Stop Life I want to Get Off!

Without any warning life picks you up and toss you down. Sometimes it seems as though you don’t have time to catch your breath. You are from one disaster or incident to the next without warning.

I would like to change the game and play out my life based on my terms. Take a slow walk in the park if I’d like. Or sit and read a book without watching the clock. How sweet it would be to stop time and do the things I want to do. Then, I could pickup where I left off without missing a beat. But the reality is that I’m constantly thinking about getting my chores done before bed time.

How sweet it would be to be myself and still be loved by all my friends and strangers. Does it really matter-to be loved by strangers! I want to please myself to show that I’m capable of pleasing others. Be true to myself, love myself, and out of those examples maybe I’ll learn how to treat others. Is that true?

Whether it’s true or not I believe it satisfy the longing in each of us to love ourselves as we want others to love us and appreciate us. Be kind to yourself as you would want others to be kind to you. After all we are a reflex ion of each other. We see in each other the hope of our future and the person we are longing to be.

To your health!
~Jennifer

“Courage”

The stories of past courage… can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.
John F. Kennedy

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All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney

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A man full of courage is also full of faith.
Cicero

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Courage is grace under pressure.
Ernest Hemingway

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Courage is the first of human qualities, because it is the quality which guarantees all others.
Winston Churchill

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Courage is resistance to fear; mastery of fear – not absence of fear.
Mark Twain

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Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.
G. K. Chesterton

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Perfect courage is todo without witnesses what one would be capable of doing before all the world.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

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We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face … we must do that which we think we cannot.
Roosevelt, Eleanor

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The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.
Robert Cushing

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In order to discover new lands, one must be willing to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.
Anonymous

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He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
Muhammad Ali

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You can’t test courage cautiously.
Anne Dillard

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http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/quote-courage.html

Karen Ffolkes Photo Gallery

We miss you Karen!

~Jennifer

Karen Ffolkes Entertainment Profile

Karen ffolkes
SAG/AFTRA
STUDIO TALENT GROUP
(310) 393-8004 Height: 5’4’’
Fax (310)393-2473 stgactor@gte.net Weight: 110 lbs
www.studiotalentgroup.com Hair: D. Brown
Eyes: D. Brown
Canadian Citizen
US Permanent Resident
FILM
Everyday Use Lead Bruce Schwartz/Alice Walker
Banana Moon Second Lead Alison Ianucci
Most Wanted Featured New Line Cinema
The Tonight Show Comedy Sketch Jay Leno
My Brother Jack Supporting American Film Distribution
TELEVISION
At This Stage (Pilot) Lead TV One/Jay Silverman Prods.
Miranda Hill Series Regular JBC/Paul Noble
Top Cops Principal CBC/Joe Scanlon
Teammates Female Lead CBC/Clarence Ford
Desperate Measures Principal Peter Foldy
THEATRE
Psychology of the Chromosome X Dharma TST/Raven Playhouse/Nancy Davis
Feminine Justice Vilma Caribbean America Repertory Theatre
Start of Conversations Martha Towne Street Theatre/Raven
Joleta Regina Stella Adler Theatre/Nancy Davis
Drowning Sorrows Gina 3rd Stage Theatre/Richard Large
Black Leather Soles Charlotte Strasberg Theatre/Jeffrey Gunter
The Father Bertha McCadden Place Theatre/David Patch
5 On The Blackhand Side Gail Towne Street Theatre/Nancy Davis
Nancy Davis/Nancy Renee
Split Second Alea Lee Strasberg Theatre/Jeffrey Gunter
Moon on A Rainbow Shawl Rosa Jeffrey Anderson Gunter
To Take Arms Harriet Ann Jacobs The Tamarind Theatre/ Diane Wynter
A Christmas Carol Persued Maiden South Coast Repertory/JD Keller
American Academy
Once in a Lifetime May Betty Karlen
Getting Out Arlie Madonna Young
Wedding Band Julia Mark Rosenblatt
COMMERCIALS
Conflicts upon request
TRAINING
American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West, Associate of Arts
Acting, Shakespeare, TV/Film, Dance, Voice & Speech
South Coast Repertory Professional Conservatory
Acting, Shakespeare, Physical Characterization, Voice & Speech
National Lampoon Players
Improvisation and Comedy Workshop
Marjorie Haber scene sudy
SPECIAL SKILLS
Languages-Read & conversant in French
Dialects-Jamaican, Trinidadian, Barbadian, St. Lucian, Antiguan, British, Southern American & Irish
Dance-Waltz, Salsa, Tango
Other special skills-Tennis, Modeling, Piano, Fencing, Western horseback riding, Swimming, & Water Skiing
AWARDS
Michael Thoma Award (American Academy of Dramatic Arts)
Full Scholarship, South Coast Repertory Professional Conservatory Program

http://www.studiotalentgroup.com/db/talents/pdf-resumes/KarenFfolkes.pdf

In Memory of Karen Ffolkes

On Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 12:30am, my good friend lost her battle with cancer; she was one of the funniest people I knew; bright, beautiful, outgoing, made good decisions, independent, business savvy, and she enjoyed life. Karen Ffolkes embodied what it means to “live life to the fullest”. She laughed loud, was a pretty good story teller, and a sincere person.

I would like to talk about how important it is to reach out to friends and family who are suffering from deadly diseases, such as cancer, and show then how much you care. Cancer is no easy fight—a constant and exhausting battle with no cure insight [some researchers disagree]; many families are left without mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, or cousins. What more could we do to keep our families and friends safe from this horrible disease and to put an end to the pain of loosing a love one, friend, or neighbor.

I hope that researchers find a cure for cancer soon, and that those who died before [a cure] will be in our thoughts forever. As I’m writing this message a poem comes to mind (I’m no poet). I’m writing it now as I think of my friend, and it goes like this:

Death where have you gone?
Death is no respect of persons
Its grip is certain
Escape soul escape
Where to I don’t know
You know the way
Lifeless body without soul
Breathe no more
Void of life and pain no more
Gone from this shell forever

I regret not spending more time with Karen. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and stuff and ignore that voice inside your head and heart that urges you to do what’s important now; thus, missing out on nurturing relationships with friends and family.

The good thing about my memories of Karen is that they are satisfying. I smile every time I think of her, and the many laughs we had together. She was fun, easy going, and she made me laugh so hard that within seconds of being around her–I was running to the restroom, my bladder about to burst from the force of my laughter, but she persistently milk the punch line, again and again and again. You should have been there!

Karen, you were an exceptional human being. I MISS YOU!

Rest in peace Karen Ffolkes!
~Jennifer

Blog Inspiration…….

This story was inspired by an article Luisa wrote on her blog. It brought back memories. The story is mostly true, only the author knows for sure. ; ) Let me know what you think.
Kristi

When I was growing up my family always planted a garden. Even when we lived in the middle of Fresno. When we moved to Visalia my maternal Grandmother passed away and Papa came to live with us. My Dad and Papa were very close. Papa was like a mentor toward my Dad. I remember we planted a really big garden that year.
Planting day was always a big deal. A family project to plant tomatoes, squash( zucchini, yellow crookneck, coyote ) carrots, honeydew and cantaloupe melons, leaf lettuce and chard, okra, cucumbers, onions (green, red and yellow), peppers, and of course beans and black-eyed peas.
The beans and peas were always my special item to plant. I would soak them over night in water to give them a head start. Sometimes my mom would plant a row too. My plants always grew better and had more beans on them tho. My Papa said it was because my Granny’s green thumb had skipped a generation. My Mom said it was because I talked to my plants more then hers.
My Dad, Papa and I were the ones to water and weed the garden. The men would stand, arm propped on a hoe waiting for the water in the ditch to reach them. If needed, they’d be ready to dam a gopher hole or shore up the ditch walls. I would pluck a few green beans and pass them out to munch on. Or pull a carrot from the warm earth wash it with the water hose and Umm..Umm… nothing better! I remember Papa commenting that there was nothing like watching your garden grow.
I would always have to mark a tomato as mine so it wouldn’t get picked too soon. Every body picked the tomatoes too early IMO. Dad said that if you waited too long the bugs or birds would get them. I say let the birds and bugs have a bite, they know when a tomato is at it’s best! They don’t eat that much anyway.
Papa was only with us for about a year before passing on. Mom said he missed Granny too much to stay on earth any longer. That was the first time I saw my Daddy cry.
Years later when I stopped at his house on summer evenings, Dad would be out in the garden. Sometimes sitting, sometimes leaning with one arm propped up on the hoe watering. If I asked ‘Whats up?’ He would answer ‘Nothing, just watching the garden grow.

Thank you Kristi for sharing your great story!
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Take Care,

Luisa

6 Things to do Before You Plant a Vegetable Garden

It is important to have an understanding of when to plant a garden, how to prepare the soil, layout, location, tools and how to test soil for ideal growing conditions. I’m trying to stay focus and not get carried away with planting my garden. This is an important step for me, and I want it to be just right. That is why I’m still on first base with researching the layout of my garden and soil preparation. I want it to be successful, and I look forward to harvest time from my garden to my kitchen.

I made the mistake of planting mint with no boundary, and now I’m paying for that mistake. Although most of the roots are shallow, there are some that are lodged between the cracks of the concrete and are difficult to retrieve. I’m still finding roots that were missed from the last time I cultivated the garden. I won’t do that again!

I grew up watching my mother and father plant their farm and my mother especially have a knack for gardening. She has a nurturing way that when she planted something it grew. She was my first exposure to organic gardening from as far back as I could remember. She used egg shells, used loose tea and vegetable peels as compost to keep the plant soil moist and healthy, and she attended to them regularly.

Preparing a Vegetable Garden:

1. Soil Preparation – for healthy plants it’s important to add a good form of organic humus, such as, peat moss, compost, or processed manure.
2. Tools – I recommend pulling or digging with a weeding tool than using chemicals, which defeats the purpose of an organic garden, and a good pair of gloves.
3. Plants or seeds – plants are the fastest way to get your garden going right away. However, seeds can be germinated inside a pan or flowerpot of soil with at least 6 hours of sunlight in a window.
4. Test soil – the soil should be tested for ideal conditions so that your efforts are rewarded with healthy growth. Just like humans need vitamins, minerals, carbohydrate, and protein for a healthy life, plants need Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potash for healthy growth. I’m using a soil test kit by Rapitest to test the following conditions:
Nitrogen produces leaf growth and green leaves. Without it leaves turn yellow and growth is stunted. Too much will cause an over abundance foliage and delay flowering, poor fruit quality, and subject to disease
Phosphorus is vital to plant genetics and seed development. Shortage of this nutrient will cause stunted growth and seed sterility. It increases vegetable maturity and support the plant’s resistance to disease and winter months.
Potash will strengthen the plant and promotes protein synthesis. Also improve plant color and aids in root system development.
PH balance (acidity/alkalinity) is essential to control how well plants absorbed nutrient from the soil. Once you know the pH balance of your soil you can choose plants with those same pH preferences, and avoid those that are incompatible or find ways to supply their growing needs.
5. Layout – now is the time to decide what goes where in the garden. Experts recommend that the taller plants, such as, peas, corn, and beans should be planted on the north side of the garden, to avoid overshadowing the rest of the garden. Plant medium sized crops such as tomatoes, squash in the center of the vegetable garden. Low growing plants like beets, lettuce, and onion should be planted at the very southern end of the garden. The ideal direction of your garden rows should run north and south for good sun exposure and air circulation.
6. Location – the garden should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Remember that these are ideal suggestion. You will be in charge of the success of your garden and whenever possible apply the above rules. In my case I have a retaining wall that blocks a good portion of the morning sun, but my husband has had success growing a garden in that very location, therefore, I know that if I choose the right vegetables and herbs I will have measurable success again. The afternoon sun is more intense any way; I just won’t have it for long during the winter months, and that is the least of my concern. I will also place potted herbs (like mint) near the kitchen door, where I will have at least 6 hours of sun and year-round access to them.

Humor and Stress

Make me laugh!

The main reason I decided to start writing articles for Healthtips 101 and Doraz Says was to help me control my stress. I really like to express myself through humor. I believe that humor is the way to go when all else fails! Sometimes, granted, things just are not funny….but, if you can get past the aggravation and disgust over what just happened to stress you out, just take a few deep breaths, and smile.
According to an article I just read in the September 2008 issue of Shape magazine, just thinking about maybe laughing helps. Researchers at Loma Linda University Schools of Applied Health Profession and Medicine have found that the anticipation does wonders for your health. “Just the act of imagining a positive experience brings us hope and decreases the level of the stress hormone cortisol and epinephrine, says lead study author Lee S Berk,Dr.P.H. ” And because it also triggers the release of other hormones that optimize the immune system ,it could even help fend off illnesses.”
So, like I have been trying to get you to do…LAUGH. Who would not want to lower their stress? Think of some ways you can just have fun. I love to put on some crazy music and just “let it go!” I also get together with my friends and family and talk to them about stuff that really does not make any sense…they just give me that look! Hey, why not start a site like I did, Doraz Says is a “Spin Off” of Healthtips 101.
So stick with Jennifer and I. We’re having lots of fun. Hope you are too!

Believe in yourself,

Luisa

Watching the Olympics Brings Back Memories

So, I’m watching the Olympics and China’s talented athletes, and I begin thinking back on my many experiences with my Chinese-American friends. I lived 10 years in Brooklyn, New York and I’m well aware of the impact of the Chinese culture on America; from food to medicine it is no secret that China’s dynasty is mighty.

Growing up in Brooklyn, eating Chinese takeout was as much a part of the American experience as hot dog and apple pie. Restaurants were open late nights to satisfy the demand for its exotic and flavorful foods. But there is more to the Chinese experience than food. Education and culture were equally important, and those values were instilled at an early age.

I became friends with a Chinese boy in high school and learned the importance of simplicity and friendship. The time spent with my friend was an eye opener. I discovered that the desire for financial success and family were just as strong as any other American with one exception, they were willing to go the extra mile to achieve their dreams. They saved more, spend less, and study more. All the things we do positively and more! I appreciate our cultural differences and wouldn’t want it any other way.

Some Americans appear to be offended when their culture is defined by the foods they eat, because they feel as though they are different from any other culture. But the truth is that we are a melting pot of many cultures, and maybe that is our difference.

I remember staying up late nights with my sister, Barbara and eating the leftovers or dishes she brought home from the local Chinese restaurant in Manhattan. We all had our favorites and would swear that they made the best chow mein or the best dumplings, and we couldn’t imagine life without the Chinese experience.

One of my favorite dishes is beef with broccoli and lots of bell peppers, onions, ginger and soy sauce. You could make variations of this recipe for a low fat diet. Substitute low sodium beef broth for soy sauce.

Despite our differences, it’s good to see the Olympics hosted in Beijing, China and enjoy the spectacular display and hard work that goes into hosting this event. I hope that we will find a way to continue to showcase the many faces of China, and to show how much we appreciate her talented and devoted citizens, and the positive impact she has had on us all.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless beef top round steak — trimmed of fat, cut into cubes
1 4.5 ounce jar sliced mushrooms – drained
1 medium onion — cut into wedges
1/2 cup condensed beef broth
3 tablespoons purchased teriyaki baste and glaze
1 tablespoon sesame seed
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil — if desired
2/3 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1 1/3 cups water
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups frozen broccoli florets or fresh broccoli

Directions:
In 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine beef, mushrooms, onion, broth, teriyaki baste and glaze, sesame seed and sesame oil; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. About 35 minutes before serving, cook rice in 1 1/3 cups water as directed on package. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch; blend well. Stir cornstarch mixture and broccoli into beef mixture. Cover; cook on low setting for an additional 30 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Serve over rice.

Makes 4 (1 1/4-cup) servings.

Calories 350
Fat 6 g
Carbohydrates 37 g
Protein 30 g
Sodium 600 mg
Fiber 3 g

Weight Watchers Points value = 7 (WW Points)
http://www.laaloosh.com/2008/04/14/crockpot-beef-broccoli-recipe/

To your health!
~Jennifer

What’d you say to me?

I always base my responses to people I speak to on a daily basis with facts. I look into my heart before I actually blurt out a response. I am fortunate to admit that I do not have any hesitations with confrontations with individuals, who in my opinion are NOT making the accurate conclusions in a situation that just occurred.
Here is what I mean. Have you ever been grocery shopping and you are on your way to the cash register to check out and someone comes flying out the blue and cuts right in front of you. Now, I know what you are thinking. You figure what is the big deal. Just let them go. No problem, right? Well, in my opinion, there is a problem. I believe we should all be courteous to one another, but not abusive. I feel if I do nothing in this situation, someone one day will be very upset if it happened to them. You know that person will do it again. They do not think they are doing anything wrong. Right?
So, what I would do is this. I would acknowledge what just occurred to the other person involved. I would state the facts of what just happened. I would let them know that I am not going to let the situation go by un-noticed. Then I would tell them that if they were in such a hurry that they had to be rude about it, go right ahead.
Usually the other person will either ignore you or they will say they are sorry. Hopefully you will feel better about yourself by being about to speak to someone with sincerity and see that they actually care!
IF IN ANY WAY YOU FEEL THREATENED BY ANYONE, JUST FOLLOW THIS RULE….SAY NOTHING!!!!!!!

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Take Care,

Luisa