Monday, January 31, 2011

Help the Huichol People Save their Sacred Lands

Help the Huichol People Protect there Sacred Lands
http://www.pachamama.org/news/general-news/2011/01/05/huichol-mexico-international-support/

http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/mexico-stop-mining-protect-sacred-sites

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iRlno_KO1U&feature=player_embedded Share this!! Help Spread the Word and help the Huichol People of Mexico protect their Sacred Lands



Listen to internet radio with Brenda Norrell on Blog Talk Radio
http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/mexico/model-letter

http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/mexico/stop-mining-protect-sacred-sites

The First Majestic Silver Company http://www.firstmajestic.com/s/Home.aspfrom Canada is threatening the Sacred Lands of the Huichol people. If they lose their Sacred Lands they feel this is the extermination of them.

They are asking the Canadians that if you respect your lands please respect ours.

The Huichol People perform a Sacred Ceremony on their lands where they pray for the balance of the world. They feel that this Ceremony is critically important to all.

http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/mexico/youth-alert

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huichol
The Huichol or Wixáritari are an indigenous ethnic group of western central Mexico, living in the Sierra Madre Occidental range in the Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Durango. They are best known to the larger world as the Huichol, however, they refer to themselves as Wixáritari ("the people") in their native Huichol language. The adjectival form of Wixáritari and name for their own language is Wixárika.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Valerie Worwood- Aromatherapy



The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
By Valerie Ann Worwood


This book is my bible. I actually have two copies, my original burned in the Zipolite fire in 2001, then I bought another, and then when my mom passed away I got her copy.

The information in here has been invaluable to me. I use aromatherapy for everything. Lavender and Eucalyptus have helped us some many times. We carried it with us to Mexico and pretty much had a panic attack when we ran out. I remember when we caught what we believe was the swine flu, Kata arrived like an angel and brought us two bottles. Hugs and kisses and excellent karma to you my dear for that.

Lavendar has so many uses and eucalyptus as well as my other faves Clary Sage, Geranium and Rosewood. I am sure you'll find your faves too.

My favourite brands for are Aromaforce, and Aura Cacia, and Saje. You can find the first two at Capers/Whole Foods http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/capers//Whole Foods and the other at Saje http://saje.ca/.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Yogi Cameron

http://yogicameron.com/index.php



So cool I saw this yesterday. Yogi Cameron was on Dr. Oz http://www.doctoroz.com/.  Normally I don't even watch TV and especially not during the day..but who knows why, that was what happened and this is the wonderful information I was gifted with.

I always remember the first time I visited Zipolite and went to Shambhala http://adventurezinmexico.blogspot.com/2010/09/shambhala-in-zipolite-oaxaca-mexico.html.

I arrived in the evening and in the morning when I awoke and opened my shutters I rewarded with the most incredible sunrise and 2 girls on the beach doing the most beautiful yoga poses in the sand. What a first impression!

Since then I have always wanted to do yoga. I have watched people on the beach and there is a fabulous yoga center - The Solstice  http://www.solstice-mexico.com/index.php, in Zipolite that I always wanted to attend... but it hasn't come together.

I have been thinking alot more about Yoga lately, but his demonstration on Ayurveda medicine really touched a point with me. Daniel -Gloria's (Shambhala Vision-Zipolite) brother had talked to me about this ancient practice, but I didn't get it. That was over 10 years ago, and now I am finally understanding this all so much more.

So I just wanted to share this info with you. I am going to buy this book today - " The Guru In You" http://yogicameron.com/index.php and it's my dream that Angel and I can go to India  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India and learn about this more and really make this part of our life. That's my dream...

12 Great Green Travel Tips- From Mexico Report

http://themexicoreport.com/2010/04/01/going-green-on-the-go-12-tips-for-environmentally-friendly-travel/

By Susie Albin-Najera
Going green doesn’t mean you have to do any extra work than you would normally do when planning your vacation. Going green simply means being conscious of your environment.  And it’s still easy to care about the environment while abroad. Here are a few simple ideas for green travel when you are on the go to Mexico (or anywhere for that matter)!
1. Chose an eco-friendly hotel supporting sustainable tourism.
2. Pack recyclable, reusable bags.
3. Take the bus.
4. Support local farmers markets, local stands.
5. Visit a botanical garden, nature park or protected coastal areas.
6. Keep recycling.
7. Walk, walk, walk.
8. Participate in a beach/city clean up days.
9. Ditch the baby diapers.
10. Rent a bike.
11. Take a reusable water container.
12. Donate clothing.


The MEXICO Report: Reporting Good News and Positive Features on Mexico
  
      

Friday, January 28, 2011

Stop The Meter!! Save Our Access To Information!!

Social Media Super Hero

Stop the Meter on Our Internet Usage

This is so important, please read and sign this REALLY IMPORTANT PETITION and help protect our access to creativity and knowledge, freedom and power!!


The more I think about this it's really frightening, because it's all about the people with money controlling it all and having access to it all. It's expensive now for the internet and now less people will have access, poorer people will have less or no access and so people are less empowered.

Please Please really think about the implications of this and watch my Social Media Super Hero video because it talks about the power of Social Media. We can unite and try to solve so many of the worlds issues, but if we can't talk or make videos or put up photos because it cost too much, well the thought is too sad and overwhelming for me to dwell on at this moment.

All the wonderful empowering FREE webcasts that I listened to last week by the Social Entrepeneur  Social Empowerment Series, I wouldn't have heard all that. All this super empowering, enlightening info is out there to be shared, and everyone should have access to it. Not just the rich and powerful.

WE CAN BE POWERFUL, use your Social Media Super Powers, and join this fight and sign this petition. This act will have far reaching powers more than you could ever imagine.


PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION & GET ALL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY TO SIGN IT TOO!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Social Media Super Hero to the Rescue!!



Social Media Super Hero to the Rescue! Let me help you with your Social Media Skills. Hire me to grow your biz and get your message out there. If you are not into Social Media, don't want to know or just do not understand the power of Social Media tools then hire me to enlighten you and save you a lot of valuable time, energy and money. Let me be your Social Media Superhero- I am Tina Winterlik tina_winterlik[at]yahoo.com just replace [at] with @ symbol to help with spam.

http://socialmediasuperhero.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Starved For Attention

 STARVED FOR ATTENTION
http://www.starvedforattention.org/#/stories

Here in BC we have a huge child poverty problem, and it's nothing compared to Africa and similar places damaged by war and natural disasters. I can not do much but I can share this info with you. By sharing and talking about it, we can enlighten people and hopefully not turn away.

The thing that I have noticed is that some people have so much wealth they just can not even comprehend what it would be like to have no groceries in the house, or their child being hungry and having to say "I'm sorry, but that's all we have right now."

The world is so distorted, as people zoom around and street race in their super expensive cars and go home to their $500,000 home, to watch their big screen TV and text their friends on their Iphones.

What can we do? They say, I work hard for my money. I earned it! I deserve it.

Well maybe so, but just remember that it will come back to bite you. Karma does. Those hungry little kids, they will be damaged, and their brains are not going to be the super intelligent healthy working organs they could be, it's anybody guess where their path will take them, with out food, with out love..

Imagine if you were hungry..and their was no food in your home,.. Really, I mean actually try to imagine this.. and you had no money, maybe no parents, maybe no one to love you and help you ...I know it sounds like one of those commercials that we so conveniently flick the channel on.

Maybe though just from reading this, or looking at this link with the stories, maybe people will think twice about buying that super expensive blouse, or jacket, or piece of jewelry or car...and think do I really need this. What could I do with $500 if I were to try and help someone.

Do you know how many groceries that can buy, in Canada, in Mexico, in Africa...
$500 would buy 100 packages of lasagna, or oatmeal, or gallons of milk and that's in Canada..imagine in Mexico, or Africa...can you see these kids gaining weight already, and their beautiful little brains, and bodies and spirits growing leaps and bounds, not just from the food, but because they would know "someone cares" somebody out there actually cares..and there is hope...

Otherwise what is there...just a bunch of stuff...without people it's just stuff...and who needs it...isn't a beautiful little life more valuable than some stuff!

Beekeeper Leaks EPA Document - Pesticides & Regulations



When Angel was smaller, if someone asked her, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" "I'm going to be a bee doctor" she would proudly state.

She had it all figured out, until one day she told me, "Mom, bees are too small, I can't bring the ambulance and operate on them" and so we moved on ... but we still have a huge LOVE of bees, especially as Angel has a talent for holding bees.

This article is very upsetting, but very enlightening and really not at all surprising because these same principles are being applied to pharmaceutical studies and other products. Things get grandfathered in even though they are known to cause cancer, and studies that could expose dangerous elements, & products do not receive funding so that potentially damaging products get passed and are being used by people assuming that the governments and the review boards are supposedly protecting them.

So like this man says we can all do our part, do your best to get informed and then share it, break it down so that the average person can understand it. Make a video, photograph it, help kids understand it. We owe it to them, they have to go forth and carry on, let's give them what they need to survive.

Let's face it, everyone that saw the BEE MOVIE, knows that we can't survive without bees.



http://www.beyondpesticides.org 
http://www.panna.org
http://www.bouldercountybeekeepers.org
http://www.vanishingbees.com

Don't Miss Zipolite Days/Zipolite Dias- The Town Fair

Zipolite Dias

Zipolite Dias/Days February 2009
The town fair is awesome, there is a parade through town and they have the giant paper mache dolls that the get inside and then dance and it's so funny. There is a band that plays and it is such a wonderful culture experience. The 2nd year they had baskets and they put the baskets on your head and danced or threw candy, Angel loved it. The year before she got to carry a star. The second night are the rides and the kids have wonderful time. It's a lot of fun, there is even some kind of greased pole where the youths of the community climb the pole to get the presents at the top. Pretty crazy. We really had fun. We will miss it this year! Angel loved the dragon ride, she loved all the rides.

Febrero en Zipolite 2009

Beach life in Zipolite in Febrero 2009

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Elephante Roca, Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico



Angel & I watching huge Waves Crashing Thru Elephante Roca, Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico

Evaporating Water in -30C in Yellowknife, NWT Viral Video


samantha683 | January 01, 2010 | 5,295 likes, 39 dislikes

On a winter day in Yellowknife,Northwest Territories, Canada, I boiled water and threw it in the air where it "evaporated" and turned into fog.


Apparently Evaporated is not the correct term, but what ever it is, it's super cool!!

Taska - Chief of Yawanawa tribe of the Brazilian Amazon


Listen to this important webcast with Ryan Eliason interviewing Taska Yawanawa
Business Ventures That Empower Indigenous People to Protect The Rainforest (45 minutes)
Tashka is the Chief of the Yawanawa tribe of the Brazilian Amazon and he will be calling in from the edge of the jungle. You'll hear from one of the wisest, most creative, visionary leaders alive today about how he brought his tribe back from the brink of ethnocide by initiating ecologically sound income producing projects. The Yawanawa and their allies are developing a new model of sustainability that allows the Yawanawa to protect the rainforest and engage with the outside world without losing their cultural and spiritual identity.
---------------------------------
Tashka Yawanawa describes how isolated their village is and what daily life is like. How they live in harmony with nature. He speaks of the history of the Yawana, how many people developed decease and were used as slaves as the Rubber Cappers, and how the tribe lost many people and was on the brink of the extinction, but now there numbers are getting better.

He won a scholarship and went to the U.S. and learned English and he married a Mexican woman. They were planning to go back to Mexico when he was asked to come back to his community.

They wanted him to be the Chief and Shaman, he said "No, your making a mistake" but they told him they had had a vision and they told him they would help and support him.

400 people are now 700.

"Live in harmony with nature"
"the jungle is the supermarket, where we build out house, where we get our water"

They went to the media to give attention to the community from international community so that the Brazil government would change the area of the territory so that they could sustain themselves

They are working on green solutions, for travel with vehicles. They were using diesel. So now they are using a type of seed to make a vegetable oil for the motors on the boats. They need to use the boats at this time otherwise it's 7 days paddling to get to the nearest community.

They bring their spiritual and beliefs to their business models. Aveda uses special "environmental products" from Yawanawa people is just one of their projects. Their economic projects are going well, one of which is a center of healing and ceremony and education outsiders about their community.

--------------------------------

From Wikipedia In 2001, at 26 years old, Tashka Yawanawa became responsible for 500 people and 1,000 square kilometres of Amazon Rainforest as Chief of the Yawanawa. In just a few years, Tashka and his wife Laura, a Mixteca-Zapoteca leader from Oaxaca, Mexico, have managed to double the Yawanawa territory, reinvigorate Yawanawa culture, and establish economically and socially empowering relationships with the outside world.
-----------------------------------------------------
http://www.aveda.co.uk/aboutaveda/yawanawa_updates.tmpl The chief says that the reason the biz model with Aveda works is their is no middle men and there is transparency.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yawanawa/140861025940312

Tashka Yawanawa Blog

Friday, January 21, 2011

Found: Lost Pictures of New York Blizzard



One guys quest to find the owner of a film canister he finds while skiing. He thinks they're very European.

Someone gives him $26, so he posts this to try to find the owner.

Do you think it's real? If it is, can we help? Hmmm!
Either way, it's a cool video!! I really like it!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

You Lift Me Up! My life is Turning Around! Mexico -Jan 2009


Thought I would re-post this as it's almost the same time of year, and I like to look back and see the fun things we did.

You Lift Me Up! My Life Is Turning Around!
My birthday, a visit to Punta Cometa, hanging on the beach and more!

Kimmie Weeks- Youth Action International

Youth Action International http://www.youthactioninternational.org/yai/
http://www.youthactioninternational.org/yai/index.php/about/kimmie-weeks/

 You can hear Kimmie Weeks speak about how they had a normal modern living environment and then their country was at war. He speaks of all the scary times of people hiding, and then the epidemics and people dying. Hunger and weakness, and they actually thought he'd passed away and placed his body outside. There were piles of bodies, and his mother went out and found his body (*that sounds like a miracle right there to me)...and that was his turning point, he was only 10 but he was committed that children do not suffer from poverty and war.

http://www.socialentrepreneurempowerment.com/schedule/
From the Social Entrepreneur  Empowerment Series listen to the following webcast with Ryan Eliason

Thursday, January 20
10:00am

Kimmie Weeks
Alleviating Human Poverty, Suffering, and War (30 minutes)
Hear how Kimmie Weeks narrowly escaped political assassination and built a global following after exposing the injustice of the Liberian government at the age of 14. Kimmie and I will discuss the goals of alleviating human poverty, suffering, and war. We will explore the importance of clear vision and commitment, how to embrace challenges with the right attitude, and really getting to know the people and communities you serve. His story will blow your mind! 


"20,000 children die every day from preventable causes" 
"In order to change the world we have to change ourselves"
"We have one common path, one common destiny"

"We are not truly free, if others are not safe"


It's so inspiring to here Kimmie talk, when he says if we just talk more, and if we look at everyone as brothers and sisters. Looking for commonalities, and for the children not to carry the animosities from the past...let go of the burdens. 


"Let's set our own standards."


The global dream of uniting and standing together as one person.


I like what he says about how it's never been easy, how it's always been a challenge, see all challenges as hill, just a little block, but say wow, but this is another challenge and that overcoming the challenge the rewards will be so wonderful. That's life.


We have to stand together, everyone has to set that vision, when you have a vision, little things will not distract you.


He speaks about if you really want to help, you need to go to the community and meet the people and really understand the situation so you can make changes right at the roots. 


He's asking people to come out and volunteer and work with them in Africa. They are calling for photographers, musicians, artists, to come and help, rebuild Liberia, help the children.  Make a difference, meet the people and transform their lives.


Angel and I really want to go to Africa, we are going to research this a lot more.  We're coming Kimmie. Not sure when but it's my goal.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Breaking Down The Walls of Separation- Challenge Day

Wow! Really Powerful stuff about Challenge Day and how it was started.  Made me Cry!
It really explains so much my thoughts and fears on bullying 
Social Entrepreneur Empowerment Series Replays
http://www.socialentrepreneurempowerment.com/replays/

Breaking Down The Walls of Separation- Rich Dutra-St. John
Rich co-founded both a company and an NGO (Challenge Day) that has now transformed the lives of millions of youth and adults, breaking down walls of judgment and separation, replacing them with compassion, understanding and love. His work has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and a popular MTV series. Learn what it took to launch and build Challenge Day, and how they overcame any obstacles along the way to mainstream notoriety and massive influence. 

http://www.challengeday.org/

Our Vision

Our vision is that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated.

Our Mission

The Challenge Day mission is to provide youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.

Be the Change- Take one positive action everyday!!  

Be The Change Movement Mission

To inspire people to be the change they wish to see in the world, starting with ourselves, through compassion and service using the formula for change – NOTICE, CHOOSE, and ACT.

Be The Change Teams Mission

To be the driving force in creating the school of their dreams.

Notice, Choose, Act
http://www.challengeday.org/videos.php
http://www.challengeday.org/challenge-day-program.php

(Value Tip: Start meetings with check-in-(If you really knew me) and end with appreciation) 

MTV: If you really knew me
http://www.challengeday.org/mtv/  Download the pdf's here.
http://www.challengeday.org/mtv/downloads/IYRKM_IntroGuide.pdf

Be The Change
http://dynamic.challengeday.org/bethechange/

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

PUNTA COMETA, Oaxaca- I just love this place!

This one of my favourite places of all time. Punta Cometa, the ocean here is really hypnotic, I think I did a great job of capturing it. Some of the waves were huge, it was really a wonderful treat.

We got a ride with our friends and were able to visit late in the afternoon. Normally we went in the morning and left before noon as it gets very hot. There was a lot of people there at the end, never seen so many in the pool, but we were leaving so didn't mind.

The sun was going down and the light was beautiful. The clouds were incredible and I took some fantastic photos that day. I'm really missing it today.




Join Adventurez in Mexico for a walk on Ohm Playa and a trip to Punta Cometa with Amigos!!



Wow!! Una Grande Ola!!!  Photography and Video Copyright by Tina Winterlik  ©2010

Monday, January 17, 2011

Let's Make a Wish For World Peace!!



Well this is just the coolest, to see this BIG BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW!! Let's all take a moment and make a wish today. Let's Wish for World Peace!

Please just make this little saying our motto: "Treat others as you would like to be treated!"

Rainbow- Confirmation!!



This is so amazing, I had just posted the Martin Luther King speech, and was thinking about a lot of different things...how will people react, interpret my actions.

I was thinking that not a lot has changed, but that not a lot has changed. There's a black president, but there is so much suffering of Mexican people and lots of other people in the U.S. and in Canada we have the highest child poverty in B.C. and there are terrible problems in certain areas in Mexico, and just really sad injustices all over the world.

I was thinking about some things that people do in the name of certain things and they are prepared for some of the consequences and then not.

It was so wonderful though, because as I was standing at the sink washing the breakfast dishes and thinking of all this, then Angel shouts..."I see a Rainbow!"

And there BIG and BRIGHT is this HUGE RAINBOW!
For me it was confirmation! From God, From the Universe, From Martin Luther, From my parents, ...that what I am doing is good, and keep going! Keep on Dreaming!!

I have a Dream....

Martin Luther King- "I have a dream"



I honor of Martin Luther King Day I am posting his "I have a dream" speech.
His speech is for everyone that suffers from the things he speaks.

"All Men Are Created Equal"

I hope you all listen carefully. This was made in 1963, I was only one year old.
We still have along way to go for Human Rights for All!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

All We Need is Love!!



This is for Gloria & Daniel-and everyone at Shambhala, Chico & Margarita- Roca Blanca, Beto & Elia, Franco- Italian Panaderia, Oscar, Kelly, Miki & Paolo -Pachamama and ALL OUR AMIGOS EN ZIPOLITE! Sending you all lots of love!!

To all the people we met on our travels in Mexico. Por todo la gente nostros conecemos quando nostros visita Zipolite y Oaxaca, Chiapas, Jalisco, Mexico City...todo nos amigos. Besos y Abrazos.

Tina y Angel :)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Zententions


Navigate, Meditate, Radiate and Celebrate Now!
Jen Wichard & Billie Weiss- Reiki, Workshops, Group Healing, Hypnosis

Wow, this was shared with me on Facebook today,
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=175639139138681&comments#!/video/video.php?v=175639139138681&comments


Visualizing is such powerful stuff. I made a promise to myself that Angel and I are going to do a lot more of this.

Thanks so much Jen & Billie. Really really wonderful and appreciated that your sharing this.

Edible Schoolyards and Cob housing

Well I was so inspired by the webcasts on the Social Entrepreneur Empowerment Series that I have been listening to and since there was a competition I thought I would at least try and enter.

So you can read my idea here. I hope you like it and that I inspire you. Like the song says...Dreams can come true, they can happen to you...if your young at heart.

http://www.changemakers.com/node/98770

Transform schools into Edible Schoolyards, teaching children to grow beautiful gardens, harvest and market the food they produce. By working side by side become Mentally and Physically Strong, and United. Teach children to feed themselves and to build community, and with these tools they will figure out how to build sustainable housing whether it be cob houses or other types of housing, but whatever type it will be environmentally friendly to their community and they will know how to live in harmony from their experience and education nurturing their environment in their Edible Schoolyard. In addition to the Edible Schoolyard there would be markets, and Performing Art Centers, where arts would be embraced, thus adding to healthy minds and spirits.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Everyone has to be a Change Maker

http://www.socialentrepreneurempowerment.com/replays/

Just love what this first speaker has to say about children being a Masters of Empathy!! Please listen to this, it's really powerful information.

Every 15 year old must be a Changemaker.

Bill Drayton-Everyone A Changemaker (30 minutes)
The man responsible for popularizing the term "social entrepreneur" shares his philosophy of "everyone a changemaker". We will discuss why social entrepreneurs are so critical at this precarious time of rapidly accelerating change, the number one obstacle faced by entrepreneurs, the importance of collaboration, and the unprecedented opportunity of Hybrid Value Chains - a new framework for businesses to reap the benefits of combining social and economic value by forging alliances with citizen sector organizations. Bill will share his passion for cultivating empathy as a fundamental precursor to widespread cultural transformation, and the role of young people in catalyzing change, now and in the future.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Drayton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka:_Innovators_for_the_Public
http://ashoka.org/
http://ashoka.org/whatwedo
http://ashoka.org/story/googles-gift  
http://www.changemakers.com/
http://ashoka.org/support

Peace, Love, Unity, Power, Clap, Clap, Clap For Your Life!



After the earthquake hit Haiti on 12 January 2010, some street-children from the slums in Nairobi, Kenya, felt they should do something to support children in Haiti, now living in conditions as bad as or worse than their own. The Wafalme Kidz, hailing from the streets of East Nairobi, made up a song

This is so incredible, I love this when people use music and videos to enlighten and send powerful messages.

Angel and I want to travel the world. Lately with all the stories on Haiti, all she talks about it is going there to get a little brother or sister. I tell it's not that easy but maybe when she's older we can go help. Right now all we can do is send prayers and post videos and info in order to spread the word.

Thursday, January 13, 2011



In case your wondering why I'm posting this here, it's because this little girl is Angel's age. And what happened at this hockey game is surprising. The poor little thing, the microphone went dead, and some lady cackles and then this is the part that made me cry, is everyone started singing.

You can read the rest of the story here.
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Hockey-crowd-sings-after-8-year-old-s-nat?urn=nhl-306789

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Changers!!

Once upon a time...back in 1991 I think, I was working on re-learning my grade 10 math, as I needed it to learn my grade 11 math so that I could take my Photography Program at Langara College.(I worked 11 years before I returned to college) It was while I was concentrating so hard, that suddenly I had this vision. This was so powerful that I had to actually stop and go to another room and write down what I saw. Anyways it was about "The Changers"

 and this was how it went...

A little girl was running thru the village, when someone says..."Hey, where are you going?" To my Grama's 100th birthday party she says as she rushes past. "She's one of the last of  The Changers! Everyone is welcome....see you there..." she calls back.

When she arrives she sees all the children gathered at her Grama's feet, they are all pleading with her. "Tell us the story, Grama, pleeeassse!!" "Not that old story, again", she chides, teasing them."Please Grama, Please"

So she starts, she tells how long long ago the earth was very very sick, everything was dying, everything was polluted, Mother Earth had been wounded by mining, and cars, and all the wars and all the pollution.

She told them that slowly the people realized the damage, and the children started to make changes. Slowly they changed the world. (there was more detail but I am just writing this quick here.)

Slowly the world grew into a healthier place and as time passed people began to live in harmony with the earth ...that is how the world it became as it is now.

The children ask Grama "Do you miss the old world Grama?" No my dears, no I don't for the most part, but there is one thing I do miss!

What's that the children ask?

"The Music!" Grama replies as a teardrop falls down her cheek.

And with that the children start to sing!! and Grama smiles!



---------------------
So that was my vision. I always meant to write it into a book but could never figure out how to really animate it or illustrate it as I want it to have a real universal, indigenous, generic look to the characters.

---------------

Anyways, I found this connections   to Ryan Eliason* of
The Social Entrepeneurs webcast  http://www.socialentrepreneurempowerment.com/   http://www.socialentrepreneurempowerment.com/   http://www.socialentrepreneurempowerment.com/connect/  and they were interviewing this man Bill Drayton* that works with this program http://www.ashoka.org/Blogs  and then I linked thru and found this, The Changers. http://www.changemakers.com/stories


I don't have the time I would like checking all these things out, but I wanted to post this to share it and keep us all striving for change.

Have a great day everyone!!
----------------------------------------------------
What are the secrets to creating successful ventures that merge positive social impact with sustainability and profit?

*Ryan Eliason has been answering this question since he was 19
years old, when he founded an organization that empowered more
than 675,000 young visionary leaders from 65 nations working on
social change, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
For this interview series, he carefully selected 39 extraordinary
people
who have dedicated their lives to healing and transforming
our world through social enterprise. 


*Bill Drayton 
Everyone A Changemaker
The man responsible for popularizing the term "social entrepreneur" shares his philosophy of "everyone a changemaker". We will discuss why social entrepreneurs are so critical at this precarious time of rapidly accelerating change, the number one obstacle faced by entrepreneurs, the importance of collaboration, and the unprecedented opportunity of Hybrid Value Chains - a new framework for businesses to reap the benefits of combining social and economic value by forging alliances with citizen sector organizations. Bill will share his passion for cultivating empathy as a fundamental precursor to widespread cultural transformation, and the role of young people in catalyzing change, now and in the future.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Piedra Blancas

This photo was taken way back in 1989 or 1990, and this was at Piedra Blancas before it was developed. It's near Bucerias. Was just going thru a bunch of old photos so I thought I'd post it.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Tapped-Trailer- Watch This!!



Hope I can see the movie, this is stuff I have been saying for so long, but what can you do. 11 years ago I had the water bottle cooler, and everyone would come over and drink my "nice clean water", I thought the pipes in my building were old and leaching toxins and so didn't want to drink it.

Fast forward, they redid the pipes...probably with some type of plastic and not only that, when you go to Mexico that is all you can drink from. So here in Canada, wake up...we are so blessed.

Stop polluting by using bottled water.
1)Polluting not just from the plastic the bottles are made from
2)Polluting out bodies by the toxins going into them from the water in the plastic bottle,
3)Spending millions of dollars in oil to ship the water all over the place.

Just frigging crazy!

Perhaps we could use those resources to produce clean water in Mexico and other places around the world so they don't have to drink bottled water. Just a thought!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

If A Tree Falls In The Forest



Bruce Cockburn - If a tree falls in the forest, does anybody hear?
I love this song. Just pulled out the tape the other day, all our stuff has been in storage, so I discovering lots of things.

This song is so profound. Wow, so old now...has much changed in 22 years,...not much... just the consequences... Global Warming. This is from a 1989 album...that's when I just started visiting Mexico, saw how beautiful it was. Are we ever going to learn...?? Can we turn this world around?...Can our kids? We can only give them the tools, we can educate them, show them the damage and hopefully they'll implement the solutions. It's all we can hope for. Our kids are the future!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Three Kings Day and Rosca_de_reyes - Jan 6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosca_de_reyes

Rosca de reyes or roscón de reyes (kings' ring) is a Spanish and Spanish American king's cake pastry traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany.

Although the name indicates that it should be round, the “rosca de reyes” generally has an oval shape due to the need to make cakes larger than 30cm across for larger parties. Recipes vary from country to country. For decoration, fig fruit, quinces, cherries or dried and candied fruits are used.

It is traditionally eaten on January 6, during the celebration of the "Día de Reyes" (literally "Kings' Day"), which commemorates the arrival of the three Magi or Wise Men. In most of Spain, Spanish America, and sometimes, Hispanic communities in the United States, this is the day when children traditionally get presents, which are attributed to the Three Wise Men (and not Santa Claus or Father Christmas). In Mexico before children go to bed, they leave their shoes outside filled with hay or dried grass for the animals the Wise Men ride, along with a note.

The tradition of placing a trinket (figurine of the Christ Child) in the cake is very old. The baby Jesus, when hidden in the bread, represents the flight of Jesus, fleeing from King Herod's evil plan to kill all babies that could be the prophesied messiah. Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed and must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2, Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria). In the Mexican culture, this person also has to throw a party and provide tamales and atole to the guests. Read more...




I found a couple of videos on Youtube about Three Kings Days and Rosca de reyes


This is cool, click here and then you can see more episodes and see the whole process.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Responsible Travel

http://adventurezinmexico.blogspot.com/2010/08/responsible-travel.html
I posted this way back in August but it doesn't hurt to remind everyone, as this is the time of year everyone is making travel plans.

Responsible Travel

Many of these Tips came from Lonely Planet Suggestions and I added to them.

Go Overland
- Ride Buses or local transportation whenever possible, opposed to planes. Buses in Mexico are Excellent. Their service is much better than Canadian Greyhound. Their ticketing service is excellent and Greyhound would do well to adapt it. Also their security. I love taking the buses in Mexico.

Give Right - I always made an attempt to buy from small stores and spread the wealth around. Lonely Planet recommends you donate to schools, and clinics and avoid giving hand-outs to children in order not to encourage begging. We used to give the children pretty photos.

Buy Local
-Eat in Local Restaurants, buy from local small stores.

Use cold showers - avoid hot showers that use wood heat.

Pick up your litter, and if you pack it in, pack it out!

Be Respectful! Especially of local traditions and customs.
Use appropriate attire when visiting churches and local villages

Ask Questions! Learn the customs and ask how not to make mistakes
the other tourists do.

Other Recommended Website Links are:

http://www.eco-indextourism.org/

http://www.ecotourism.org/

http://www.planet.org/

http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/

Aerial View of Suites Costa Dorada in Bucerias from Google Maps

Sorry, I had a map here but it was really slowing down my blog. Just Google Bucerias and click map. :)

Suites Costa Dorada has a Special Place in my heart, they have been so good to us. I have visited there a number of times in the last 20 years and we are always well recieved.

Bucerias is a really cute town, even though it has really changed over the years. Marks Bar & Grill is really famous and I remember it when it was just a house and Mark came to fix it up and work on it each year.


I think Bucerias has something for everyone, you may have to hunt but I think it's possible. We found a lovely little place to stay that was affordable. Of course it's very expensive compared to the $12 a night room with a kitchen I rented in the 90's but if you rent long term you can get a good deal.

I recommend Bucerias if you have never been to Mexico and want to get a feel for things.

Aerial View of Palenque from Google Maps

Sorry I had a map here but it was really slowing down my blog. Just google Palenque and click Map. :)

This is an aerial view of the town of Palenque, I could not find the ruins on the map. I really liked the town, we didn't stay there, we stayed out by the ruins, when we went to town to book our tour for Agua Azul and for banking and a little shopping, I really enjoyed this town. It's hot though, humid, but lovely. IT'S SO GREEN!!

Aerial View of the Zocalo and Cathedral in Oaxaca City from Google Maps

Sorry I had a map here but it's really slowing down my blog. Just go to Google, Type Zocalo and Cathedral in Oaxaca City and click maps

Aerial View of the Zocalo and Cathedral in Oaxaca City from Google Maps

Google Map of Santa Domingo in Oaxaca City Mexico


View Larger Map

Aerial View of Santa Domingo in Oaxaca City from Google Maps - Love this! it's so cool!!

Google Map of Zipolite Oaxaca Mexico


View Larger Map
Aerial View of Zipolite in Oaxaca Mexico from Google Maps!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Haiti- Our S.O.I.L

http://www.oursoil.org/

On the Ground: On the Ground with Nicholas D. Kristof - American


Here are what some people are doing to help the dire situation in Haiti. We met Corinne in Zipolite and she is on her way to Haiti! Best of Luck to her and everyone who is trying to help.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Life is an Adventure!

Can't sleep and was checking my facebook when I came across this link for this video.



Curious I looked for more videos and there are tons of them by different people, the music is by Karunesh. Here's what it says on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karunesh



Karunesh (Hindi: करूनेश, "God of compassion"; born Bruno Reuter in 1956)[1][2] is a German-born New Age and ambient musician. His music has strong Asian and Indian influences prevalent throughout, with liberal use of Indian instruments, such as the sitar. Having sold 450,000 albums, Karunesh is one of the best-known New Age artists.[2]

Karunesh was born in Cologne, Germany in 1956.[2] Although he had been drawn to music as a child and played in bands as a teenager, he chose to study graphic design as a career. However, after attaining his degree, Karunesh was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. His brush with death prompted him to choose music as a career instead of graphic design. He rethought his life and embarked on a spiritual journey of sorts, traveling in 1979 to India, where he met Osho in his ashram in Pune. He became initiated and took on a new spiritual name, Karunesh, a Sanskrit name meaning "master of compassion".

Back in Germany, Karunesh lived in the Rajneesh commune of Hamburg for five years. Here he could develop his musical creativity in a spiritual surrounding. He came in contact with many musicians from all over the world and developed an ability to weave different styles and feelings from different cultures together in a living symbiosis, creating a music that is both spiritual and danceable.

In 1987, Karunesh released his first album, entitled Sounds of the Heart, which is regarded as a classic of New Age music.[2] Sounds of the Heart was followed by Colors Of Light the following year and by Sky's Beyond the year after that. As of 2006 Karunesh has released 17 albums.

Karunesh has lived in Maui, in the U.S. state of Hawaii, since 1992.

Life is adventure, what an amazing turn this guys life took.

I would like to visit Maui!! I dream about visiting India too! It's on my list of To Do Things. Part of my resolutions. I never do resolutions but for some reason feel compelled to compile something.

Ten Resolutions for 2011
1 Listen more!
2 Practice Calmness
3 Review my Artistic focus
4 Keep projecting positively and wildly for everything I desire.
5 Be grateful and give "Thanks" for EVERYTHING!
6 Sleep more
7 Eat more and better, Juice Lots! More nuts and fruit!
8 Learn & Practice Yoga
9 Dance & Learn Drumming (my hands could never do this but I can dream!)
10 Focus on my Art 

That's a start for this year...