2013 may | june / boomer buzz magazine
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Boomer Buzz Magazine (boomerbuzzmagazine.com) is designed to be the leading source of information for today's baby boomers, the generation of change.TRANSCRIPT
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04 | CONTENTS
MAY | JUNE: IN THIS ISSUE
PUBLISHER’S LETTER 07 Zooming into “Green” FEATURE 08 Forging a Green Community in North Texas HEALTHY BALANCE 10 Putting Your Best Foot Forward – Eco Running
If It Smells Good, Is It Good For Me? AT HOME 14 10 Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home
The Benefits of Sleeping on Bamboo Sheets THE EPICUREAN 18 Entice Your Palette with Edible Flowers | Cheers to the
Pinots | Eating the Rainbow | A Rainbow of Spuds STYLE WATCH 22 Distinctively Dramatic… Paulette Martsolf & Allie-Coosh
Top 5 Skin Tips for Women Over 40 BOOM VOYAGE 28 Enjoy the Elements of Green Travel | Cruise Dishes Up 7
Days of Ear Candy | Indulgent Decadence with No Footprint REDEFINING 38 One Day at a Time | Inspire Your Marriage Once Again WEALTHY & WISE 42 You Too Could Be Green BOOMER BUZZ 46 Boomer Tennis Served to You | Tech Tips
Do You Know and Love a Sociopath? | The Butterfly Effect BLOG SPEAK 54 ranting and raving | Love Is Food for the Soul MEDICAL MATTERS 56 Much Needed Help with RX Costs | Risks of Genetically-
Modified Organisms | Early Summer Skincare SENIOR SCENE 62 Four Signs You Need a Caregiver – Part I & II
ON THE COVER Dallas Fashion Designer, Paulette Martsolf at the Eiseman Center. Photography by Greg Daniels
b o o m e r b u z z m a g a z i n e . c o m
469.237.7084 | [email protected]
73rd Annual MEMORIAL DAY DALLAS
Sponsored Annually by The Greater Dallas Veterans Council
Restland Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Memorial Day Service Monday, May 27, 2013
1:00 p.m. Field of Honor
Restland Memorial Park
John Franklin Bagwell, U.S. Army Army Specialist Bagwell will share his heroic story where he faced
treacherous combat in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with “V” Device,
Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge and Congressional Veteran Commendation.
Master of Ceremonies: Scott Murray, television/radio host
Placement of wreath at the Victory Memorial by Gold Star Mothers
This patriotic and festive event promises spectacular
entertainment for the whole family
Starting at 10:00 a.m.
Vintage helicopter, vehicle and equipment displays from World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm
12:15 p.m.
Memorial Day Children’s Parade Beginning at Abbey Mausoleum walking to Field of Honor
All children invited to participate. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. For more information contact Sandra at 972-470-5732 or [email protected]
In addition, Restland will also display more than 6,640 flags in memory of the brave lives given in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi
Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
NW corner Greenville Avenue & Restland Road • Dallas, Texas 75243 • (972) 238-7111 RestlandFuneralHome.com
©STEI2013
06 | MASTHEAD
b o o m e r b u z z m a g a z i n e . c o m
PUBLISHER Robin Roberson
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Torrey Moseley
ADVERTISING & MARKETING Linda Moncrief
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Jonathan R. Moseley
WEBSITE DESIGN Houston Brown/Split Light Designs
SEO & SOCIAL MEDIA MarketingWorks
PUBLIC RELATIONS Isabell Rossignol
CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS Becca Menig, Photography Greg Daniels, Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eric S. Alexander
Laurie Alves Tara Anderson Lyn E. Cathey
Julese Crenshaw Leah Frazier
Suzanna Garrett Liz Inskip-Paulk, M.A.
Sonja Kabell Maye Knighten
DeeDee Lowder Carla McMahon
Claire Maestri Becca Menig
Becca Niederkrom Jet Parker
Don Purdam Scott Schilling
Fred Shlesinger Cynthia Stock James Tucker
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REGISTRATION ON OR USE OF THE MAGAZINE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF BOOMERBUZZ MAGAZINE’S USER
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER | 07
PUBLISHER’S LETTER Hello BoomerBuzz Readers! Let’s go GREEN together and
conserve natural resources for future generations! It only
takes your involvement to make it happen.
“Green” is everywhere these day; in the news, politics,
fashion, and even technology. Every single thing we do,
every day, has an impact on our planet. Good or bad, our
actions affect our continents, countries, states, cities,
communities and neighborhoods.
However, the good news is that, as an individual you have
the power to control most of your choices and thus the
impact you create. We hope to offer some new
information on initiatives, products and services that you
will find helpful in your efforts to “green” your lifestyle.
In this issue you will enjoy beautiful fashions by Paulette
Martsolf, a Dallas fashion designer with a beautiful eye for
colors and style that works for any woman’s body type.
We also offer up a plate of edible delicacies and introduce
you to eating a rainbow.
Boomers spend more on travel than any other segment of the population and you will learn about
“green” vacations and choices in volunteering for a rewarding vacation. Boomer Buzz offers a great book
review, makes you question if you know or are living with a sociopath, and shows you how to “green”
your wealth. There are great tech tips, and boomer bloggers voice their thoughts and offer information
on assistance with prescription costs and how to decide if you need to hire a caregiver for someone in
your family.
And, we are delighted to announce we will have a BoomerBuzz internet radio show on
izoominternetradio.com where we will introduce you to boomers who are living life to the fullest ‐‐
reinventing themselves at a time when they once thought they would be relaxing but finding they are
rejuvenated and enjoying life even more! We will profile boomers making a difference in our world and
hope to have lots of fun through engaging banter while still offering exceptional content. And, you can
listen to the fabulous music you grew up with, brought to you by the prolific programmer and partner of
izoom, Raul Enriquez. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear many other exceptional shows on
interesting, boomer‐related topics.
With spring “greening” our world, we hope you enjoy the May/June issue of BoomerBuzz Magazine and
please read BoomerBuzz Texas magazine as well. Thanks for reading,
08 | FEATURE
Forging a Green Community in
North Texas
By Nick Trout
Bringing all aspects of “green living” to the
people of the Dallas / Fort Worth area was
the goal of Dallas’ Memnosyne Institute
three years ago. Today, according to its
Founder and President, Mary Ann
Thompson‐Frenk, “GreenSourceDFW.org
was created to advance the Green
Movement in Dallas / Fort Worth; and was
built to be a central communication point
for people committed to changing the
world.”
Green Source DFW is a comprehensive resource of news, profiles, a directory of environmental
organizations and green businesses, as well as the go‐to place to find green events happening across
North Texas. Publisher, Phillip E. Collins (who serves as executive director of the Memnosyne Institute),
forges the goal of illuminating and educating the community on subjects
about the environment. This educational project hopes to bring together
environmental groups, green businesses and the Dallas / Fort Worth
community in order to provide them with a tool to communicate with
each other.
The driving force and creator behind Green Source DFW is Editor, Phillip
Shinoda. His mission for Green Source DFW is to advance the
environmental movement in the Dallas / Fort Worth area by promoting: green living, sustainable
practices, nonprofit environmental organizations, eco‐friendly green businesses, environmental
education, scientific information, public‐policy discussions, and socially‐responsible investing. According
to Shinoda, the opportunity to meet people from all facets of the environmental movement (both
nonprofit and business) has been the greatest reward of serving at Green Source DFW.
FEATURE | 09
Are you interested in knowing more
about “green” everything? Green
Source DFW is the place to find
information, happenings and
resources. It offers articles on local
topics like: Trinity Haymarket (a store
for urban farmers stocking hard‐to‐find
tools and specialty supplies), Earth Day
Dallas which was a huge success with
large crowds interested in sustaining
the planet, and information about
making a home that serves as a model
for green living. Green Source DFW offers up informative videos, green blogs, activities and happenings
related to green living. You can stay on top of issues like the drilling for natural gas in the Barnett Shale,
water conservation, environmental preservation, and coal plants. These plants use huge amounts of
resources ‐‐ even though Texas leads the country in wind power and has
the capacity for solar and other renewable energy sources. The question
arises, “Do we really need more coal plants?”
Green Source DFW gives residents in the North Texas arena a
collaborative venture that is designed to promote, inform and educate
the public about green living. The foundation’s goal is to create a safe
and friendly environment where the green community can share ideas
and voice their opinions about the environment. Green Source DFW
encourages every individual in this community to feel free to speak up
and get involved.
Shinoda says, “There are so many fascinating people involved in the environmental movement; meeting
them and learning about what they are involved in is a wonder. But, watching Green Source DFW
moving the local “green” movement forward is the greatest compensation of all.” And, he hopes
everyone will visit the website and become involved in their own way ‐‐ www.GreenSourceDFW.org.
The Memnosyne Institute is concerned about, and focused on, the sustainability of the world ‐‐ both
physically and spiritually. Shinoda feels honored to be a part of the work.
Nick Trout touts news from the financial industry and subjects that interest men and women!
10 | HEALTHY BALANCE
Putting Your Best Foot Forward – Eco Running
By Jet Parker
You can help the environment when running. Yes, there is a growing movement of runners who believe
beautifying the environment around us through eco‐running makes outdoor activities more enjoyable.
“Eco‐runner” or “eco‐running” refers to those who practice a simple, yet entire philosophy of picking up
trash while jogging along.
Runners who are tired of seeing rubbish when they run have set out to change the beauty of the
runways! Eco‐running involves carrying a biodegradable bag when running outside. And, when you see
something that shouldn’t be there, swoop down and pick it up. Then, you carry it in the bag until you
reach a trash receptacle.
But eco‐running is also about so much more. It is just one part of living a truly green lifestyle. It fits in
well with other eco‐friendly actions; using alternative methods of transportation, buying local and
organic foods, bringing your own eco‐friendly bags to the grocery store, recycling, and cutting energy
usage. Socially‐ and environmentally‐conscious workout clothing and footwear are widely available and
most meet the following standards:
made from organic or recycled materials that are great at wicking moisture.
contains a minimal amount of (if any) synthetic fibers like Lycra.
are created by companies with sustainable business models and fair labor practices.
Sustainable fitness attire is manufactured using organic cloth and recycled materials. The following
companies make stylish outfits for the most discerning eco‐runners:
Gaiams ‐‐ makes remarkable tees and sweatshirts from organic cotton and soy‐fiber blends and they are
known for their 100% organic cotton yoga wear.
HEALTHY BALANCE | 11
Patagonia ‐‐ offers eco‐friendly exercisers ‐‐ durable and stylish workout attire made from recycled
fibers that are for runners, hikers and rock climbers.
GoLite ‐‐ puts to good use all materials, waste and otherwise, into their workout
clothes for men and women. And their products are packaged in recycled
materials.
Eco‐friendly footwear is also gaining ground in the
fitness world with the likes of GreatGreenShoes and
Brooks Sport, Inc. both of which make athletic running
shoes from recycled and vegan materials. Some are
even biodegradable!
It’s easy to attach an ‘eco‐‘ to any fitness routine
you choose. Just look for litter along the way. Try
eco‐walking, eco‐hiking, eco‐cycling, eco‐kayaking,
or even eco‐golfing. The Eco‐Runner concept can be
applied to any activity you love, as long as you’re “leaving nothing but
footprints, and taking someone else’s trash with you.”
Fitness is an important component of a healthy lifestyle (with or without cool
eco‐friendly outfits). Put forth a little effort and you will be in good shape ‐‐
physically and environmentally, with eco‐conscious choices. There are many ‘green’ running and fitness
events in most cities. It's a great way to get involved ‐‐ not just by making a difference in your own
health, but making one in the world around you.
To become an eco‐runner, all you need is your usual
running attire, biodegradable trash bags, environmental
awareness, and motivation. Really, you don’t even have
to run. You can walk or just be prepared when traveling
outside.
Jet Parker is a freelance writer of men’s issues. He lives with his
family in Plano, Texas.
12 | HEALTHY BALANCE
If It Smells Good, Is It Good For Me?
Sonja Kabell
April is here! Time to open the windows and do
our spring cleaning. What I challenge you with
this month is how to keep your house as toxic‐
free as possible. Household products we use to
clean and deodorize with may smell great, but
might not be all that healthy.
Let's talk about our sniffers. Fragrances can be
found in everything from hand lotions to
laundry detergents. The “mountain fresh” smell
of the detergent we use is actually made up of
chemical compounds and can be toxic. Many of
us are allergic to the ingredients that make up
that mountain‐fresh smell. Other big intruders
to our sniffers are perfumes, air fresheners and
that new‐car smell. Be aware that if you sneeze
and clog up after you smell certain scents; you
may be having an adverse reaction to them. It
might be a good idea to remove these offenders
from your home and keep them away.
It is really important to air out our homes as
much as possible. In doing so, you can save
yourself and family from millions of
contaminates that are floating around in the air.
Open the windows often and get all the toxic,
old air out and the new, fresh air in. The air we
breathe indoors are two to three times more
polluted than outdoor air ‐‐ even with all its
organic pollutants. A true “fresh” smell is no
smell at all.
A great idea is to minimize the amount of
chemical compounds we use and move toward
healthier options. Buying “green” cleaners that
are non‐toxic and biodegradable are better
choices. You can also make products that will do
a great job for you at both a fraction of the cost
and toxic load. Baking soda is nature's most
versatile cleaner. You can clean most anything
with it. Lemon juice is a great stain remover and
whitener ‐‐ much better than its harsh chemical friend, bleach. White distilled vinegar cleans
glass and disinfects. You probably have baking
soda, lemons and vinegar in your kitchen right
now!
Being more
aware of what
you are smelling
is important to
your overall
health. If it
doesn't smell,
that is a good
thing! For more
information on
the topic, get a
copy of The Healthy Home, by Dr. Myron Wentz
and Dave Wentz ‐‐ great information on how to
protect your family for hidden dangers in your
house!
Sonja Kabell, Founder of Creating Healthy Lifestyles,
Powered by USANA Health Sciences, www.sonjakabell.com
14 | AT HOME
10 WAYS TO ALLERGY‐PROOF YOUR HOME
BY SUZANNA GARRETT
Your home should be your sanctuary. But if you have allergies, health dangers lurk around every corner.
Dust mites, mold, roach droppings, and animal dander can trigger overreactions from your immune
system, leaving you itching, swelling, and sniffling. Here's how to banish allergens at home so you can be
sneeze‐free.
1. DRY OUT YOUR DWELLING.
Dust mites and mold thrive in moisture. Keep humidity in your home lower than 50 percent with a
dehumidifier, air conditioner, or heating system. Look for filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency
reporting value) rating between 8 and 12; filters with higher ratings remove more particles from the air.
And change them every three months.
2. CHECK YOUR CURTAINS.
Allergens collect in places like carpet, curtains, blinds, and upholstered couches and chairs. When you
can, choose furnishings that are washable or made from materials such as wood or leather. Otherwise,
look for cleaning products that say they'll denature or deactivate dust mites and animal dander.
3. GO CARPET‐FREE.
Choose hardwood floors, vinyl, or linoleum instead of wall‐to‐wall carpeting. If you can't shake your
shag, clean it regularly with a vacuum using microfilter bags or a HEPA filter. Steam clean carpets every
few months; a study showed that when followed by vacuuming, such cleaning reduced dust mites for
eight weeks.
AT HOME | 15
4. TIPS FOR LAUNDRY DAY.
Launder all your bedding—including blankets, sheets, and
pillowcases—once a week. First, soak them for four hours in
warm water, detergent, and bleach. Then, wash with
detergent in water that's at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. CREATE YOUR OWN CLEANING SOLUTION.
Odors and fumes from commercial cleaning products can
worsen allergies. Make your own solution instead. Mix 2
cups very hot water, 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups borax, and ½ cup
salt. Let it sit on surfaces for a half‐hour, then reapply, scrub
off with a soft brush, and rinse with water.
6. DISRUPT DUST.
Clean your home frequently. Vacuum, dust, and wipe down flat surfaces with a damp cloth or mop. If
you have trouble breathing easy while cleaning, wear a dust mask (look for one rated N95 by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
7. KNOW YOUR BEDDING.
Mattresses harbor more dust mites than any other spot. Choose spring instead of foam, which the
critters seem to prefer. Cover the mattress, box spring, and pillows in airtight, removable covers. For
good measure, avoid bedding stuffed with feathers, down, or foam rubber.
8. CLEAR THE AIR NATURALLY.
You may think plug‐in air fresheners or electronic air cleaners clear the air.
But they actually may emit harmful pollutants known as volatile organic
compounds. It's better to use natural ventilation: Open windows or turn
on exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors.
9. PET WITH CARE.
If you're allergic to animal dander, try not to get a new pet. But if Fido or
Fluffy is already a part of your life, keep him or her out of the bedroom.
Bathe pets once a week, and always wash your hands after touching them.
10. GET RID OF ROACHES.
Cockroaches can be frightening—and leave behind droppings that trigger allergy symptoms. To get rid of
them, keep your kitchen clean and store food in closed containers. Empty garbage and recycling bins
regularly. Set roach traps, and, when needed, call an exterminator.
Suzanna Garrett is a health writer from Tallahassee, Fl.
16 | AT HOME
The Benefits of Sleeping on Bamboo Sheets
By DeeDee Lowder
You no longer have to choose between a home that's easy on your eyes and one that's easy on your
health ‐‐ and the health of the planet. So many companies are creating good‐looking, eco‐friendly
products that you can enjoy using while being
conscious of saving the planet.
Chances are that the sheets on your bed are
made from cotton. You might have 1000 thread
count, flannel or fleece for winter or romantic silk
sheets, but have you considered bamboo sheets?
Relatively new, bamboo sheets are as they sound
‐‐ made from the fibers of the bamboo plant.
Understanding their benefits just might persuade
you to try a luxurious set.
A good thing! Bamboo is an excellent, eco‐
friendly alternative and bamboo is a renewable
resource.
Get a good night’s sleep! Bamboo sets are very
soft and silky, but not slippery like silk sheets.
A healthy choice! Bamboo is naturally resistant to
bacteria and it has bacteriostatic properties.
Environmentally sound! Because bamboo is bacteria‐
resistant, it’s ‘greener’ because pesticides are not used
on the crops.
Multi‐purpose product! Bamboo has insulative
properties, so it keeps you cool in summer and warm in
winter.
The best benefit of all! Bamboo sheets are economical,
costing about the same as mid‐quality cotton.
DeeDee Lowder is a freelance writer, mother, and
entrepreneur who now lives in Atlanta, GA.
Your wellness consultants for life! Nutrition, Supplementation, Exercise - health from the inside out!
Helping you with the key components to health! Call today for more formation on how we can help you live life and love it! Free consultant and health assessment!
Call today at 972-935-6484 for more information
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18 | THE EPICUREAN
Entice Your Palette with Edible Flowers
By Carla McMahon
Both savory and sweet dishes are enhanced with edible flowers that add beautiful color and floral
flavors. For centuries, flowers (like herbs) have been used in cooking, and they can lend an exciting
brightness to a myriad of dishes prepared by the adventurous cook.
The vibrant colors, lively scents, and interesting shapes of edible flowers can provide accents for
decorating a plate and, in turn, whet the appetite. Consider not only their flavor, but also their
appearance and ability to look fresh out of water when you are selecting them. Complement your food
in a striking way by contrasting colors ‐‐ like placing a bright blue flower in the center of a scarlet tomato
soup or lavender on a creamy cheesecake.
Many flower blossoms are quite wonderful tasting. But, before garnishing plates or adding them into a
dish, clean your flowers by gently immersing them in cool water to release any insects. Drain or pat dry
with a paper towel and lightly wrap to store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Smaller blossoms can
be kept whole, but larger blossoms have flower heads that are not always edible. In those cases,
separate the petals and scatter them over your dish.
And before you start randomly eating flowers from your garden, be sure you know what you are doing—
some are deadly poisonous. Naturally, if you use pesticides or herbicides in your garden, you might want
to avoid eating those blooms. Caveats aside, flowers do wonderfully in salads, as a garnish for chilled
soup or serving platters, sprinkled on ice cream, atop spring cocktails, or to decorate cakes.
The following are a few of the more popular edible beauties:
Anise Hyssop Marigolds Calendula Roses
Bee Balm Nasturtiums Daylilies Hollyhocks
Lavender Pansies Sunflowers Violets
Carla McMahon is a homemaker and freelance writer of interests for women. She lives with her family in North Carolina.
THE EPICUREAN | 19
Cheers To The Pinots!
A relatively new discovery in the Chilean wine
line‐up is the growing number of cool‐climate
vineyards. They provide just the right conditions
for this finicky darling to develop and delight
the growing number of Pinot fans worldwide.
Cool‐climate areas such as Casablanca, San
Antonio and Bío Bío are turning out exciting
bottlings ‐‐ which range from simply charming
to hauntingly seductive wines.
The Casablanca Valley, located less than 50
miles southwest of Santiago, was first planted
to vine in the mid‐1980s. It quickly turned the
page in Chile’s winemaking history. It was
Chile’s first coastal region where cool, foggy
mornings and excellent overall weather
combined with clay and sandy soils to produce
crisp, fresh wines that made the world sit up
and take notice ‐‐ particularly of their pinot
noirs.
Located just west of Santiago, and very close to
the sea, San Antonio’s climate is strongly
influenced by the ocean. This proximity
encourages the slow‐ripening of grapes grown
in granite clay on rolling hills. These conditions
produce wine with great acidity and minerality.
Vineyards taunt the cold Pacific climate as they
bedeck the rolling hills; testing the mettle of
pioneering winemakers. But it pays off as they
produce crisp, spicy reds that turn heads.
Strong winds, high rainfall, and cool nights lead
to long ripening seasons. Growers with
patience, skill, and nerves of steel daringly take
the plunge and invest in new plantations for
pinots in the Bio Bio region of Chile ‐‐ some 300
miles due south of the capital. With one of the
highest average rainfalls per year (50.2 inches),
the Bio Bio region hosts a more‐challenging
Mediterranean climate than all other Chilean
wine valleys. But, with winds that curtail
humidity, combined with the alluvial soils, clays
and sands, it creates conditions similar to those
of northern France. This results in exciting
wines with naturally‐fresh acidity.
Chile’s unusual geography (which features a
particularly long and thin territory in relation to
its width) is certainly one of its many unique
characteristics. The strong influences exerted by
the cold maritime Humboldt Current and the
fresh breezes that descend from the mountains
create a large temperature differential between
day and night. This climate combination is
especially suited to the production of healthy
grapes. The blending of these traits explains the
success of Chilean wines around the world.
So, next time you are perusing the aisles in
search of a great wine, look for the pinot noirs
or other fabulous varietals from Chile. Dejar de
beber de ella y para ella!
20 | HEALTHY BALANCE
I grew up in Kentucky on a farm in the mid ’80s and ‘90s before “going green” meant what it does today.
We ate what we grew. We canned from our garden. We slaughtered our animals and froze the meat.
Mom and Dad didn’t consider our carbon footprint because they were mostly sustaining our family
through the farm output. We would have made Dr. Oz proud with our paint‐palette of a kitchen table ‐‐
home‐grown tomatoes and spring onions, radishes, perfect sweet corn, wild black berries we hated
picking, and heady smells of roasting meat billowing out of the windows. Picking green beans was a
chore and we could not wait for Mom to declare it was time to pull up the plants and not have to pick
them every day! Growing up, I hated picking the garden but loved what came from it.
I learned about a different world of vegetables when I arrived at The Culinary Institute of America. Patti
pan squash, “heirloom” varieties of everything, petit lettuces and beautiful little amethyst gems …
Peruvian purple potatoes. They are as delicate in taste as they are beautiful. They are both waxy and
starchy. I love using them in everyday meals because they add such a splash of color to the plate.
Imagine a plate of roasted yellow and red peppers, sautéed spinach and beautiful purple potatoes…you
could literally be “eating the rainbow”
Purple Potato Goat Cheese Mash Yield: 2 cups
1 pound Peruvian purple potatoes, all the same size, skin on ½ cup milk ½ cup goat cheese ½ teaspoon salt/pepper 1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional)
1. Cover potatoes with cold water and bring to a slow boil 2. Cook until fork‐tender 3. In separate pan, melt goat cheese into milk 4. When potatoes are finished cooking, mash and add
cheese‐milk mixture to them 5. Season with salt, pepper and dill to taste
My mom planted the seed of love for flavor in me that is unmatched in mass‐produced vegetables. I
have never tasted a commercial tomato, cucumber or strawberry that compared to a ‘homegrown’ one.
We have a garden in our back yard and I am hoping to pass on this knowledge and passion for flavor to
my daughter. I am also teaching her, like I was taught, to be a steward of the land and to be self‐
sustaining. I encourage you to seek out small markets with locals selling their garden gems … or, better
yet, grow your own rainbow.
Tara Anderson, Mother, Chef, Owner of www.halfpintpalates.com A lifetime of flavor exploration
Eating the Rainbow
By Tara Anderson
HEALTHY BALANCE | 21
A Rainbow of Spuds
Forget Machu Picchu, what Peru is REALLY famous for is potatoes. That is worth the plane ticket alone. South
America is the birth place of the potato. And, although the exact origin is unknown, I’m going go with Peru. Seems
like the obvious option. Over the centuries, potatoes developed from being a bitter vegetable containing dangerous
toxins, to being the staple food of the local people and the main energy source for early Peruvian cultures. Peru is
this vegetable’s spiritual home.
Nowadays, potatoes can be found
everywhere in the produce section of
any market. But, Peru has an
unprecedented 3,500 varieties. There
are big potatoes, small potatoes,
potatoes that resemble those you can
buy at home, and then potatoes that
you could only picture in science fiction
films. Looking at the vibrant greens,
reds, and purples you will wonder if
they can possibly be potatoes. They
look more like, well … the rainbows
that brilliantly glow over the valleys in
this beautiful country. And, the best part is that this great variety brings with it different tastes. So, if you ever thought
a potato is a potato is a potato, think again. You would be amazed how different they can taste!
Though today’s health-conscious culture seems to be a bit afraid of the potato, (and the evil calories it hides behind
its smooth, yellowy surface) I am a healthy proponent of the spud. Just prepare and eat it in all its glory without
adding a thousand calories worth of butter and sour cream. Moderation is the key! A meal is not a meal without at
least one potato. Spend some time in Peru and you will wonder how you ever lived without your daily dose of this
nutritious and delicious starchy carbohydrate.
22 | STYLE WATCH
Distinctively Dramatic…Paulette Martsolf & Allie-Coosh By DeeDee Lowder
Offering cutting edge daytime, evening, couture and jewelry designs for the refined female, Paulette Martsolf has proven to be popular in and far beyond her Allie‐Coosh Dallas storefront in Snider Plaza and her charitable spirit—even further. Beginning a career off a pajama pattern, this Newfoundland native begin fashion design at the age of 20 earning top honors at Toronto’s Sheridan College then studying abroad in Paris.
For inspiration she travels to New York, L.A. and Paris to explore trends, fabrics and accessories. Her collections flatter every body type and she has ready to wear or custom designs for the individual. Many of her fashions are made from Paulette’s custom dyed signature fabric which is manmade, travels well,
is easy to care for and comfortable. ”And it comes in over 45 colors! She also uses a plethora of novelty textiles including silk, cashmere, wool blends, cotton and linen and there are endless possibilities for seasonal change as well as styles from crispy, drapey, textures, shiny, sequined and more.
This season Paulette was inspired by Marc Chagall, the Russian artists known for his modernism, and she says: “We still have much of Chagall Chic available. Some of the fabrics are sold out but many are still available and we can translate any of the shapes in other fabrics.”
And what ensemble does not need the perfect accessory? She offers exquisite jewelry, Accoutrer, from fossils, minerals and metals to crystals and pearls. In the case of Paulette Martsolf, seeing, really is believing!
STYLE WATCH | 25
SIMPLY ELEGANT.
Photography by Greg Daniels. DeeDee Lowder is a freelance writer, mother and
entrepreneur who now lives in Atlanta, GA.
26 | STYLE WATCH
Ask The Expert: Top 5 Skincare Tips For Women Over 40
By Leah Frazier
The beauty and skincare industry is a multi‐
billion dollar industry that appeals to all people,
regardless of age or gender. The global
obsession with preserving one’s youth and
delaying the aging process is fascinating and, at
times, very expensive. With so many options on
the market, it can be gravely difficult to
decipher which products are best for daily
skincare regimens, anti‐aging remedies and sun
protection.
Hard Night Good Morning creator, D’Andra
Simmons, is an expert in the beauty and
skincare industry and recognizes the difficulties
that consumers face (especially women) when it
comes to selecting the best products for their
skin. Simmons has received global accolades on
her Dallas‐based skincare line — Hard Night
Good Morning — and continues to ascend as
one of the go‐to professionals on natural and
eco‐friendly skincare products.
Currently, Hard Night Good Morning is offered
nationwide at Central Market and Whole Foods
Market stores in addition to several other retail
locations. Utilizing natural and eco‐conscious
blends, D’Andra Simmons produces an array of
products that will naturally boost the look, feel
and texture of your skin in addition to
detoxifying and relieving stress — an all‐out
cocktail for beauty success!
As an expert in the beauty and skincare industry
for the last 18 years, Simmons offers her top 5
skincare tips for women over the age of 40.
1) Take an internal and external approach
to aging. It is not enough to just slap
some good skincare products on your
face and be done with it. [Internally],
you need to be extremely mindful of
what you eat and drink. Take
supplements that are targeted towards
skin aging. For example, [Simmons]
juices every day and takes a collagen
booster supplement and an antioxidant
supplement that is specifically targeted
for the skin.
2) Forget the stereotype, oil and water do
mix! Use an oil‐based cleanser at night
to remove makeup and also to keep
your skin soft and smooth. Follow this
up with a nighttime serum, eye cream
and then moisturizer. Hard Night Good
Morning’s PM Oil Cleanser completely
removes makeup and can be used to
enhance moisture when added into
creams or if used alone. This PM Oil
Cleanser even works on dry hair! Extra
tip: Take a tablespoon of flax‐oil blend
in the morning and a tablespoon of fish
oil in the afternoon to help keep your
skin soft and supple.
STYLE WATCH | 27
3) Remove your makeup. This sounds
simple and redundant but there are so
many women who skip this step
because they are either exhausted after
a long day or just too lazy. Nighttime is
the time when your skin is renewing
and rejuvenating, so having clean skin
that can absorb vital nutrients is
imperative. Your body not only
cleanses itself internally at night while
you are sleeping, but your skin is also
rejuvenating and cleansing itself during
this time as well. When your pores are
clogged with makeup and debris from
the day, your skin misses this important
step which could lead to breakouts and
to premature aging.
4) Exercise…your face! As you age, gravity
will have multiple effects on your body.
The same holds true for your face. You
need to exercise your face just as you
do with your abs, hips and thighs.
There are many exercises you can find
online that take a few minutes a day
and can even be done while sitting at
your desk. There is no need to change
into your workout clothes or to make a
huge production of it. Just make a few
funny faces! Additionally, there are
machines that will stimulate the facial
muscles and exercise your face such as
NuFace ™.
5) Be mindful of the sun. Most women
over 40 have some scale of sun
damage. If this is the case, the only way
to eliminate the damage successfully is
through laser treatment. Hydroquinone
creams and spot‐brightening creams
will only work for so long until their
effectiveness wears off. When this
happens, it is time to take more serious
measures. The use of lasers will require
a little downtime due to the
appearance of the skin after the
procedure (same with most peels).
However, the effects a month or so
later is very well worth it. After using
laser treatment for sun damage, choose
a sunscreen mixed with a good
moisturizer and avoid the sun to
maintain the results. It is worth it!
Take it straight from the expert. Looking and
feeling great about your over‐40 skin can be
effortless, painless and attainable. With the
help of eco‐friendly and natural products from
Hard Night Good Morning, your beauty
regimen will be simple, affordable and
rewarding. Following these top 5 tips closely
and methodically will have you on your way to
great and youthful skin in no time.
Leah Frazier is an image consultant, fashion blogger and
fashion and style writer in Dallas, Texas. More of her work
can be found on Examiner.com, CBS Local and her blog,
Beautyforeashes.blogspot.com.
28 | BOOM VOYAGE
Enjoy the Elements of Green Travel!
By Julese Crenshaw
‘Green’ has become the new ‘black’ in the travel
world. With this, commitment to encouraging,
promoting and supporting ecological
consciousness is a goal of many hotels. Jumping
on the ‘green’ bandwagon, none leads the way
quite like Element Hotels which are some of the
hottest eco‐friendly properties around.
Element has made a brand‐wide commitment
for all Element Hotels to pursue the U.S. Green
Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Certification ‐‐
the nationally accepted benchmark for the
design, construction, and operation of high‐
performance green buildings. The Element
philosophy is to satisfy guests’ needs while
keeping the environment in mind.
To date, there are Element Hotels in nine
states. These hotels are stylish and sustainable
throughout. Their design ethic is made‐to‐order
for the traveler who seeks eco‐friendly
surroundings that are environmentally
conscious. These hotels made history in 2008 as
the only major hotel brand to pursue LEED
certification (U.S. Green Building Council's
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
program) for high‐performance buildings brand‐
wide. If you appreciate good design, lots of
light, and a nod toward saving the planet, then
you will enjoy a stay at Elements Hotels.
From its complimentary, healthy RISE breakfast
and RELAX evening reception, to saline‐ and
chlorine‐free swimming pools, spacious fitness
centers, electric vehicle charging stations and
bikes to borrow, Element Hotels offer comfort
with a conscience and signature amenities.
The Element design incorporates eco‐friendly
materials wherever possible. Where carpeted,
floors feature carpets with up to 100% recycled
content and recycled carpet cushions. Floors in
the rooms look like carpet but are actually
made of recycled tires. Unlike conventional
carpeting, these are appealing as they never
smell or cause allergic reactions. The
uncarpeted floors are also pet‐friendly and you
may ask for the hotel’s Heavenly Dog bed that is
provided at no cost.
Art on the walls is mounted on a base also
made from recycled tires. And low VOC (volatile
organic compounds) paints improve indoor air
quality for guests and staff.
Element Hotels strives to satisfy guests' needs
while being kind to the environment. Each room
offers a refrigerator, dishwasher and kitchen
appliances which are Energy Star rated. They
use silverware and glassware instead of plastic
utensils and paper plates to reduce waste, and
have recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.
BOOM VOYAGE | 29
Also, amenities in the bathroom are in a
dispenser system rather than wasteful, multiple
mini bottles. Green housecleaning practices are
implemented to reduce the use of potentially
hazardous chemical contaminants. Daylight is
maximized throughout their hotels by utilizing
oversized guest room windows and open
interior spaces. Element conserves water and
energy with low‐flow faucets and fixtures and
even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has
been replaced with an environmentally‐friendly
magnet.
First announced at the spring 2012 launch of its
Miami location, Element Hotels has installed a
stationary bike with a pedal‐powered generator
in each of its fitness centers, where you can
pump to charge your tablet or smart phone.
The initiative marries two Element brand
principles: providing health and fitness options
for travelers and a commitment to green
design.
According to Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice
President of Specialty Select Brands for
Starwood, "The Element brand was founded on
an innovative, balanced‐living approach to
hospitality. Not only do our pedal‐powered
bikes add an element of fun to a workout, but
they also encourage our guests to think
creatively about sourcing the energy we all
depend on to fuel our daily lives."
Influenced by nature, the smart,
environmentally‐friendly design maximizes
space and enables you to use each area in
multiple ways. They promote balance through
flowing, multi‐purpose spaces. By stimulating
the senses and soothing the spirit, Element
helps you relax and refresh, so you can get back
to your best self with a philosophy that it is
important to achieve a sense of balance –
particularly while traveling for extended
periods.
The open social areas and relaxing guest rooms
serve as a personal retreat when on the road,
and as guests, you have an experience that
enables you to grow, prosper and flourish while
being environmentally conscious. At every turn
‐‐ in the lobby, the fitness center, and the guest
rooms ‐‐ the environment and elegant simplicity
are reminders of the Element Hotel’s
commitment to the environment.
Experience Element for yourself and be ‘green’!
For more information on Element Hotels before
your next travel excursion, visit
www.elementhotels.com.
Julese Crenshaw is a freelance writer from Tennessee.
30 | BOOM VOYAGE
Cruise Dishes Up 7‐Days of Ear Candy
By Lyn E. Cathey
Recently, my spouse and I found ourselves at the epicenter of a masterfully-orchestrated convergence of three great loves – music,
cruises and of course, each other. The venue was a premium-class cruise ship filled with dedicated music lovers and a dozen well-
known jazz virtuosos. Living in this magical sweet spot of almost continuous concerts, seminars, and socializing for seven days, proved to be a life-changing experience.
First the backstory:
The music-themed cruise is a fast-growing niche in the cruise industry – even full ship charters. They have been around for some time. For example, this year is the 10th anniversary for the consistently-sold-out Smooth Jazz Cruise.
A chance encounter with an enthusiastic devotee (a veteran of two jazz cruises) drew my attention to this particular themed charter -- a creation of Michael Lazaroff of St. Louis-based Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP).
However, due to a preconception of these soirees as alcohol-soaked, party-until-you-drop binges targeted at the young and hardy, I was in no hurry to subject myself to one. (Those preconceptions have since been blown out of the water – pun intended).
So, to see for ourselves just what kind of loyalty-generating secret sauce was being served on these floating concert venues, we sailed on the second of the two Smooth Jazz Cruises in January of this year – a full ship charter on Holland America’s Westerdam. The 7-day itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale included Cozumel, Belize and Key West.
BOOM VOYAGE | 31
Our experience on board:
Using great restraint not to over-hype the issue, I must confess this was one of my best cruise experiences ever – without a doubt, the best for entertainment. (Note that you
are hearing this from someone seriously jaded by decades of cruising – first, 12 years as a cruise ship entertainer myself, then 25 years as a travel agent, interspersed with occasional trips as a full-fare paying civilian passenger).
The standouts and distinctions from an ordinary cruise:
First and foremost, the quality of the performances. (expected)
Second, the congeniality and accessibility of the artists (including the headliners) – never once seeing evidence of standoffishness or reluctance to mingle with guests. (unexpected)
The state-of-the-art quality of the sound for all shows, even poolside (all unexpectedly top-shelf – a couple of notches above typical cruise line offerings, even in the premium category). ECP brings their own sound equipment on board with accompanying engineers.
The length and frequency of the shows – often two hours or more for the nightly main shows. Headliners not featured in any one night’s main show would frequently appear concurrently in smaller venues throughout the ship. (unexpected)
ECP also brings aboard their own cruise staff, including the cruise director. How Lazaroff convinces ‘name’ performers to host what are traditionally cruise-staff duties – such as, ping pong tournaments, water polo contests and the ubiquitous bingo – I’ll never know. But when ship’s comedian, Alonzo Bodden, calls bingo, it becomes a
not-to-be-missed show in itself. As you can imagine, this results in a huge turnout for these events, generating a sense of family and camaraderie between artist and fans.
Alonzo Bodden
And, Bodden is one funny dude! He is the comedian of choice for most ECP cruises due to his close friendship with many of the performers (as well as his brilliance in working in an improvisational style). For example, in a chance encounter with Bodden one afternoon on the sports deck, he immediately agreed to a one-on-one interview. Once settled into a corner table in the Lido with my camcorder capturing the action, Bodden quickly turned the occasion into a hilarious, freewheeling group discussion by inviting all other headliners within shouting distance to put down their food trays and join in.
Lazaroff has succeeded in creating a perfect storm of loyalty that is almost fanatical. ECP charters are events where the highest quality of all aspects of the experience (including accommodations, meals, between show events, etc.) is assured. We met many couples who were on their 4th, 5th or even 6th ECP cruise – some have never taken any other type of cruise! Amazingly, 60% of the 1900 passengers on our cruise were repeaters.
Expansion plans:
There are many new theme variations already scheduled, or in the works – including the (traditional) Jazz Cruise, Soul Train Cruise, Malt Shop Memories, Celtic Thunder and the Country Music Cruise.
32 | BOOM VOYAGE
(The lineup on our cruise – jazz all-stars George Benson, David Sanborn, Bob James, Marcus Miller, Richard Elliot, Jonathan Butler, Andre Berry, Jeff Golub and Rick Braun, to name a few.)
George Benson
So, is referring to this cruise as a life-changing experience overdoing it a bit? No. For me, musical biases were flattened and new distinctions acquired – jazz isn’t ‘just jazz’ anymore. In on-board concerts, artists performed personal ‘roots’ music as well – which included pop, gospel and blues. Plus, I now have a heightened appreciation for the work and artistry of a dozen new musical heroes.
What could be improved:
While Holland America delivers an upscale, classy product overall, I have one big, giant gripe. Internet service was abysmal … and expensive. I paid $150 for 350 minutes of what proved to be glacially-slow service … a frustrating experience for a daily blogger like yours truly. Suits at HAL, are you listening? In today’s world, there is no excuse for such sporadic, slow service at such a high price. To add insult to injury, Wi-Fi did not extend to cabins. It was necessary to go to a public room to get a signal.
Now that I’ve got that little rant out of the way, time to get back to editing all of the great interview material. That’s gonna be a hoot!
-----------------------------------------------------
Lyn Edwin Cathey now resides in Memphis as well as having a wife, daughter and dog…one of each. His passions include travel, travel writing playing the guitar and photography/videography
If you're thinking of taking
a yacht vacation, no need
to look any further than
SELECT CHARTERS!
– Carlene Robinson Dailey
www.SelectCharters.comwww.SelectCharters.com
4020 N. MacArthur Boulevard
Suite 122-183 • Irving, TX 75038
(972) 659-8941
34 | BOOM VOYAGE
Indulgent Decadence with No Footprints
By Julese Crenshaw
Relax and Rejuvenate. It’s good for you. And it can be good for the planet as well. I have reviewed many
outstanding spas but the following not only offer an array of restorative treatments, integrative wellness
programs, absolutely stunning views, sweat‐your‐butt‐off fitness, and award‐winning food—but are
committed to sustainable earth policies and practices in the running of their spas.
May their accomplishments inspire us all!
Can you think of anything more sublimely blissful than being pampered in the ultimate lap of luxury?
Perhaps … spending your time at a destination spa that’s as gentle on the planet as it is on you.
I have selected several of about 50 spas around the country that strive beyond just offering superior
services and amenities. They also take steps to assure they are working diligently to minimize waste
stream and conserve natural resources through energy and water conservation, compliance with
environmental legislation and the following of best environmental practices. They strive to build
community partnerships to raise awareness and create positive environmental change.
You will find that while the following destination spas embody distinctive facilities and guest
experiences, they are also dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to, and lessen our
footprint on, our changing environment.
No matter where you live around the country there is no doubt a fabulous spa, within easy distance,
offering you a positive journey ‐‐ a sanctuary where beauty and well‐being converge and a place to bring
back balance to your mind, body and soul. Enjoy a sensory journey of your own at a destination spa near
you.
BOOM VOYAGE | 35
Wilderness Adventure Spa at Spring Creek Ranch
Sprawled 1,000 feet above Jackson Hole, Wyoming,
the Wilderness Adventure Spa at Spring Creek
Ranch offers a dose of Old‐west charm—from the
smell of the wood‐burning fireplaces to the
candlelit massages that take place in teepees at
night.
Experience: The Divine Detox Wrap. A
juniper/cypress massage followed by a
rosemary/citron scrub opens the pores and draws
out the bad stuff. The "divine" part comes from the
scalp massage you'll get while wrapped in warm
towels.
www.springcreekranch.com
Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau
Miami, Florida is home to the Lapis Spa which is as decadent as it sounds ‐‐ a luxurious retreat designed
with your well‐being in mind. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, indulge yourself in an oasis that embraces
the beauty and energy of its setting to create a transformative experience for body, mind and spirit.
And, there’s no need to leave your guy at home. Lapis Spa offers a number of treatments specifically
designed for men, including a deep sports massage with heated rocks.
Experience: A Lapis Water Journey. Every spa treatment includes a plunge into their signature mineral
water‐jet bath, a walk through their rain tunnel, and a soothing eucalyptus steam before or after your
pampering.
www.fontainebleau.com
36 | BOOM VOYAGE
Westglow Resort and Spa
Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Westglow Resort & Spa is a top‐rated
luxury destination spa where personal service is an honored tradition. They pamper guests with serious
personal attention since staff to guest ratio is 4:1. Inside the restored Greek Revival mansion (a perfect
place to find renewal of the mind, body, and spirit) you can partake in a total wellness makeover,
starting with a customized stress management assessment and spa experience.
Experience: Mountain Body Salt Glow. Experience the rejuvenation of their signature salt glow which
blends ancient sea salts with intoxicating sweet smells of tangerine and lavender essential oils that
gently exfoliate, re‐mineralize, and nourish ‐‐ leaving your skin noticeably glowing and soft to the touch.
Included is their Vichy shower making the salt glow a spa favorite.
www.westglowresortandspa.com
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
What is better than rich luscious chocolate? Having your body, mind and soul pampered with its
decadence at The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania! You’ll be transported to a world of
excellence and luxury, marvel at the spa’s beautifully colored stain glass windows, polished marble
landings, warm pecan paneling, and breathtaking views of their majestic gardens. With bowls of
Hershey's Kisses and carafes of hot chocolate in nearly every room, the spa uses all forms of antioxidant‐
rich chocolate (even the beans!) in their wide range of massages, facials, and pedicures.
Experience: The Chocolate‐Dipped Strawberry. A signature chocolate infused treatment featuring a
Strawberry Parfait Scrub with heady aromas that smell as luscious as the name sounds followed by a rich
Chocolate Fondue Wrap. What could be more delicious!
www.chocolatespa.com
BOOM VOYAGE | 37
Travaasa Hana
For the ultimate traditional Hawaiian experience with 5‐star service overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the
Travaasa Hana in Maui is it. Their spa
treatments go far beyond pampering and
indulgence. Reflecting the essence of village
of Hana, their passion for, and knowledge
of, the human body is unparalleled.
And Travaasa Hana is the only spa in the US
to certify all its therapists in Lomilomi, a
traditional Hawaiian massage practiced by
native healers.
Experience: The Ho`opa`a (meaning “to
complete”). This treatment includes a
detoxifying body massage and clay and
algae wrap with myrtle, lemon, and juniper
essential oils.
www.travaasa.com/hana
The Greenbrier Spa
The only mineral spring spa in the world to receive a Forbes 5‐star rating, the award‐winning West
Virginia spa, The Greenbrier Spa, focuses on providing both soothing and curative treatments designed
to ease sore muscles, improve skin composition and revitalize overall health and well‐being. Exceptional
gifts of nature comprise the essence of The Greenbrier Spa experience.
Experience: The Detox Kur. Eliminating the toxins from your body and remove impurities from your life
by embarking on a journey to a healthier you with the Detox Kur. You start with a detoxifying bath,
followed by their Swiss Shower and Scotch Spray. A botanical mud wrap draws impurities from your
body while balancing the skin and improving elasticity. And you finish with a petite, mineral‐infused
massage.
www.greenbrier.com Julese Crenshaw is a freelance writer from Tennessee.
38 | REDEFINING
One Day at a Time
By Scott Schilling
Have you ever had one of those days? You
wake up…you know you should head to the
gym…you even laid out your workout gear the
night before…you’re committed to making it
happen…but you just don’t have that little
“whatever it takes” to go do it.
As a boomer myself…that has not happened to
me…since this morning! It happens to all of us.
And like falling down…the falling down isn’t the
issue…it’s the not getting back up that is. So
what do you do when you get a case of the “I
lost my give a darn”?
In my case, I went to the club anyway hoping to
muster up everything within me to get me to
the workout area. After all, you can’t work out
if you don’t ever get to the facility…step #1.
Upon reaching the locker room, the pot of hot
Joe was calling my name…so I listened and gave
it a try. Maybe a little hot coffee would do the
trick…any bets?
You’re right…that didn’t really do it. So what’s
next…ahhh…the computer in the locker room
was available and
calling my name…just
think of all the things
that could become
available to inspire me
to workout. So what
did I search…I went to a
site that allowed me to
get some inspiration
from a good book…a
really good book (you gotta love technology!).
You guessed it…I started reading and listening
to a few Bible verses.
I share this with you to encourage you to find
some higher source that is appropriate for you
and calls to your heart. It’s all of our tasks to be
a living example of our beliefs…whatever that
may mean to you.
An interesting thing started to happen. The
more I read and thought about what I was
reading, my attitude started to improve…my
physiology started to improve…many things
were moving in a positive direction.
After my study and simple meditation…I went
to my own website
www.ScottSchillingRecommends.com and pulled
up a link to a speech that Art Williams, the
Founder of A.L. Williams (which became
Primerica) did in 1987 entitled “Do It!” (feel free
to go to the site and watch this video for
yourself). This 18 minute video is probably as
impactful as anything you may ever watch. As a
Speaker, Trainer and Business Coach it is my
desire to share this level of encouragement and
inspiration every time the opportunity presents
itself. (I’ve actually asked a few of my clients to
watch it every day for 31 days!)
Now the ball was rolling! You put a couple
pieces of solid “good” into you head
and spirit, amazing what starts to
happen. Did I head on down to the
workout area? What do you think?
Heck no…I headed to the wet area to
fully engage in an Executive Workout
(codename at the club for steam,
whirlpool, shave shower and go!) Don’t
be a hate‐a…
REDEFINING | 39
Sometimes we Boomers need to take a day to
refresh and get our minds right. I made the
decision at the start of the month to take back
control of my health to a new and better level.
That means I’ve worked out ten days
straight…have done “what I was supposed to
do”…and have pushed through other days of
“not really being in the mood”. Today was a
day for a slightly different tack.
I am not suggesting that this should be your
everyday routine (although we do have a few
guys at the club that are masters of the
Executive Workout…it’s actually even been
named for one friend…no names or even initials
will be disclosed!).
I would however suggest you create the habit of
starting your day with some quite
time…connect with your higher source. Read
and listen to inspirational and uplifting material
(again, feel free to check my website…plenty of
free stuff there). And most importantly, create
a routine that supports your health, wealth and
happiness desire fully…whatever that means to
you.
The reason this article is entitled “One Day at a
Time” is because that’s how we need to be
living it as Boomers. Pretty sure we’re all going
to fall off the wagon of some sort. We all
deserve a little Grace here and there. As long as
we’re not off the wagon for more than a
day…things are probably going to be pretty
okay!
What also brings this topic “top of mind” as I
write this is that within the last week, two great
friends passed and will be missed. And while I
really don’t want to go down that road, the
thought here is that we’re Boomers. We made
it through a bunch of stuff to get to claim
that…so let’s do it proudly…and live it fully.
Not everything is always going to be perfect.
Just because we have achieved all that we have
achieved and reached this grand stage in our
life, we’ll still have things to face…so be it!
When you put some systems in place…some
S.O.P.’s (standard operating procedures) for
your days…they can and will make your life
better and far more enjoyable.
What came to mind as this comes to a close is
the platform one of my speaker friends Brendon
Burchard talks about consistently. He suggests
that in the end, we all really want to know the
answers to three questions: Did I Live? Did I
Love? And Did I Matter?
When you take things “One Day at a Time”,
your ability to say YES! YES! And YES! becomes
easier and more rewarding. Enjoy your
day…make it special for you…and all those you’ll
touch today. I encourage you to “play full‐
out”…you’ll be glad you did!
Scott Schilling is a Business Growth Expert that speaks,
trains, coaches and writes on topics specifically designed to
help others make positive improvements in their thoughts,
actions and success. To learn more please visit:
www.ScottSchilling.com
40 | REDEFINING
Inspire Your Marriage Once Again!
By Don Purdum
It’s a bright sunny morning as you wake up to birds
singing and the smell of brewed coffee permeating
the air. You think to yourself how perfect this
morning could be until you roll over and see a face
you have looked at every morning for 20 years. You
suddenly feel sad and uninspired, and wonder if you
even want to live out your life with this person any
longer?
Why? What are some common issues found
amongst boomers and divorced people in their fifties
and sixties and what can you do to inspire your
marriage once again?
Over the past twenty years, the divorce rate among
baby boomers has surged by more than fifty
percent. According to a recent study conducted by
demographers at Bowling Green State University, in
Ohio, about a third of adults ages forty‐six through
sixty‐four were divorced, separated or had never
been married in 2010, compared with thirteen
percent in 1970. Over the past twenty years, the
divorce rate among baby boomers has surged by
more than fifty percent.
Why? What is causing people to feel that they no
longer want to be involved in their marriages and
what can you do to save yours?
Philosophy of Marriage
Part of the problem is philosophical. The baby
boomer generation has seen and experienced life in
ways drastically different than any other generation
before it. From the way a country experiences war
through the lens of TV during the Vietnam War, to
the rise of the McNow phenomenon where fast and
cheap rules the day.
In addition, there was the struggle between the
great depression / WWII generation and the baby
boomers. The older generation was more rigid, less
emotionally inspired and much more practical. For
most of American history up to the mid 1950's,
marriage was a prerequisite for living together,
sexual interactions and child raising. Was it perfect?
No, but no system is perfect because of imperfect
human beings that are running, improvising, and
changing the systems, sometimes for better and
sometimes for worse.
That clashed in the 1960’s and 1970’s with a highly
emotional movement that we have come to know as
the generation of free love, sex, drugs, and rock and
roll. A new culture was developing where people
wanted to be free from the restraints of their rigid
culture and societal rules.
As a result, the idea of marriage has been at center
stage over the last forty years. We’ve moved away
from marriage as a practical tool that is a stabilizing
institution for society. In that society kids are raised
by two parents and there are societal norms and
expectations. We’ve now shifted to one where we
REDEFINING | 41
question whether marriage is even a practical
needed thing in society any longer? In April 2013,
Time Magazine had a cover story article titled “Who
Needs Marriage? A Changing Institution."
For many baby boomers, there was an empty shell in
their marriages for many years; it just went
unnoticed with both partners working 40 plus hours
each week, raising kids, and running from one event
to another. Many knew how to live together while
there was a purpose to the marriage and that
purpose was centered around paying the bills and
raising the kids. It had very little to do with each
other.
Many of those divorcing in their fifties and sixties are
doing so after the kids leave the house. Empty
nesters are realizing they lived their entire lives
around their careers and children, thus, leaving little
or no time for each other during the 20 plus years of
marriage. Now they live in a house with memories of
the kids, but no real memories of each other.
Ten years ago a couple confided separately they
were scared of what was going to happen when their
kids left for college. They realized they didn’t know
each other, and frankly didn’t really even like each
other. One year later there was a divorce. This
doesn’t have to be you!
The issue is that the culture has helped define what
a marriage is supposed to be and as a result many
were good at what they were supposed to be doing,
they were just doing the wrong things.
Marriage is a partnership, a union of two people. Are
those two people just existing together or really
“living” together?
Some marriages cannot be saved. It’s
understandable. But most can and should be. There
are just a few things you might consider doing to
change your situation.
For one, start dreaming together again. It’s never
too late to dream about what you want. So the kids
are gone, you may not really think you know your
spouse and you feel lonely. Change it. You have the
power. Start talking more together about what you
want out of your lives together. Don’t dream small
either, dream BIG!
Then, after a time of dreaming talk about how you
are going to do it together. Part of the problem for
many boomers is the idea of rugged individualism.
Yes, you are an individual. But you are also a union
of two people. Living your life together is about
fulfilling dreams, planning, and then doing it
together, not alone.
If you want to really get to know each other, if you
really want to connect and bond together, then start
doing things together. Teamwork is the key to a
lasting marriage and having a marriage on purpose.
Learn how to become transparent with yourself and
your spouse, become confident and trusting in one
another, and build intimacy through accomplishing
things together as a couple.
You may not be twenty‐five any longer, but you can
still learn something new every day. Let today be a
new day of commitment!
Don Purdum is relationship expert, speaker, author, and
radio host. Learn more about him on his website at
www.donpurdum.com and join him on Facebook.
42 | WEALTHY & WISE
You, Too, Could Be Green . . .
Eric S. Alexander
The theme of ‘green’ and ‘going green’ might seem like a softball article topic for the money guy. “Let’s
make more cash!!” “Let’s turn our aluminum cans into college savings!!” So let’s avoid easy and take
this in a different direction.
Most of the ‘green’ initiatives out there are frankly . . . a farce. From boondoggles into government‐
funded solar panels, to mandated fluorescent light bulbs which are supposed to save money and make
us better looking; green initiatives rarely live up to the hype. But the message behind ‘going green’ can
be truly powerful if applied in its historic sense.
Here is what I mean. The real intent behind the green movement is not solar powered flashlights or
smart egg timers that turn off your lights. The real intent is much nobler. Real green is about
sustainability ‐‐ Building something the stands the test of time, generation after generation. Going
green is about legacy.
When you look at the truly wealthy men like Rockefeller, Carnegie and even now Bill Gates, these men
didn’t amass great fortunes and then sit on their cash. Beyond caring for their families, they used their
wealth to make the world around them a better place. Their foundations created colleges and
healthcare facilities. They educated children and are working to end poverty. These men created
legacies that will outlive them by hundreds of years. They became true stewards of their wealth in the
noblest sense of the word. The question is . . . could you be green?
WEALTHY & WISE | 43
For readers currently sitting on $4B in excess cash; the easiest way to create that kind of legacy is to give
me a shout. My number is . . . 1‐800‐Eric’s‐New‐Ferrari.
For the rest of us . . . frankly, many of us have never seen ourselves as having the ability to create a
legacy. And the idea of being a steward of our wealth is near laughable as we are still worried about
having enough to make it to the end without working at Wal‐Mart. As a result of this world view we
tend to embrace Hunter Thompson’s philosophy on life. He said “Life should not be a journey to the
grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow!
What a Ride!”
While I love the quote, let me challenge you to expand your horizons. Let me challenge you to think
beyond just “making it”, to creating and leaving a real legacy.
Imagine money were no object. Think about the kind of world and legacy you want to leave behind.
Whom would you send to college? Would it be a child, a grandchild, or a whole army of kids you will
never know? What cause would you advance? Would it be a breakfast program in Nicaragua feeding
starving children, the Samaritan Inn in Dallas, or any of a thousand other worthy causes? And would you
like to support them for a month, a year or a lifetime? And, in your family, how many generations to
come would you want to be financially secure? The possibilities are endless, but the problem presents
itself when reality sets in and we discover the path is hard.
So how do you get there? First, you need to strip a word from
your vocabulary ‐‐ need. Need is a four letter word because it
crowds out one of the most beautiful words ‐‐ potential. For
many of us, somewhere along the way we were introduced to
this idea that you should only desire what you need, and wanting
more is greedy.
I say, “BAH!” Wanting more and achieving your potential has
nothing to do with greed. It has everything to do with being a
good steward of our gifts. Whatever our talents or gifts, we were
all built to achieve. And those that say otherwise are keeping you down because they are afraid.
If you want to achieve and create a legacy that lives for generations, there are two large obstacles
standing in your way. Two things that can make you settle for “just enough”. The first is the grey
matter between your ears and your beliefs. Henry Ford once said “whether you think you can or think
you can’t, you’re right.” The second obstacle is a lack of knowledge. Where do I start and what are the
steps? Of these two obstacles, the first is by far the biggest, the hardest and the one I can’t help you
with.
As for the second . . . where to start? The tools and strategies have existed for centuries. It is simply a
matter of laying out the path to get there. Find an advisor you trust, find someone who understands
what your legacy looks like and make sure they can either help you or direct you in the right direction.
When the pupil is ready, the master will appear.
Two final words of advice, should you accept this challenge. The first is the advice from Admiral Jim
Stockdale, a survivor of the POW camps in Vietnam. He said: “You must retain faith that you will prevail
in the end, regardless of the difficulties. And at the same time, you must confront the most brutal facts
44 | WEALTHY & WISE
about your current reality, whatever they might be.” Creating a legacy AND making sure you and your
family are financially secure is not an easy task and may require some hard discussions. But then again
important goals and going where others fear, is always tough. Don’t give up.
The second piece of advice is from an old Chinese proverb: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years
ago; the second best time is now.” You are not too old and it is not too late. If you believe in the
challenge; get started.
What would life look like if you were reaching your potential?
Registered Representative of and securities offered through OneAmerica Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC a Registered
Investment Advisor, Insurance Representative of American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL) and other insurance
companies. Personal Economics Group is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities or AUL and is not a broker dealer or a
registered investment advisor.
Takeout can eat up your savings.
Pack your own lunch
instead of going out.
$6 saved a day x 5 days
a week x 10 years x
6% interest = $19,592.
That could be money
in your pocket. Small
changes today. Big
bucks tomorrow. Go
to feedthepig.org
for free savings tips.
46 | BOOMER BUZZ
BOOMER TENNIS SERVED TO YOU
BY FRED SHLESINGER
Years ago, back in my 20s and 30s, I played
tennis at a 5.0 competitive level.
Growing up in NY, I got to play in Men’s 5.0
leagues with the backdrop of the NYC skyline
and the many great tennis venues in Long
Island. …So inspiring, so great to grow up in the
vibrant N.Y tennis scene in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Being able to hit with Patrick McEnroe at the
Port Washington Tennis Academy was so
wonderful, and Patrick remains a true start in
today’s tennis. My tennis idols growing up were
Ilya Nastase (Nasty) and of course the pride of
Queens, John McEnroe (also nasty, but filled
with southpaw talent).
In my tennis library I still have VHS versions of
the great Forest Hills US Open matches from
the middle 70s. Conners vs. Borg, Lendl vs.
McEnroe, Chrissy vs. Martina, Tracy vs. Chrissy.
Now that was Tennis!
A few years ago, and today at 58, I realized that
the game was not going to adjust to me, but
that I must reassess my boomer body and
limitations and learn how to adapt to today’s
faster, fitter game of tennis.
Many of you have realized the same. So, I would
like to share some of my 45 years of tennis
experience and how I continue to play, even
now, at a competitive level 4‐5 times week,
while still enjoying this wonderful lifetime‐game
called Tennis.
PHYSICAL ‐‐ Pregame hydration, full‐body
stretching, krill‐oil joint care, the right
sunscreen, and a realistic understanding of
what your Boomer body can do today ‐‐ not as
you fantasized how it used to be!
Today’s yoga will help give you more range.
And, increasing your intake of nutritious foods
will feed your muscles.
We didn’t have these things available to us 25
years ago.
BOOMER BUZZ | 47
Getting back to hydration, many of us make the
mistake of drinking water or energy drinks once
our match starts. WRONG! Think of your body
as a wonderful gas tank and you are about to
take a trip. You must “fill up” before the trip
(about an hour before match time) with water
or electrolyte drinks, or you will literally “run
out gas” mid match. It’s also important to keep
your gas tank filled during the match on the
crossovers, and stay cool as much as possible.
STRATEGY ‐‐ We have all slowed down a bit
with our short and long strides within our game.
Learn how to cover more court by positioning
yourself differently than you did 20 years ago.
You can’t get to the net as quickly and
efficiently as you once did, so learn and practice
a mid‐court volley game from both a defensive
and offensive perspective. By not having to
come to the net as much, you will be conserving
your energy and allowing yourself to go deeper
into a match. So, look at a 2‐part strategy in
crafting and winning a point, rather than a
“baseline to net” game that you once enjoyed.
#1 ‐‐ Play from the baseline to mid‐court on
your first rally shots, using your new found mid‐
court volley skills as you work your way into the
net.
#2 ‐‐Then, from the service line position, attack
the net ‐ as you have to come a shorter distance
to put the point away in your favor, with a crisp
“put away”‐ volley at the net.
Your footwork becomes more important than
ever. Practice shorter, quicker steps ‐‐ split‐
stepping prior to ball contact. Position your
body in a more perpendicular angle to the net,
never parallel please! And, always keep your
racket ahead of your body at the net upon ball
contact.
48 | BOOMER BUZZ
EQUIPMENT ‐‐ I can write all day about the
major advancements tennis manufacturers
have made in the areas of shoes, rackets, and
most importantly, strings. Today, it is so much
easier to have a competitive game due to better
and more advanced equipment.
So let’s talk about shoes today:
Shoe companies have created better tennis
shoes for us boomers. Companies like Babolat,
Asics, and New Balance have taken running
technology and have adapted their tennis shoes
to fit today’s boomer tennis players.
Growing up, these companies did not offer
tennis shoes. But, today you are able to enjoy
higher‐quality orthotics which give firmer
support to our tender tendons and aching feet.
In particular, the new Babolat SFX offers a
unique, higher‐quality orthotic than most tennis
shoes in today’s market.
Most tennis shoes have a cheap cardboard‐like
insert, which do not provide the arch support
that a higher‐quality orthotic will. The SFX
comes with this advanced orthotic. BTW, a
custom orthotic can cost upwards of $60‐$100
as a stand‐alone product! Additionally, the SFX
is built with a slightly more forgiving pinky to
big toe space in the front of the shoe, which
allows a more comfortable “east to west”
movement for your boomer baseliners.
In my next BOOMER TENNIS offering I will talk
about how rackets and strings are allowing us
boomers to play well into our 70s and 80s…
In the meantime … KEEP SWINGING!
Fred Shlesinger is a Special Market Developer & Senior
Financial Representative with Principal Financial Group,
Public Speaker/Trainer and freelance writer from Dallas,
Texas.
BOOMER BUZZ | 49
Tech Tips
By Becca Niederkrom
Top 5 Work Productivity Apps. 1. LeechBlock We live in a world of constant distractions. It’s a love/hate relationship. You know darn well that your report is due in 2 hours but you spend every 10 minutes checking your Facebook feed or surfing the goodies on Amazon. With LeechBlock, you can set up times where you are unable to dip into those websites that suck your time away. You could literally lock Facebook from 9AM ‐ 2PM. 2. Basecamp You could send endless emails to your 3‐person team OR, with Basecamp, you could place your correspondence and docs in the
cloud to check in on at your convenience. It’s the awesomeness of group collaboration without the hassle. 3. Evernote Capture anything and everything, from notes and ideas, to things that you love. You will be able to access this information from anywhere and search by keywords. This app is quite extensive and if you feel it might be too much, then check out #4. 4. WorkFlowy As a big ‘list’ person, I really took to this app. It’s an outliner app. Simple. You are able to create as many sub‐bullet points as you would like under each topic. If you want a simpler model of organization then this is your go‐to tool. 5. Dropbox Sharing with ease. Dropbox is a service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. You never have to email a file to yourself again. It’s perfect for real estate agents who have little time to email photos of each listing. Simply place house photos in this virtual storage place and share 24/7.
BeccaNiederkom–whereALLboomersandseniorslearnthecomputerwithjoyandease…guaranteed.ReachheratBecca@ConversationCounts.organdvisithernewbusinessAgingInsider.com.
50 | BOOMER BUZZ
Do You Know and Love a Sociopath?
James Tucker
James Bond, an absolute icon and heroic idol of fiction, always gets many girls. He is a mercenary of
death and destruction wherever he goes. We’re convinced he’s on our side, and that he’s the good guy.
While caught up in the movie and fantasy, suspending disbelief, we give him our ok to be judge, jury,
and executioner. For James Bond to be successful in the predicaments he’s entrusted to be in, to be
“licensed to kill” he must have been vetted, tested, and proven in multiple physical and mental areas;
areas our active imaginations can wonder about, but mostly we’ve left that to Her Majesty. Among
those many and varying tests one of them should demonstrate attributes that James Bond must
positively show that he would not, should not, cannot, have a conscience. If he did have a conscience,
his entire job performance and character would unravel. This is a personality disorder and we call those
who have it … sociopaths.
We don’t think about it this way so much, but often our heroes and idols are sociopaths. A quick and
dirty definition of a sociopath is someone without a conscience. Simple as that sounds, it is a
quintessential game‐changer of life, and while sociopaths are playing a completely different game from
us, they take full advantage of the fact that they know our rules and that no one knows they aren’t
playing by them. Take away a person’s conscience and you’ve got yourself someone who may be
likeable and even lovable, but who is nearly impossible to live with. Counsels’ consensus is that if you
know a sociopath, stay away.
But it’s too late. As roughly 4% of the population is estimated to be sociopathic, you are likely already in
a relationship with one who embodies the symptoms. A family member, co‐worker, someone you have
occasional business with (professionally or as a volunteer) could be one. Here’s a quick identifier: If you
find yourself asking “How could they do this (outrageous behavior) to me?” and if you can’t answer that
question, try a little test where you answer the question with “They don’t have a conscience.” And if all
the pieces of the puzzle then fall magically in place, you are likely dealing with a sociopath.
I choose James Bond as a fictional example so as not to cast a bad light on someone who should take
offense to such a definition and who would likely sue me. Athletes with attitudes to win at all costs
(including cheating) come to mind. Perhaps, you can recall several of them who’ve been caught and
have incessantly, and loudly, denied their accusers. I emphatically state I mean absolutely no one in
particular except someone who may come to your own wildest imagination.
I’d often heard the word ‘sociopath’ but recently had an occasion while counseling a friend who
mentioned he was working with one, so I needed to look it up to be sure, and going down a Google trail
I became so intrigued I read Martha Stout’s “The Sociopath Next Door.” Mercy, such a revelation, the
blindfold came off! My childhood family member exhibited most of these kinds of sociopathic behaviors:
1. They make you feel sorry for them, even resorting to Hollywood‐quality tears, and then they
manipulate you.
2. They make you feel worried or afraid, and then they manipulate you.
3. They give you the impression you owe them, and then they manipulate you.
BOOMER BUZZ | 51
4. They make you feel used, and you probably have been.
5. Sometimes you suspect they don't care about you, and they don’t.
6. They lie to you and deceive you.
7. They take a lot from you, giving back very little.
8. They make you feel guilty (and use that to manipulate you).
9. They take advantage of your kindness.
10. They are easily bored and need constant stimulation, or can make you jump through needless
hoops.
11. They don't take responsibility, but place blame elsewhere.
So managing the relationship with a sociopath is among the most difficult of challenges, particularly
when the sociopath remains in an environment we are bound to either contractually, by blood or
otherwise. Wouldn’t it be nice to read tips and tricks to dealing with a sociopath? There’s no known
cure or treatment. Negotiating with a sociopath is a futile exercise, but if trapped and cornered they
may resort to tears, even changing behavior for a few hours, until they can regroup. In her book,
Martha Stout cites one tribal practice of dealing with discovered sociopaths (which involved treatment
of the sociopaths by way of hunting “accidents” that resulted in their death). This is not to infer that
causing death is a method of negotiating or a solution, rather it is meant to communicate the urgency of
the problem in the context of another anthropological framework.
In my first personal encounters with a sociopath, I would have preferred him to be my hero, but with
even a child’s moral compass I let that thought go early. Recognizing loved ones as expert liars and
cheaters can be difficult, particularly if they are your parent whom you want and need to trust; whom
you think you want to be like; whom you want to forgive. But sociopaths aren’t overly‐concerned with
any of that (least of all forgiveness) as they have no conscience, they need no forgiveness.
Your friendly sociopaths can be a treasure‐trove of fun from a distance. Having mastered social skills,
often they may be the life of the party, or make you feel completely at ease one on one. They can be
utterly charming, even hilarious, with absolute design to build trust, trust that is soon to become
betrayal.
Encountering the sociopathic behavior could cause responses such as: “Surely this is a
misunderstanding, or miscommunication.” Thoughts like that occur to a normal person because what
just happened to them is so implausible, egregious, or just plain blatantly wrong that they can’t believe
they are the victim of it. They have difficulty believing the person who perpetrated the miscarriage is
capable of such coldness. But, with continued exposure to a sociopath a trend develops. And, when you
see it, stay away. If it’s your boss, document everything and never be alone with them.
In conclusion, I offer this twist of an ending. Of my many questions I leave you with only one. “What
does it say about a society who makes heroes and idols of sociopaths?”
James Tucker, Strategies, [email protected]
52 | BOOMER BUZZ
The Butterfly Effect
By Cynthia Stock
Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight
Behavior uses literary fiction to
make a visceral appeal for
environmental awareness. Using
the decline of the monarch
butterfly and an allegorical failing
marriage, she depicts patterns of
human behavior and thinking that
lead to the destruction of
interfacing ecosystems.
The novel opens with Dellarobia Turnbow
trudging up the family mountain to a hunting
shack for a tryst with a younger man ‐‐ an act
she hopes will change her life. As she nears her
destination, Dellarobia rethinks her past and
what she hopes to gain from her indiscretion.
She lives day‐to‐day, disconnected from her
empty existence, and seeks the freedom she
sacrificed when she became pregnant as a
young woman. In rural Feathertown,
Tennessee, an unplanned pregnancy mandated
marriage.
When Dellarobia reaches the top of the
mountain, the sun shines on a “forest blazed
with its own internal flame.” At first she thinks
the trees are on fire. Unable to figure out how
to get out of the forest, she imagines the loss of
her family, even her life. Common sense reigns
and tells her there is no fire. She surrenders to
“a vision of glory to stop her in the road” and
interprets what she sees as a sign. She takes her
husband, Cub, and her in‐laws up the mountain
to witness an expanse colored by the glowing
hues of monarch butterflies.
From this point, Ms. Kingsolver creates a multi‐
layered novel and explores complex conflicts
contributing to the ruin of the environment.
With a failing farm and a balloon payment on a
loan coming due, Dellarobia’s father‐in‐law,
Bear, considers a contract with a logging
company to cut the timber on his mountain.
Through an immigrant family new to the area,
Dellarobia learns how logging displaced the
monarchs from their native habitat in Mexico
and caused catastrophic mudslides. She
foresees the same outcome if Bear allows his
trees to be harvested.
Concern for the environment loses out to profit
for the lumber company and economic solvency
for the Turnbow family. Then in church, Cub
announces Dellarobia’s discovery and declares
she has had a vision. The microcosm of both her
family and her town changes.
Enter Ovid Byron, a scientist from New Mexico,
who dedicates himself to the study of the
migration and mating habits of the monarch
butterfly. Ovid introduces science and a passion
for learning to Dellarobia’s son, Preston, and
resurrects the dormant potential within
Dellarobia. Byron builds a lab and assembles a
group of young research scientists to find out
why the monarchs settled on the Turnbow
mountain.
Byron ties climate change to the appearance of
the butterflies. In turn, their presence sets off a
chain reaction in Feathertown. Journalists
BOOMER BUZZ | 53
swarm. Tourists invade. The town’s people
divide.
From this point, Ms. Kingsolver dissects the
issues abounding in a discussion of global
warming and environmental preservation.
For much of the novel, Ovid Byron maintains
the dispassionate nature of a scientist and
admits he merely records what is, but cannot
speculate about what it means or what will be.
Through Dellarobia, it becomes apparent this is
why lay people find scientific truths hard to
accept. Only when Byron reveals the intensity
of his concerns for the monarchs and what their
condition says about the environment is he able
to reach the lay audience.
Ms. Kingsolver deconstructs the accountability
of reporters. Tina Ultner, a T.V. reporter,
insinuates herself into Dellarobia’s life with
mother‐bonding talk and kind words. She
interviews Dellarobia, twists her words, and
betrays her trust. In a confrontation between
Byron and Tina, he accuses Tina of failing to
report the facts, providing sponsor‐friendly,
pre‐scripted “news.” He remarks, “What you
are doing is unconscionable. You’re allowing the
public to be duped by a bunch of liars.” It
reminds me of the fluff piece a local newspaper
ran about helping the monarchs by landscaping
with milkweed. The article diminished the scope
of the problems to non‐existence.
This novel speaks to more than lofty concept.
Ms. Kingsolver grasps a simple, yet essential
problem with global concerns. Day‐to‐day
survival, putting clothes on our children’s backs
and feeding them, are necessities, ever present,
imbued with a sense of urgency. Meeting basic
needs creates an obstacle to understanding that
the death of a species may result from the
‘necessary’ things we do today. She haunts the
reader through Josefina, the daughter of the
immigrants who enlightened Dellarobia.
Josefina believes the butterflies represent the
souls of dead children, a belief that portends
what could be ahead for our children and
grandchildren.
In a masterful use of irony, Leighton Akins
serves as a reminder to the reader of the
unintentional failure to take ownership of
environmental responsibility. Akins visits the
Turnbow mountain and hands out flyers
imprinted with a Sustainability Pledge. It
recommends behavioral changes to decrease
individual carbon footprints. In her financial
plight and isolated, rural milieu, Dellarobia has
no choice but to comply with most of the items.
Akins, simply by traveling to the mountain for
his cause, violates more than one.
The novel ends as dynamic ecosystems cope
through
adaptation and
change. Dellarobia
leaves the limited
world of the farm
to provide better
opportunities for
her children and
to secure a better
future for herself.
And like
Dellarobia, the monarchs survive a late
snowstorm in spring and move on in a new
flight pattern with an uncertain outcome. This
occurs in an atmosphere where rising waters
create an unusual spring flood, perhaps
foreshadowing of a tenuous future for the
monarch butterflies and the human species.
Cynthia Stock is a novelist, freelance writer, and Registered
Nurse from Garland, Texas.
54 | BLOG SPEAK
Love is Food for the Soul
I grew up thinking Food is Love and found that Love was the Food for my Soul.
Who do you want to be?
So this morning I was able to catch up on my Super Soul Sunday. I missed Dr. Robin yesterday and
wanted to be able to give it my full attention. So I watched the interview today.
So far I have a Question: Who do you want to be?
In hindsight I always thought that I was at my best when I was newly widowed, taking care of myself,
and my son, by myself. Living a "good" life, I was happy. I enjoyed the having dinner every night with my
son; I so enjoyed Sunday afternoons with my Mom. I didn't have a dime. I was working 30 hours a week,
just barely getting the bills paid, but I was happy.
I remember taking a ride to the beach and just sitting there. I felt so blessed. It was March and there I
was sitting on a beach at 7pm, it was still light and not freezing. I was Happy. I felt I was "doing it".
Now by other people's standards I
was a "Poor Widow" who couldn't
work full time because she
needed to be in town and on time
to have dinner with her son every
night. Had to be the constant.
Had a car that was borrowed.
Didn't know if she'd make the
rent every month....Poor Girl. But
I didn't feel that way.
So my question is:
Who do you want to be? Do you want to be happy for what makes YOU happy? Or do you want to be
"Happy" with what "Others" say you should be Happy with?
Life is all about Perception, but the only perception that makes any difference is truly yours! You are the
star of Your life, but only a secondary character in the rest.
Laurie Alves is a gourmet cook, nurse, blogger whose mission is to…
Inspire People to Love Cooking and Each other!
BLOG SPEAK | 55
Sunday, May 13, 2012
ranting and raving
If you are my friend you have undoubtedly heard me rant about partially‐hydrogenated oils, chemicals,
and other questionable ingredients present in too many grocery store items. So it was with some disgust
but a growling tummy, on the evening ending a very busy day, that I popped this frozen dinner into the
oven.
I try to boost the flavor and the nutritional value of such frozen entrees by adding ingredients or at least
spices and herbs. This night I tried to assuage my self‐disgust as well. Knowing I would be a lucky girl if
there was more than an ounce of angel hair to be found in the small plastic carton, I put a pot of water
on to boil then dropped some pasta; one with texture to it, coming straight from Italy.
If you are my friend you have undoubtedly heard me go on about the importance of cooking pasta al
dente, not only because it tastes so much better but because it is healthier, having a lower glycemic
index rating, meaning a better insulin response.
When the frozen dish was hot and bubbly, I tossed it together with my al dente angel hair and turned it
out into a bowl. Look; what a difference! Al dente strands stayed firm, even nesting together while the
packaged ones, slimy and bloated from overcooking, slid to one side where I let them remain.
I can't say I'll not have another frozen dinner now and then when busy and hungry collide, but I can say,
with certainty, that I'll continue my ranting against bad food.
If you are my friend you have undoubtedly guessed this though, haven't you?
My name is Becca. I live in Dallas but I left my heart in Florence, Italy. I'd like to thank you for
reading.www.from3906.blogspot.com
56 | MEDICAL MATTERS
Much Needed Help with RX Costs
By Maye Knighten
How many elderly adults forgo prescription drugs because of cost? All too often I hear, “Maye, I just
can’t afford all my medications so I had to leave a few at the pharmacy.” or “To make my medications
last, I take them every other day or I cut them in half.”
Such practice can lead to adverse health outcomes including increased emergency room visits, hospital,
and nursing home admissions. Almost 90% of elderly adults (65 or older) take prescriptions with an
average of 5 drugs per day. Even on a Medicare Part D plan, the cost per prescription (brand name) can
be $30 per refill (or more) after the enrollee has met their annual deductible. This amount may not
seem like much to us working adults, however, for an individual on a fixed income, $150+ can be 1/4 of
their Social Security check.
This has become a hot issue due to the
economy, ongoing changes in Medicare, and the
fear of ObamaCare. As mentioned earlier,
seniors are taking it upon themselves to cut
their medications in half, skip doses and even
participate in the unsafe practice of sharing
medications with their friends or family (which,
as most know, is extremely dangerous)! Seniors
can feel threatened, embarrassed or
uneducated about the topic of medications.
They may not know who to direct their
questions to or even what questions to ask.
Here are a few resources and questions that can be helpful:
1. Ask your doctor for help: Doctors often have free samples, coupons or direct contact with the
Pharmaceutical companies to get your brand‐name medications free or at generic cost.
2. Ask your pharmacy for help: I get a lot of referrals directly from the pharmacy. They are
definitely in‐the‐know as to what Medicare Part D plans would fit your needs. As well, the
pharmacist may be able to suggest an alternative drug at a lower cost.
3. Dosage: Ask your doctor if you can take a higher dose of your medication once a day vs. a lower
dose twice a day. Less pills means less cost for you! This MUST be approved by your doctor. You
can ask your doctor if it’s ok to buy higher‐dose pills and split them in half. Your pharmacy will
split the pills for you.
4. Consider Generics: They can cost 25‐80% less then brand name. If there aren’t any generic drugs
for a particular medication, then ask your doctor about a less‐expensive alternative.
5. Opt for online or mail order: It can be cheaper. Lots of plans give you a significant 90‐day mail
order discount.
MEDICAL MATTERS | 57
6. Choose your Medicare Part D Plan with great care: Contact: 1‐800‐MEDICARE for more
information. Unfortunately, there is no way around the dreaded Donut Hole/Coverage Gap
unless you are a veteran and get your medications from the VA, have private group coverage, or
are enrolled in the state pharmaceutical assistance program (LIS) which we will now discuss.
There is state assistance for those with limited income/resources. This is the best kept secret! Only
about 13% of those who qualify are aware of the state pharmaceutical assistance program called LIS —
Low Income Subsidy.
Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Those with limited
resources and income may also be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs (monthly premiums,
annual deductibles, and prescription co‐payments) as it relates to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many people qualify for these big
savings and don’t even know it.
To qualify for Extra Help:
You must reside in one of the 50 States or the District of
Columbia;
Resources must be limited to $13,070 for an individual or
$26,120 for a married couple living together. Resources
include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We
do not count your home, car, and any life insurance policy as
resources; and
Income must be limited to $16,755 for an individual or
$22,695 for a married couple living together. Even if your
annual income is higher, you still may be able to get help.
Three ways to apply:
1. Online: socialsecurity.gov/extra help
2. Phone: 1‐800‐772‐1213
3. Visit your local Social Security office.
This can be a time‐consuming application process … but extremely rewarding! If you think you qualify,
apply.
It’s Your Health! Your Wellbeing! Participate!
Maye Knighten is a licensed agent who works closely in the
Senior market. She conducts seminars to educate them on
Medicare/Medicaid and assist them with their insurance
options. [email protected]
58 | MEDICAL MATTERS
The Unpredictability and Unseen Risks of Genetically‐Modified
Organisms
By Carla McMahon
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are any living thing that has had its genetic material altered in some way through human, scientific manipulation. GMOs undergo a form of gene therapy under lab conditions whereby segments of DNA are spliced, rearranged or removed
altogether. You may have been eating genetically‐modified food for years and not even know it! The term GMO does NOT refer to “selective breeding” ‐‐ such as when certain crops are selectively bred by gardeners/farmers over time to withstand heat (for instance) or the process by which different dog breeds were developed over time by breeders.
From cereal and crackers to baking mixes, veggie burgers, and even milk and cheese, GMOs have infiltrated our grocery aisles largely without much study into their long‐term health effects on our bodies. In the United States, much of the corn and soybeans produced (especially those to be fed to livestock or to provide filler material in processed foods at the supermarket) contain some portion of genetically‐modified material. However, The Environmental Working Group conservatively estimates that each American consumes about 190 pounds of GMO foods every year in the absence/lack of research. These potential health impacts have consumers worried, angry and organizing against GMOs.
Allergies
Allergies are typically brought on by proteins. Nearly every transfer of genetic material, from one host to another, results in the creation of novel proteins. Genetic engineering can increase the levels of a naturally‐occurring allergen already present in a food or insert allergenic properties into a food that did not previously contain them. It can also result in brand‐new allergens we’ve never known before. And, this is the primary health concern over genetically‐modified technology in our food supply.
Antibiotic Resistance
Genetic engineers rely heavily on antibiotics to guide experiments. Not all host cells will take up foreign genes. So, engineers attach a trait for a particular type of antibiotic resistance to the gene they introduce into host cells. This acts as a marker.
After they’ve introduced the gene into the cells, they douse all the cells with the antibiotic to see which ones survive. Those that do survive are antibiotic‐resistant, therefore the engineers know they have taken up the foreign gene.
The American Medical Association and World Health Organization have spoken out about the need for the use of these antibiotics to be phased out of the process of making GMO foods. This is because
MEDICAL MATTERS | 59
overuse of antibiotics can potentially cause the development of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens. Some feel these “superbugs” can (and will) negatively affect one’s health.
Pesticide Exposure
The majority of genetically‐modified crops in cultivation are engineered to contain a gene for pesticide resistance. Most are “Roundup Ready”, meaning they can be sprayed with Monsanto’s glyphosphate herbicide, Roundup, without being harmed. The idea is that if the crop itself is immune to Roundup, you can spray it to kill any weeds endangering the plant without worrying about harming your crop. It is the same principal as killing weeds in your yard without killing the grass. Sounds like a good idea? But, only if increased human exposure to pesticides is a good idea. Glyphosphates have been linked to numerous health problems in animal studies ‐‐ among them birth defects, reproductive damage, cancer and endocrine function disruption. Consumer groups are becoming more aware of these studies and the possible effects they can produce in humans.
Unpredictability and the Unknown
Concerned scientists have been outspoken about the risks associated with genetic modifications because foreign genetic material in a host can cause other genetic material in that host to behave erratically. Genes can be suppressed or overexpressed, causing a wide variety of results ‐‐ like cancer which is a case of overexpression. Nutritional problems can also result from the transfer. Genetically‐modified crops have been linked to health problems as diverse as reproductive damage, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
The United States regulatory system is set up to deal with problems occurring with genetically‐modified foods only AFTER they occur. DNA is complex. Not all is understood about the potential complex‐interactions. And, the potential hazards are difficult to predict or identify immediately. But what if, instead, we invoked a precautionary principle ‐‐ an international agreement that calls for intelligent caution when it comes to new science and technologies? Many would like to see that happen.
Luckily, by taking action against genetically‐modified foods, you can protect yourself and your family. Support farms that refuse to grow GMO foods. Choose organic foods whenever possible. And, insist that lawmakers force agriculture companies to label GMOs. This is our right and we must be outspoken about our food’s (and our health) protection.
Carla McMahon is a homemaker and freelance writer of
interests for women. She lives with her family in North Carolina.
60 | MEDICAL MATTERS
Early Summer Skincare –
How to Get Winter‐White Skin Safely Ready for Summer Sun
By Liz Inskip‐Paulk, M.A.
Despite wintry weather across the country, there is
no denying that summer is on the way. Is your skin
ready for the Texas sun? After all the research on
skin cancer and its relation to sun exposure, it may
seem that it would be healthiest for your baby
boomer skin to stay indoors. But who’s going to do
that all summer long?
Here are some reminder tips to help you prepare
your skin for the lengthy summer ahead:
Always, always, always wear SPF 30 lotion on
exposed skin. (Not just your face, but also the backs
of your hands, your arms, top of your feet and
anywhere else that gets regular exposure to the
sun.) This is one of the most effective and easiest
ways to protect your skin, and yet so many of us
forget to do this. To make this easier, check that
your everyday facial lotion has an SPF of at least 30.
(No need to spend extra on ultra‐high SPF as there is
little benefit and usually higher prices for the higher
numbers.) If you’re concerned about break‐outs,
then look for a non‐oily lotion that is light (so you
don’t drag your skin when you apply it). Additionally,
lotion that is noncomedogenic will not block your
pores. A broad‐spectrum cream will help to protect
you from both Ultraviolet A (which tans and ages
skin) and Ultraviolet B (the one that causes
sunburn).
One of the biggest downfalls to sunscreen is that
people may misapply it. Most of the time, It takes
more than randomly slapping some lotion on your
bare legs at breakfast. It helps to slow down and pay
attention to the application process. I think most
people have experienced “missing a patch” and then
finding an uncomfortable area of sunburn later.
Being mindful of application can help to prevent this.
So – be liberal with the lotion – experts recommend
two to three tablespoons of lotion on your body (or
spray as much as can be rubbed in). It’s important to
reapply it every two hours throughout the day
especially if you’re swimming or in a windy
environment. (Wind evaporates your sweat and
tricks you into thinking you’re not really burning.)
Sensitive skin may need more frequent applications.
Here’s to a happy summer for both you and your
skin.
Liz Inskip‐Paulk has worked in public health for more than
12 years and in related public relations for more than 10
years. She has a Master's degree in English from Texas
Tech University, and although she was born and raised in
England, she now says the Texas ‘y'all’ on occasion while
she drinks her cup of tea. She can be reached at
62 | SENIOR SCENE
Four Signs You Need a Caregiver‐ Part I
Role Reversal
By Claire Maestri
How do you know when it is time to acquire help when caring for a loved one? Here are some questions
to consider:
Have you recently found yourself making decisions for your parent that he/she has made for
herself in the past?
Has he/she had trouble with maintaining a calendar or making appointments?
Are you assisting with hygiene issues or having to remind them to change clothes?
Has your loved one forgotten to take medication or taken medication incorrectly in the last
month?
Are you concerned about him/her continuing to live alone?
Can he/she appropriately evacuate the home in the event of a fire?
Would he/she know what to do if there was a detected gas leak?
Could he/she even smell the gas leak?
Would he/she be able to hear the emergency warning sirens?
Would he/she be able to safely protect themselves in the event of a tornado or flood? Could
he/she live alone for 3 days if you could not get to them?
Would there be enough food in the house?
Can he/she open non‐perishable food that is available?
SENIOR SCENE | 63
All of these are questions that come up when looking at an older person’s living situation. Ensuring that
they are ‘okay’ today is not enough. So often, we get caught up in the emotional stresses of caring for an
aged loved one that the practical side tends to fade into the background. If you answered ‘yes’ to any of
these questions, you should seriously consider having a professional come in and provide you with
support.
This might mean that you need someone on a regular basis or a consultant to come in and assess the
environment for emergency needs. Either way, there are wonderful resources available to you.
Claire Maestri is a freelance writer of senior topics and an
expert in helping families find quality senior care options. She
lives with her family in Dallas, TX.www.mbfagency.com
The Luxury of a Lifetime.
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www.mbfseniorcare.com
Mom’s Best Friend/MBF Agency of Dallas/Ft. Worth2125 N. Josey Lane, Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75006(972) 466-0500
“Exceptional Senior Care Services”
All in the Comfort of Home
And vision for the Future
With Standards for Success
Focused on Keeping the Joy AliveAn Upscale Option
SENIOR SCENE | 65
Four Signs You Need a Caregiver‐ Part II When Siblings Don’t Agree
By Claire Maestri
How often do you remember arguing with your siblings over whether the ball landed in or out of the
line? Who usually won the argument? Did the same person always give in?
Now that you are older, do you find yourself in constant disagreement with the way your mother’s care
should be handled? Remember, you and your siblings are working for the same goal. You all want what
is best for your loved one. What I see most often are siblings arguing over what ‘they’ think is best for
their loved one. This then becomes a battle about who is ‘right’ and not what their mother really needs.
This is where it is best to bring in a professional who can open lines of communication and help
everyone be on the same page. This will help determine what your mom (or dad) really wants and how
to navigate any limitations of finance, religion, culture, family or community support.
This might seem like the time when you all want to figure this out on your own. However, the longer you
wait, the closer and closer you are getting to being forced to make these decisions in a crisis. Talk to
your loved ones. Listen to how he/she wants their care managed. It is not about who is right or wrong or
‘wins’, it is about your mom getting what she needs!
Claire Maestri is a freelance writer of senior topics and an expert in helping families find quality senior care options.
She lives with her family in Dallas, TX.www.mbfagency.com