Idea Exchange: March 18th – March 22nd

Monday, March 18th:

THE ART OF DYING WELL: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO A GOOD END OF LIFE, Katy Butler

A reassuring and thoroughly researched guide to maintaining a high quality of life—from resilient old age to the first inklings of a serious illness to the final breath—by the New York Times bestselling author of Knocking on Heaven’s Door.

The Art of Dying Well is about living as well as possible for as long as possible and adapting successfully to change. Packed with extraordinarily helpful insights and inspiring true stories, award-winning journalist and prominent end-of-life speaker Katy Butler shows how to thrive in later life (even when coping with a chronic medical condition), how to get the best from our health system, and how to make your own “good death” more likely. This handbook of step by step preparations—practical, communal, physical, and sometimes spiritual—will help you make the most of your remaining time, be it decades, years, or months.

We discussed things Guests at Disney Parks aren’t allowed to do; overweight pets; things you never thought about until now (wrinkly fingers, hiccups, seashell sounds, and why cops touch the taillight of your car when they pull you over. Recipes: Big and Buttery Chocolate Chip Cookies, lacy oatmeal Cookies and Natural Room Scents

TODAY: Lacy Oatmeal Cookies, Sun-Earth, Supreme Sacrifice, Awkward Moments, First Walk in Space (1965)

 

Tuesday, March 19th:

We talked about laughing and the different kinds of laughs, swallows of San Juan Capistrano, myths about cell phones, and corny jokes. Recipes: Crescent Chicken Squares, Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog Bites, and Strawberry Pecan Salad.

TODAY: Chocolate Caramel, Poultry, Let’s laugh, Swallows return to Capistrano

 

Wednesday, March 20th:

DRINK LESS IN 7 DAYS, Georgia Foster

Increased alcohol consumption in society today is rarely out of the news. But it seems that most therapies and therapists offer an all-or-nothing solution—give up completely or give in to the drink. However, for those of us who would like to reduce our intake without giving up completely, clinical hypnotherapist Georgia Foster offers a middle way—and even better, it takes just seven days! Georgia is a world-leading therapist, specializing in over drinking behavior (as well as anxiety and self-esteem and other issues). Her drink less courses have a high success rate (95% of attendees report reduced alcohol consumption) and here she shares the secrets of this success. Georgia uses short questionnaires and tick boxes to help the reader establish how they currently relate to alcohol and then gives simple, practical steps to help the reader take back control of their drinking.

 

We discussed best kinds of vacuums, ravioli, snowman burning and how it started, medical breakthroughs, houseplants and Mr. Roger’s. He was born on this date in 1928. Recipes: Baked Asparagus Dip, Buttermilk Vegetable Dip, Fruit Dip, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Dumb and Bake Ravioli Casserole.

TODAY: Ravioli, Act Happy, Snowman Burning, Agriculture, Big Bird (bd), Mister Rogers (bd-1928)

 

Thursday, March 21st:

A CROSS OF A DIFFERENT KIND, Anthony Maranise

CANCER: with often abrupt and unwelcome entry into human lives as well as profound multi-dimensional impact, such an illness is, for many, considered to be a ruthless thief, intent on stealing not only joy, but life itself. Of course, even as cancer attempts to steal life and captivate those under its hold, lest we forget that as powerful an adversary as it may seem, it is no contestant against the power of the One who “has come to set the captives free” (Luke 4:18) and who is Life itself (John 14:6) and its Source.

Cross of a Different Kind: Cancer & Christian Spirituality draws upon the richness of Christian spiritual theology with the aim of rejuvenating hope within and imparting eternal Truth to all persons who have been “touched” by cancer in any of its wicked forms. Divided into three parts addressing those who have lost loved ones to cancer; those currently confronting their diagnoses; and survivors, this book serves as both a “spiritual field-guide” as well as an informative, yet practical helpmate to ensure all facing such adversities that they are never alone in their journey.

Today we discussed french bread, fragrances and odors and John shared a list of the top 10 BEST and WORST smells; 13 things to help you prevent cancer and 7-slow cooker mistakes. Recipes: Nonnas Cannoli Poke Cake (Mr. Food), Mozzarella ham Stromboli and Cream of Potato and Cheddar Soup.

TODAY: French Bread, Memories, Dance, Children’s Poetry, Single Parents, Teacher Appreciation, Astrology, flowers

 

Friday, March 22nd:

SEVEN AT SEA: WHY A NEW YORK CITY FAMILY CAST OFF CONVENTION FOR A LIFE-CHANGING YEAR ON A SAILBOAT, Erik and Emily Orton

Erik and Emily skillfully show it is possible to live big on a shoestring budget while giving their family an astonishing education in adventure, creativity, purpose, and grit. Linda and Richard Eyre, #1 New York Times Best-selling Authors of Teaching Your Children Values

Working the night shift as a temp in a high-rise cubicle, Erik Orton knew something had to change. He felt the responsibility of providing for his wife and their five children the youngest with Down syndrome but craved a life that offered more than just surviving.

Watching the sailboats on the Hudson River during his sunset dinner breaks, Erik dared to dream. What would it be like to leave the hustle of the city and instead spend a year on a sailboat, somewhere beautiful, as a family? Despite having no sailing experience, his wife Emily s phobia of deep water, and already stretching every dollar to pay rent and buy groceries, the family of seven turned their excuses into reasons and their fears into motivation. Sure, they would miss their friends, they could go broke, they could get injured or die. Worst of all, they could humiliate themselves by trying something audacious and failing. But the little time they still had together as a family, before their oldest daughter left for college, was drifting away. The Ortons cast off the life they knew to begin an uncertain journey of 5,000 miles between New York City and the Caribbean, ultimately arriving at a new place within themselves.

A portrait of a captivating and resilient family and a celebration of the courage it takes to head for something over the horizon, this is a deeply compelling story told alternately by Erik and Emily for all those who dream of leaving routine in their wake.

We talked about puppies, Goof Off Day, the asteroid that almost hit the US; chip/dip day and my story about my daughter’s experience with garlic dip when she was 3. Also shared cleaning shortcuts. Recipes: Old Time Cake Doughnuts, Meatball Enchiladas, Great Grandma’s Drop Donuts and Basic Crepes.

TODAY: Bavarian Crepes, Roller  coasters, Badminton, Goof Off, Sing Out, World Day of Water