Followers

Sunday, September 30, 2012

A Calling

A new self at angles that I rarely see
scarred yet perfect in my level of spirit
said goodbye to the old self and sprouted a new me
one that is similar but not the same
and a relief that I am finished today with this picture of wonder
now I can rest shortly till the next calling

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Garland ~ Simply Beautiful


~ Into the Wild ~

Chris is my biggest inspiration. If you have not seen this movie yet please do! I cannot summarize his life and meaning in a few sentences. Please read "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer! It will change your life! Enjoy the song I posted at the bottom. Music by Eddie Vedder.


Our Funny Baby!

 Here is our comical Brigid! What a gift she is. We are so thankful to share our life with her!


Friday, September 28, 2012

Crossing a Bridge

 ~ Setting Out ~Life is a great adventure; the first steps taken in memory, the present passage being made this very moment, and the future, a map of possibilities. Whether you’re taking a short trip or a long sojourn, it’s all part of one journey, one long and winding path. To see with your own eyes, feel your way with your own hands. To make decisions and strike out in a singular direction. To reevaluate, to change course if necessary. To catch the updraft and dodge the undertow. To know the world through the prism of your heart, and to know your heart through its reflection in the expanse of all things. A wide open place to shout the secret of your wildest dreams, and hear your voice come echoing back, gathering layer and perspective. “Oh, the places you’ll go,” the great Dr. Seuss reminds us. Here’s to a little inspiration to encourage the first step, a companion in the final mile, and a reminder that the journey really is the destination.

 ~ Crossing a Bridge ~

"Make voyages! Attempt them ... there’s nothing else."
—Tennessee Williams

On your way! Go! Vamoose! What are you waiting for? No, really. What are you waiting for? The bridge is there, waiting to be crossed. Greener pastures may grow on the other side, or browner, but you won’t know until you get there and see for yourself. You can stay and prepare, or you can set out today.

Pack your ambition, your curiosity, and your openness, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

"May angels gather at your shoulder."
—Mary Anne Radmacher

"Blessings for any trip. Guides come forward when needed, help arrives just in time, and unseen hands send you on your way.
I travel not to go anywhere, but to go.
I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move."
—Robert Louis Stevenson

"Make it new."
—Ezra Pound

"Make it fly, let it soar.
Make it work, keep it real.
Make it shine, make it last.
Make it fun, pass it on.
Travel light: Lay out what you think you need. Take half.
Leave plenty of empty space for new experience.
Thirty spokes share the wheel’s hub;
It is the center hole that makes it useful.
Shape clay into a vessel;
It is the space within that makes it useful.
Cut doors and windows for a room;
It is the holes which make it useful.
Therefore benefit comes from what is there;
Usefulness from what is not there."
—Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu
(translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English)

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations."
—Charles R. Swindoll

"At first glance it may appear too hard. Look again. Always look again."
—Mary Anne Radmacher

"I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work."
—Thomas Alva Edison

"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run."
—Babe Ruth

If there is a rule for success, this is it:
Reach higher, get stronger. Fail and learn and try again.


"The power of imagination makes us infinite."
—John Muir

"The magic is inside you. There ain’t no crystal ball."
—Dolly Parton

"The original definition of courage is to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart."
—BrenĂ© Brown

"Men go abroad to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering."
—Saint Augustine

Now crossing the bridge into inner space, bring a guidebook of the soul.
This map is not to scale. Wonder expands into every open space.


 "Live water heals memories. Look up the creek and here it comes, the future ..."
—Annie Dillard

Take me to the water. Lapping in the rhythm that marked the beginning of all moments. Memory and motion. Layers of love and loss and longing.
Take it to the water.

(Red Wheel Weiser)

Allow Love

Many people are exuding negativity and promoting negativity. I have never seen the people around me and in my social circle be so rude, petty, and ridiculous. I would love to see the people around me take a leap of faith and try something new...anything. Anything! Step out of your comfort zone...speak your mind in a positive and uplifting way, a way in which you find yourself happy. Happiness...it is possible. It is real. We all have the same wish...to be happy..to know ourselves. It takes courage and love to find this. I believe we all have the potential to look beyond the mundane and see our spark. I wish Love and Peace for all.

Living With Wolves


This is an amazing documentary! I hope it can help people live in harmony with these magnificent animals and stop being scared of them. We need them. They need us. I love them so much. Today I saw this terrible news: Wolf Pack Killed by Sharpshooters Very sad. Unfortunate. I pray we as people can one day see the ripple we are creating...the mistakes we are making. Enjoy this beautiful movie below and learn about our wonderful brothers and sisters!

Green Falls







Beautiful New England




Photos by Amy Drago

Thoreau

“In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. ”
~ Henry David Thoreau

Dates


Health benefits of dates

  • Wonderfully delicious, dates are one of the most popular fruits packed with an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are required for normal growth, development and overall well-being.
  • Fresh dates compose of soft, easily digestible flesh and simple sugars like fructose and dextrose. When eaten, they replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly. For these qualities, they are being used to break the fast during Ramadan month since ancient times.
  • The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption in the gut. Additionally, the fiber works as a bulk laxative. It, thus, helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.
  • They contain health benefiting flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants known as tannins. Tannins are known to possess anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic (prevent easy bleeding tendencies) properties.
  • They are moderate sources of vitamin-A (contains 149 IU per 100 g), which is known to have antioxidant properties and essential for vision. Additionally, it is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • They compose antioxidant flavonoids such as ĂŸ-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthin. These antioxidants found to have the ability to protect cells and other structures in the body from harmful effects of oxygen-free radicals. Thus, eating dates found to offer some protection from colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
  • Zea-xanthin is an important dietary carotenoid that selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea, where it thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. It thus offers protection against age-related macular degeneration, especially in elderly populations.
  • Dates are an excellent source of iron, contains 0.90 mg/100 g of fruits (about 11% of RDI). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
  • Further, they are very good in potassium. 100 g contains 696 mg or 16% of daily-recommended levels of this electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They, thus, offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases.
  • They are also rich in minerals like calcium, manganesecopper, and magnesium. Calcium is an important mineral that is an essential constituent of bone and teeth, and required by the body for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve impulse conduction. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, super oxide dismutase. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Magnesium is essential for bone growth.
  • Further, the fruit has adequate levels of B-complex group of vitamins as well as vitamin K. It contains very good amounts of pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. These vitamins are acting as cofactors help body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Vitamin K is essential for many coagulant factors in the blood as well as in bone metabolism.
My favorite source of dates!


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Healing Waters Painting


You can purchase this painting on my website: www.4heartandmind.com or in my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/4HeartAndMind 
Namaste

Tree Spirit Painting



This painting can be purchased on my website: www.4heartandmind.com or in etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/4HeartAndMind
Acrylics on High Quality Canvas ~ 18" X 36"

Mind of the Forest Painting



This Painting can be purchased on my website: www.4heartandmind.com or in my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/4HeartAndMind  Acrylics on High Quality Canvas 12" X 24"

Red Desert Painting



This painting can be purchased on my website: www.4heartandmind.com or in my etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/4HeartAndMind
Acrylics on High Quality Canvas 14" X 11" X 2" ~ No need for framing painted on all sides!

Alone in Autumn Painting


This painting can be purchased on my website: www.4heartandmind.com or in my Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/4HeartAndMind
Acrylics on High Quality Canvas 23.5" X 17.5"

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

My Life Saver!!! The Vitamix!

I don't know how I could survive without the Vitamix! Having celiac disease has been a rocky road and terrible ordeal for me, but having my vitamix has been a blessing for me! The vitamix is a heavy-duty, commercial-quality blender that delivers optimum performance and power. Superior engineering strengthens each part, ensuring a product that will last. Made in the USA!!! I LOVE MINE! I use it everyday! I make sauces, smoothies, soups, peanut butter, almond butter, desserts, and chop veggies and grind coffee! Amazing!!! :~)

Monday, September 24, 2012

Mother

Green Mother Earth cradle me, rock me
Sing sweet lullabies and songs of freedom
I am immersed in your wisdom and strength
Yet I know you are vulnerable and innocent
Teach us to always love you
Forever






All photos taken by Amy at Barn Island

Lovely Moon



“The moon is a loyal companion.

It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” ~ Tahereh Mafi

Photo Taken By Amy Drago 

Quote for the Day

"Some people are afraid of what they might find if they try to analyze themselves too much, but you have to crawl into your wounds to discover where your fears are. Once the bleeding starts, the cleansing can begin."
~Tori Amos

Photo Taken by Amy Drago at Barn Island




Goodbye Self

I will miss you with a hollow heart 
I will grieve you and look for you in nature
Your peace and serene beauty a part of me forever
Your soft green colors and movement of grace
You will grace another with your humble blessings and loving spirit



Self Portrait ~ "Wild Flowers"

We grow together like flowers and weeds entwined in a garden of sun and rain
Everyday a vision of new perspectives and lessons
My self portrait of Wild Flowers ~
Starting in the east and finishing somewhere in the west, only to return to the sea
I’m growing with gold and danger but I always love.

By: Amy Hunter Drago
Created and Painted on 2/8/2012
Sold on 9/24/2012

Sunday, September 23, 2012

What does Age Mean?

Childlike and innocent with powers beyond belief
I see her beauty and remember my own
How to get back to the simplicity of that oneness with GOD, love, & life
The cosmic battle of suffering and age that we know not of until we are jaded and "wise"
I feel My Youth and Remember Myself as a Child

Friday, September 21, 2012

"Wild" ~ Book I'm reading

I am reading "Wild," by Cheryl Strayed. I love this book! Cheryl writes about her adventure hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, and it is truly inspiring and brave. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!

The Miracle of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a surprising number of health benefits, from relieving stress to bolstering your immune system. It’s rich in the lauric, capric and caprylic acids. These omega three fatty acids give it its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti fungal properties. It can be used to cook food, moisturize skin, and treat infections. With all of these benefits, it’s hard to imagine why you wouldn’t add coconut oil to your life.

Improves Your Skin ~ Coconut oil acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. It can treat psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and even wrinkles and protects the skin from sun exposure, skin cancer, and free radical damage.

Helps You Lose Weight ~ Unlike many other common oils, like soy (vegetable) and corn that contain LCT (long-chain triglycerides ) that are typically stored as fat. Coconut oil won’t make you fat. Coconut oil contains MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), which are an easy fuel for the body to burn, without turning to fat. When you add coconut oil into your diet, you’ll feel more full and eat fewer calories over all.

Stress Relief ~ Coconut oil is very soothing so it’s an excellent massage oil for the skin. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue. Just the natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

Makes Your Hair Grow and Repairs Damage ~ Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for your hair. It helps in the healthy growth of new hair and provides a shiny complexion. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair.

Anti-Aging Properties ~ The small molecular structure of MCTs allows for easy absorption into your skin giving it a soft, smooth, and supple texture. Coconut oil strengthens your skin’s underlying connective tissues warding off lines and wrinkles and supplies healing and repairing properties. It prevents destructive free-radical formation and limits the damage excessive sun exposure can cause and helps rejuvenate the skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells.

Improves Healing and Fights Infections ~ Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. When applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues.

Improves Digestion ~Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Gives you Energy ~Because of the healthy omega 3 fatty acids and the fact that it increases the metabolism, most people that switch to coconut oil feel a burst of added energy in their daily life. This is due to those MCT’s and coconut oil is nature’s richest source of them

Prevents Disease ~ Coconut oil has been shown to prevent liver, kidney and gall bladder disease. It improves our ability to absorb important minerals needed by our bones, thus warding off osteoporosis. With its ability to increase insulin production and control blood sugar, coconut oil helps prevent and treat diabetes.

Great for the Heart ~ Comprised of about 50% lauric acid, coconut oil helps control high cholesterol, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. The saturated fats in coconut oil do not have harmful properties of those contained in other vegetable oils.


MY FAVORITE COCONUT OIL!!!
NUTIVA ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL!!!




Thursday, September 20, 2012

Birth of Moons

~ My New Painting ~ Birth of Moons ~


You can purchase this painting on my website: 4 Heart & Mind Art
or in my etsy shop: ETSY SHOP
If you order from my website you get FREE shipping!
NAMASTE

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Music Love

Today I want to say thank you to all the musicians and song writers in my life. To my amazing husband: thank you for sharing your gift with the world! To my Father, Uncle, Aunt, Niece, Sister, Brother ~ Thank you! I love music...yet it goes much further than love; music is essential to my being, my soul, the very core of who I am.

The Potential to Turn a Life Around

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word,
a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
–Leo Buscaglia

Friday, September 14, 2012

World on Fire

The world is truly on fire. Burning from the center the fire is creeping through every part of our beautiful Earth. I am so saddened today of people...how they have destroyed and created more chaos.. To know violence and evil is spreading breaks my heart. We must know the truth. But I believe we also must celebrate the life we have remaining every single second. No more fighting. No more jealousy. No more vengeance....is that a dream? We can start within in our own homes. We can start with each other. Let us try! Let's all be kind to one another and inspire each other too! We can only hope that if we spread kindness it will multiply! And I believe that good is much stronger! Evil will never win. I hope we can remember we are here to love and spread love.

Ron's Birthday on Top of Mt. Okemo

We had the most wonderful day yesterday! It was Ron's Birthday! We drove to Hadley, MA and went to (of course) Whole Foods! Picked up some snacks and then drove to Ludlow, Vermont, where we hiked MT. Okemo! We LOVE Vermont! The air is so fresh and clean and it is very low humidity. Brigid loves it too, especially since she had no ticks after running around all day in the woods. We spent the day hiking and driving around looking at the cute towns, coffee shops, and just enjoying the peaceful feel of quiet. It was so quiet on the top of the mountain! Beautiful quiet.
 At the top!

 SUGAR!!!
 2 Peas in a Pod














 Birthday Boy ~ What a beautiful picture!
 Approaching the Fire Tower


 View from the top!
 Amazing


 Me at the top!


 Taken from the top!




~ Love ~
 Look at Brigid admiring us! So darling



 Old house foundation