May: Lupus Awareness Month

My step-sister has had systemic lupus for several years (starting when she was about 15-16 years old). I'm trying my best to learn more about lupus and hope to raise awareness of it as well. Please check out my step-sister's blog where she details her experience with lupus as well as provides excellent information on it:
http://littlelivinglupie.blogspot.com/


What is Lupus? 
The chronic autoimmune disease, Lupus, occurs when the immune system--instead of protecting the body from germs and other infectious invaders-- fails to recognize the difference between the bad and good tissue, thus becoming counterproductive by producing autoantibodies that harm healthy cells and tissues, which can be damaging to:

• joints
• skin
• kidneys (Note: Serious kidney damage could lead to kidney failure. Luckily there is effective treatment)
• heart (higher risk of cardiovascular disease)
• lungs (painful breathing, pleurisy)
• blood vessels (for example, vasculitis which is the inflammation of the blood vessels-very serious)

Essentially, the immune system is attacking itself. For this reason,  Lupus makes one more vulnerable to other illnesses and creates numerous complications (anemia, pregnancy complications, etc). Lupus may even impact the Central Nervous System (primarily the brain, which causes cognitive dysfunction, such as dizziness, hallucinations, memory problems, seizures, headaches).

Note: Lupus is not contagious and it is not a cancer.

What causes Lupus?

Although the cause of Lupus remains unknown, it may be linked to the following factors:

• Hereditary/Genetics
• While genes are a possibility, no specific gene group has yet been identified. However, research revealed that those with lupus may have family members with an autoimmune disease. 
• Environmental Stimuli
• Certain environmental factors may trigger the disease, such as the sun's ultraviolet rays (photosensitivity), smoking, exhaustion, emotional stress (divorce, illness, loss of a loved one) and physical stress (surgery, even pregnancy), exposure to dangerous toxins (trichloreothylene found in well water and dust), flu or other illness, an injury, drugs associated with sulfa and penicillin ( Bactrim and Septra), 
• Hormones 
• The hormone estrogen is believed to influence lupus in some way. According to the Lupus Foundation, "Many women have more lupus symptoms before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy, when estrogen production is high. This may indicate that estrogen somehow regulates the severity of lupus." So, indeed, a connection exists, it's just a matter of understanding specifically how and why.

What are the symptoms?
Since there are different forms of lupus (systemic  lupus, cutaneous lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus) and not all cases are alike, there are a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe:

• extreme fatigue
• the swollen and painful joints  (mostly swollen wrists, hands, knees and elbows)
• chest pain on deep breathing (pleurisy), which can make breathing painful
• headaches
• fever
• red skin rash (known as butterfly rash or malar) that can be found on the face, arm, chest, etc.
• muscle pain
• hair loss (alopecia)
• anemia (low red blood cells count)
• sensitivity to the sun (which can exacerbate the rashes)
• pale toes and fingers that turn blue/white when cold (Raynaud's phenmenon)
• mouth/nose ulcers
• swollen eyes and legs
• seizures 
• dizziness
• faint spells 
• depression
• Confusion

How is Lupus diagnosed?

Since the symptoms associated with lupus are not unique to lupus alone, there is some difficulty in diagnosing patients with lupus. Doctors perform different tests, such as a skin biopsy, blood tests (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Complete Blood Count (CBC), conduct a kidney and liver assessment, urinalysis, and syphilis test. They also abide by a certain set of guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology that pay attention to the combination of 11 specific abnormalities, of which a patient must have at least four. I found the information regarding diagnosis on the following website:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/

I urge you to visit it and learn more about the various tests and symptoms.

How is Lupus treated?

Despite the lack of a cure, there are ways to treat and manage the disease to help minimize the symptoms. Treatments vary from person to person and their specific problems.

• Maintain close contact with your healthcare team (which may include doctors in various fields, but for the most part a rheumatologist (handles joints and muscles) is typically the one who treats lupus, unless there are complications with other organs).
• Follow treatment plan designed according to one's age, symptoms, lifestyle in an effort to help cope with the symptoms, reduce inflammation, reduce damage to other organs, etc. Take medications as prescribed. Don't prescribe your own dosages (not safe. but this is common sense, right?)

Here are the FDA approved medications for Lupus as listed on the Lupus Foundation site:

corticosteroids, including prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone; the antimalarial, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®); and aspirin. 

To learn more about Lupus and what YOU can do to help, visit:

http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html

Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

You are what you....Think?

"Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit"


So during one of my idle moments I started to wonder, wonder a little too much, about the power of the mind. I decided to read "As Man Thinketh" by British philosopher James Allen to give me better insight into what I struggled to articulate to myself.


We have the power to control our thoughts and the direction our lives take. Only we can determine our reaction. No one else can dictate our thoughts. Therefore, the consequences that befall us are due, in part, to our thoughts (mind that I did not say circumstances, although that, too, is mostly true. Remember, there are always exceptions). In a more convoluted manner, Allen states this message as such, "Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry." Thoughts indeed are very much like a garden that we tend to, and it will flourish as we desire it to, or wilt when we neglect it. How many times have you tactlessly made a statement in the fury of anger? That, reader, is an example of neglecting one's garden.  


While your environment to great degrees influences your behavior, you are in possession of yourself and have the ability to inspire change. If you so choose to wallow in the abyss of depression or foster the traits of a degenerate, what can anyone do for you? They can advise you and guide you, but the change begins with YOU. No one can force you to be anything different than you aspire. In truth, "Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armoury of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself." I mention this solely because some people are very quick to blame others for who they are, when, in reality, you can at any moment change. 


As the master and maker of yourself, as Allen states, it's up to you to utilize these roles of empowerment. That second chance, that glimpse at  the transformative power you harness, that forgiving glint reverberating within all of humanity, sits awaiting the moment you decide to use it.  Your environment, your destiny, your experience, is connected to you, and it's up to you what you contribute. What you give is what you shall reap. 


Indeed, your thoughts help develop your state of being. According to Allen:
Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. This does not mean that a man's circumstances at any given time are an indication of his entire character, but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some vital thought-element within himself that, for the time being, they are indispensable to his development.


What does all this mean? It means that your environment does not control you. There's a great freedom in gaining self-control of your thoughts and emotions. Until one learns that they are in control, and not all the pressures and temptations present on a daily basis, then one discovers true mastery. Circumstance is  not to be credited with making the man,  but with revealing man to himself. After all, "no such conditions can exist as descending into vice and its attendant sufferings apart from vicious inclinations, or ascending into virtue and its pure happiness without the continued cultivation of virtuous aspirations." In short, who you are, your actions, may be spurred on by external factors, but your inclinations belong to none other but yourself.  Once you  "cease to whine and revile, and commence to search for the hidden justice which regulates [your] life. And as you] adapt [your] mind to that regulating factor, [you cease] to accuse others as the cause of [your] condition, and [build yourself] up in strong and noble thoughts; [cease] to kick against circumstances, but [begin] to use them as aids to [your] more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within [yourself]."  Sadly, with all the distractions blockading progress, it seems many miss the opportunity to cultivate this truth.


In life, you "do not attract that which [you] want, but that which [you] are. [Your] whims, fancies, and ambitions are thwarted at every step, but [your] inmost thoughts and desires are fed with [your] own food, be it foul or clean. The "divinity that shapes [your] ends" is in [yourself]; it is [your] very self." You can choose to imprison yourself or free yourself This is common sense, right? You know you CAN do this. But why don't you? 


 Much happens in life that leaves us simply flabbergasted. We often wish and pray, but wishing and prayer is only facilitated through some effort on your part, because "UNTIL thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment."In agreement with Allen, "wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with [your] thoughts and actions." Moreover, nothing will improve for us if we refuse to improve yourself. So while it's okay to have visions of your house with the white picket fence, to become a head chef, a teacher, or president of the United States, those desires will never be realized unless we pursue it with a passionate ambition and relentless determination. Every time we fall and get back up means that we are one step closer to overcoming a weakness. Always, "Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all, heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built." That ideal, no matter the sacrifice, will be achieved if your heart is set on it. Nothing is without sacrifice.


In order to achieve great things, a great sacrifice must be made. The sacrifice of time, the sacrifice of a night out on the town, the sacrifice of not buying those really nice pairs of shoes, the sacrifice of not playing your favorite sport for how ever long, the sacrifice of living somewhere intolerable when you'd rather live on a raft in the middle of the ocean surrounded by hungry sharks, haha, at this point you get what I mean.  As Allen states, " The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set... Even the man whose sole object is to acquire wealth must be prepared to make great personal sacrifices before he can accomplish his object." Sacrifice makes that journey worthwhile. Not everyone may realize all the tribulations you underwent to achieve all you possess.  These are your battles. The scars you bear, none will ever fully know the wound before the scar. Indeed,  "circumstances, however, are so complicated, thought is so deeply rooted, and the conditions of happiness vary so, vastly with individuals, that a man's entire soul-condition (although it may be known to himself) cannot be judged by another from the external aspect of his life alone." Your experience is yours and none, not even vicariously, can know it well. 


What many do not realize is the power of thoughts to manifest itself into habit. Take for instance certain fears. I often catch myself hoping that something doesn't fall, and while worrying so much, it happens, haha. That actually happened to my aunt the other day. She kept worrying that she would stain her shirt to the point that her shirt got stained with her food, haha. Remember, "Thoughts of doubt and fear never accomplished anything, and never can," at least nothing good. Now this won't always be the case, but without your realizing it, your thoughts can lead to both fortunate and unfortunate circumstances. A couple months ago, I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about the connection between your thoughts and your health. It began like this:


Me: baby, when will you rescue me from my tower?

Boyfriend: When pigs fly. I'll jump on a pig and rescue you. That would be sick, huh?

That conversation was a great segue way into how much our emotions impact our health. People commit suicide over a broken heart, experience extremely high stress levels and severe depression that cause their body to emotionally shut down, and, a  lot of the times, people get sick. Well, as much as the internal tends to be ignored, it's not out of sight, out of mind. The article below asserts that repressed anger and other negative emotions that remain unexpressed could potentially lead to cancer. Obviously there are exceptions. There always are. Even Allen stated that:

Disease and health, like circumstances, are rooted in thought. Sickly thoughts will express themselves through a sickly body. Thoughts of fear have been known to kill a man as speedily as a bullet, and they are continually killing thousands of people just as surely though less rapidly. The people who live in fear of disease are the people who get it. Anxiety quickly demoralizes the whole body, and lays it open to the entrance of disease; while impure thoughts, even if not physically indulged, will soon shatter the nervous system.Still, it's nevertheless an interesting concept to consider.

Emotions are part of the body. They're not as tangible as a body part, but they're just as important and should not be ignored. 

http://www.alternative-cancer-care.com/Cancer_Anger_Hate.html

My point is, strive to live a healthier life, try to control your emotions, do the little things that make you happy. Don't let envy, anger, malice and other negative emotions control you and wear you out. If you need an excuse to tell your boyfriend/girlfriend/brother/best friend/other significant person in your life, to  stop harassing you, now you can say, "Stop it, you're going to give me cancer...literally."  Alright, let's not guilt trip anyone and it's not something to joke about, but I think you get the gist of what I'm saying. Ultimately, one seeks serenity. When "[we become] calm in the measure that [we understand ourselves] as a thought evolved being... such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as [we develop] a right understanding, and [see] more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect [we cease[ to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and [remain] poised, steadfast, serene.[We], having learned how to govern himself, [know] how to adapt [ourself] to others... The more tranquil a [we become], the greater is [our] success, [our] influence, [our] power" to achieve all we desire.

Your actions and the actions of others (at least those who matter to you) matter! You may not see it now, it may be a passing cloud, but think about what you say and do. There are repercussions for your actions, severe ones at times. It's important to find a balance and maintain poise of character. I'm all for more love and more compassion.

"Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep: wake Him. Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!" -James Allen

Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Secrets

Secrets lurk beneath the surface, hide in dimensions, lie awaiting discovery in the crevices of our soul, in the black holes of the universe. Sometimes secrets are necessary. At times they lend your character mystery, even if that secret isn't extraordinary. Sometimes secrets are kept that could harm a person you love, and, thus, they are stored away to protect both parties from an unnecessary circumstance.

 It is not always that secrets should be kept, especially if it goes so far as to breach the sanctity of a bond. In the realm of trust, the heart is given with the understanding that it shall be respected. While observing the nature of relationships from afar and near, I've noticed the insidious form secrets take when kept for selfish reasons. Countless scenarios stream pass my mind of those secrets that I've seen slowly lead to the atrophy of even the most seemingly beautiful relationship, be it platonic, romantic, or familial.

By selfish, I mean fostering the knowledge of a secret that would wholly disrespect the person for whom you care deeply. Such knowledge is damaging because you are  aware of certain boundaries that should not be crossed ( established earlier in the relationship through conversation or is understood through common sense), because, if crossed, it will cause that person pain that will never fully heal. Sometimes, in such a scenario, it is best to be forthright and honest, because such secrets, or withheld truths, can, at times, become lies. Such lies will cut far deeper than the truth and could thoroughly decimate the most precious of bonds.

If you truly love someone,  as a good friend, a lover, or blood relative, then let not falsehood adulterate the commitment you've made to that person. One of the most beautiful aspects unique to humanity is their ability to love. It is saddening, and almost frightening, how capable we are of hurting those we love, because they are at their most vulnerable. When we seek to hurt them, we strike far deeper, because we know exactly where and how to strike. I have the solemn hope that we would take better care in how we treat one another.

 When you love someone, be true.



Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Star and Noir: Two Special Cats

Noir and Star. When Noir died, apparently he was missing an eye. In the picture I took a couple days before he died, the shadows make him look like he has only one eye...

What's a relationship without trust, right?  Trust takes time, patience, and care to build. Once built, it's sturdy and worth holding on to, and yet the slightest deception can lead to it's downfall. I simply want to share a rather intriguing story regarding two very special cats, Star and Noir, who allowed me more insight into the nature of trust.

Mother (Pregnen) with kitten (Halo)

In my temporary home, up in the hills, I've encountered numerous stray cats. At first I simply acknowledged their existence. That was the extent of our relationship. I already have a beautiful blue-point himalayan persian, 14 years old (or is he 15? He's just old), healthy as can be, and the reason for my allergies. Sterling has his own room that I rarely visited, until I started to become more than mere acquaintances with the stray cats. Over time as I fed and observed them, I learned their different personalities. Suddenly they just weren't flea-ridden cowards that scurried off the moment they heard a sound (mind you, I don't detest cats. I think they're cute. I just find their paranoia funny), they were uniquely fascinating.  Animals have stories, too.

During the rainy season all the cats huddled close to keep warm. Noir and his brother and sister, Oreo and Spry, snuggled, all curled up, on the wooden bench outside. They formed a furry bundle safe from the cold raindrops and sharp wind. As kittens, they played,  jumped about and ran around in a game that resembled tag, but with a twist. The musketeers ate, slept, and played together.

Noir was especially close to Spry. When I poured food into their bowls, he would walk out from his hiding place, look back, and meow. Spry upon hearing him would emerge and join him to eat, then they lay side by side. Their bond grew when a car knocked down Oreo.

But it wasn't long before Spry, the beautiful calico, too, was knocked down. Noir was left with no one to give him warmth. As I poured the food into the bowls, he would look at the spot where she usually came from,  and meow. Eventually he realized he was alone. He sought the affection of the other cats. He would rub against Gorda or Tuxedo, or meow to any cat near him. Many fluffled their tails, arched their backs, and slashed out at him. Others simply hissed at him and  ignored his meows, which strangely sounded more like cries. Soon Pretty Face, a gold cat with a tail striped with white, started harassinng him, not letting him near the food,and hissing at him.

Shy little Marshmallow

One rainy windy day when he looked up at Gorda and Tuxedo curled up on the bench, he meowed to them. They ignored him, and he went to a corner, where he stayed, all wet and alone. It wasn't long before he moved himself farther and farther away from our house and hid somewhere up the road in the bushes. As I walked the dogs, he would run down the road meowing to me. It's as if he knew he was safe when we were around. I remember calling my mother out of the house so she would greet him and take him to the food. All the while he meowed.

Seeing how he constantly surveyed his surroundings as he ate, I sat outside with him. He meowed to me and ate peacefully. I took pictures of him. In some of the pictures he appeared to have only one eye. Strange and sad, I thought.  Eventually I grew accustomed to sitting outside and watching him eat. Even after he finished, I still sat outside for a bit. His melodious meow never stopped. He seemed to enjoy my company. He would try to come near me, meow, and then move back again. He meowed a lot. His meow sounded desperate and sorrowful. I've never encountered a cat who meowed that frequently. 

One night my mother and I decided to take Koko for a walk. It was pitch black so we carried a flashlight.
Walking up the hill I jumped at a sudden noise, a meow, and at a flash of black. It was Noir. He had waited for us. I sat by him as he ate and stayed outside a little longer with him. As he ate, I tried to touch him, but he drew back. I tried again, and he didn't draw back nearly as much. Soon he ate unconcerned about whether or not I touched him, though sometimes he would look up.

He would make a good house cat. He needs someone to love him.

If only I could get him used to the human touch. Then he would never be alone.

Tiger

The next morning my mother told me she went to find Noir, knowing that he would be hiding in the bushes. Pretty Face had finally managed to force Noir far away from us. She told my step-father, "Look there he is." She pointed up the road. There he was. A shadow upon the gravel.

But he wasn't moving. The gravelled road was splattered with his blood. He was missing an eye. Just like my picture.

After my step-father buried Noir, I could not stop pondering over the tragic life Noir led. Furthermore, if I hadn't observed them I would never have cared about the relationships cats build with each other. They have their own society, though clearly not as intricate or evolved as human society. I couldn't get his meow out of my head. None of the other cats' demise affected me as much as his. I felt a strange bond with him that I had never felt with my own persian. I started spending more time with Sterling thanks to Noir, even if it means getting Benadryl wasted.

Then I met Star. Star has a dark gray stripped coat with patches  of orange. She grew up with Pengui, Tiger, and Patches. Pretty Face, the territorial monster, drove Pengui away, and eventually Tiger and Patches moved farther away, to the front of the house. We place bowls of cat food at the front of the house and in the back. Eventually Star, too, was left alone.

She didn't meow as much as Noir, actually she didn't quite know how to meow. Her meows sounded more like a choked back scream, and sometimes when she opened her mouth to meow, no sound came. She lounged around and preoccupied herself with exploring, sleeping, or eating. If Pretty Face came around, she hid, but was never fearful enough to desert the area. Sometimes she drank pool water. In time, she grew accustomed to me bringing out food and would greet me at the door.

Could I do for her what I failed to do for Noir?

I went back inside and got a piece of ham. I threw it her way. She ran, but not too far, before she turned around and smelled the honeyed-ham. It took a long time, days actually, before she eventually took it from my hand. But soon she knew I was not a threat. Now she's not afraid to be petted. She meows (yes, she meows now!) as if demanding her piece of ham. She's not even afraid of our yorkies (but who would be, really?) She'll jump on the lounge chair and sniff my hands for ham and start purring, her little paws kneading the soft cushion. She'll raise a paw almost as if to put it on my lap, but withdraw and continue kneading the cushions. Her claws remain withdrawn once near me. I think I've made a new friend. Maybe she's a ham-addict now, but at least she's not alone. She shows affection to all the cats, even if they show her none. I learned that if I train them to stay near, then they won't stray as far and will live longer. So far from all that have been trained, none have died. :)

Jedi, a striped cat, now follows in the steps of Star. He is far from affectionate, but he comes when called, will come near you, will eat from your hand, and so on. However, he has a habit of slashing out at times, but now he keeps his claws withdrawn. Gemini is not as shy either, and Marshmallow is coming out of her shell as well. They love the Temptation treats, except Marshmallow. Jedi sometimes gets moody and prefers ham, haha.

The Village of Cats:

Gorda: the obese and surprisingly atheltic cat. Absolutely no other cat can mess with her.
Spry: A beautiful calico who unforunately got hit by a car. A fate that befell her two brothers, Oreo and Noir (R.I.P.)
Oreo:  Black and white and a bit awkward looking. He got hit by a car (R.I.P.)
Tuxedo: my crackhead. He was always on the run and terrified of the other cats. He was very friendly and always meowing his lungs out for food. (R.I.P)
Negrito: A cat black as night. He would climb the palm tree next to the house and jump on the roof. There would be a loud clatter that's terrifying  if you're inside the house. It was a relief to know that all that noise wasn't someone trying to break  into the house  but Negrito. He, however, had a difficult time figuring out how to get back down. (R.I.P).
Mami: She's rather ugly and looks aged. She can be very aggressive. Loves treats.
Pregnen: She's the slut of all the cats. Always pregnant. A good mother to her kittens, though. Very pretty cat.

Jedi, the bad boy

Pengui- The penguin. Very friendly until Pretty Face-- the bully--ran him off. (R.I.P.)
Pretty Face- The village bully. Chased away almost all the cats. He's calmed down finally after getting a beating from Mustachio. He's also afraid of Gorda (she is fat enough to squash him)
Mustachio: Black and white, looks like he has a mustache. Don't know too much about him.
Sylvester: Weird looking cat. Hence the name. One eye is bigger than the other and his face looks like a cartoon.
Patches: Pretty paranoid calico. Another crackhead. She always hangs out with her brother, Tiger.
Tiger: Patches' brother. He's always arching his back and tries to act all fierce.. Tiger, I'm sorry to break it to you, but you're not a real tiger.
Gemini: Mostly white but his face is both black and white...split down the middle that way
Jedi: The next cat I'm training. He's brave and curious.
Star: A very smart cat. Gray fur. Tiger stripes. Hint of orange.
Marshmallow: Mostly white, but with more black patches than Gemini

Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis 101

If you would like to assist Japan then click on the following link: http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/index.html

The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Northern Japan on March 11, 2011 led me to enlighten myself on the nature of these natural disasters. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred near the island of Honshu and is known as the fifth largest ever recorded in Japan. The combined forces killed thousands, moved planes, trains, and cars, overtook homes, killed power sources, leaving Japan in a state of utter despair. To top it all off, as rescuers scurried about digging through rubble in the desperate and courageous attempt to help those buried beneath, the nuclear power reactor explodes, leaking high levels of radiation.

The reason Japan is earthquake and tsunami prone is due to their location, since it lies along the edge of four tectonic plates. Once the oceanic plates rub together it releases a tremendous amount of energy/force in the form of an earthquake. Being so near the water as well, a tsunami may quickly follow an earthquake, as was the case in this event. According to Kyodo News, about 151,000 are in shelters and 14,000 are missing.

Earthquake 101



 For the most part, an earthquake occurs when tectonic plates grind against each other.  Tectonic plates, or masses of rock that look like puzzle pieces, are constantly in motion due to the heat found in the earth's core. At times they rub together which impedes their motion. When this happens, it causes stress, and, thus, releases energy in the form of seismic waves.


Tsunami 101



Disturbances, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, lead to a deformation of the seafloor that upsets the equilibrium of the water. Once this happens, it produces powerful shockwaves that travel up to 600 miles per hour (about as fast as a jet). It's not as noticeable in the deep ocean, but as it nears shallow water, the waves can rise up to 100 feet.







Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

The Vicissitudes of Life

How do you harness the many vicissitudes of life? Change is ever imminent and an expectation that leave many ill-equipped.Yet such knowledge is easily forgotten in moments of bliss. Then suddenly the change, whether for better or worse, approaches. Although in life we garner many lessons, the hardest is accepting that nothing lasts forever. That dark tangible truth lurks in the crevices of your mind. It  manifests itself in the tone of our voices, as agitation, frustration, anger, in deceit, in the deterioration of trust, in disbelief, in shock, and the list goes on and changes, fitting into the context of the situation.

Now comes the ultimate question, will love prevail? Because love conquers all, right? Love for your work, your spouse, family. Or is the question, will YOU prevail? For so long love has been perceived as unconquerable, and yet, at times it's almost intolerable. When obstacles come your way that seem insurmountable, if it's not love that wins, or you, what does? Is it your drive?Well, it's knowing what you want, and striving for it. After all, what is life if you have nothing to live for? If so, no matter what the change, fight for what you believe in, but only if it is good for you. No matter the dissension, the discord, the pain that seems perpetual, sleepless nights, the stress from piles of work ( throw in whatever scenario that suits your situation), the key is knowing when to let go and when to find your strength.

Now, I've been asked, "Why is letting go so hard?" It's strange because many apply this question to romantic relationships, and yet I see it so often encountered in all segments of society, of life. Letting go is usually hard because of all the time, energy, and heart you invested in that project, in that dream, in that belief of what you wanted, in that relationship, in that job, in that promise. It is hard because of memories that make the past seem present, almost alive, and tangible. Memories of a loved one who passed, memories of an ex-lover, memories of fun times, or memories of all the plans you dreamed up and suddenly can't be anymore. Sometimes you don't let go because you're afraid of the pain that letting go will bring. But if it isn't good for you, then you're hurting yourself in ways you can't imagine. Deep inside you know the answer. It's all a matter of making that final decision and sticking with it. Change is sometimes what you need. It's a learning experience, it's happiness, it's sadness, it's all part of the adventure. Learn to adapt to it. Sometimes we just need to learn to accept it, to believe more, to have a little more faith.

Note: My boyfriend wants an octopus and a chameleon. He also thinks I should rename my blog to "Memoirs of a Badass," haha. That's why I keep him around, he makes me laugh.


Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Stewards of the Earth

It's about time I wrote a little about the environment. Check out the video above. It's truly an inspirational speech. Severn Suzuki  is known as the girl who silenced the world for six minutes when she gave a speech in 1992 at UN Earth Summit in Brazil. If you want to read the speech instead, follow this link:http://ssjothiratnam.com/?p=747

I wrote this a couple years ago based on a book and some articles I had to read for a class. My writing style has changed since then as have some of views on this matter. In truth, I'm optimistic that an alternative energy source will be found (shale gas, water, solar energy...).  Still, check it out.

According to the book The Long Emergency by James Howard Kunstler, the short-term benefits of our economy’s insatiable hunger for more is nearing its end, since there will be nothing left to consume. Greed and ignorance have blinded our country from the consequences of our actions. It has motivated people to exhaust the earth’s natural resources faster than it can be replenished. The technological advancements and seemingly never-ending discoveries have disillusioned the population, leading them to believe that continual innovations will rescue them from any crisis, such as Peak Oil. Pollution and the extinction of about 30,000 species a year have been attributed, in part, to the lack of attention we pay to our actions. The only savior to prevent the crash of this “flying civilization” (Reference from Ishmael) is caring enough to appreciate and understand biodiversity, the ecosystem, and working in unity with one another to ensure a future for ourselves, our animals and trees, and future generations. 

 Fuel allowed for the comfortable lifestyle society has come to know and love. Unfortunately, that fuel is running out. Modernization drank away half of the world’s easily accessible oil supply. The economic growth resulting from oil placed an enchantment over the population. They believe that their luxuries could never end. However,  according to The Long Emergency  “consumer culture will die” because they are dependent on cheap oil.  The remaining oil will not only be more expensive to extract but will require more energy than is worth expending. Any other form of alternative fuel, such as natural gas and coal, are not sufficient enough to run even "a substantial fraction of the systems we run on.”  Cars will eventually be reserved for the upper class, and other forms of transportation will be obsolete. Society will become more localized and more dedicated to conserving their resources, especially when the process of food production will be altered since food producing industries cannot run without oil. As bleak and disconcerting as this sounds, "Goods News for a Change" by David Suzuki (an environmental activist, academic and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation) and Holly Dressel (best-selling author of Good News for a Change and From Naked Ape to Superspecies). provide enlightening news to overcome corporate externalities.

    A sustainable, comfortable way of life is attainable through working in harmony with nature. The continual ruin of our forests grows as the traditional, natural methods are forgotten, while everything is practically run by remote control without realizing that it is exhausting the soil. In our current society, business comes first. Many are ignorant of the depletion of aquifers and water tables, basically the depletion of our finite resources. Cities, such as Germany, have proven that it is possible to live as luxurious a life as we do now, while protecting the environment  by having such things as water-conserving toilets and gas meters to moderate how much energy we use.

            Few realize the extent of damage human activities inflict upon the environment. The World Scientists Warning to Humanity is a bit extreme, but the overall tone stresses the importance of moderating our “current practices.” If humanity complies with the “What We Must Do” section suggested by the appeal, then we can understand how to “adequately manage our resources." The in depth description of the “critical stresses,” such as stratosphere, ozone depletion, exploitation of ground water, deforestation, and so on provide the reader with a better more informed perspective of the type of stresses we cause the environment. In agreement with the Hiedelberg Appeal by Michel Salomon “the greatest evil which stalk our Earth are our ignorance and oppression." Overall, both suggest that we need to change “our stewardship of the earth” in order to progress, develop, and in order to “overcome major problems, starvation, and worldwide disease” resulting from our ignorance.

Check them out:

World Scientists Warning to Humanity: http://www.ucsusa.org/about/1992-world-scientists.html

Heidelberg Appeal by Michel Salomon: http://www.his.com/~sepp/policy%20declarations/heidelberg_appeal.html


Also check out David Suzuki's award-winning tv show, The Nature of Things
Here's a preview:

Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Trust is taking a leap of faith and hoping that someone will catch you

So I always try my best to be honest, because I've felt the harmful rays of lies. However, I could never very well articulate the destructiveness of lies as well as the article below. 

TRUTHING & TRUSTING
An honest look at the effects of dishonesty

By Stan Dale

Stan Dale, DHS, author and founder of the Human Awareness Institute, started the Love, Intimacy & Sexuality workshops in 1968, and nearly 75,000 people have since attended. For more information on Stan Dale and HAI, please see the listings in Seminars.

Trust is taking a leap of faith and hoping that someone will catch you

Whether we're aware of it or not, we communicate 24 hours a day. Even in dreams we communicate. Even when we aren't saying anything we communicate. Our relationships are strengthened or destroyed by communication — there is virtually nothing else involved in a personal relationship except communication of one form or another. Trust is the only reliable foundation on which a relationship can be built and honesty is the cornerstone.

"When we lie, we destroy relationships..."
Throughout my life as a husband, lover, father, friend and therapist, I have experienced and observed the destructive power of dishonest communication. When we lie, we destroy relationships - both the one we have with ourselves and those we have with others. Lying is counter communication. It erodes the very foundation of a relationship. It is a time bomb that will eventually destroy the relationship.

Telling a lie weakens the already weak self-esteem of the liar. The person to whom the lie is told (whether or not s/he ever finds out the truth) feels the effect of the lie. Why? Because lies are negative communications. Many relationships are falling apart because trust (if it ever existed) is being eroded; one more lie, one more time bomb planted.

Dishonesty is a protective device. Lies are protective devices. We think we are protecting the other person when we lie, but in reality we are protecting ourselves. Lies are told because the person lying believes that s/he has no other choice. S/he is too afraid to tell the truth. When we lie, we set the time bomb ticking, and the explosion will rip through the delicate fabric we attempt to weave between ourselves and someone else.

"There is no real love Without trust."
We're being two-faced if we say, "I love you" and then lie to that same person. There is no real love without trust. If we don't trust the person we say we love, how can we ever be vulnerable? How can we ever be intimate? And, if we can't be vulnerable and intimate, what do we have but a lie?

One day, ka-BOOM! Why? Because communication finally broke down beyond the point of repair.

There are two basic lies — the overt and the covert. The overt lie is usually spoken. It's a falsehood. Even a little white one.

The covert lie is more subtle and the most often used. Its telltale signs can sometimes be observed in body language — such a darting, downcast, or side-glancing eyes; twitching of some part of an extremity; false smiles; a deadpan face; etc.. In other words, the covert lie is usually something that needs to be said, but isn't. It is often more damaging than the bold-faced lie because the other person may never perceive that something is wrong. Reading body language takes quite a bit of practice. If covert lying can be detected, the time bomb can be defused before it explodes.

Envision a gorge. The only thing connecting the two land masses is a bridge hand built by those who dared to risk. Isn't that the process two people take when they try to establish a friendship? Two entities wish to connect. They put out furtive feelers, then become slightly bolder the more they think they can trust each other.

Each communication, no matter how conveyed, is one more plank in that bridge. The more honestly we communicate, the more we get to know one another and the stronger the bridge becomes. The more we know each other, the sooner we lower the barriers of self protection. We often approach others as if we were knights in armor. Slowly we shake hands "checking for weapons" as in the days of old. Then, slower yet, we raise the visor to "see" the other person.

"Intimacy is total vulnerability."
Why are we so protective? Probably because intimacy is frightening to us. It may be the single most frightening thing we face. The effect of being totally intimate is being totally naked — emotionally, psychically, and possibly even physically. Being intimate is letting every part of me connect or touch with every part of you.

Intimacy is total vulnerability. Now I am totally defenseless. Every time we lie, hiding our "nakedness," we are telling the other person, "I don't trust you" and further weakening the painstakingly built bridge between the two people. We are so afraid of hurting others and of being hurt that we do the very thing that is guaranteed to destroy what we cherish. The paradox of being totally naked, vulnerable and intimate is that we are also totally potent. In reality, we cannot hurt or be hurt unless we choose it.

Being naked, vulnerable and intimate with someone else is first to say that we are totally naked, vulnerable and intimate with ourselves. Do we trust ourselves or not? That is the ultimate question. Do we trust that we can handle whatever comes our way or will we run scared, hiding in the tunnel of darkness that is laden with ignorance and fear?

The decision, of course, is up to each one of us.

Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

The Maternal Brain: Its Effect on Behavior

My brother licking my sister's head

           Saw an interesting presentation and decided to write about what I learned. 

Dr. Fred Punzo discussed the physiological and behavioral changes females undergo during procreation in his captivating presentation, “The Maternal Brain: Its Effect on Behavior.” He showed the transition in the psychological orientation from virgin females to pregnant females and explained the factors leading to this transformation in women. His research indicated that pregnant women gained enhanced skills and senses during this process as a result of the hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy.

            Certain pregnancy hormones affect the processes in the brain differently in a pregnant female. The ovary secretes the female sex hormone, estrogen which affects the hypothalamus of the brain resulting in the release of neurotransmitters. Estrogen stimulates two processes: neurogenesis and synaptogensis. It also increases the size of the medical preoptic area (MPOA) and hippocampus. An increase in the hippocampus boosts spatial learning and short term memory in pregnant females. Oxytocin and prolactin are two additional major pregnancy hormones that affect the behavior in vertebrates. Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone that causes the uterine muscles to contract, strengthens immune system, and raises stress resistance. Prolactin is a peptide hormone that triggers the creation of oviduct jelly. The differences in behavior between pregnant females and virgin females were shown with pet scans of their brains. Punzo showed us an image of two brains belonging to a pregnant female and virgin female. The virgin female’s brain did not light up as much as the pregnant female’s. It proved that the activity of the brain, for both females, was different when processing olfactory information.  

            Pregnant females develop a multitude of maternal behaviors as a result of the breeding process.  These females are capable of grasping information more rapidly as opposed to virgin females. They are better at multitasking. Their olfactory sense, level of attentiveness, meticulousness regarding a particular task, and auditory stimuli are supposedly enhanced. Compared to rats and certain invertebrates like the wolf spider, pregnant females have similar behaviors. They feel a heightened need to protect their child and to make sure their child has a home and other necessities.

            Dr. Fred Punzo concluded that hormonal interactions that occur during a female’s pregnancy control their behavior in ways that surpasses the abilities of a virgin female and enhances their cognitive abilities.

Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

You only have one life to live, live it right

How often have we said goodbye to something or someone that we love? Suddenly, it seems that it is far too late to lay our souls and hearts bare. How often have we allowed resentment to barricade kind words? What does it take for us to realize that vengeance never pays? What is there to gain from hurting others? Of throwing daggered words so fierce you hurt one far deeper than they hurt you? When is it ok to let anger blind reason that we make a very fatal mistake?

Must we wait for loss? Must we wait to listen to heavy sighs and stifling silence, the sniffles in the corner of the room? The piercing wails of irretrievable love? Until we hear the soul-hurt cries that bring relentless tears?

Many times in life we have heard that life is too short for petty arguments, too precious to be wasted, and yet, in the busy successions of mundane tasks, it's quite easy to forget. In reality, you may be a kind soul, respectful to all that cross your path, and sadly encounter those who take advantage of you, or push you to your limit. Sometimes we forget, in anger, to focus on the moment, because emotions ARE powerful enough to distract us from what truly is important. Of course, there are materialistic desires we want and believe we need. In short, we lose focus, we forget, we get distracted...until, that is, something brings you back to earth.

 Still, in life, it's important to pause and take into account who and what is important. It's essential to transcend negative emotions and find a more positive approach to the situation. You won't regret it. Don't let your last words be filled with anger or hurtful intent. Be kind, respectful, and mindful of your impact on others. Don't be so consumed with materialism that you forget what truly is important: your family and your friends ( to name a couple).

Don't let the condescending words of others push you to anger, or make you feel inferior. Remember, in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." It doesn't matter what school you attend, what car your drive, what job you have, so long as YOU are happy. So long as you have touched someone's life. So long as you have loved and loved deeply. Appreciate those around you and value their presence, before it's too late.


Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Progeria: Angels sent to teach humanity to love a little deeper

Two adorable girls diagnosed with Progeria

Note: At the end of this entry I list the contact information for the Progeria Research Foundation if you want to help. There's no greater feeling than making a difference in someone's life. It's an even greater reward to make someone else happy.

Progeria is a debilitating, fatal, genetic  disease that cause children to age early, suffer from strokes, heart attacks and other symptoms atypical of old age.The average lifespan for children diagonosed with  Progeria is 13 years. According to the Progeria Research Foundation, as of December 2010 it affects 78 children worldwide. Children suffering from progeria lose their hair, teeth, develop fragile bones, tight skin,  stiff joints, have difficulty breathing, and some may have arthritis and osteoporosis. Despite their daily struggles and no cure, these children possess a passion and joy for life unequaled. They carry with them a spirit that transcends the most emphatic trifles and have touched people from all walks of life. Their strength and heartwarming disposition have inspired many to persist in their dreams. Their lives are a testimony that, indeed, your attitude impacts the way you live.


I first became interested in Progeria when I encountered a little boy dressed in a suit at Miami Airport in 2005. However, this little boy lookd more like an old man, but was  adorable. My mother told me that she believed the child had Progeria. "Pro...what?" I had never heard of it before. After research, the reason for my ignorance became clear. Progeria is an extremely rare disease, and therefore difficult to treat. The progeria gene was only discovered in 2003. Immediately I decided that for my Senior Seminar in highschool, I would try my best to raise money for little Lindsay and present on her. Since then my mother donates yearly.

If you take the time to watch their videos, hear their laughter, watch the way they tackle life, you'll suddenly pause and realize that your complaints are petty, that you can indeed fight a little harder. These kids never give up. While fighting their battles, the people around them fall in love with them. I wonder, what would the world be like if we had their spirit?


Old Age at 3, the story of Zachary Moore is by far one of the most awe-inspiring soul-felt books I've ever encountered. Written by his father, Keith Moore, we meet little Zachary, often called an angel, whose zest for life was an inspiration to others. He was born prematurely and as the months passed, he developed symptoms uncommon of a healthy child. His parents tirelessly searched and prayed for a diagnosis. Their researched unveiled numerous diseases that a child could have, and it was then that they realized what a miracle a healthy child is considering "the unhealthy percentage of children." As for little Zachary, at six months he developed symptoms  typical of Progeria, although his case was more severe. Daily his parents gave him physical therapy (at least five times a day) and tried their best to relieve his pain.  They invested their energy into making Zachary as happy as possible. He was their gift, and a gift to the world, and they cherished each day with him. 

There was much to learn from Zachary. Zachary's father recalls how daily, after he came home from work, Zach greeted him, yelling "Dadda!!!" with such glee. He writes:


If he is doing something he literally drops it and moves away to let me know he is ready for me and nothing else will get in the way. What a great feeling it is each day to come home to him... All relationships should be that way, but unfortunately that is not the case. There are high percentages of times when we cannot drop things and devote complete attention to our relationships. What we can do is prioritize what we should be devoting our attention to. Are two hours of television more important than our kids and spouse each evening?


How well do you prioritize your day? What is truly important to you?


Zachary approached life undaunted and made the most of it. His physical limitations never stopped him from trying, and he did not not allow excuses to detain him. Indeed, as Mr. Moore write, " We need to not focus on our limitations... Sometimes the worst situations present the best opportunities for growth."  Quite honestly, his words bespeak an inconstestbable truth. How often have we fallen into self-pity, told ourselves that we weren't strong enough, smart enough, good enough? How often have we allowed our fears to imprison us? It's best to forge ahead and give it a shot. You might fail, you might face rejection, but your strength comes from moving forward with lessons garnered.


Zachary's life may have been cut short (January 23, 2006), but he made a difference in the lives of others. How many can say that at two and three years old they gave people the strength to continue? stopped a man from committing suicide? inspired prisoners to maybe change their ways (some had up his picture on their cell wall) inspired others to love more?  Take for instance this beautiful passage and note the powerful mpact Zachary had on others:


Everywhere we go some person comes up and tells Zach they love him. Sometimes they tell him with those exact words and sometimes with their actions. It is a wonderful thing for Zachary and that person. Wouldn’t it be great if everybody treated children or even adults with that attitude? The attitude that they deeply care about this person and want to tell them or show them they love them because they may not get another chance. Do you treat your children this way? How about the rest of your family, friends, or even people you meet? It is a wonderful thing to see and be with Zachary and witness this everyday.


What if we could be a little more like Zachary?


How can I make a difference?Visit http://www.progeriaresearch.org to learn more about Progeria, donate and/or get involved.



Sand-Dollared Cataract by Sofia Mitchell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.