That show, called Two and a Half Men, has stopped production on their show for the rest of the season; since Charlie has made a public statement on interviews that disparages the producers of the show, television show creator Chuck Lorre, Alcoholic Anonymous, his ex wife, and women in general.   He says horribly vile things about Chuck Lorre and shows nothing but contempt for women, in my opinion, when he says things about women such as he has fame and those women have nothing and that all they will ever have is that night with him and that he will forget about them as soon as they leave.  He says that he is “special” and will never be one of the AA because they are a “bootleg cult”.  Seriously? 

It comes across through many of these examples that he considers himself above everyone else.  He believes that he alone cured his (in his opinion) so called disease with his own mind.  He has made recent statements to the fact that he is in control of his partying.   The truth of the matter is that he couldn’t be more wrong.  He has been in legal trouble for alleged domestic violence, he has had custody issues with his ex-wife who does try to support him in public while at the same time  tries to shield their daughters from the horror of these out of control antics that are harming him physically, emotionally, spiritually,professionally, and financially. His young sons with his second wife are very young…but they will grow up with the legacy of their father’s public displays as well.

People who work with individuals who struggle with addictions will give you all of the facts on how addicts fool themselves into thinking that they are “in control” and the rest of the world is the one with a problem.  Charlie may not live on the streets, he might not be homeless, he might not be stealing to support his habits…but he is in denial about his lifestyle choices and the effect that it is having on those who care about him (meaning his friends and family).

He has children that are growing up; and they are now, and will continue to be affected by his behavior and the choices that he makes.  He has a famous brother Emilio Estevez and then of course, there is his father Martin Sheen they have stepped up and said they continue to love him, support him and pray for him.  He has ex-wives who love him enough to try to work through their issues to maintain some sort of relationship for their children. Who can help an adult who is in a situation such as this? Can he be forced to get help through an emergency order? Is he having some sort of emotional breakdown or is he just acting out because of the damage caused by his partying?  He appears to feel all powerful and that no one has the right to tell him no, or draw a line in the sand regarding his conduct.   He has fans that he asks to support him; even though he is acting in ways that are hard to support.  He wants them to help him fight against the injustice of it all…saying that his fans are his people…not “theirs”.

In response, to the decision of his show stopping production, he slams the powers that be for stopping it…saying that they are keeping money from him, his family, and the crew of the show.   In my opinion however, if they continued to produce the show they would be irresponsible…enablers of a man who seems to be bent on self-destruction.  A week or two ago, there were articles that claimed that Charlie said that he only partied when he was bored and not working.  When he was working, he says, he was fine.   There are consequences to behaviors…and recent pictures of him show him possibly having had his teeth affected by his conduct.

Relationships suffer, professional connections become damaged and finances can become scarce because of a persons addictions.  In his case, this doesn’t just affect Charlie…he has a whole crew that is going to suffer consequences because of this situation.   A professional intervention needs to happen, because even though he says he is clean…that doesn’t mean he is stable.   I say, if he isn’t careful to get medical help, put his rehab knowledge and education to heart, and live addiction free…he is going to be bored to DEATH; and, we will be reading Charlie’s very sad obituary.

That would be a terrible waste of life; how much better to see him find his way to health and wellness and use his experience to help others in the same situation?  People who do not have fame, fortune or money deal with addictions too and the consequences are no less severe for them or their loved ones.

What are your thoughts? Do you love someone who struggles with addictions?  What have you done to survive the ups and downs?  Where did you find help?

Friends Like Us is a wonderful non-profit organization which makes it their goal to help support children and encourage their families in their battle against childhood cancer.  The organization was first started after Mark and Deloris Bailey began the journey of helping their own son heal from his battle with leukemia.

The chemo bears come with accessories.  There is a small medical bag that helps to educate the child as they go through their own treatment program.  Doctors, nurses and family members can use the accessories to help demonstrate some of what the child will be going through themselves in their journey to healing.  There is even a bear clinic that will remove the chemo bear’s port as the child gets his/her port removed; returning the bear to the child with it’s very own small scar resembling the child’s new battle scar.

There are times when a child is being treated for cancer, when they must face alone time either through testing, procedures or just moments when family members must go home to attend to siblings, household chores or something as basic as getting a shower and returning phone calls or earning a living.  These separations are hard for everyone.

The chemo bear can provide comfort during those moments and are invaluable.  They cost approximately $30 dollars and donations are always welcome.  When a chemo bear is purchased, you receive not only the bear; but you receive the accessories, a child’s book on living with cancer and a colorful bandanna.  This is really a great way to encourage a child.  The chemo bears are suggested for ages 3-12 because there are small parts which could lead to a choking hazard for younger children.   Siblings are not left out of the equation either.  The Bailey’s understand how delicate the balance is in meeting the needs of all of the family members as they try to meet everyone’s physical and emotional needs during this time.  Chemotherapy can take up to 2 years for a female childhood cancer patient and up to 3 years for a male.  This can be very difficult.  It is their desire to provide comfort and support during this challenging time in the life of the childhood cancer patient and their whole family.

Both Mark and Deloris spend large quantities of time on the phone with family members supplying them with emotional support as well as information on resources and just practical tips on coping with the stress of having a child with cancer.  The work they do cannot be underestimated.  It is their personal goal to have chemo bear program available in all children’s hospitals around the United States.

Friends Like Us relies solely on donations and purchases of products through their gift shop to fund their organization as they do not get grants or any type of federal funding.  Volunteers are also needed to help sew the medical bags that are included with the accessories that come with a chemo bear.   Won’t you please consider volunteering, donating or purchasing products to help keep Friends Like Us helping families?  Spreading the word about the work that they do costs nothing and it may just get the information about Friends Like Us into the hands of a family in desperate need of support and encouragement.  Thanks for visiting!

         Have you ever read a book that was boring, or seemed to have no direction or purpose?  Some people live their life that way.  Often, people will reach a point in their life when what they value most is threatened or is lost to them.  It is only then that they understand why they value what they do…and what they were supposed to do with the gifts that they were blessed with.  For others, it is the trying times in their life that seems to highlight some sort of  life lessons that they were meant to teach, inspire or encourage others with. 

          My pastor says that there is a difference between purpose and assignments.  He says that we are trusted with many assignments; and, that they are in alignment with our pupose in life but, that we only have one true purpose.  What do you think your life story is?  What are you supposed to accomplish?  Do you think it would benefit anyone to read your life story if you were to write it?  What would it say…what would you wish to communicate to others if you had the opportunity?

       Frank McCourt was well loved by both his students and by those who were captivated by his works.   Frank McCourt started life in the most humble of circumstances and by most accounts his ordinary life was rooted in misery and poverty.  As a young child living in Ireland, that poverty was ordinary for many families.  Frank’s father was an alcoholic who drank all of the family money away, which normally would have gone to support and feed his wife and children.  Frank’s goal was to get to America and begin an ordinary life and help support his family.   He took on the responsibilities of a man in his teenaged years. 

           Often you see this kind of strength of character in a young man who has lost a father to death, to disability or some other difficult life circumstance.  They take on the role of the father as a supporter, often a disciplinarian for younger siblings and an encourager for the mother figure.   His “ordinary life” became extra-ordinary when he documented his struggles to survive in the book, Angela’s Ashes, which was published when Frank was in his 60′s.  His ability to communicate and use descriptive words in his creative writing helped him to achieve success.   That is along time to wait for financial and literary success.  However, he had success in other areas of his life.

        Frank did get to America where he taught creative writing in New York.  He enjoyed teaching his students and sharing his life’s stories with them.  He got an agent in 1996 which resulted in getting the book published.  It created quite the sensation; and eventually became a movie.   His skillful writing took his orndinary life and turned it into something extra-ordinary…it created a responsive reader…one who could empathasize with the child, the situation and the journey of overcoming!

           Mr. McCourt began to get alot of attention once his book was published.  He once expressed his dismay at all of the attention.  What both shocked and dismayed him was the reaction of people he had known for a long time; he said, they looked at him differently.  He pondered why they had never looked at him that same way when he was ONLY a teacher of students.   It is something that continues to amaze many people…books seem to afford their authors credibility that other life skills do not.  It elevates the author to the status of an expert in the eyes of many readers.

         The ability to experience some of the worst life has to offer a child & young adult; and, still write it in a way that not only moves the reader through a range of emotions powerful enough to make them feel as if they need to rescue the characters; but, also skillfully finds humor and explanations is a rare gift.  It is one that Frank McCourt had.   He wrote of a life of poverty (many have experienced it’s sense of despair) and made people react to it.   His writing skills will be missed…and for those who knew him, so will he.

         Ralph P. Brown is a native American of the Mohawk tribe.  Ralph has written a book that explains the concept of the medicine wheel and how to apply it to our lives.  The medicine wheel helps us in our journey of self discovery by teaching us life lessons that we can use to understand and explore the areas of our life that are often a mystery. 

          The medicine wheel uses stories and pictures as well as direct instruction to teach.   The symbols and the energy forces add understanding to what we are to learn in our daily lives to be a better person and to live our lives more fully and with purpose.  The realm of the physical and spiritual self are life forces that exist at the same time.   People who are willing to seek guidance in their lives through learning about the merging of the physical, spiritual and emotional planes are often those people who seek to understand their purpose in life.  We all have a purpose in life and are happiest when we are willing pursuing it.   I found this book to be very enlightening.

        The author, Ralph P. Brown is also a very talented artist.  He does pointillistic art work.  You can view some of his artistry here:  http://www.mirroredwindows.com/ .    Ralph and his wife Anita live in Nebraska and operate the Mirrored Windows Gallery which showcases Ralph’s gorgeous artwork.    You can check out his website about this book here:  http://www.ralphpbrown.com/.  I think that you would find the book very informative as well as beautifully presented with a gorgeous cover and some artwork scattered through the pages of the book.  Enjoy!

         I have listened to news reports that have made a mockery out of the trauma that they are going through by covering each and every mundane thing that they do together and seperately with the children.   It is unfortunate, but this happens to millions of families around the world every day; it isn’t meant for public consumption.   Lately,the media reports was all about suspected infidelity and book tours.  Now in the last week or two, “the announcement” of a life changing decision was used to build up suspense for the weekly show.  For real, people…doesn’t it feel a little like being a spectator for a disaster?  Waiting and wondering how things are going to unfold, who will come out a survivor, and then, what paths each individual will take on their journey if, this all ends badly? 

         What started out as a show of entertainment and a way to support their family has consummed them.  The publicity has to have turned into a kind of sword that now is only causing more pain.   I can’t help it, i wouldnt watch the show….not because they are not interesting, not because i have taken sides with one or the other of the couple…but, merely because I do not consider this to be entertainment…i happen to think that by watch the show we are actually becoming part of the problem and hurting them as a family.  Please, let them heal in their own way…out of the eyes of the viewers.

         Kate’s own brother and sister in law are begging people to stop watching the show out of concern for each of the family  members.  I am sorry, but Jon and Kate Plus Eight is no longer entertainment…it is a family tragedy!  There are people who love and care about what happens to each of them and this is painful to watch.    Are we going to be forced to hear in the media of divisions of their property, custody issues over the children, visitation difficulties and blending of families sometime into the future of this family when and if they decide to move on with other relationships?  Really, can’t we all just stop paying attention in this obsessive way and respect them enough to let them work out family issues in private to minimize damage to one another, the children and the friends and extended family members?    Should people watch or stop watching this show; what is your opinion?

           Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia-there are over 50 types some of which are rare.  Words and thoughts become jumbled and communication is hindered.  It is a progressive disease and as time goes on…the effects become more devastating to those who are afflicted with the illness; and, to those who love and support them.  Some people who are healthy joke when forgetting something simple saying, that they have Old Timer’s disease.  It really is no laughing matter.  And truly, there is no age limit on this disease…there is something called early onset of Alzheimer’s disease…it can happen even at a relatively young age.  

          If you wish to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease check this out: http://www.alz.org/index.asp .   Seeking early medical intervention can make a big difference in how the disease progresses; talk to a doctor if you suspect a loved one has a form of dementia.  Testing can be done to diagnose the condition of dementia or Alzheimers fairly quickly.  There are some medications available that seem to help some patients have a more positive quality of life longer.  Talk with a health care professional about options that will benefit your loved one.

         Caregiving for someone who is living with Alzheimer’s is a labor of love-an intense, labor of love; and it is draining.      The disease steals a person’s memories of people, places and events.  A caregiver who provides support discovers that the care required soon can become overwhelming; as more functions and abilities become impared.   If it is at all possible, having more than one regular caregiver helps to avoid burnout and overload.  Try to balance the main cargiving duties between 2 or 3 familiar faces.  Encourage the caregivers to seek “me” time as a way of recharging their batteries.    There is no shame in seeking out adult day care or respite care to help give the caregiver some much needed “down time”.  It is exhausting to be on watch all day and all night.  See this link for help with understanding the demands of caregiving: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/caregiverguide.htm or http://www.caregiving.org/.   Families need to come together soon after diagnosis to discuss how to handle and approach day-to-care, as well as medical care; while the patient is still able to voice his or her concerns and wishes regarding both long term and short term decisions. 

         It is also important to remember that conditions are constantly changing.  The losses mount up…so each day and each moment is precious.  This is a great time to encourage the person with Alzheimers to document their personal memories either by journaling, or by, recording on tape some of their important or precious memories that they want to share with others.  Maybe spend time together working on a scrapbook or memory book with pictures and short written words underneath the chosen pictures.  This is a good bonding time.  Pictures of people that are important in their life is a good way of keeping faces and names in front of the patient.   They may be asking often who the people in their life are.  As time goes on, they may not understand words used to describe relationships.  This is hard; but predictable, words and their meaning can become confusing and mixed up.   It is hard to know what is helpful and what will trigger agitation for each person…it is all very individualistic.   No one knows your loved one like you do…you will have to use your judgement often to make decisions about what is beneficial and what causes distress.

          As the person starts experiencing significant cognitive impairment or memory losses; a feeling of being lost or helpless can set in.  Fear and embarassment are part of the daily experience.  The abilities and skills that the person is  still able to use are helpful to giving them purpose and meaning.   Do not take that away from them as long as they are safe in performing those chores or activities.    People need to build upon the positives as much as possible.  Allow the affected person to be as independent and as safe as possible…remember to be mindful of their personal dignity.  It is helpful to try to treat the person in a way, that you yourself would wish to be treated if you were in their position.  Don’t talk down to them; or worse, use baby talk.  Repetition and an unending supply of patience is the key.  A calm voice and demeanor helps keep things on an even keel.   

         Use anything that is important to that person to keep reliving memories or moments with this person.  Talk about experiences, use old photos, home movies, audio tapes to keep the person connected to those important to them.   Maybe video tape or record some new conversations or activities together; these may be helpful to both the patient as well as family members later when things get more difficult.  Music is an important part of the equasion for many individuals.  Music has a special ability in the brain to trigger emotional responses of past experiences.  It also can have a calming effect on some people who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. 

          One of the hardest parts of loving someone with Alzheimers is getting to a place to where that person can’t remember who their loved ones are.  This is devastating…so anything you can do to prolong the time that you have during the “remembering years” is critical.  Remember, the forgetting is not something that they can control.  Don’t take it personal.  As the forgetting starts to happen more often…cling to those special little windows of time when they are able to surface through the fog and say or do something that let’s you know they are aware of who you are and how important you are to them.   I like this site as it is supportive to the caregivers of the world:  http://www.thoughtful-caregiver.com .   Do you do anything special to preserve memories?

            I read a wonderful book with a personal window into the world of caregiving by a woman who shared caregiving  responsibilities with her mother, for her father, who is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.   The insight that she gives into the behind the scenes dynamics are important for people to know who are going through something similar.   The book was uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time.  I like the fact that they worked together as a team to try to make every day and every moment count together as they provide care for him.  There were many helpful tips in the book regarding ways of practical care.  If  you care to read the book it is called, Measure of the Heart-A Father’s Alzheimer’s A Daughter’s Return.  The book was written by Mary Ellen Geist about her family’s very personal experiences.  The book examines they journey and the grief they experience, as well as, the positive aspects of making the commitment to take on the challenge of providing familial caregiving. 

         I think the best part of the book is that the mother (wife) and daughter are constantly examining or acessing their experiences and it’s effects on both of them as caregivers as well as the patient.  It is the day to day examination of what is in the best interest of all concerned.  What works for them may not work for another…but, there are some commonalities that apply to many in their situation.  The book was published by Springboard Press; their website:  http://www.SpringboardPress.net .  The author’s website is here:  http://maryellengeist.com/content/index.asp .

       Do you have experience with someone you care about living with Alzheimer’s?  I think the thoughts  or fears of being forgotten is frightening, for the patient as well as their loved ones, is strong.    Do you have any tips or encouragement for others going through the same type of situation?  Please share!

        In what turns out to be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, Claire is kidnapped.  She was faced with a scenerio right out of one of her nightmares when a stranger forces himself into her home and attempts to steal her young daughter.  In a desperate moment of complete mother love, Claire trades her freedom for her child’s potential imprisonment by this stranger.  As the knowledge of what she has done sets in, Claire’s internal panic mode sets in.  It is her nightmare come to life; that lack of control over what is about to happen to her…she feels trapped and powerless to guarantee a good outcome.  Claire’s husband has been living a secret life; maybe that is true but, so has she.   These things are revealed slowly to her, during her time in captivity. 

          This taking of her freedom is what ultimately sets Claire free and opens her eyes to the life that surrounds her.   Come and see how she puts the pieces of her life together, into a framework that allows her to live her life in appreciation of beauty, instead of fear; with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the things she holds dear.  By the time the book was completely finished, I thought the title should have read; Still Standing!   I loved this book, and you will too.

           If you have ever had any relationship with an irrational fear, panic attacks or an anxiety disorder this book will feel like someone is speaking your language.  A sister who shares your thoughts and feelings…she gives you hope that life can be different, freer, and more peaceful once again.  Read the novel, soak it up and enjoy the knowledge that this author, Kelly Simmons, doesn’t make light of those who know what Claire has been through!

            You can learn more about the author here on her website:  http://www.bykellysimmons.com/  There you can also find a link to purchase her book.  You wont be sorry that you did.  The book, Standing Still, was published by Atria Books and copyrighted in 2008.   They are a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Going out to eat when you are trying to save money means, well, that you eat off of the dollar menu at fast food places.  On the rare occasions that you treat yourself, for those who are strapped for cash, you generally can’t find healthy food cheap; so…just know that going in.

Wanting to see a movie; prepare to spend, spend, spend…unless you rent a video/dvd….do people still do that?  Going out to the movie theater means spending money for the ticket, for snacks and for drinks; it becomes quite costly.  For years, our family just purchased dvd’s and video’s, so that they could be rewatched, saving  us a pretty penny.  If you happen to do yard/garage sales you can save even more by purchasing your video/dvd’s at a pre-owned price.  At the same time, buying things pre-owned is a way of reusing, reducing (trash), and recycling items by repurposing them for someone else’s use.  I like that!

The trick to saving money when it comes to your personal or family’s entertainment is to look for coupons, specials, two-for-one deals or even free entertainment.  What’s that you say…what is free now days?

When it comes to free entertainment…I believe people are going to go back to the old fashioned entertainments.  You will begin to see individuals and families going back to the basics with gardening, picnics, swimming, sports, walks in the park, short sunday drives, and yes, even reading.

What other kind of entertainment can you get as much bang for your buck?  With a book you can travel the world, educate yourself, comfort yourself, ride the waves of emotions, connect to people, places and time, have a historical encounter, explore a new culture or career; you will be able to read people’s minds through the expertise of a great writer!  A great writer knows how to take you on a trip and make you feel like you could smell the flowers on the page of the most vividly described page in the book.  A great writer will make you feel like you have just  met the most physically attractive and the most impeccably dressed individual you have ever known.  You will grieve when you have to part at the end of the book.  A great writer, or word specialist, will take their time to make you feel, see, and hear the story that they have to share with you.  It is their skill with descriptive words that takes you to the world between the pages.

I recently heard, on a Good Morning America video piece, that sales in the romance book industry is flying high.  http://www.abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7603141 It  is cheap entertainment to pick up a romance book/or other paper back books for a mere $5-$8.oo investment.  It is a book…it can be read over and over again; or, creative people can do book exchanges with one another.  Those with a real frugal personality, and maybe a greener nature  than the average bear, can be found at the library…checking out books for free; just so that they can occupy themselves with the cheapest form of entertainment there is: reading!   Let’s not forget the techie who often reads books/novels on their kindle…therefore wasting little money and no trees that were cut down for printing of the book.   Ok people, go amuse yourselves!!!