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Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Tumacacori National Historical Park
October 28, 2015
— 1 Comment
Padre Kino
Padre Kino
I initiated my new fabulous senior pass for the national parks yesterday at Tumacacori. It was a full moon night and a special program was presented. The park reopens a few times a year to let the public experience the place after dark. The ranger was a wonderfully knowledgeable presenter who showed a lot of pride in her position. This is a unique park because it preserves history of a mission that was abandoned. The original mission was founded by Padre Kino, who visited a couple of times before he died, but had little contact with the locals. He became popular by gifting the natives with seeds, animals and trees. Mission land was granted for the natives to use, but not trade or sell. Success through new agriculture was the main selling point used by the missionaries. By farming within the mission walls the crops were protected from wildlife and livestock grazing in the area. Crops and animals were introduced that provided food in seasons when native plant harvests were scarce.
Kino was a member of the Jesuit order, which would eventually be banished from New Spain by the king. The Franciscans took over the place, but when Mexico won independence the funds no longer flowed from Spain. The missionaries moved north to Mission San Javier del Bac, which is still in use today as a Catholic church. The abandoned site sat empty until the National Park Service took over.
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- mission church
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- Franciscan church
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- mission church
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- mission church
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- altar
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- church door
The full moon tour was an exciting and authentic way to honor this historic place by learning about the past. I learned many new facts that make me curious to learn more and return in the future to take in this very special atmosphere. I plan to make the most of my senior pass by checking out all the national parks in Arizona. I will have many happy travels in the future by tuning into programs and events such as the one we enjoyed yesterday as a day trip . If you know a senior (62 or over) who does not yet have a pass, this would make the very best of holiday gifts. It works for a whole car load of visitors. You only need one senior pass per car for free entry for all passengers. Maybe it is time to start traveling with a senior on board.
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- native dwelling
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- native dwelling
Arizona is full of scenic places with ancient civilizations. We are privileged to have such a rich cultural and natural tradition surrounding us. Now that I am loaded with my lifetime park pass I will be taking full advantage of it.
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- mission garden
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- mission garden
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- mission garden
candle lanterns
altar in the church
park ranger and Padre Kino
Iora Health, the Zappos of Primary Care
October 22, 2015
— 6 Comments
I am in luck that a new model for Medicare patients has come to my neighborhood. Today Iora Primary Care opened a new practice very close to my home. My health insurance agent told me about this new practice that operates in a revolutionary way. I was invited to the ribbon cutting this morning that was well attended and very festive. Dr. Rushika Fernandopulle and some of the senior staff of the company flew out to Tucson from Boston, the site of the home office. The day had started with a heavy downpour and thunderstorm, but the weather cleared in time for an excellent party, some brief speeches, an official proclamation by the mayor of Tucson, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting to launch the business. A fine time was had by all. I sat down with Dr. Fernandopulle later this afternoon to learn more about our new local health care option. He has some great ideas.
His model was born partly from frustration in his American practice of primary care and partly from experience working around the world. By observing what works well with low or no tech he has crafted a system that takes advantage of good relationships first. The team approach makes the best use of both the patient and the doctor’s time. The office has a casual feel to it, and all the employees I met are enthusiastic about their jobs. I think Rushika is right that the synergy of culture is what distinguishes this medical practice from all others. I am very pleased to be given this choice for my Medicare coverage.
Rushika
Julie
healthy spread
Hedonism vs Addiction
October 18, 2015
— 1 Comment
The hedonist archetype is both admired and disrespected in our society. We receive mixed messages about fun, enjoyment, and merchandise. “How much is too much?”, is a question we are in the process of answering. During our holiday season excess is encouraged in all things. We see images of over decorating, over eating, over indulging in sweets and alcohol as mandates to celebrate with certain products. If we give in to the marketing engines we will let our health and finances go in order to buy holiday goods. There is a fine line between genuine appreciation that brings joy and repetitive addictive habits that have flatlined. The solution is not to give up pleasure or fine things in life. To find balance we each need to find our own specific definitions of pleasure. We also need to monitor exactly how much pleasure is still left in long standing habits. We may be fooling ourselves sometimes.
Since I am a hedonist in the first house it is important for me to evaluate and stay aware of the ways in which I indulge myself. I am attached to sensuality and leisure which could easily lead to lack of discernment. In order to stay healthy I must stay clear about how much time, money and effort I spend to feel good. A feeling of wellbeing and good energy is the reward for putting health first. The shadow hedonist is like the cartoon red devil sitting on a shoulder acting as the conscience. This little delusion devil is persuasive. The dark side of hedonism is ironically anhedonia. The pursuit of pleasure to one’s detriment eventually results in a complete inability to experience pleasure. Addictions that require treatment are common now in America. What starts as a good time ends frequently in heartache.
When you think of the hedonist does someone you know come to mind? Do you recognize a hedonist in yourself? Calibrate the Fun-O-Meter to make sure you are still having some.
Parts We Play
October 15, 2015
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
William Shakespeare sets out seven ages of man in this monologue from As You Like it. Carl Jung used characters as archetypes to describe the different aspects of one human life. These archetypes are played out in ancient Greek drama and mythology. From biblical proverbs to modern fiction characters based on eternal qualities of humanity are employed to tell stories. We embody different characters during our journey toward the end of life, sometimes joyous and other times somber. We act as students and as guides, as teachers and as pilgrims. Our energies are spent on our greatest passions, and we become known for our most obvious traits. Both our view of the world and the world’s view of us is constantly changing. The way we relate to one group may be different from the way we act toward another one.
Before we die we play parts that we have never considered. The soul is intricate and connected to the past as well as the future. Spirit and soul demand that our basic clay be sculpted into figures that arise from our dreams. The figures are fired in a kiln of experience and discernment. We are asked to step out on a ledge of unknowing in order to satisfy our inner longings. Some of our feelings come from the ancestors and some from our society. By observing our inner lives we can make the acquaintance of our own archetypes at work. By looking into patterns from the past and present we may notice how we fit into the story with other archetypes, the other players on the stage with us.
October is time for costuming and honoring the dead. Let us notice which characters cross our paths, and which ones we are playing. We are the casting directors of our own dramas….scary, isn’t it?
miniature Halloween
Robert Andrew Pickens, 8th Great-Grandfather
October 14, 2015
— 1 Comment
Pickens Coat of Arms
My 8th great-grandfather was born in 1644 in France. He died in 1700 in
County Limerick, Ireland. He was a Protestant who fled from religious persecution in France.
Robert Andrew Pickens (1644 – 1699)
is my 8th great grandfather
William Henry Pickens (1670 – 1735)
son of Robert Andrew Pickens
Andrew Sr Pickens (1699 – 1756)
son of William Henry Pickens
Jean Pickens (1738 – 1824)
daughter of Andrew Sr Pickens
Margaret Miller (1771 – 1853)
daughter of Jean Pickens
Philip Oscar Hughes (1798 – 1845)
son of Margaret Miller
Sarah E Hughes (1829 – 1911)
daughter of Philip Oscar Hughes
Lucinda Jane Armer (1847 – 1939)
daughter of Sarah E Hughes
George Harvey Taylor (1884 – 1941)
son of Lucinda Jane Armer
Ruby Lee Taylor (1922 – 2008)
daughter of George Harvey Taylor
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Ruby Lee Taylor
The following information was compiled by Mrs. Wendell Pickens, Costa Mesa, California.
The old, old story of Robert Pickens I, handed down to us by tradition, tells us that in the last half of the seventeenth century there was a man in France, probably of Scottish birth, by the name of Robert Pickens, who, it is said, held an official position as Chief Justice of the Court, and who was probably a Protestant of the Presbyterian Church. In this account of the Pickens family, he will be known to us as Robert Pickens I.
The name of his wife has been handed down to us as Esther Jane Bonneau, who, it is said, was a widow, possessing unusual beauty and was of the Huguenot faith.
When the Edict of Nantes was unwisely and unjustly revoked 22 October 1685, the persecution of the Protestants in France became so intense that large numbers of useful, as well as rich inhabitants of France, were forced to leave their native land and seek a place of safety in other countries where their industry, wealth and skill found a hearty reception. Robert Pickens I and his wife, with a large number of other refugees, fled to Scotland leaving France by way of La Rochelle, a fortified city of about eighteen thousand people, on the west coast of France.
We do not know how long Robert Pickens I lived in Scotland; but, after a time, we find his living at Limerick, Ireland, where he was living at the end of the seventeenth century.
We have no record of how many children Robert Pickens I had; but tradition tells us that at least three sons came to America to seek their fortunes in the New World, which at that time was being settled.
The names of the three sons of Robert Pickens I, who, we were told came to America, were: Andrew Pickens, John Pickens, Robert Pickens. We do not know the dates of birth of Andrew and John Pickens, but Robert Pickens was born at Limerick, Ireland, in 1697. It is known that these three brothers came to America; but is believed they did not come at the same time, because they did not settle at the same place in the New World. Robert Pickens I and his wife, it is said, were buried at Limerick, Ireland.
A son of Andrew [aka Andre’ Picon] and Isobell (Matthisone) Picken(s), Robert [aka Rob’ert Andre’ Picon] married widow Lady Ester Jeanne (le Benoit) le Bonneau in 1665 in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France.
Known child:
1) William Henry Picken(s) (1669-1735), m: Margaret Pike.
NOTE: This ancestor is still being researched. Available sources have some conflicting information, but the facts seem to hold up that the Pickens family was originally from Ireland by way of Scotland. At some point, some family members fled to France and records show a French spelling of the name; i.e. Henri’ Picon. Some members were actually born in France during this time period, which most likely caused the confusion of ancestral roots.
Excerpt from General Andrew Pickens (1739-1817) letter to General Lee in 1811:
“There seems to be some support for the claim that one ROBERT PICON, a Scotchman or Briton at the court of France was a Protestant who fled from Scotland in 1661 to avoid persecution of Charles II. In France he is said to have married Madam Jean Bonneau, also a Protestant. They fled France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by King Louis XIV in 1685. Tradition continues that they went to Scotland, later to North Ireland.”
Miss Eliza Pickens, a gr-granddaughter of General Andrew Pickens, in a paper prepared for D.A.R., said: “General Andrew Pickens’ first home was in Bucks Co PA. The Pickens were French Huguenots and left France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by King Louis XIV in 1685. General Pickens’ gr-grandfather, Robert Pickens held a good position in France and with every inducement to remain, but he refused to live under Roman Catholic rule. He married an accomplished young widow, Madam Bonneau.”
Margaret Lang, 9th Great-Grandmother
October 8, 2015
— 4 Comments
Lang Coat of Arms
My 9th great-grandmother was born in Dedham, Essex, England and died in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. She arrived in Salem with her second husband by 1630, but had a hard life in the new world. Her husband abandoned her, but she won a suit against him for support in Rhode Island:
June 5, 1665 Rhode Island Records
“ Wheras ther hath ben a petition presented to this presant Asembly margrett porter the wife of John porter of This jurisdicyion of Rhod Iland &c; in which The said margrett doth most sadly Complaine that her said husband is destitute of all Conjugall Love towards her, and sutable Care of her; is gone from her and hath Left her in such a nessesetous stat that unavoydably she is Brought to a meane dependance upon her Children for her Dayly suply, to her very great griffe of heart. and the Rather Considering that ther is in the hands of her said husband a very Competant Estat for both ther subsistance; and Thervpon the said margrett hath most Earnnestly Requested this gennerall asembly to take Care of her and to take her deplorable Estate Into your serious Consideration, as to make some sutable provition for her Reliefe out of the Estate of her husband, and that spedily before both hee and it be Convayed away.
“The Court therfore Taking the matter in to ther serioues Consideration and being Thoroughly satisfied, both by Common fame and otherwise, That the Complaints are True; and that the feares premised of convaying at least his Estate away are not without grownds; and haueing a deep sence upon ther hearts of this sad Condition which this poore anciante matrone is by this menes Reduced into…bee it by the said Court and the authority thereof decreed and Enacted that all the Estate, bothe personall and Reall of the above said John porter, Lying and Being in this Jurisdiction is hearby secured as if actually seazed upon and deposited for The Reliefe of the aforesaid Complainant…untill hee hath settled a Competent Reliefe upon his ageed wife to her full satisfaction…”
Rhode Island colonial records
The following is excerpted from an article in The American Genealogist, July, 1998, Vol. 73, No. 3, p.180,
“Reconstructing Sarah (Odding) Sherman, wife of Philip Sherman of Portsmouth, Rhode Island,” by Patricia Law Hatcher :
The life of Margaret Lang Odding Porter was not one of stability. She was probably born by 1590 and married by 1610 to William Oddyn, a weaver.
In 1612 she was left with a small daughter, Sarah. Sometime before 1633, probably before 1629, she married John Porter, likely in Braintree. John and Margaret had a daughter, Hannah, probably born in England.
John, Margaret, Sarah and Hannah came to Roxbury during 1633, where they joined the church late that year. John Porter and his son-in-law, Philip Sherman ( Sarah’s husband ) were amongst those who broke from the Roxbury church.
Margaret was uprooted again, moving to Portsmouth, RI by 1638. Her life there was not a happy one as John abandoned her by 1665, moving to Pettaquamscutt and apparently taking up with another woman. Margaret was obliged to petition the court for relief. This court action was the last mention of her in the records.”
Margaret Lang (1590 – 1671)
is my 9th great grandmother
Sarah Odding (1609 – 1681)
daughter of MARGARET Lang
Eber Sherman (1634 – 1706)
son of Sarah Odding
Mary Sherman (1688 – 1751)
daughter of Eber Sherman
Thomas Sweet (1732 – 1813)
son of Mary Sherman
Thomas Sweet (1765 – 1844)
son of Thomas Sweet
Valentine Sweet (1791 – 1858)
son of Thomas Sweet
Sarah LaVina Sweet (1840 – 1923)
daughter of Valentine Sweet
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Sarah LaVina Sweet
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
Vampire Archetype, Draining the Life Force
September 30, 2015
— 3 Comments
The season of scare is upon us as the month of Halloween arrives. Vampires are popular mythical characters used in costuming, entertaining, and decor during this season. The classic tale of Dracula is the famous story of a vampire most people know and think of when drawing up this archetype. The vampire returns to drain the life from his prey each night until it is depleted.
In a larger sense the vampire can represent the dynamic present in some couples (or even nations). One partner can sustain the psychic or material needs of the other by allowing themselves to be drained. Today this can be seen outwardly in financial situations. Neediness is the bond between the two, and survival of the couple depends on an unspoken and unhealthy agreement. Financial codependence does not resemble sharing. It more closely parodies a horror flick.
The positive result of an encounter with the vampire archetype is an awareness that some person or entity can suck the living daylights out of your soul. The shadow vampire sucks energy from others to maintain approval. Once you recognize this character in yourself and others you can take appropriate steps to protect your own energy. You will then be able to perceive your own dependencies in a new light. Once the light of day has been shed on the entire drama it can be laid to rest.
Day of the Dead
Are You Rich? Midas/Miser Archetype
September 29, 2015
— 2 Comments
Each of us has a different scale by which to measure reward or gain. One man’s treasure is, indeed, another man’s trash. The movement toward minimalism and recycling is an uplifting worldwide trend to examine just how much we realistically need. Security is elusive as well as individually defined. One person may feel perfectly secure in a situation that another would find difficult or stressful. We are creatures of habit. Our spending and consumption is often kept hidden from ourselves in a self delusional zone. Many prefer not to confront financial reality until it rudely awakens us for some reason. Security is basically a figment of our imagination because life can deal out any card at any time.
The Midas/Miser character reminds us of the balance between enjoying our good fortune and maintaining high anxiety about loosing it. King Midas turns all he touches into gold. When he turned his daughter into gold he realized he had gone too far with his magical wealth creation. The miser archetype hoards possessions and emotions closely in the illusion that control is protection. King Midas, Mr Goldfinger and the hoarders on reality shows suffer from the same psychic complaint. Our culture has supported and praised the creation of wealth and consumerism as an economic religion. It is not a surprise that people have always had issues with gratitude and sharing. Now we die from diseases caused by over eating and leave behind a large pile of stuff that may have little value to others who inherit it. My own father was the spiting image of Midas when he died. I can tell you it is not a good way to go.
Insatiable greed comes with a full-time fear of decline. Sharing and fully enjoying the bounty life offers requires discernment. To know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em is a constant tightrope act. We have real needs and desires that must be met for our wellbeing. It is a fine goal to be healthy wealthy and wise. Presumably the wise part knows how to multiply the health and wealth by sharing it with others. As a global community we are learning this heavy lesson. Lifting everyone out of poverty is in everyone’s interest.
shadow financesSlave Archetype vs Abundance
September 28, 2015
— 1 Comment
Most of us are obvious slaves to something or someone. The joke is that we slave on without knowledge of our bondage because we obscure reality to ourselves. We make-believe the job, the society, the government, the neighborhood, or even our birth family are to blame for all of our trials and tribulations. We need a scapegoat for any misery directly attributed to our behavior, so we manifest some slavery that keeps us from being free. These masters of our fate are clearly visible and obvious to all everyone else, just as we can clearly see what imprisons other people. The trick is to catch our own slave at work undermining our confidence and freedom, diminishing our possibilities and talents. Once the bondage has been identified it can be put to much more fruitful use. We define both abundance and scarcity for our own lives. Each of us has a particular definition that includes hints to finding the enslaver we harbor within. There are certain qualities or practices we consider to be essential to our persona’s happiness. Those are the things to which we are enslaved.
The bright full moon and eclipse last night moved me to examine my own areas of shadow slavery. I have taken a fun break from home and routine lately, which gives new perspective on my personal habits and rituals. Returning home I directly experienced my own abundance and good fortune. I have comfort, joy, good fortune, friends and ease in my home. Although I had a procedure to remove a small skin cancer on my shoulder last week, my doctor’s office is right down the street and I have all the support I need from friends and neighbors. The wound is healing quickly with very little pain. I see this wound on my skin as a reminder of my abundant good fortune. I do need to care for it as well as trust in providence and doctor’s instructions to heal me. The way I treat this wound is a metaphor for the way I take care of my health for the future. It represents the value and the necessity of self care, and also shows how much we all depend on help from others to live complete lives.
Have you ever taken a look at your inner slave in action? Who or what is the master, gentle reader?
The Buddha
California Heals
September 18, 2015
— 1 Comment
Mark 6:31
super staff
Miracle Springs Resort
Hot springs around the world have been used for healing purposes for centuries. The word spa is derived from a backronym (created in later times) in Latin, Salus per aquam, health through water. The meaning has been broadened to such an extent that today it is hard to know what it means. To me it still means drinking and soaking in mineral spring water. I have visited many spots around the world to enjoy balneotherapy and the benefits of drinking specialty water. On our road trip I am introducing my friend to the concept. We are staying 3 nights in Desert Hot Springs at the Miracle Springs Resort. This is the best deal I know for a mineral hot spring stay in the United States. There are small hotels and inns all around town with the water, but only this one, and the sister spa next door, to which guests also have access, offer so much space and so many different water temperatures available 24 hours daily. Nights under the stars are particularly wonderful in the pools.
My friend has just retired from work and had never experienced body work. I encouraged him to try it. He enjoyed his first massage tremendously. His therapist was excellent, according to him. Prices for services here are very reasonable, and I have always had good results. The hotel has upgraded some of the amenities since my last visit, and changed managers. The staff is professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. The initiation of my friend has been very successful. He is quickly turning into a spa bunny.
If you think spa means nail salon, jacuzzi, or an all-inclusive week-long excercise program I urge you to think again. Health is our only real wealth. A few days of mineral water hot spring soaking and drinking can make a world of difference to your wellbeing.
Miracle Springs Resort
