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Tuesday
Apr142020

HAPPY. HUMOROUS. HOPEFULLY HELPFUL.

HAPPY. HUMOROUS. HOPEFULLY HELPFUL. ⠀

How I’ve spent my hours during these otherwise dreary days: Populating the pages of a new far fresher Fresh Perspectives, the workshop series I founded forty+ years ago. Many of you were participants in what remains one of my happiest life memories.⠀

Take a look. Dip your toes in. Swim around. I hope you’ll find something hopeful or helpful. And then come on back to the new website (or register for notifications of new posts) and let me know what you think.⠀

This photo is linked with one of our favorite family recipes: Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie (cauliflower vs. potato). I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!⠀

Check it out! (www.freshperspectives.org). THANK YOU for taking a look.

Tuesday
Apr142020

An All-New Fresh Perspectives!


FRESH PERSPECTIVES
 is in the process of being UPDATED from this website to a far fresher format. It will take time to populate this new site with informative, helpful and/or inspiring ideas. Take a look! I'm loving the transformation and taking this time to add what I hope will be helpful. 

Bear with me and continue to return as the site expands in size, scope and relevance to you and other moms working at and, now more than ever, working from home.

Whoever would have predicted this crazy set of circumstances?

How are you staying safe and sane during these challenging times? 

What about sharing simple, practical ideas/resources and strategies to help cope with this current crisis? 

HERE’S MY LITTLE LIST

  • Getting out of the house and into nature has helped tremendously. I’m choosing a different neighborhood each day, pausing to enjoy, photograph and share SPRING on my iPhone via Instagram. And, today, capturing quirky/creative additions people have inserted in their gardens. Loved seeing the dogs/perfect for training my puppy to heal while saying hello.
  • If I need to go to a store, I use Apple Pay which, for the most part, requires no signature/just a simple double click of your phone.
  • I shower at night to wash off the remains of the day/good strategy for allergies, as well. 
  • I’ve started cleaning closets and boxing that which could go on to others. 
  • I am streaming TV shows/mostly news/while working on my computer using the same screen. This may or may not work for you. I like staying in touch with what’s happening in the world/this may be too much for you and/or ME going forward. A friend helped me set this up on directv.com. I wish I could tell you how to do this. Cannot. But I bet someone in your family could help if you’re interested.
  • I’ve posted signs on all incoming doors: “PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS UPON ENTERING.” Hand sanitizer at one door, a sink on the other major outside door.
  • Our small yoga class is expanding now that we have conquered Zoom! 

SO, WHAT’S WORKING IN YOU WORLD? I know we’d all benefit, as we always do during in our monthly meetings, from your creative input.

Be smart. Stay safe. Stay strong. Jot down your strategies. Be prepared to share with the rest of us. Stay tuned.

Thursday
Jun142018

One of the Seasons Favorite Pastimes . . . 

. . . may be one of the most dangerous for children. The terrifying and heartbreaking news of this past week prompted me to post this as a reminder for all of us. I, too, tried purchasing the recommended products. Since this aired, all are backordered but definitely worth the short delay. 

 

Thursday
Jan052017

Steer Clear of the Dreaded Norovirus

This video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain what the stomach virus is, how it's spread and how to protect yourself from getting it. 

Thanks, BBB!

Monday
Dec262016

Holiday FreshPet Feast.

A CALORIE FREE Holiday Feast you won't want to miss. 

Thank you, Judy G.  LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS>

Monday
Dec192016

Holiday Eating Tips

Here's the complete text from Instagram/theoriginalfreshperspectives/where I'll post ideas from Fresh Perspectives. ENJOY!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can, and quickly. Like fine single malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's the Holidays!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted cookies with sprinkles in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies: Apple, Pumpkin, and Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Happy Holidays One and All!

Thank you so, so much, Barb!  LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!

Friday
Sep092016

The Real Stars of the Bridge School!

Must watch! There's still time to purchase tickets!

Sunday
Aug282016

The Bridge School Concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre: October 22 & 23!

Last year was my first time attending this annual event. And I knew I'd never miss another! Great cause. Superb talent. Terrific kids. I cannot imagine a better evening.

This year's line up is, once again, phenomenal: Metallica, Roger Waters, Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Neil and Pegi Young  . . . and more. 

Organized by musicians Neil Young and Pegi Young, the Bridge School Benefit Concert is an annual, all acoustic, non-profit charity event held every October at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. All proceeds directly benefit the operations of The Bridge School.

Last year, my iPhone shots.

Ben Harper

Sheryl Crow

Ryan Adams

Pegi Young and The Dixie Chicks

Ben Young with parents Neil and Pegi, who paired to create The Bridge School in 1986.

Tickets for this year’s show go on sale on Monday, August 29. I'll see you there!!!

Thursday
Aug252016

One Wildly Artistic Photo Shoot!

Great fun, right? Thanks to Connie Loarie to sharing with us!


Tuesday
Aug232016

Small computers. Simple Apps.

 

I think you might like these ideas. I absolutely do. Good info.

 

Monday
Aug082016

Alive and well! 

. . . AND spending whatever free time I have on Instagram collecting my favorite photos in one location. ALL while trying to consolidate images from 5 computers that either crashed or are outdated. A tad tedious and tremendously time consuming. AS WELL AS great fun looking back on life.

I responded to an ad on Instagram and have been receiving little photo "albums" every time I post 60 pictures. Here's the info on Chatbooks. Love the concept, the color is good AND if I never ever get around to putting all my pictures into coffee table style books, Chatbooks will live on with memories I captured since digital days. Next step, scanning favorites from before digital cameras existed/big job, right? 

See "loisathome" on Instagram for ideas. I happily approve friends. And, of course, everyone on Instagram loves hearts!!! WhoooooHooooo! I'll have a new venue to share when On The Road Again soon!

Also very much enjoying National Geographic Photography Adventures. Perhaps I'll see you on one of these trips. Wouldn't that be fun?

 

AND, locally, TOM at PhotoTrainer in Palo Alto, is a terrific instructor. Maybe I'll see you there!

 

Finally, a beautiful video, The Human Family. Words by Maya Angelou and shared with me by my darling niece. An important message, particularly now.

I hope this finds you well and enjoying life. XO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday
Apr192016

An Unlikely Friendship

Several months ago, a goat was released into a tiger's enclosure as live prey at a safari park in Eastern Russia. Moscow correspondent, Sarah Rainsford, speaks with the zoo's director, Dmitry Mezentsev about the unusual relationship that developed. Love it.

Loved this, Barb. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

.

Tuesday
Mar292016

Korean Talent Steals the Show

OK, I've now cried both my contact lenses out. What an amazing talent. This is precisely why I love these kinds of shows. His life will never be the same. 

Saturday
Mar262016

DIY a Kimono in 30 Minutes for Just $10!

This I could do. Maybe. Wouldn't it be fun to try? Here's how.

Tuesday
Mar152016

Elephants That Came to Dinner...

Lovely. Touching. 

Thank you, Paul.

Tuesday
Mar152016

Holland Has Talent!

Don't miss this astonishingly talented nine-year-old!

Thank you, Connie! 

Sunday
Mar132016

PACE ART AND TECHNOLOGY. DON'T MISS IT!

Living Digital Space and Future Parks, Menlo Park, CA. An exhibit that exceeded all my expectations.

Two buildings are filled with immersion experiences. My favorite, the second venue. An terrific interactive art experience. Theoretically for kids. But on the day we visited, there were as many adults actively participating as there were little ones. Color a picture, scan it yourself, watch your art immediately come to life on the wall. Touch your wall work and it skitters away!

Purchase tickets online. Space is limited. Don't count on walking in without a reservation. Here's more info.

I can't wait to go back!

Sunday
Feb282016

Tips and Myths About Extending Smartphone Battery Life

Numerous helpful hints and products to help you extend airtime. An excellent article.

Read the rest...

Tuesday
Feb022016

Eat Away At Mental Decline: How The ‘MIND’ Diet Can Prevent Cognitive Aging

Read more about the findings and recommendations from Rush University Medical Center.

Sunday
Jan312016

Knit Your Way to Wellness?

Yes. And much, much more.


Read the rest of this excellent article.

Off to find my knitting needles!