The legendary continent of Lemuria "MU" was supposed to be located here.
The island of Kauai also holds fascinating legends and the famous "fern grotto."
###
Meet A Magnificent Woman Series
copyright Nani Aki Linder
Meet Jennifer!
Jennifer Huston, Hair Stylist JC Penny Salon: Jennifer is the very proud mother of two beautiful sons who are Bi-racial. She is a fun loving, caring woman, devoted parent and fantastic stylist. The challenges she faces in today's climate of apathy in diversity can be summed up with a comment a client once made, "must have been a (N word) in the woodpile!"
Jennifer's heart sort of gasped, she excused herself to calm her fast beating heart, beat back her tears, and calmly returned. Her client was oblivious of the sharp sting of pain Jennifer had just experienced at her words. I would say two things. 1. Rudeness is never acceptable no matter who you are or at what age. 2. Jennifer has class.
Bi-racial children live everywhere in Spokane and in the U.S.A. Frequently the children are caught in the middle of not only family but peers and the public in general. Jennifer's pride in her boys is evident in the animated stories she tells of their latest antics and learning at school.
Jennifer was quiet for a second then said "The boys are only now noticing themselves and me as different because they asked why my skin is not the same color as their dads or theirs?" Do you worry I asked? "Not really. My one boy is quiet and my youngest is more outgoing. I didn't think of that, I just love and cherish them, they are my kids." Her eyes sparkle with pride when she speaks of her boys. "My family is fine and loves them and they get along well in school and pre-school."
What advice would you share with others, Jennifer? "You know, love your kids and your work. At this stage of life having a job that affords me health care benefits and retirement is a priority because my children need a good stable home. I provide well for them working here. When you are young you don't think of that, of bi-racial as a possible problem. I love, being a mom and a hairstylist. I'm lucky; I have stability in this company".
What do you aspire for your boys and yourself? "The same thing every parent wants, safety, loving home, stability, enough to eat and schools that will teach and see my children as children and not bi-racial. I am alert but not concerned really because they are loved and I am teaching them values and to just love each other. It's other people with ignorant comments that hurt!"
Jennifer's Manager, Kathy Hershman says, "Jennifer is an extraordinary woman, who continues to learn her craft well, and an amazing mom who balances work and raising a family." That says it all!
This is a serious and sensitive topic and I commend Jennifer for allowing me to interview her and print this story. Jennifer is a fantastic hair designer as well and if you need her hair styling services call J.C. Penny's at the mall on Division. Ask for Jennifer H. Tell her Nani sent you.
Authors memo: I shall be featuring a Magnificent Woman every month. Be sure to read every issue because the next profile could be YOURS! Imagine you featured in this column next month. My next book is about Magnificent women who have made a difference, this new series are previews of coming attractions. If you wish to recommend a woman, write and tell me who and why. Not to worry, males are included we offer inclusive an equal opportunity newsletter. nani@universityoflife.info
copyright article Nani Aki Linder
###
Natural Health Tip From Kim Bloomer
Kim Bloomer sort of blew into my life with her natural remedies for my furry friends Kelli and Maile. What caught my attention was her attention to detail, her passionate caring for furry creatures and her willingness to go the extra mile. Those of you who know me know am a researcher so I ask tons of questions. To my delight I asked, she answered and came up with more q & a. This morning I sent her some fairly graphic photos of a recluse brown spider bite. I am sharing her full response with you. I recommend that you visit all her websites and trust her to tell you the truth. I do!
I know about this spider -and have heard from a couple of people the horrors of them. Christopher, the master dog trainer friend of mine, got bit this year and had to go to the hospital. He was out of commission for about a week! Anyway, the thing to know is you have a natural arsenal in the oils. Peppermint and/or spearmint oil when applied to you and your pets "neat" will repel spiders. When you want to kill them just add filtered or bottled water to the oils in a spray bottle (must be a dark spray bottle to protect the oils) and spray it directly on bugs or even your pets to keep the bugs off in the first place -same for yourself. Peppermint and lavender are some of the most versatile oils in our arsenal.
Use this link if you need a reference to help you out - Shadrach is blogging about natural pet products there (he also has Bark 'N' Blog too, lol):
Aspenbloom
"Where Seeing Your Pets Good Health Bloom Is What We're All About!"
http://www.AspenbloomPetCare.com
http://www.Bark-N-Blog.com
http://www.natural-pet-care-products.com
http://www.holistic-pet-podcast.com
I have both oils she speaks of and am mixing my bottle because we have these critters in Spokane. Thank you Kim
Summon The Warriors
By Nani Aki Linder
" WE WERE ONCE THE CHILDREN! "
Christine Rose of STAR(students and teachers against racism) and I were chatting back and forth about this article and she reminded me of some things that need to be said which offer validation for the dominant culture. She is correct of course and I am quoting some of what we were chatting about. Christine is from the dominant culture and so she knows of what she speaks and I agree with her thoughts.
"American education has always focused on life in this country after the arrival of the Europeans. It has totally discounted the existence of Native life in this country prior to that. It is time to change that and to give recognition to the First People of this land. American Indians are responsible for so many achievements. They directly influenced Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson and the ideals professed in our Constitution. Freedom was a concept never before comprehended! Foods and many, if not most, of today's modern medicines were introduced by Native Peoples."
Yet how could you possibly know that, when that, and so much more, is missing from education today? What message are we sending the Native children if we discount every aspect of their culture, making them feel obsolete? It is not your fault! History has been harsh, but we are doomed to repeat history if we do not learn from it! The time has come to embrace ALL children. To value ALL children. The problems so many Indian children face today stem from this simple fact; they are ignored or pushed aside. They are misunderstood and undervalued. We have been teaching them our history for the last 100 years. Now perhaps the time has come for us to learn from them. In this context we seek answers to the following questions and seek the kokua of all peoples, Native and non-native interested in uplifting the lives of children. What steps are we willing to take to assure our children have it better than we did in their schooling.? How can we encourage their incredible potential through college life? How do we participate in the game of life, living our destiny as proud Indian people? How do we share our culture with the dominant culture so they understand who we are as a people? How do we keep what is ours and maintain trust in a community that has many miss-perceptions? How do we change the stereotyping and miss-perceptions? Is it too late? If it is too late, why? How can I teach my children to stand tall and be proud of our roots when 200 plus years of bashing has taken such a toll? When the feelings on both sides have become the norm?
We all recognize that what is happening in out schools today is not working. Indian children fail at a high rate. They are often discouraged and beaten down. Our alcohol and suicide rate continues to soar. These issues need to be addressed seriously, openly and with the dialogue solutions, doable positive steps are necessary if we are to make headways. Answer this for me please. if fear were not a factor what would you do?
These are some of the many questions we seek to answer in the Summits proposed by "Changing Winds". We are currently seeking sponsors and places to hold the Changing Winds Summits. These are to be all inclusive. We have developed a curricula, and are working with native experts to speak and more than that; to answer some of these questions and give specific, useable doable NOW solutions. We propose to track results so that at years end there are statistics of positive change or red flags which means, need to adjust. Our experts are being asked to track the students or schools who come. We need you to stand up and help us find sponsors and places to host the summits.
Ladies and gentlemen this dialogue is past due! How do I know? Because We were indeed once the children. The needs, stresses, losses have multiplied. Do you not tire for the weeping of our peoples? Do you not yearn to see our children and grandchildren standing tall and exuberantly proud to be Indian and really live within the whole earth community rather than on the fringes? A very wise Assiniboine leader told me I was so privileged to have two bites of an apple because Creator gave me two families. Hawaiian which I was privileged to be born into and Tlingit when Maggie John Tlingit medicine woman adopted me. He is so right! My Nani and White Raven heart is so filled with hope for a grand tomorrow for all our children and yet I know that I can lead you to the waters edge and only you native and non native can choose to drink or not. We invite everyone to participate. We can hold town hall style summits, assembly or breakout summits. We are prepared to attend Teacher conferences and orientations. We are inviting all Native people to participate and share their mana 'o. (thoughts. ideas) We invite Tribal Councils, Tribal Leaders, School Boards, Administrators, Counselors, Teachers Anyone who touches the life of school children to attend with the intent to see through the eyes of the Native People. It is in everyone's interest to come,listen,learn and build the lives of the children we are privileged to serve. If you are hesitant to get involved I have one question to ask. If all I need to do to get you to work with me for the benefit of children, is change the color of my skin, or be from the culture of your choosing, what does that say about you, me or our society? You answers may help to explain why nothing has changed in 100 years.
Speak to your schools. Tell them you want our summits. Ask them to invite us. Help us find the means to come. email or call us now while you are thinking about it. nani@universityoflife.info or Rosepetl5@aol.com tell us how you can help or give us your suggestions.
Need a splendid, experienced speaker on Inclusive Diversity skills, Kids at Risk, Cultural Immersion or Cross Cultural Leadership? Look no further. When you want experience and cutting edge knowledge not taught in any books, pick up your phone and call me; Nani Aki Linder at 509-467-7714. Or email us nani@universityoflife.info. I invite you to refer me for speaker venues that you know. Currently I use my own money to support the work for the children. Meaning I work and earn so this project and many others will thrive. Referring my name or hiring Christine of Changing Winds and me is another way of supporting these efforts. www.changingwinds.org
###
A Few Letters From You:
Wow, Nani . . .
What a wonderful and emotion-packed May 10 2005 newsletter.
Possibly your best one yet. It is as if I hear you saying the words
that you write.
Please continue your noble work. The world needs you so much!
Aloha, Burt Az.
*******************
My Dear Nani, You bring out the deep-seated humanitarian feelings that most of us have, so we're merely voicing the seed you've planted. Love Barbara Pa.
***************************************
Wow woman you go!
I can feel the creativity and love just pouring through your newsletter - always great, this one is magnificent. I'll send a check later. I'm so glad you are creating this......and honored to know you! MB Wa.
*******************
I read your newsletter and it hit home with me. I'm going to help. Theresa MT.
Authors thoughts: Many of you wrote that you had break throughs in meditation excercises. I applaud you all. Realize that you may use any visual that is meaningful to you once you enter your white room or space. It all begins with clearing the thoughts and seeing only a white room of your choice, mine is always a white beach cabana room with soft billowy white flowing curtains and my white table. Purple rose is representative of creator who is shrouded in purple to many who live in faith's path. We are reaching to our higher selves where Creator resides. Good job everyone, I am thrilled for you. Keep practicing. No one mentioned the advanced excercise but I know at least two of you who probably mastered it. Keep practicing for this month. Next month we will begin an breathing excercise and I will explain deeper the correlation between breathing, health and meditation or staying in the silence. Mahalo for your letters.....Nani
###
FAQ:
Do you really give proceeds of your book Trial By Fire A True Story Of Hope to those in need?
On page 76 last paragraph of Trial By Fire I write, " Most of the proceeds of this book will help Ron and I fulfill our dream of helping the hungry and the oppressed be they human or animal. Celebrate Life! The answer is yes! We also donate a percent of my speaking earnings to different groups. It is a way of giving back for the life Ke Akua spared to help up lift the lives of others. I am truly keeping a promise and ya know am granted riches beyond money every day.
Note: Recently, right now actually we are privileged to offer the book as a fundraiser for NWAHMA.National Work At Home Moms Association who is a family first, kids first organization founded by Lynn Phelps. ALL PROCEEDS, meaning all of Author's royalties (that's me) is being sent to NWAHMA once the sale is over. Everything passes through the publisher to the charity or cause involved, total transparency. I don't even see the invoice. You still have time to assist this organization if you wish. I invite you to follow Lynn's directions below
1. Call in your order for Trial By Fire A True Story Of Hope: Telephone number 1-877-buybook toll free SUB08680 #. 20% discount
2. http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-0868-6 publisher no discount
3. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0741408686/qid=1116549912/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-1181343-9506350?v=glance&s=books Amazon 15% discount
4. Send your receipt or number to me Lynn Phelps lynnphelps@nwahma.com Yes she has some bonus items to give you from generous donors including a vacation all you have to do is spend $12.76 for Trial By Fire on sale for about 17 bonus items and you shall be helping the advocacy of a family first organization.
###
Point to Ponder: Success is a feeling...it isn't an amount. Once you realize this life looks allot better and you understand that money is part of the over all plan called life
###
Point to Ponder: "All beliefs carry with them consequences."
###
Continuing with our Tip Sheet series we add four new tidbits of hope which we invite you to reflect on, take what you need and discard the rest.
University Of Life Tip Sheet Series part 6
By Nanipuaaalaomaililaulii Aki Linder
1. He poho na ka pono Ke akamai no he hana a nui" Problems happen. Use wisdom to deal with them. Deeper meaning: you cannot control events but you can choose your response. Tomorrow is another day to travel, learn and grow.
2. We cannot know what we do not know; we cannot give what we do not have. Read it again and see what you comprehend this means.3. Millionaire Mindset.
A. Know what your client wants.
B. Go get it.
C. Give it to them. Now you know Donald Trumps secret.
Simple logic not to be confused with easy. There is a difference.
###
The Final Word:
My heart is filled with hope for a brighter tomorrow. I have no more words or pleadings. I send you a sprit of hope on wings of the sacred White Raven and bid you peace, happiness and love for you and all our fellow man. We invite all, we leave no one behind.
###
Reminders on Changing Winds Summits.
- If you can organize an introduction to your city please let us know and we will place you on our calendar.
If you wish me to come and speak at your school on Be A Star a diversity series for children or Cultural Immersion I am at your service.
Email me at nani@universityoflife.info or call 509-467-7714. Snail mail 3327 W Indian Trail Rd. #115, Spokane, Wa. 99208.
FYI: I use my own earned money to finance everything we do for the children. We are not a 501c3 but changing winds through Christine is working on getting one.
We need your kokua.( help) Consider sponsoring a summit. It will be most helpful if you know of conferences or schools that need paying speakers; I invite you to please refer me as a speaker or invite (hire) me to speak at your teachers conference, keynote, or diversity training needs. My earnings help us finance these worthy causes.
You can reach me by phone, email or snail mail. If you are a corporation please consider sponsoring for this most worthy mission to uplift the lives of Native children. Do it Now!
Email me at nani@universityoflife.info, call 509-467-7714 or Mail 3327 W Indian Trail Rd. #115, Spokane, Wa. 99208.
If you are on STAR's list, contact Christine Rose or go to www.changingwinds.org
FYI
Christine Rose is the Executive Director of Students and Teachers Against Racism, a volunteer organization with Chapters in four states. In the last two years, STAR has taken complaints of Civil Rights violations occurring in schools from almost 50 Native American families across the country. These complaints range from bullying to outright violence and overt intimidation so fierce that many children are forced to leave school. It is no surprise that in many mid-west states, the drop-out rate of Indian children is extreme, even in grades 6,7,and 8.
- We are working to form an alliance with NWAHMA through its President and Founder Lynn Phelps. NWAHMA is a national work at home moms organization who encourage family first values and lobby congress on women's issues. They hold expos in the united states that benefit work at home moms. We will be listing their events in our newsletter periodically. www.NWAHMA.com,
Contact us anytime at nani@universityoflife.info
A Hui Hou! (till we meet again) Pau (the end)
Nanipuaaalaomaililaulii - White Raven
As always take what you need from this newsletter and discard the rest. a'ole pilikia! (no problem) I invite you to forward this newsletter to your friends or colleagues. They may subscribe at www.universityoflife.info.
It only takes a moment and this is a FREE service.
A hui hou dear hearts until next month July 10, 2005
www.universityoflife.info 509-467-7714 nani@universityoflife.info
|
|
