Please care…

About others and read this…

Imagine each day you wake, you live with the possibility of feeling ill. Your throat gets scratchy, your ears plug, your sinus’s have painful pressure and your eyes water. Imagine everyday feeling like you have a cold…that will never go away. Not enough? Take your right hand and with your index finger and thumb, pinch them together over your nose and hold. It’s at  this point you begin to breath through your mouth. Now, with your left hand, place your flat palm over your mouth and hold tight. Imagine the weight of a 30lb child standing on your chest in the center between your nipples. Can you feel the weight pressing? Now wait until you have to breath…until you’re actually scared…and then… don’t let go. Not enough. Dig a hole… in the ground…and place yourself in it. Let a friend cover you over with fresh, heavy earth, until there’s no light and no air. Get the picture?

Asthma facts and Statistics

Every day in America Alone:

• Every day in America Alone:
  40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma.
•  30,000 people have an asthma attack.
•  5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma.
•  1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma.
•  11 people die from asthma.

An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma (1 in 15 Americans), and 50% of asthma cases are “allergic-asthma.” The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the early 1980s across all age, sex and racial groups.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity 

Chemical-based products are all around: in the clothes we wear, in the food we eat and in the air we breathe. It is not possible to escape exposure. Many people have become sensitized to the chemicals around them. It is estimated that as much as 15% of the population has become sensitized to common household and commercial products. For some people the sensitization is not too serious a problem. They may have what appears to be a minor allergy to one or more chemicals. Other people are much more seriously affected. Such people have a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS.

Symptoms of MCS 

• asthma or other breathing problems  • autoimmune disorders  • behavioral problems  • bloating or other intestinal problems  • cardiovascular irregularities  • chronic exhaustion  • disorientation or becoming “lost”  • dizziness  • dystonia (paralysis)  • eye, nose and throat problems • fatigue and depression • flu-like symptoms • food allergies and intolerances • genitourinary problems • headaches • increased sensitivity to odors • inflammation • irritability • learning disabilities • mental confusion • movement disorders • muscle weakness and joint pains • numbness and tingling in limbs • persistent infections, especially yeast  • persistent skin rashes and sores • seizure disorders • short or long term memory loss • visual disturbance

MCS may result from a single massive exposure to one or more toxic substance or repeated exposures to low doses. Some people become chemical-sensitive following a toxic chemical spill at work or in their community, or after exposure to pesticides. Or, individuals may develop this condition from spending time in a poorly ventilated building, where they breathe a combination of chemicals. MCS may be brought on by a wide array of chemicals found at home, at work, in hospitals, in parks, and at school.

Now, the next time you splash on that aftershave…or the next time you spray your body with your favorite brand of perfume…to go to work, a restaurant, a club, a sporting event, a play or concert… think about this…

Did you know that perfume is made of toxic chemicals that can injure your health? Many of the chemicals in perfume are the same chemicals in cigarette smoke, and yet there is no regulation of the fragrance industry. Many people are “bothered” by perfumes – developing headaches, sinus problems, and even asthma from exposures. Many have gotten sick or even disabled from wearing (or being exposed to) fragrances and using other scented products. And fragrances are now used in almost every cleaning, laundry, and personal-care product on the market! These chemicals go directly into the bloodstream when applied to our skin and are also absorbed into the skin from our clothing. We also inhale the chemical fumes, which then go straight to our brains where they can do major harm. Many even have a “narcotic” effect, which is why some people seem “addicted” to their perfumes.

The problem with scented products is not so much the smell itself as the chemicals that produce the smell. Nearly all scented products currently on the market are made largely or entirely of synthetic chemicals, usually derived from petroleum or coal tar. Nearly one-third of the chemical additives used in perfumes and other scented products are known to be toxic, and it’s not safe to assume that the other chemicals are safe just because they aren’t yet known to be toxic. (Keep in mind that most of the chemicals used in this country, including 90% of the pesticides, have never been tested.) And just one perfume can contain more than 500 chemicals. Expensive products are just as likely as cheap ones to contain synthetic chemicals. And words like “hypoallergenic,” “natural scent,” “floral,” and the names of various flowers don’t mean that you can trust the product under the label–they just mean that the manufacturer wants you to think that the product is safe. Even “unscented” may actually mean that a masking fragrance has been added to the product to disguise the smell of certain ingredients.

The only safe assumption about scented products is that they contain numerous toxic chemicals which constantly vaporize into the air and attach themselves to the hair, clothing, and surroundings of anyone who wears them. These chemicals are skin irritants, suffocants, eye and respiratory tract irritants, and neurotoxins. That’s why being around someone who’s wearing a scented product (or who’s wearing clothes that have picked up smells from past use of scented products) can cause an chemically sensitive person to develop obvious allergy symptoms (sneezing, coughing, watery eyes), to have an asthma attack, to develop a headache, to become dizzy or nauseous, to have trouble focusing or thinking or remembering, to experience sudden mood changes, to develop muscle cramps or spinal subluxations, or even to have a seizure or lose consciousness.

And that’s why wearing scented products isn’t just a personal choice. It’s a choice to impact the air space of others–and in ways you may not be able to predict or control. And that’s why “I’m just wearing a little!” or “It’s not perfume, it’s just my soap” are irrelevant responses. The chemicals don’t care. They don’t care how much you’re wearing or in what form you’re wearing it–they’re going to vaporize into the air around you and do their chemical thing, even if you weren’t planning to harm someone.

I don’t own these statistics and words. They belong to these wise and caring people and Foundations:

Thanks go to Roberta Rigsby, the World Asthma Foundation, the Asthma Foundation and the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation for all this great info and for trying to make the world a safe place for everyone.

Human

Many people out there are soul searching in these difficult times. I am one of them. I can’t put those feelings into words but this lovely song has done it for me. This is for all of you (and me too). Many Blessings 😉 H

Special thanks to Civil Twilight for the beautiful song “Human”, to Da Vinci, 109BC, The Voice, Media Watch, Szukalski, Tori, People’s Voice, The Telegraph, Humanity Healing, Klunavik. MNN

Preview Night

This was the first preview night for “Frightening Fashion Show”. I think there were as many adults (possibly more) than children. I took pics with my iphone when I wasn’t giving my annual speech about “what’s inside my head”. Most people want to know…Ha! I usually just tell people that I’m the love child of Erma Bombeck and Alfred Hitchcock. Gosh I love my camera heads…

I will always remember …

The story of them

Whiles searching through a bin of odds and ends at the local thrift, I came across a number of wonderful animals all waiting for their next adventure. With their fresh faces and bright colors, I knew it would be only a matter of time before some child would take them home. In the midst of “the pretties” I found some odd-looking, unlikely to be leaving, misfits. I’m a bit of a oddity myself so after debating my inability to leave them…I grabbed these unloved creatures and took them with me. At home, I sat pondering them while they watched me eat my lunch. I began to wonder about their stories…and that’s when they began to whisper…

Dwight Threetoe was born to Livingston and Maudette on the Island of Amphibianina, a lost sister to the Galapagos. Dwight showed an amazing afinity for style at an early age and, while his siblings could change color to match their surroundings, Dwight could also sparkle like sequens. His parents found this wonderfully entertaining on dark nights while preparing the evening meal. But at 15, Dwight felt his calling and left to follow his dream of becoming a Fashionista. Sadly his toenails kept snagging the fabrics and he had to leave the dream behind. His search for new interests brought him to the big Apple where, after competing on a food show called “Chopped”, executives realized his true potential and offered him his own pilot. Viewers at home became mesmerized by Dwight’s unusually flamboyant clothing (which in reality was his skin) and his ability to chop, dice and mince with a single toenail. The show “Slice and Dice” became an instant favorite and now Dwight’s three toe impressions can be found on the Walk of Fame.

Memphis, future King of Bongo, fell into a tourist’s suitcase while imitating a James Bond low evading tuck and roll manuver. Once the case was reopened, he found himself on the West Coast, making friends easily with his natural good looks and charm. He was offered many choice roles in Hollywood but the bright lights soon bored him and he found himself drawn to Monster Trucks. His career was cut short when Dumai, his loyal bodyguard, found him chattering away with a group of grease monkeys and took him back the Motherland after a thorough cleansing and trip to D-Land.

Dumai (loyal friend and bodyguard to Memphis) was born into a family of tactical warfare extremists. He trained early in marshal arts, bull riding and missile deployment… though his mother felt ballet would give him a “extra little something”. Through his skills, he came under the notice of Kong, King of Bongo, and was chosen to shadow his son. At Dumai’s appointment ceremony, King Kong made note of his combat knowledge, sheer bulk and lethal piercing eyes but admitted it was Dumai’s natural grace that finally won him the opportunity to serve. Dumai’s Mother beamed. Memphis and he were inseparably until the suitcase incident. They were both relieved to be reunited, then took the trip to Disneyland before returning back home.

Lola is the love child of a famous actress/dancer and a mystery man she met in the jungle trees on a long gone vacation. Born with the natural grace of a dancer, Lola trained for years as a ballerina, only to slip on a banana peel in the middle of a perfect pirouette. Once recovered, she made her way to the city of lights where she was invited to join the cast of Jungle Book. She can be heard singing on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Fried Plantain Theatre and Review.

Hamburgler was born into a family of vegans who noticed early on his habit of nose twitching when neighbors would barbeque. Afraid for his future, his Mother would hide his allowance which, unknowingly ignited his life of crime. Dressed in his bedtime pajamas, he would sneak out at odd hours of the night in search of a local butcher shop. With fresh ground chuck in hand, he would then locate the nearest barbeque grill and fire up. After receiving several complaints of pickle chip litter, the authorities followed a trail of mustard and found Hamburgler consuming mass quantities of stolen red meat. He was released to the custody of Ronald MacDonald, where he spends his days in “grilling-but-not-eating restitution”, forced to wear red neckties.

High Flyer

The City of Angels

The Thomas Gallery Visit

Last weekend Micheal and I traveled up the 395 for the 99th Birthday celebration of Carroll Thomas… and especially to give him the portraits painted by the 818 Artists.

About 2 hours into the road trip there’s a place out in the middle of nowhere that suddenly opens up into a shopping center. You know…the kind of development where the new houses all look the same and are built right next to the road…even though there’s miles of land around. I can’t figured out why anyone would choose to live 10 feet from the highway…but hey, that’s me. I always laugh at the signs with the city name (which I forget) and the slogan “Land of Endless Possibilities”. The first two that come to mind are “heat stroke” and “dusty sandwiches”. Anyway, the destination has a Starbucks which normally means a clean restroom and a liquid snack… so it’s always the first stop.

I packed sandwiches but knew we would be arriving in Olancha for stop #2 and some of their famous fresh jerky. Mike loves the stuff. It’s housed in a old, rundown “used-to-be” gas station but I think it’s kinda charming in it’s own “stickered up” way. The person behind the counter always implores me to try a sample and though I gave up jerky when I gave up meat, I always show them a big, wistful smile while I say “no thank you”.

Next stop (when my liquid snack has been in me long enough) is about an hour farther on up at one of those highway rest stops. At this particular place the wind is usually blowing hard enough to make you walk bent over just to stay upright. It’s the last rest stop before Manzanar, the WWII Japanese Internment Camp so typically there are “history seeking lurkers” camped out on a picnic bench. On any normal trip, it’s me sharing the bathroom with one of them and a misguided squirrel looking for the exit. But on this Saturday, it was me and about 5 chartered buses, all full of Middle and High School teens. The line had already formed from the first bus of arrivals and I groaned very loudly as I got out of the car. I ran to get in front of the rapidly exiting, liquid overloaded, others in the parking lot. I snuck in the side less noticeable to the unobservant or unknowing traveler and found about 10 girls hugging their flat bellies. I heard a loud commotion… more a wailing sound… “I caaaaannnn’t fluuuush the toilet” and then another and another. Since no other adult (and I use the term loosely) was around, I took matters into my own hands…or rather…my feet. I went into one of the stalls and proceeded to show them that with a little patience and tenacity, the wall foot pedal would oblige… and the problem would be taken care of. I proudly heard the wooooshes going off as the intervals of understanding came into their young minds. I left with my head a little higher and the invisible “Flush Master” cape on my back. Some even waved good-bye!

Next stop, Lone Pine…the small town Ansel Adams hung around, taking photgraphs in his early years along with the Japanese Interment Camp. His Lone Pine photograph is one I always remember because he had to stipple out the big “LP” the High School kids carved into the side of the snow capped Sierras. If you ever happen to see it, look closely and sure enough, you’ll see the finely dotted letters. Lone Pine is a beautiful little town of about 1800 folks…most fisherman and hunters. I love it there and they have some really good eats! Might make a great place to retire.

Manzanar is after Lone Pine, a place I’ve sadly driven through many times… and then comes Carroll’s town, Big Pine. Now Big Pine is home to about 1200 people who wave at your car when you drive down through their homes. Yes, they have tract homes…kinda. They also have a beautiful park where the town folk walk their dogs (and kids) and they have antiques, art and weird, cool places. The people are super friendly, many being transplants from another place, like Carroll himself. At each shop I went in, I mentioned I was in town for Carroll’s Birthday. They all knew and loved him but I never got the feeling (like you get from some of the smaller towns) that there were any nosy rosies. This town minds it’s own business, probably because many are transplants, hoping for a quieter life in a beautiful place. I think they lucked out and found it! Another cool place to retire.

After walking the town, we went to Carroll’s Gallery and Helen, his girlfriend of 32 years, with long silver hair and a smile of indeterminably age, greeted us at the door. I told her we were “The People from Huntington Beach” and she lit up another grin. She went to the speaker that apparently connects to their home next door. She told Carroll we were here and he replied “I’ll be there in 10”. Sure enough, 10 minutes later, he emerged in western wear and a fancy bollo tie. Always loved bollo ties. I hadn’t see Carroll in 2 years and even then, it was only the one time, to stop in, chat and buy a painting. He looked exactly the same, maybe a bit thinner, but now sporting an air tube. Without any hesitation, he promptly blamed it on Helen, saying “She thinks she needs to keep me on a leash!”.

Now Helen was in on the surprise, but she hadn’t told Carroll the particulars, just that there was something he would enjoy. We had him sit in his rocker, handing him package by package, until finally he was rendered speechless and I’m betting, with his sharp dry wit, that doesn’t happen often. He looked up at me and said “There must be a place saved in Heaven for you… to go to all this trouble” which in turn, made me speechless. I told him “I’m merely the delivery girl” but I did present him with the photograph I took of him holding his own painting that now hangs in my living room.

He carefully read all the short bios telling him about each artist and I filled in what I could. I gave him posters from the show and told him all about the people that came. All I can say to Shiela, Jamie, Karen and Tak is that you made me a very proud women that day. Of all the things (the many great things) that happened in the short, sweet year my Gallery existed, this presentation to this wonderful man…was by far the best thing of all. Without your talent and effort, it would never have come to be. Thank you from both Carroll and myself.

From there, we were introduced to his Family, all wonderful, colorful people in their own right. His 2 sons donned the same exact “T” chin (which Carroll says is the Family trademark for Thomas). They both have the same wit as their Papa, but funny thing, he has all the hair.

Helen took me on a house tour where I saw many more originals in this talented man’s life work. Beautiful, flowing water colors, intricate oils, amazing, all amazing!

We left after the cake but I do remember Carroll telling me “The first 100 years is the hardest” and I guess he would know. He said he planned on living to 105 and that would be enough to make him content. From everything I saw, I do believe he’ll make it. He is an amazing character and one that I am so very privileged to call friend. If you ever travel on the 395 and you find yourself going through Big Pine…make the stop at the Thomas Gallery. His four new portraits now hang just inside the door along with a photograph… of he and I. 😉

When one door closes…

My Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that I tell you, I will be closing the Gallery at the end of April. My Husband Micheal, was laid off from his job of 17 years, making it impossible for me to keep it open. To all those who have been an important part of Anuvue Studio, I wanted to thank you for your friendship and utter kindness. It is very rare to be able to have a dream become a reality. For a short sweet time, with the help and inspiration of all of you, I was able to have mine. A very wise woman told me “Heather, when one door closes, another one opens”… and I will always believe in that wisdom. I want to thank each and every Artist and valued friend for all your very kind thoughts in email, by phone and in person. I share what I can with you here.

I am most proud to announce that the last 2 Artist’s in line to show are Yumiko Yanone and Kweli Walker. Anuvue will fulfill their dreams on April 18th, in a duo show, with a party full of love and celebration.
I do so hope that all of you will join us one last time and make it a great memory.

God Bless all of you and your Families
Love Heather

Hi Heather .
You all have been in my thoughts lately. I’m sorry to hear your lovely Gallery will be closing . It has been a pleasure to be included in your gallery with so many lovely artists.
If you need me to clear out before the 18th so you have more room to showcase other artist please let me know .Otherwise I will shoot for the 25th but still do my best to stop by and say hello before then .
I’m so glad to have met you and hope we have the pleasure of working together again in the future .

See you soon.
Best ,
Gina

Heather,
Sad news indeed. Give your husband my best.
Thanks you for a great place.

Best,
Darcy

Oh sweetie….. I am so sorry. I will be in CA April 5-10 and will try to get up to see you and the gallery. Or at least the gallery as you will probably be working your real job. Krap. And it is such a beautiful gallery. I HATE this economy stuff. We love ya- Vicki

Oh Heather… I am so sad and very sorry to hear of this news. I am certain it was hard to write. What I will always know is how inspired you were by your father to open the gallery. You did him AND you very proud. Let me know how I can help in this final showing….I will contribute some foodie stuff. Xoxo jenny

Oh Heather, I’m so saddened to hear this and so very sorry.
I know that you’re grateful for the time you had running this wonderful space, but it still sucks!
I am so very grateful to you for all you’ve done and want you to know what a difference you’ve made in many people’s lives- including mine, and I will always be grateful for this time.
I will absolutely be there on the 18th– (the day before my birthday actually!)
You did a great thing for a lot of people Heather, remember that always. I wish this weren’t the way it is, but this damn recession.

Love you lots Heather,
MaryBeth

Oh, Heather. I am so sorry for both of you. I sat and cried after I read your email. It breaks my heart to hear that you have to close the doors on your dream.
Also, the uncertainty of your future now that Mike has lost his job. Those feelings came back to me in a flash. Not knowing what doors will open. I remember Patrick trying to remain upbeat while I am sure the turmoil inside was brewing as he thought of how he was going to provide for his family. It is a scary world not knowing what the next day will bring. I cringe every time Patrick comes home and tells me they lost a bid on another contract. Kawasaki is desperately trolling to bring something into the plant. I pray that through his connections, that Micheal will find something soon. We will keep you both in our thoughts every night as we say our prayers with Joseph. You will be added to his prayer list. Godspeed, My Dear, Godspeed. -K

I’m so sorry to hear that, Heather. It’s such a rough time for everyone. I wish you much love and support for the future. I’ll be by with new things for your last month. We’ll go out with a bang! 🙂 Cynthia

Hello!

Most of you have no idea who I am, and you’re probably going to think I’m nuts, but I really feel a need to do this. My name is Dee Muzic, and my husband Tim did most of the carpentry for Heather and Mike. I watched the cabinets, desks, display cabinets, and walls, come to life in my own backyard. I know this sounds crazy, but I feel a real connection to Anuvue Studio and when I read the email Heather sent I cried. I felt a sense of shock as well as an overwhelming sadness for her and Mike. I, as well as the rest of you, know what time, effort, frustration, and love went into making this dream come true for Heather. She made many people’s dreams a reality, along with hers. She is a very unselfish person, and deserves to have her dream fulfilled for as long as possible. I am willing to do whatever I can to keep the studio alive. If ANYONE can think of ANYTHING that we can do to keep the studio and dream alive, please let me know. I know that just one person can’t do much, but with a bunch of people who really care, miracles can happen.

Dear Heather,

I’m so sorry to hear this has happened. That is such a shock and challenge for you both. Your gallery was one of the best things that ever happened to me and the other artists who’ve shown there. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you and Mike. We (the artists and neighbors) must have a big moving party to ease the challenge of getting your things moved, etc. Please let us know how and when we can assist. When one door closes, another one opens! I hope and pray Mike finds a better job right away.

Love Always,
kweli

Hi Heather,

I got your message.
I am so sorry about Mike. I just couldn’t believe it…I’m sure he worked so hard for 17 years for the company and this happens…

And I am so sorry about your gallery, too.
The gallery is your child and the place was my dream place, too.

Thank you for still giving me a chance to have my art show.
Yes I am willing to share my space with Kweli.

If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Yumiko

I’m not much with written words but things have been difficult for many of us recently but faith with the help of time heals as well as making us stronger.

Leo

Heather, I am so sorry to hear this painful news. You are the warmest, sweetest spirit that I know. I pray it’s just a short time before something great comes Mike’s way, and you can both hold onto your dreams. Please, please call if there is anything we can do. All our love to you both, Shiela and family

To my dearest beloved Aunt,

I just heard the news from mom and read your blog… unbelievable… it’s the only thing that comes to mind. I can’t imagine how Uncle Mike feels about leaving a place he has been for so very long. Please send him my thoughts. As for you… my heart aches at the thought of you having to depart from something you have given so much devotion and love to achieve. I assure you I wouldn’t miss that show for the world!! You know, I have done much reflection on our times of late, trying to determine it’s purpose. I heard something simple yet profound today… be grateful for what you HAVE, not what you HAD. In the midst of all that we endure, you are a rare soul who shines so bright, you have given others a chance to live out thier dreams, as you live yours. I cannot begin to say I understand, or know what lies in your head or heart. My prayers will be for you and Uncle Mike. Yet rest assured, that you have left your mark on many with your gifts and you will have the opportunity to give and receive again.

I love you so very much!
Forever your niece
Corina

Day of the Dead Celebration

A tradition practised by the Aztecs, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an ancient indigenous celebration of death. Because of the Spanish influence, Dia de los Muertos has Catholic and Spanish influences, but never the less has kept its inherently, strong indigenous roots. This celebration, which traditionally lasts two nights and three days, is a time when people remember family and friends who have died by building an altar in their memory. The altar, built in the home on on the gravesite, is decorated with flowers, candles and sugar skulls. The family then proceeds to make the favorite foods of the deceased and sing the songs they so dearly loved.

Walking around this celebration, I came upon an alter of a woman that looked so familiar to me. Suddenly, it dawned on me she was the mother of my niece (my nephew’s wife). Chris was a lovely, free spirited woman who I only knew briefly. As I watched a young mother explaining about the alter to her two small children, I couldn’t help laugh at the young boy behind the scene with that bucket. It just goes to show how… even in the celebration of those who’ve past on… life continues in all it’s silliness… and I’m pretty dog gone sure Chris would have loved the shot. 🙂