Hear the Heart of the World Beat as One!! HealthRHYTHMS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=257fH2__GnM

Meet the Thunder Drum and then click on the You Tube link to see a very special group of individuals that I spent days with at the Remo HealthRHYTHMS training last weekend in Princeton, NJ.  We were there to learn and grow, love and network. Saturday night, to remember 9/11, we created a very special drum circle and a song that could well be our theme as we remember!~!  The drum is called a Thunder stick.  The sounds that it sends forth will send a deep resonating rumble deep within your soul.  See what you can discover about it on YouTube or maybe I will play it and share the sounds!!!  Here is to all of my wonderful new friends!  May we stay connected through our music, drumming and caring for one another and the world!!
Another link to the closing ceremony - same song, different faces!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkoMnuYkLpQ  

Bread - the Staff of Life! More Synchronicities!!

Image via WikipediaMy sister Lisa and I love to call one another and share synchronicity stories.  Today was no exception.  It is Yom Kippur - a day for repentance, giving and compassion.  Yesterday, Lisa stopped by a bread shop looking for challah for the sunset meal before they began fasting.  The shop closed at 4 but the door was still open.  She saw just the baguette she wanted and asked if she could buy it.  The guy said no but she could have it.  Then she saw the perfect challah and asked about that. The guy told her to take that one as well. (It was round with raisins but this is the picture that I found in the media gallery).  Lisa was wondering about buying the challah - did they really need the bread?!?  A few blocks into her ride home, she saw a homeless woman and her kids and...you guessed it.  She stopped and gave the woman the bread - the staff of life - for her and her children!!  What a wonderful story of giving and sharing and compassion.  Yeah sister!!

Perfect Together!!

Imagine these conversations:  my friend Bernadette has no wheels, found a man's bike and is looking for one more her size.  Our son Jon is coming home from Japan in just FOUR short days and we've been talking about his fixing up the bike in the basement so he can continue his long distance riding.  Then allow your imagination to be riding in the car with me on the way home from work in Delaware on Friday. As we are heading down the homestretch, I glance to the left and see the perfect bike for Bernadette.  So I go and pick her up from the Bus Stop Music Cafe in Pitman and go check out the bike.  She's had some health news that has given her a bit of a setback, so no bike, but HEY WHY SHOULDN'T I BUY IT FOR ME??  The price was right and the fit is perfect.  Then I stood there thinking some more.  Thank goodness for cell phones.  "Bill come down the street and check this out!!"  Yes, we agree, it would be perfect for Jon and the price is equal to or less than his fixing up the other one.  SOLD!  SOLD!!  We scurried to the ATM to get him the $$ and then believe this.  He works at Rowan and was leaving for work in a few minutes, so he could put them in his truck and drop them off at our house.  WIN! WIN!!  Jon has the yellow bike; I have the red bike and we will have a wonderful 16 days visit beginning in a few short days!!  See I always tell you to keep your eyes open and watch for the synchronicities!!

This Guy is Too Precious!!

Although there were an outstanding group of new friends at the HealthRHYTHMS training this past weekend, we were also honored to be 'gifted' with a little tambourine with a picture of Mick - Rhyth Mick!!  Get it?!?  Since I love 'cute' and colorful, he was an instant favorite of mine.  How to share him?  I took a picture of the tambourine and have this to share.  He represents the FACILITATOR'S WARDROBE.  Here is what we know:

  Tool belt- presents Arthurain tools and techniques  to build the circle

  Conductor's baton - conduct the group through body language and clear directions

  A Flashlight - guiding the group with your drum, bell and spirit

  A Big Heart - pounding the caring rhythm

  BIG Ears - Listeninig intently to their song

  A Coat of Many Colors - our unique gifts for delighting the circle

  Spontaneous Steps - showing muselike inspiration!!

  ANYTHING WE GIVE OUT AS A FACILITATOR WILL COME BACK TO US MANY TIMES OVER!!

Each of us is a musical spirit!!

 

It's Only Just Begun!!

About a month ago, I wrote about my friend Julie and the gift she was giving me with the HealthRHYTHMS drum circle.  Then I shared that we would be attending facilitator training in Princeton.  Well as you can see from this picture, WE DID IT!  For me, it was a beginning.  For Julie it was coming back to guide those of us who were learning.  We realized that we are all always learning!  Now I think about moving forward with this process.  I have come to realize that the drum is the vehicle but the circle is so much more!  It is about stress relief, empowerment, communication, and just having FUN!   Mimi wrote that she is doing her first circle tomorrow with her patients and staff at the mental institution where she works.  Others are about to do their first circle as well.  We are challenged by Remo to do our first training within 30 days!  Tonight it is all keeping me awake.  How will I do it?  Where will I do it?  Coming are endings and new beginnings.  I know that my place in the world is here at home with Bill.  I know I have been looking forward to being FREE once my work is done.  Tonight I lay in bed and wondered what that freedom looks and feels like?  Hmmmmmm  If Bill weren't sleeping so soundly in the other room, maybe, just maybe I would drum to see what it feels like.  Tomorrow is another day!!

Sunrise...Sunset...Swiftly Flow the Years!!

The same night at the beach in Lewes, DE, sitting on a bench and watching...people, the gifts of beauty, and the ultimate relationship - a person and her dog!!  It was the night before my final training sessions with the Head Start State based training team.  I was reflecting on the past 20+ months, the changes I recognized in myself as a result of my work with Zero to Three and some phenomenal individuals on my Infant/Toddler Specialist team.  Often when I sit quietly, words from songs come to mind.  I forgot about these until I woke this morning (5 AM) and the refrain from a Fiddler on the Roof song was playing again!  It is a New Year.  It is Fall.  There are so many changes in the air and within me!!  Here are the words:

Sunrise...Sunset...

Swiftly flow the years

One season following another

Laden with Happiness ...and tears!

As I think back, yes, there were tears and frustrations (one person told me I was the most negative person she had ever met!!) but when I really reflect in an honest way, I am filled with the gratitude of opportunities.  Why would I ever think of anything differently.  As the song says, the years fly by swiftly and TODAY is the gift of the precious present...and truth and honest...it is all we have.

Later today, I leave for Remo's Health Rhythms facilitator training (3 days).  I just have a feeling in my heart that this opportunity is a gift I am offering myself and in some ways, it will be life changing.

And a resounding YES...I will be buying more drums

Good Bye....Shalom...See you Again Soon!!

The other night, I was sitting on the beach by the Delaware Bay in Lewes, DE simply watching the sunset and the people there to share it with me.  Two moms and their little guys had been to a playdate and were walking towards the car at the end of the evening.   All of a sudden, this is what I saw!  If I had been feeling peaceful prior to that with the beauty of God's gift of the sunset, this brought total joy and possibilities to my heart!  Another gift!!!   This interaction was definitely one of those "Teachable Moments" I am often referring to but in this case, no one had to tell them to 'be nice to your friend' or give your buddy a hug good-bye.  It just happened and I was blessed to be there to see it as you are blessed that I am sharing this beautiful spontaneous moment with you.  Sitting in synagogue a few days later for Rosh Hoshanah services, the rabbi asked what we might wish for in the coming year (5771) on many levels.  These two guys are a vision of my wish for everyone to be kind to one another and for there to be more peace and understanding in the world!  Happy New Year!!!

Spirit Boosters Around Pitman!!

We were on the way to the doctor's to get the results of my lung biopsy and related tests.  Needless to say, there was some anxiety surrounding us.  It's about not knowing and uncertainty.  Then we turned the corner onto Holly Avenue and all of the tension was gone as we broke out into laughter when we saw this incredible pink gorilla sitting on the picnic table at Joe Pop's - a local eatery.  Didn't matter what time the appointment was.  I needed to stop and have a photo op! What better way to remember the day and the wonderfully positive news we recieved than to have this picture of ???  I stoped inside to get the scoop and there was a baby in his car seat, waiting for his pizza.  His name was Freddie, so I decided that I would always remember the joyful goofy pink gorilla as Freddie!  Next day, someone had dressed Freddie in a stunning black lace bra (well, the pecs were rather large!) and alas, yesterday, it was gone.  The gratitude in the situation - outright laughter in a tense situation and memories of "benign" as the results.  The sun was shining and the day was perfect!!

Changes are Clearly Coming...

I can feel it in the air, see it in the trees and the garden flowers, hear the sounds of the insects and watch the squirrel's activity.  Yes, the acorns are all over the deck as well!!  Fall is coming.  For me, it is the most powerful time of year.  It is the Jewish New Year (and I remember my times with my Dad), Jon is coming for a long visit (it's been a year since we saw him), my work is changing and I am paying closer attention to health and the foods that nurture my body, mind and spirit.  As I looked at this picture, I saw so many things to share.  First I saw the light on the leaves and then their spectacular color.  My eyes drew me through to a hazy view of what is to come!!  The vew in the distance isn't clear but then I realize that It's all about change and uncertainty. It will become clear as the days move forward. I used to think I was adaptable and flexible; maybe sometimes I am.  Sometimes that is not the truth at all and I WANT TO KNOW!  At times like that I turn to my friends, my flower essences and today made myself a drink filled with patience and acceptance - for myself and for others.  As we evolve, we often encounter challenges.  For me, the patience and acceptance are lessons.  And I realize that I am not perfect, so the patience and acceptance has to come from within as much as it is spread to others.  In fact, I would think it has to be there first for myself and then it can easily be shared with others!!  I talk about synchronicity and I am open to what is to come!!

Health Rhythms is Coming...Listen to the BEAT!!

Barry Bittman and Christine Stevens     AND THE DRUMS!!!

Our Health Rhythms Trainers!!

The anticipation has been in my head and heart for more than a year since I first found out about the Health Rhythms Facilitator training.  Now I am ready to move on and explore all of the phenomenal options to empower people and guide their healing.  The information packet came yesterday and the anticipation has become a reality!!  YEAH team!!!

Endings BUT not...Relationships Continue!!!

What a group!!  A year and a half ago, the Office of Head Start created a new Training and Technical Assistance system for each state.  ICF International was the contractor and Zero to Three, a non-profit based in DC subcontracted to provide Infant/Toddler Specialists.  That they did!!  ZTT's task was to provide I/T specialists for the 14 states of ICF's contract.   The challenge of it all was virtual teams with limited travel dollars.  Our group, fondly called SBITS (state based infant/toddler specialists) began sharing our life stories and meeting via weekly phone conferences.  OK...better than not at all, but still not the easiest way to build relationships - and ZTT is best known as a Relationship Based organization!!!  Finally in June, 6 months after inception, we all finally came together in DC for the Birth to Three Institute and there was some amazing connections forged.  The photo above is NOT inclusive but one of a small gang of us hanging out on a summer's evening at DuPont Circle!  Now going on, you will see the gang, including our 'fearless' leaders, Matthew Melmed on the right and Lillian Sugarman, next to me in the back left.  Missing was Sandy Petersen, home healing in Colorado!!   In December, we found out that OHS would be terminating our contract and there would be a new system created.  The news was a long way off - way more than 200+ days and now, we are into the last three weeks.  Transition is never a simple thing.  Some have new ways to make an impact in the Infant/Toddler field; others are still searching.  We wonder what we have done but I can say for sure that every time one of us went out and shared information about the importance of the first three years of life (and pregnancy too) we were having an effect on the larger environment and making differences in the lives of the children, families and staff we work with.  Will our relationships be over?  Maybe on a weekly conscious level, but never based on the connections we have made and the wonderful work we have done together!!  What's next for me...watch for new of Remo's Health Rhythms drum circle facilitator training (coming up 9/10-12) and find out my intention of make yet more differences in the world of wonderful people!!

                                   

Back row from left:  Martie (DE), Lillian (of the world/ZTT), Renee (MO), Heather (NE), Beth (IA), Joe (WVA), Donna (AK), Angela (MD), Kelly (OK) and Matthew (of the world/ZTT)

Front row from left:  BethAnn (KS), Diane (OR), Melissa (ID) and Deb (VA)  (Missing:  PA & DC!!)

THANK YOU FROM DEEP WITHIN MY HEART FOR ALL OF THE LOVE, SUPPORT, COMPASSION AND KNOWLEDGE

WE HAVE SHARED WITH ONE ANOTHER! 

 I AM FILLED WITH GRATITUDE!!

What Does FREEDOM Mean to YOU!?!?

A few weeks ago, I had a doctor's appointment to talk about some possibilities going on in my body.  As I was about to get in the car to go, I looked over at the butterfly bush and saw FIVE of these glorious beauties just gently floating around the deep purple flowers and being FREE!  Yes, I know this picture is a thistle and it is from yesterday, but same butterflies!!  Being very still and watching them (a behavior I have not engaged in as much as I used to, but am recovering!!), I thought about what it means to be FREE!!  And this fits in with my trip to Iowa and Nebraska.  I had 7 luscious days of no real responsibility to ponder life, self and surroundings.  It was so perfect.  Today a friend asked me what I noticed about the differences in the culture.  I was challenged to answer because I was just focusing on who I was with and what I liked where I was.  Interesting.  I saw the similarities - not considering statistics, but FUN!  As I think on it, isn't that a kind of Freedom in itself?!?  I was being in the present moment and enjoying every bit of it!!  Now to carry that feeling home and live it daily!  Can be done.

What does being FREE mean to you??

Write and share your thoughts.  I would appreciate the conversations.

martiemol@aol.com

Nature's Balance - Not Always Fair!!

Seems like we are 'bugged' a lot this summer by all types of creatures in the garden from rabbits to ground hogs to caterpillars and beetles.  Just the other morning we noticed these bright and colorful creatures on the parsley plants in the box on the railing.  I use the term parsley plants loosely because so little is left of them!!  These little guys appear and within days, the big ones are gone, little caterpillars appear and the plants are nothing but stems in the ground.  I suppose this is one of the ways that nature takes care of its own, but can't they find weeds to eat?!?  They are beautiful colors though now aren't they?!?

A Great Adventure Always Includes Special Friends!!

   

Beth and Martie in Iowa (actually Nebraska, but we won't tell!!  Trust what the shirt says!! And it was hand painted by a woman at the Farmer's Market.

Any great and wonderful adventure is built around the place and even more so THE PEOPLE!    When I began planning this advanture and shared where I was going, the response was, "WHY?"  What I shared was that I was going to visit two very special people in my life to see where they lived and who they shared their daily adventures with.  I went with no intentions but to be open to experiences and that we had!!  I started in Iowa with Beth and her husband, Wil who everyone calls Frosty.  Yes, there is a story to that but that is for another time.  We visited Farmer's Market, Italian Festival, toured growing up spaces, took off on a pontoon boat on the Reservoir and saw so much, my head was spinning and thanks for the photos to remember many of the stories!!  I met friends, colleagues and relatives and especially grandson Clarence Pete!  He's just turned a year and is he ever a cutie!  Coming with him were Jake and Carrie and their dog Sammy.  After three days, it was time to transfer me to Nebraska and the adventures with Heather and Ivy!!  That they were and what a contrast in experiences yet all just so perfect!!  In Nebraska we drummed, ate, danced and played with 5 year olds!  I got to see Heather's near perfect new work environment and meet her new team.  It was totally a thrill to see the pleasure on people's faces as they anticipated having Heather as their Infant Toddler specialist.  I've been home for a bit more than a week and am still digesting and reflecting on a time of fun, family and no responsibilities!!  That in itself did a lot to make the adventures perfect.  More stories to come, but where do I start?  As I said in the beginning, always with the most special people!!  Thanks to all of them!!!  I will be back but next time it will be with Bill and an RV!  Just you watch!!!

Heather and Martie in Nebraska  Can you believe we finally got someone to take our picture together at the airport before I left?!?  (And boo hoo - no pictures of me with Ivy!!  Wonder how that happened?!?!?!)