. Someone had just recently placed it there. It made me smile.

I invite healing and love energy into my heart and home and to the world. Peace and love to all!

Urban Zen Foundation

2009-04-19T21:24:00.044-04:00

April 16 and 17 was "Focus on Nutrition" at Urban Zen Foundation. The forum of well-being speakers were very inspirational and impressive. It is part of the 500 hour Integrative Therapist Program that Urban Zen offers. Mornings opened with meditation, with Rodney & Colleen Yee and Robert Chodo Campbell...getting us into balance and peace. Some of the topics were: detoxing, nutrition in hospitals, healthy child, superfoods, supplements, essential oils, nutrition for women, plant based nutrition and more. Lunch was sponsored by one of my favorite restaurant's Pure Food and Wine. The room was pleasant and comfortable with soothing, peaceful images on the walls. Green juice, coconut water, nut mixes, teas and coffee was available. A beautiful educational setting Donna Karan created with a boutique of her gorgeous designs at the entrance . I hope to attend other events at Urban Zen.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T08:50:00.003-04:00

Dengue Prevention

2009-03-20T09:27:00.049-04:00

The Department of Health is sending representatives out to communities to check that there is no still water sitting anywhere, around plants and anything that might hold any water. We had a few cans on the ground in the corner of an outside area that someone was saving to take with them. The dengue inspector stepped on each one to make sure it was without any water. If there is anything that might hold any water she sprinkles an anti-dengue product to prevent any larvae to grow. This is active for 2 months.

Dengue fever is caused by a type of virus called a flavivirus, which is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. A mosquito can acquire the flavivirus by biting an infected person, and is then able to transmit the virus to another person. The mosquito remains infectious for the rest of its life. These mosquitos can multiply in still water. The mosquito-borne disease causes high temperature, headaches and muscle pain and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.

Being that our house is very open she put dengue prevention product into the flower vases that contain water. We have been lucky by having the breezes from the ocean, and have not had any problems with mosquitos. However, prevention is good.

Full Moon

2009-03-11T17:48:00.003-04:00

Playing with Sepia Tone Camera on iphone

2009-03-05T18:16:00.014-05:00

To the Beach

2009-02-03T21:43:00.019-05:00

Random in Bahia

2009-01-27T21:29:00.029-05:00

Inauguration 2009 - President Barack Obama

2009-01-20T15:11:00.035-05:00

2009

2008-12-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

Throughout the world may the New Year 2009 be one of

HEALTH, PEACE AND LOVE!

Let us all practice it for the betterment of our Earth.

Love to all,

~Jessica

Gorgeous walk on Pearl Street:::Boulder, Colorado

2008-12-10T10:47:00.022-05:00

Mercado

2008-11-04T19:05:00.039-05:00

We enjoy Sunday mercado. A lot goes on here. By now we know a few of the local vendors. Dona Maria grinds fresh black pepper for us. She makes sure the "lengua de vaca" greens that another vendor sells me is what it is. We rotate our purchases so we are supporting each one at different times. Here's some random pictures of the goods available.

Pots and pans, containers, bowls, baskets. All laid out nicely on fabric on the floor.

Some type of a green vegetable.

This was interesting. Cooked, dried chicken. I wonder how this is eaten?

Beautiful spicy peppers.

A mountain of peanuts.

Okra, nicely tied up. Bending the tip shows if it's fresh, it will pop off.

Tapioca wrapped in banana leaves. Delicious.

Motor taxis are ready to take you home with your purchases.

light and joy and peace abide in me

2008-11-01T19:02:00.019-04:00

So nice and welcoming back again in Bahia, Brazil.
One bag has not turned up yet, but has been located,
we are waiting for it to be delivered to us without getting upset.
The weather is a gentle, warm breeze. Gorgeous!
Adjusting for a few days and then venturing out.
Will visit Cascalheira....looking forward to seeing our nice friends there.
Tomorrow we will go to Sunday mercado to visit and shop from the local vendors.

Meanwhile enjoy this view with me while doing yoga on the upstairs terrace, my toes included.

light and joy and peace abide in me
~~namaste~~

Rwanda

2008-10-07T03:16:00.019-04:00

Please go over to My Marrakesh and read Maryam's last few entries with her beautiful photos. She tells her story of going to Rwanda, of Vestine, the genocide, despair and how we can help a little. You will be touched.

Crafting

2008-09-25T23:27:00.031-04:00

This is a fun book of crafts. Lots of good stuff to make. The idea in the next picture came from the book.

This coming weekend a 50th anniversary is being celebrated. Wow! They asked "please, no gifts". Had to make a little something....made these glass-chip magnets. I think they will love it. "50 YEARS OF LOVE".

This decoupaged cigar box has been a work in progress. I'm liking it very much. For now it's holding cut outs for other decoupage projects.

Crafting Halloween cards.

A decoupaged eyeglass case. Feels good to use the images from some nice catalogues.

9/11 Memory

2008-09-10T21:32:00.005-04:00

Mushrooms In Maine

2008-08-19T22:06:00.034-04:00

On a hike in Maine we came across an amazing variety of mushrooms.

Haiku for Olympics

2008-08-14T00:05:00.003-04:00

summer olympics
michael phelps is amazing
gold medals he won

Raffle Ingredients....please!

2008-08-03T22:18:00.022-04:00

A friend who works in a nearby hair salon is helping with a raffle for Cascalheira in Brazil. There is a lot of people traffic and she has done other raffles successfully for other benefits. I am putting together a basket of goodies. Girlie goodies I thought would be nice. Perhaps you have a gift that you will never use, regift it to the raffle. Did you buy something at a whim that you know you will not use, but is useful and nice? It should be on the small side. Picture frame, a nice box of tea, DVD movie, a book that was read once and is in new condition, stationery, candle, etc. It's okay if multiple items are received, since I plan to do a few of these raffles.

Send to:

Jessica Torok

P.O. Box 249

Mill Neck, NY 11765

Please email me with any questions at JTAnyu@aol.com.

Peace and blessings to all!

Cascalheira Brazil Blog

2008-07-23T23:30:00.009-04:00

Information on Cascalheira has moved HERE.

My Italian Buddha

2008-07-17T18:20:00.013-04:00

I am still dreamy from our trip to Italy. As we passed through a small town in Italy, in the window of a studio were these buddhas. I thought they were sitting there so sweetly, meditating. To me Buddha symbolizes peace, compassion and wisdom. A good reminder. I wanted one of these simple little sculptures. We went into Brigitte's art studio. There were more of these lovely buddhas on the shelf. They made me smile. Even though they were very similar, I took each one in my hand and looked at them. Then I chose the one that would come back to New York with me.
This one is my Italian Buddha. How sweet is that blissful face. May we all have peace and love in our lives and wisdom to guide us.

More Pictures of Beautiful Italy

2008-07-06T12:16:00.011-04:00

Hike in Tremezzo

2008-06-27T14:54:00.013-04:00

An exhilirating 2 hour hike up 1,900 feet was absolutely beautiful in Tremezzo. The little chapel at the very top was very sweet. Look at the view looking down. Gorgeous!!

Bellagio--Lake Como, Italy

2008-06-21T20:09:00.011-04:00

Beautiful Italy

2008-06-20T14:38:00.016-04:00

It is absolutely beautiful here in Italy. We are driving to the lake regions. Lake Garda was our first visit. The weather has been gorgeous. Food is amazing. The people are friendly and just wonderful. Vinyards in abundance. The high cliffs are incredibly strong, supporting all the area in a very majestic way, giving it strength and protection. We are loving it.

Ciao!!

Honeymoon

2008-06-16T00:14:00.001-04:00

Off to Italy for our honeymoon!!

Mother's Day Gift to my Anyu

2008-04-25T00:32:00.011-04:00

My mother will be dazzling around her kitchen with this custom made apron. Kelli is so talented. I emailed her a photo and two Hungarian words, ANYU (mother) and SZERETLEK (I love you). Is this terrific? Anyu will be soooo happy. Thank you African Kelli. Love it.

Spring is Amazingly Beautiful (New York)

2008-04-20T13:42:00.012-04:00

Before/After Daniel & Fia's House

2008-04-09T00:03:00.008-04:00

How amazing is this before and after picture. He did it. Daniel built his family a little house. The rainy season (fall and winter) is starting. They have a proper house with a roof. No more shanty house. He will finish the floor with concrete. The doors and windows will have to wait until more funds are raised. Thank you to all who believed and cared. Let's continue to help the next family. Hugs and love to all.

The Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

2008-04-03T18:23:00.011-04:00

The Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is the most relevant historical and artistic monument of Argentina. It has become a major expression of funeral architecture world wide. Resting in the mausoleums are important politicians, poets, explorers, leaders and writers. These statues seem to be watching over them.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

2008-04-02T17:43:00.015-04:00

A few days in Buenos Aires:
great people, architecture, antique areas, art, music

and enjoying a bottle of wine.

Daniel's house and some village children

2008-03-26T10:14:00.007-04:00

Daniel's house is coming along.

Food Distribution

2008-03-11T03:12:00.041-04:00

The "cesta basicas", prepackaged bundles of basic food were distributed. It was a mix of happy and sad event. Fourteen families received a package. As can be seen on some of the photos the hardness on their face. Life is not kind to them right now. Others later came to us to please include them in the next run.

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Typical food is water mixed with sugar and cornmeal. I asked this family if they eat cereal. They said, "no", but they have heard of it. Milk is not affordable. They will have some now in their "cesta basica".

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I love this grandmother, Maria de Lurdes. Amazing warrior of a woman. She has several grandchildren always with her. This little one is 7 years old. Too small for her age. She is raising her by herself.

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This very young family asked to be included in receiving cesta basicas.

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Sweet and innocent.

Daniel's House and Cesta Basica

2008-03-05T16:32:00.021-05:00

Daniel's house is partially built. Yesterday we went with a builder to measure the house, to see how much material is needed to complete it. It has taken some time, longer than we anticipated. Funds are very low, we have put extra money of ours into it. They desperately need this house completed. We were talking to someone about these people's lives, how can they live in these conditions? We were told they are "survivors". They sure are.

"Cesta Basica" means basic basket of foods. The items are prepackaged in a bundle. Easy to purchase the basic needs. Right now 14 cesta basicas will be purchased per month. Thank you for the committment. Any time anyone wants to make a purchase of a cesta basica for a family, please let me know. The cost is $R22.00/$13.00 for each one.
Here is the list of what is included:
powdered milk 200g
spaghetti 500g
margarine tub
soy oil 900 ml
rice 1kg
beans 1kg
sugar 1kg
corn meal 500 g
mandioca meal 1kg
jerked beef 500g
coffee 250g
guava paste (sweet)
coconut crackers 400g

Cascalheira Update

2007-12-09T00:52:00.000-05:00

As of now $390 has been collected for the cause of Cascalheira. Also, a large duffel bag is already packed with clothes. Another box arrived in the post filled with some great summer wear. The plan this time is to have a small bazaar at an English language school in another town. Selling the clothes, the money will be used to further help the village and to continue with the construction of Daniel's house. As one house gets done we will help the next one and so on.

This is Daniel's shanty house. I spoke to Regina, who is helping with the little daycare and she informed me that Daniel started to build his house of bricks. I was so happy to hear that.

Thank you.... Bhavani, Brenda, Christie, Ellanna, Julie, Krisztina, Marianne, Marie and Shirley. Your care is very much appreciated.

Please keep the money coming. Any amount is welcome. We are leaving to Brazil on December 27. There is still time. Please email me with any questions at JTAnyu@aol.com .

Hugs and Peace,
Jessica