A lot has been said about Jack Kevorkian in the media over the years.  For many years he used the media to get his message across to people around the world; he felt that people should be allowed to take their own lives.  He allegedly thought physicians should be allowed to assist them by providing the means (medicine) to accomplish that goal.  Many individuals (allegedly over 100 people) with chronic illness or disease, who were suffering, sought him out to help them end their lives.   He was eventually convicted of murder by prosecutors and served approximately 8 years in prison; but, he was released early because of his own medical conditions.

His battle with public perceptions and the public’s moral and legal viewpoint, on his stance towards assisted suicide, opened up many conversations around the world.  If nothing else, I do believe that the media attention helped people to examine their own beliefs about the idea of assisted suicide and the concept of whether people should have end of life choices when faced with chronic illnesses or diseases.

My own personal feelings aside, I can’t help but wonder as Jack was stripped of his medical license after being in prison for assisting suicides in the past; if he could have, would he have taken his own life at the end?

I mean, Jack’s life and career appeared to revolve around death and dying.  He didn’t have access to his machine, that he invented to assist those who wanted to commit suicide, while he struggle with his illness in the hospital.  Still, he has had health problems for years…which was part of the reason he was released early from prison.

One wonders, why didn’t he commit suicide himself during that time.  Could it be that he realized the value in living even while chronically ill?  Did he ever regret helping others to commit suicide?  Publicly he remained defiant…but, when released from prison he agreed to no longer assist people with their suicides.  Still, if he would have taken his own life…there is nothing that the legal system could have done to him after his death.   He chose not to do that…and I am glad.

It is said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation.  There are reports of people who have attempted suicide and somehow survived who report being glad that their attempt failed. Suicide leaves many victims…the survivors or loved ones of people who are successful at taking their own lives struggle with many issues.

Suicide prevention is important because people are in distress when they consider taking such an extreme action.  Those stresses are intense…but often they are fleeting situations and if a person has an intervention that helps preserve their life than can go on and live a rewarding life (even if it is hindered by disease or illness).  For those of us who have moral convictions about the idea of suicide, it is with sadness to hear of someone losing their life to suicide whether it is assisted or not. The subject is emotionally charged for most people…those who believe in the right to take their own life and those who believe it is wrong to do so.

Having lost a loved one myself, this week, after a long battle against a chronic disease; I can only imagine how much more complex the loss would have been, had that person chosen to take his own life.  He suffered greatly, and yet he struggled to live; was he ever tempted to take his own life?  I am sure there were moments when the pain became too much to bear…and yet, he fought for every moment he was allowed to have with his friends and family.

What are your thoughts on death and dying…Jack Kevorkian or assisted suicides?  Our condolences to his friends and family at their loss.

I first met Peppermint Jim back a couple of years ago in person in Michigan.  He’s had an impact in Michigan where he helped to save his family’s heritage mint farm from foreclosure.  He did this through hard work, and with the help of loyal customers.  Jim believes in using organic farming practices that help build up the soil and protect it from poor farming practices that harm the earth with dangerous chemicals and destructive, or careless techniques that don’t look beyond the season’s current harvest.

I have to say that I was impressed with the man’s knowledge not only of those issues; but also, the intensive passion he shares for mint farming and for supporting struggling independent producers who are trying to make a living in a very competitive world.  He’s done this by not compromising his faith or his belief in doing things in such a way as to honor God’s creation.  He does his best to educate others and to provide products that promote health and well-being for the consumer as well as the environment.

In fact, Jim supports Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Greens World Care to encourage green practices in communities and businesses.  The Tucson Arizona community is familiar with this way of thinking and it is a great place to connect with like- minded people.

In the May edition of Guideposts magazine you will find an article on Peppermint Jim and the story of his legacy from the role that his family’s heritage mint farm played in his professional growth; to the place that he is in now and, the direction that his experiences are leading him to, in the future.  Don’t miss it…get the May 2011 edition of Guidepost’s magazine to learn more about Peppermint Jim and his life partner, wife Lilian and the role that their mint based business will play in the forward thinking communities who are wise to a greener and more sustainable world.

Jim has taken his knowledge, passion and purpose to Arizona and is introducing community members and loyal customers to his new line of products.  His commitment to sustainability is contagious and he educates others to this way of farming.  He is an encouragement to other farmers and independent producers of consumer goods; to do what they know is right and to have an opportunity to provide a living for themselves by bringing products to the marketplace that envelope all that they believe in.

You can see Peppermint Jim’s line of pure mint oils, body care products, farming tools, his handmade candies and goodies as well as his soil rejuvenator which feeds plants from seedling to bloom/harvest.  You can find out more about what’s good for you and your family at Peppermint Jim

The impact of that was the beginning of the fitness niche that you see today.  Exercise was not just a gimmick for Jack, like you see so many businesses pushing today; just to make money.  It wasn’t a fad for him, it was a way of life, each and every day.  Jack LaLanne I remember you and your wife Elaine’s career; and, I remember how you inspired a nation to get fit by setting an example with your words, your actions and your life.

Today, I myself will get up and get moving; I’ll start on my exercise bike.  My son is going to begin an intensive interval training program called Fearless 45 today. I will do my best to encourage him to follow through…not just for a short term goal but to promote life long health and well-being.  That is what Jack tried to teach all who would listen was to make well-being.

I myself have gotten away from living a life of healthy exercise and eating right.  I love that you lived a whole life of fitness from the moment you understood it’s power to enhance you day to day existence.  Your television show was on the air for something like 34 years.  You made guest appearances on other shows, on network news and on videos and the like.  I can still hear the excitement and the dedication in your voice.

How wonderful it would be to have that same joy and commitment.  So, today Jack LaLanne I will dedicate my first day of being recommitted to exercise as a permanent lifestyle change.  Thank you, God bless you and your family.  As a side note: that link to Fearless 45 is an affiliate link and if you were to purchase it…I would be financially compensated. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a good program for those who are approved by their doctors to be healthy enough to pursue that level of fitness.

For the town in Michigan known as Belding, saving time is critical for their self image.  You see, Belding, Michigan got its very name by honoring the Belding family; they built a business with their silk mills and thereby, provided a way of life for those who chose to live along the banks of the river.  These days, there is not much use for the structures except for its very image; which many use in their letterheads or in their desire for buying or selling collectibles.  This historic structure needs some upkeep done soon to preserve not only it’s history; but, to carry it into the next generation.

Many people are unaware that Electrolux recently repurchased the existing buildings with the intention of tearing down the remaining silk mill buildings, as well as the clock tower.  This is heartbreaking for those past and present residents of Belding.  Removing the buildings would not only change the face of the small town; but, it would create a hole in the patchwork of historical buildings of the area and diminish the importance of the contribution that the Belding brothers brought to the area.  The brothers created a rich legacy through their silk mill operation and through their contributions to the town known as Belding today.

How does one go about determining the value of preserving history and its impact on the future?  I mean, think about it…everyone values these things differently.  However, when there is a rising up of a collective outcry from not only residents of the community but those in surrounding areas; one would think that some kind of effort could be made by a corporation as large and industrious as Electrolux.  They are a corporation that prides itself on sustainability.

My online dictionary says this about sustainability:

Allegedly there are even more sound bites from these audio recordings that have equally disturbing comments from Mel Gibson. In the past, he has been accused by some as having made disturbing comments about Jews when he was arrested.  It was said in reference to those statements, that he was under the influence.  Others would argue that what is in the heart bubbles to the surface when that person’s inhibitions are loosened up from drugs/alcohol.

This past year has seen Mr. Gibson separate from his wife of 30 years, Robyn only to publically engage in his relationship with Ms. Oksana Grigorieva.   They had a female child, Lucia, together and it is alleged by Oksana that Mel Gibson physically assaulted her by hitting her in the face, while she was holding their daughter, causing physical harm to Oksana; as well as threatening to burn down her residence. 

 Mel is now being investigated for domestic violence by law enforcement.  A tallent agency has stopped representing him in the last week as well after Mel supposedly made disparaging remarks about hispanics whom he allegedly called “wetbacks”.  His personal reputation is going through some rapid changes.   He has been a successful actor in the box office for years earning kudos from the entertainment world and from fans alike. 

These audio tapes, if proven to be his voice, are not going to help Mel Gibson dispell the impression that he is guilty of domestic violence when the tone of voice, that is alleged to be him, states the Oksana looks like a whore, has fake breasts and that she dresses in a provocative way; the male voice goes on to say that if she is attacked and raped by a pack of (N-word insulting name for African Americans) then she DESERVES that. 

No-one deserves to be raped EVER by ANYONE; and I think, if he did make those statesment that it will be hard to regain any semblance of respect from people who believe as I do that it is wrong to say such things as well as to believe it.   Also, the voice on the tape seems to dismiss Oksana by saying things such as I do not trust you, I don’t love you and I don’t want you; these are meant to tear down and diminish the context of their relationship.  It was a relationship that would not be condoned by the church because it was outside of a marriage situation; still, he chose to indulge in a relationship with her so to talk in such a way about her is insulting on many levels.   Whoa, talk about offensive!

I mean, obviously she was a good enough woman to have sex with; as evidenced by the birth of their child.  He was attracted to her enough for that.   He stepped outside of his marriage to have the relationship with Oksana.   Yet, in the same vein, she is a whore; beneath contempt evidenced by his alleged words.   These are the mixed up thoughts of a man who has not come to the understanding of the wholeness of an intimate relationship.  I mean, you can’t have sex with a person outside of marriage and condem them without also condeming yourself.  If she is a whore…then what makes him any different than her?  Is this self hate that he is directing at her because he can’t sort it out in his own head?  You have to wonder if his relationship with Oksana is the only illicit relationship that he has indulged in; maybe guilt is eating him alive.

How do you go from being in a marriage of over 30 years; to starting a new relationship with a woman who is not your wife, while still married and with whom you create a child; and then espouse your intense dislike and disrespect for that same person in such a way as to try to demean them as a person and as a woman.   Inflicting alleged verbal, emotional and physical abuse upon them for the very acts that you willingly engaged in; when you yourself are a willing participant in the relationship, is a difficult concept for people to understand.  If one is at fault, then both is at fault in the eyes of God, unless it is a forced sexual contact.

Emotions are very convoluted…mixed up with lust, anger, resentment, sadness and loathing not to mention guilt and embarassment.   The conscious is a complicated thing; when people go against their own moral or religious values to give in to sin or temptation…the spirit rebels.  Words and actions start to conflict with one another and it causes breakdowns in interpersonal relationships.   The conscious is inside each of us to keep us from wrongdoing…it is a tool.  When we disregard the very core of our beings and choose to step outside of what we believe is right/wrong we end up punishing ourselves and others in ways that we don’t understand.

This is one loaded audio recording: if indeed Mr. Gibson said, let alone thought any of these things.   Then, it is indicative of a man eaten alive by a corrosive hate for not only those who are different from him by race or by being born female, as well.  Let’s remember, Oksana is the MOTHER of his child as much as Robyn is; although Robyn had every moral and legal right as his wife to have the fullness of marriage by having intimate relations with him and giving birth to his children.   Eventually Mel and Oksana’s young daughter Lucia will grow up and read of his rantings and judgements.   On the other side of things, Mel already has children, from his marriage, old enough to read and understand his words and deeds.   These kinds of words and actions are destructive to family relationships.   What must Robyn or his adult children think of his behavior…his thoughts, his words and his mindset?   Mel is still their father but they too must be trying to sort out this confusing circumstances.

Mel appears to be a man of conflicting images.  He is on one hand professionally praised by other actors and actresses and co-workers.  But, don’t you have to wonder how they feel, hearing of his feelings about women, race relations and appearances?  He was known for years as a family man to the public.   He was known for his Catholic beliefs.   He was a benefactor for children and agencies that helped them.  Yet, in the last few years he has had issues that have festered to the surface in public and in private.  Who is the real Mel Gibson?

It is just my observation but, Mel comes across to me as a man who is embroiled in inner conflicts that he does not know how to resolve.  A husband, father, family man/a man who was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship outside of his marriage vows, a good Catholic/yet a man who openly hates Jews (Jesus was a Jew), An actor and director who works with women in the entertainment industry who often dress provocatively for movie roles and for publicity; and, people of all skin colors and various religious beliefs, both behind the scenes and in film roles on the screen. 

People who are tormented with hatred of others, simply because of their own intolerence for people who are different from them, are the most miserable people.  Their intense dislike of others is caustic and hard to rally support for except from like-minded people who are also filled with judgement and hatred.  Usually there is also a large supply of self- hatred underneath it all which is masked by self-medicating behavior with drugs, alcohol, cutting or self maiming physical behavior, suicidal thoughts or actions, or promiscuity; all of which are self destructive.  

What is needed is a healing of the physical, emotional and spiritual person.  Someone who fills up on hate or self destructive behaviors is someone who is trying to fill up empty spots or voids in their lives.  They don’t know how to heal and often will need professional help; such as legal intervention, sometimes medical help such as medication, psychological evaluations and treatment, and spiritual guidance which focuses on positive guidelines for building up an attitude of love, encouragement and peace.  Someone who has been indoctrinated since childhood with hate may require long term intervention before they are able to accept not only themselves but others on an equal footing or at least in an unconfrontational way of life.

A person’s legacy is a very important thing.  It doesn’t matter if you are a celebrity or not;  we alone determine the kind of legacy that we leave this earth with; by our thoughts, our actions, and by the way we make others feel.    We live such a short time on this earth so why spend it in turmoil, unhappiness, anger and violence.  Life is so much more rewarding when people find ways to live in peace, harmony, and love.  If you or someone you know is imploding from hatred in their heart and mind…please find help before you destroy yourself or others.

       Tiger says that he is aware of the hurt and damage that he has caused and that he is sorry; and, he is asking for forgiveness.  He appears to be aware that his actions have impacted his sponsors, his family, friends, fans and the public in general in a tremendously negative way.   At one point, in the last couple of weeks, he referred to his sins, and the fact that he wasn’t perfect.  The effects of these poor choices are long reaching and potentially explosive.

       His statement calls for the need for time, privacy and a safe haven that he and his family need for healing.  News reports claim that Elin, his wife, has purchased a home on an island in Stockholm, Sweden.  This after the New York Post has reported that Tiger is being accused of paying a large sum of money to former alleged madam Michelle Braun for the services of her escorts (and some say prostitutes).   Ms. Braun allegedly claims that the services she provided through her escorts included more than just dates and sometimes included multiple girls at the same time.  He could be in  legal trouble there because prostitution is illegal; if that actually happened and it can be proven.

        All of these allegations simply imply that Tiger was living a life that was wildly out of control on a personal level.  The fact that people are making these claims and he is not denying them is horribly disappointing to many.  Tiger had the public image of a stand up guy; a guy who became a positive inspiration to many.   He had the image of a perfect family, a successful career, a role model to young people around the world…and wealth, fame and status that many only dream of achieving.   However, most of us know that putting people on a pedestal is wrong, human beings can fail. 

        Tiger and his father set up his Tiger Wood’s Foundation to give back to society.  When they began the organization it was intented to help young people discover who they are and what their skill sets are.  There is the Tiger Woods Learning Center which has after school programs that help kids explore and prepare for careers that they are interested in pursuing.  The foundation even offers scholarships to some.  This is all worthwhile and admirable.  However, it is hoped that these recent developments in Tiger’s life do not negatively impact the giving to the foundation or those who benefit from the foundation and it’s services; that would only hurt those who have come to depend on the opportunities that the foundation provides young people who are trying to reach for their dreams by achieving their goals.

        Tiger’s father Earl was instrumental in inspiring him and helping Tiger to focus his attention on achieving his goals.   When he lost his father, his Pop, you have to wonder if he lost his moral rudder.  Some say that it is possible that Tigers recent car accident was caused by a possible addiction to pain medication.  Tiger’s alledged participation with Ms. Braun’s escorts supposedly happened between 2006 and 2007.  

        Tiger Woods lost his father Earl in the Spring of 2006 and the birth of his first child, daughter Sam, was in early summer of 2007.  Knee surgery combined with these other major life changes happening at the same time could have contributed to this situation; however, ultimately no one is responsible for Tiger’s choices but, he himself.  The sad thing is that others will suffer consequences through no cause of their own.  Tiger has recently said that, he needs to focus his attention on being a better husband, father and a person.  It could be that he comes out of this whole debacle stronger, healthier and with more moral integrity than he was perceived to have had before he fell from grace.

          By moving to this home on the island of Stockholm, Sweden, that is only accessible by boat, he increases his chances of doing exactly what he said he needs to do, to become a better husband, father and a person.  They will need help as a couple to repair their marriage and they will need privacy…this home on the island should be helpful; as long as, they look at it, in that way and not as a means of running away.  

         There is going to be no easy fix.  The thing is, if there was as much promiscuity as the newspapers claim, then there are health concerns as well for everyone involved.  Testing should be manditory for each person who was sexually active with Tiger.   This  healing time will require open communication and honesty.  It may include professional help.  It should definately include a spiritual awakening, because that will help facilitate healing  in all of the areas of his life.  Tiger Woods is on a course to self-improvement…let’s wish him and his family well in their attempts to recover and heal from these difficult challenges.

         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?

         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!

          It is a sad day, first Farrah Fawcett passed away this morning and now Michael Jackson has been hospitalized.  Michael was supposed to go on tour for the first time in years starting in July.   I am thinking of his children that he had with the surrogate all of those years ago; what will happen to them?  Will the birth mother have any legal standing to get custody of those children if the worst happens to Michael?   Will update soon.

Update:  Cnn says that The Associate Press and The Los Angeles Times are reporting that he has died.  Cnn has not confirmed this report.     If this is true…it is very sad indeed.  There will be many who will focus on the negative…but out of respect…lets just let the man’s passing be reflected on at this time; if it is true.  He was a gifted man musically and he has had alot of fans over the years as well as detractors. 

ABC news is also reporting that Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50.  Rest In Peace Michael.

           Farrah Fawcett first came on the scene as a model/actress.  She did many commercials and bit parts on television shows.  She married Lee Majors, of The Six Million Dollar Man fame,  in 1973 ; they later seperated in 1979 and divorced in 1982.   In 1982, Farrah began a long term romance with Ryan O’Neal, an actor, that continued until she passed away today.   Ryan O’Neal is an actor who is famous for many roles including the movie, Love Story.  It is powerfully ironic that the storyline of that movie was about a couple who struggled against the female love interest Ali McGraw’s fatal illness.   In an interview with Barbara Walters, Ryan vowed to marry Farrah.  It does not appear that it was able to happen in the last weeks of her life.    In 1985 , Farrah gave birth to her one and only child, Redmond O’Neal. 

          But before all of the roles she played as Redmond’s mother and Ryan O’Neal’s long term girlfriend…Farrah became an American icon by taking on the television role of Jill Monroe on Charlies Angels.  She became a role model for many women in the world of beauty by posing for her famous poster of her in a red, one -piece swimsuit and she spawned a whole new hairdo with her famous blonde hair “feathered” on the sides of the face. 

            Of course, as time went on Farrah went on to do more heavy hitting acting roles during her career.  She amazed many with her acting skills as it was perceived for a time that she was somewhat flighty and ill suited to stronger roles.  Farrah worked hard to put those myths to rest.  She came across as a southern bell but she developed a strong inner personal grit that served her well when she was diagnosed with cancer and when she had a re-occurance.

            Farrah was a spiritual woman, who believed in God and who fought her battle with cancer in a variety of ways including using alternative methods in Germany.  She believed there was a reason that she became ill with cancer and she tried to make good come from it.   Farrah was a woman who inspired loyalty in her relationships.  She had many relationships that spanned 20 or 30 years outside of her family.  Alana Stewart was a long term friend who helped Farrah film her documentary on her battle with cancer.  She remained friends with her co-stars from Charlies Angels Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith through the years.   Farrah lived long enough to see that documentary air just last month.  It was her hope that her journey with cancer could help someone else with their struggle.   

          Farrah, we will miss you and your spirit.  I hope that your son Redmond can overcome his battle with drugs.  It is unfortunate that Redmond could not be there in person to say goodbye to Farrah as he is at present incarcerated for drug possession.  I am sure that Ryan and Redmond could benefit from grieving together.  From all news reports Redmond is torn apart that he could not be with his mother during these last weeks.  In early May i believe it was he was allowed a supervised visit with his mother before he was sent back to jail.  He was not told how badly Farrah was doing…Farrah was not told that Redmond was in handcuffs during the visit.  If anything good can come out of this terrible loss for this family, let’s hope that somehow Redmond can turn his life around now knowing and understanding how much his mother loved him and wanted him to be free of his addictions.    If Redmond can find the strength to battle his addictions by the inspiration of his mother’s love he will do her legacy justice; let’s hope he can love himself enough to honor her love for him.

          And so, it is with sadness that America says goodbye to the beautiful blonde haired Angel named Farrah.  Please keep all of her loved ones in prayer.  No matter who you are, rich or poor, famous or not…losing someone you love is hard and it is painful.