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

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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

We miss you Karen!

~Jennifer

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

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

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

Luisa

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.

Make me laugh!

Believe in yourself,

Luisa

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

–
Take Care,

Luisa