Nani Notes Newsletter » November 10, 2005

Aloha e everyone and welcome to November 10, 2005 of Kaleo O Nani Newsletter!

Today I honor each of you and thank you for your loyalty and kindness. I treasure each of you. This month we celebrate Veterans Day and being thankful.

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! Its Thanksgiving Month and I wish you all enough food to eat, clean water to drink, a warm place to sleep, warm clothes, socks and shoes, enough friendship and inspiring sunrise and sunsets. I wish you enough love and knowing that you right where you are matter. Come sit, claim your place at the table of life, it is yours for the taking.

While you enjoy the holidays I invite you to remember there are American Warriors fighting and also dying to keep us free to enjoy enough as we sit at our table of Thanks. They sleep on lumpy beds, sometimes in fox holes. They eat MRE's. They often are not warm enough or dry enough. Their family of the moment is the Warrior next to them ready to watch each other's back. Always alert, grabbing a quick nap, make do shower or shave "whenever!" They take pride in seeing the birth of a newly freed nation that they honorably helped to set free. They deliver books! The build roads! They build Schools, hospitals, homes and pipelines for complete strangers. They nurse the sick and sew up the wounded. They share the little comforts they have with little children and each other. The list of good they bring is endless. They make us proud. They are our Warriors, present and past as we remember their valor yesterday,today and tomorrow. They are our Noble Veteran.

Serious thinking moment! Are we worthy of these brave soldiers and their sacrifices? Watch the television, look at polls, are American's losing their will? Actually the word here is guts, to finish the job so other oppressed people might someday have enough? There is a poll being circulated as I write this and it asks what is most important to you? 1. oil prices 2. fighting terrorism 3. economy.

No pollster has ever contacted me, how bout you?. If they did this is my vote. #2 fighting terrorism. This is why. If we do not stop terrorists who think nothing of killing for the sake of killing then the rest of the questions are moot. Simple logic tells us when they come to our neighborhoods; price of gas , economy, who you are, whether you have enough or not won't matter. Without freedom, America as we know it shall cease to exist. Look beyond the obvious and see the long term. Short term inconvenience for long term FREEDOM!

On this one day, I invite you to leave at the waters edge politics, 30 second media soundbites and party affiliation. Next time you are tempted to complain about what you don't have. I recommend taking a moment to be thankful for what we do have. Visualize a moment our brave warriors and their noble mission and sacrifice.

Freedom has never been free. May Ke Akua bless all of our armed forces and their families with empty chairs. May they return home to a grateful,united and welcoming nation.

My prayer for you is that each and everyday, Ke Akua shall grant you enough!

As always take what you need and discard the rest. This is your life my friends spend it wisely. Enjoy!

Believing in the Human Spirit Of Hope and the Celebration of life! Nanipuaaalaomaililaulii Aki Linder - Alala Ke'o ke'o White Raven

This month I am recognizing a magnificent woman named Kim Bloomer from Albuquerque, New Mexico! She is a humanitarian of the first order. A kings kid. Loving wife and worthy companion of a rescued pet named Shadrach who has his own doggie blog. Okay time to grab a cup of tea, relax and breathe in the essence of Kim Bloomer. I call her story:

Who is Kim Bloomer? Kim Bloomer is a woman of faith and conviction that God almighty drives her bus of life. She is results oriented and devoted to service first to God, then to family including her pet Shadrach and finally her business and clients.

What Kim Bloomer does is teach health and wellness for the preservation of life for all Gods creatures but most particularly animals. She is a guru on natural health and consults on the care of pets from horses to cats and dogs. Animals have a loyal and fierce advocate in Kim for their basic humane rights. She is not a militant advocate, she is a gentle one. She is a serious minded woman who cares about nutrition and holistic healing. Her work is all inclusive. Her heart reaches out to all with empathy and a generous spirit of hope. She is knowledgeable in healing oils, natural nutrition and has recently co-authored a book about Animal Health with a well know Veternarian. She is someone I personally turn to when I need pet advice for my dog, Maile Beach. If she can't answer, she finds someone who can. I trust her instincts because she places people and pets before profit. Rare quality in today's competitive marketplace.

Kim and I have become close, caring friends. She is like a sister and as sisters you exchange life experiences. Kim, I have come to learn, can take a punch in the gut with the best of them. Most important she stands up again, and again and again landing in thrive mode.

Life isn't always kind but what makes the magnificent women special to our readers is they generously allow us into their lives to experience candidly their pain, faith and yes happiness in the hopes that it will inspire you to stand up and move forward through your own trials by fire. That takes courage. I applaud each woman or family who lends their strength to benefit the lives of strangers.

When I asked Kim what her husbands name was she replied this way: "My honey's name is Donnie. We met when I was 18 and he had just turned 21 in late winter of 1975. We dated for awhile but then he went off to the Army and I went off into La La land. I later married a guy from Sweden (my stepdad was a naturalized citizen from Sweden). When I was divorcing, Donnie magically appeared back into my life just discharged from the Army." Kim tells me it's been a rough and harrowing road they've traveled. She explains its like going from darkness into the Light. Donnie is African American. Kim says,"heck I always say black and I'm a mixed breed (grin): Hispanic mom and my dad was Scottish/Irish." Kim shared that, " Donnie is my true love and he really always has been. He's a good man and my champion!" How grand it is to find ones soul mate. While it's been a long, hard road for them, " it has been worth it says Kim," to get here." A few months ago when we wrote NWAHMA's President's story, Lynn Phelps, Kim was moved to tears and in awe and shared how similar their paths were. She immediately contacted Lynn to tell her how meaningful Lynn's story was for her. A few weeks later she agreed to follow Lynn's example and share her own life's message of HOPE for this Thanksgiving issue.

As we began to lift the veil of silence further Kim reveals, "I had an interesting upbringing. My mom was my dad's second marriage. She met him in a bar where he played the bass upright in an all black R&B band -except my dad was white. My mom is Hispanic so that made for some trouble in the family since my dad's family was Little Rock, Arkansas white. My dad fought the Japanese in WWII as a Marine at the ripe old age of 15. That experience left definite mental scars which dad never overcame.!" Consequently, Kim's mom endured cruel racism for as long as they were married. They all were to endure Her dad's alcoholism and abuse. Finally her mom decided life would be better apart because Kim's dad was starting in on her children too. Kim's Mother was young, moved around a lot and eventually remarried. Kim says she went to so many schools growing up that she never really bonded well with people. But she seemed to have a gift with animals and bonded well with them just as she does today. Kim has told me more than once that she can't remember not always being drawn to and having an affinity for animals. Kim's dad's family had several restaurants. "Even with all his crazy drug and drinking drama, their restaurants flourished and did well until my grandmother could no longer run them! My mom's mother ran a cotton candy stand right from her home and had a little window for people to stop by and pay her and get their fresh cotton candy. I LOVED helping her do this because then I got cotton candy, LOL!" From what Kim's says, both her grandmothers greatly influenced her with learning about and using natural remedies before reaching for drugs to heal. She was also fortunate to have worked in the family restaurants during her youth. This relevant training taught Kim important work ethics and a strong desire to be her own boss. Kim candidly admits she went through many struggles including drug and drinking problems. "I had a wild youth, went to college at the University of NM as a Fine Arts major with a dance emphasis for a while but didn't finish. Several years later I met and married my ex-husband and did finish business school. When we divorced, I was a mess!" Thankfully that was when my old friend from my teen years, Donnie, came back into my life. We married shortly after my divorce was final." Today they enjoy their very own oasis of blissful marriage in its18th year. Way to go Kim and Donnie! Kim shares that, "We've struggled in a lot of ways. Our marriage has survived because of our mutual love and respect for each other and most importantly, because God is our central glue." "I want to thank Donnie who helped me mend my relationships with both my real dad and my stepdad. Both have passed away but it really helped me grow to mend those relationships. He was a rock of compassion and caring through those difficult moments of reaching out." Bonus for Kim is that Donnie has a love of animals just as she does. He has supported her work through every trial and error. Kim eventually ended up doing what she knows in her heart she was destined to do all along -work with animals in particular dogs and cats. Kim's faith and trust in God led her every direction. She has learned to let go and let God! It is that sustained faith that helped Kim grow and endure her trials by fire turning the lemons of life into sweet lemonade. Today she uses her life experiences in service to others. Kim reveals that the catalyst that sent her headlong back into not only pet care but natural, preventative pet care was their dog Shadrach. Shadrach is a great big Neo Mastiff who just wouldn't allow her to care for him with traditional food or medicine. He is, she believes, a cat disguised as a Mastiff. Kim and Donnie got Shadrach as a horribly abused, neglected and starved ugly duckling puppy. It is that same ugly duckling puppy who taught them how to nurture him into the beautiful, engaging, funny, intelligent dog he has become. He had so many health challenges that Kim HAD to seek a more excellent way of caring for him. So she did. As a direct result of Kim's past experiences and training, integrated with all she's since learned and continues to learn in natural care, Kim now has the pet business she always dreamed of as a child. That was and continues to be working with healthy pets by keeping them from getting sick in the first place! "All I learned culminated into what I am now doing! Shadrach is such an integral part of our business too since he does all my blogging for me. He is the constant inspiration and reminder to me of why I do what I do as a natural pet care educator. With Shadrach as my inspiration, my husband as my love, supporter and encourager, and my God as my purpose, I feel anything is possible!!" Well said Kim.

My grandfather told me as a young child, "Nani Girl, Your character is measured by how you treat all creatures, big or small, people or animals!" Kim and Donnie have shown this strength of character and integrity of sterling quality through example. Life has not been a bowl of cherries for them. Yet their love, devotion and keeping God as their glue have brought them through trials that would have shipwrecked many. They did it with grace, dignity and a deeper faith. May God continue to shine in and through your lives. When you pause a moment to see beyond the obvious, the unspoken words ring out. This young girl who suffered from alcoholism, racial slurs, other abuse and her own "wild life", ran past survive to claim for herself a life of thrive. May you drink from the well of Kim Bloomers experiences and decide that you too can claim the choice to thrive. Just reach out and take it. Why? You are worthy! Nani Linder

Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunami's, floods, snowstorms, slides, tornados! Mother nature reminds us once again who is the boss when it comes to all natural phenomenon. Mother Nature has not lost control of the elements by default. In the name of fast paced modernization man has upset the balance of the everglades, spent much of natures capital with foolish misuse, neglect and wasteful over consumption of our resources.

Ke Akua awakens the spirit within and challenges us to engage the power of "I"! Many of today's storms are part of natures cycles, some are part of mans neglect and laziness. These are wake up calls. Hello! Are we listening?

Students of the Universe! You are invited to probe. Ask questions. Think beyond the obvious. Learn and begin to joyfully stand up and become. Ho'e he pointed truths and ancient wisdom. Share what you have. Care for our elders. Embrace tools of learning. Reject jealousy and envy. Give thanks to the Creator of us all for what you have. Traditions and common decency matter. Reject 30 second SoundBits and twisted words for these are tools of forked tongues who would keep us dependent. Ku'e (resist) the temptation of strife instead drink at the well of integrity and love for your fellow human beings. Engage your thought process. Learn to fish! You can do it! Your essence is invaluable! Share it! Stand up! Deliver!

What's in it for you? Creator God gave you a destiny. claim it! Own it! It is meant for only you! Stand up! Become! Those who would keep us dependent are indeed, not our friends.

As always, take what you need and discard the rest. I am but a lowly pencil whose intent is to unleash your human potential and power from within. I believe in you...........

Quick Trivia: Did you know? To cool a burning mouth one should sip milk or eat a piece of chocolate? Both contain casein, a protein that scientist say quickly attaches and removes spicy capsaicin from nerve receptors on the tongue. ( most of us grab water and make it worse right!)

Our system is unique because it addresses and teaches students/clients the art of fishing as opposed to being given fish metaphor. We teach a way of life. With the golden rule as our guide we present scenarios that are true to life and encourage you to think beyond the obvious. Why? Most problems of life and inclusion diversity or crisis happen quickly requiring us to think on our feet and process a little information accurately. Crisis situations are not convenient. You most often do not have a "how to" solve guide at hand. You may not have a crisis manager standing there giving instruction. It is you and a problem needing solved NOW! Our system teaches you to look, see and respond beyond the obvious. Our system works at home, in the classroom, in the community, at work or in boardrooms. You engage the art of living in serene confidence. Confidence is silent. Feelings just are.

An "I'am" person is peace filled! Serenity focused! Lives a results as a given life of positive expectancy. If you seek this inner happiness and quiet confidence way of life, our program is for you. E-mail me and see if you qualify to join our team of inner circle members. The investment fee is worthy because you are worthy. E-mail nani@universityoflife.info to schedule your free 30 minute consultation. Unleash your power within. call 509-467-7714.

Learning to Fish tips

If a disaster were to come to your town are you ready to thrive?

Here are some get ready tips that only take a few minutes to initiate.

Check if your gas fireplace is a "working one" or one for show that the builder installed in your home. If it is a for show one, go to the fireplace store and speak to them about upgrading and installing a new one with a thermostat. Find out how big a room the one you choose will heat.

If you have a pellet stove remember you need electricity to drive the auger. See below I talk about how we installed a generator and why.

Fireplaces need wood so make sure you buy dry wood and have your chimney cleaned and checked. Safety first in all that you do. Your families lives depend on safety first.

What else can we do? Feather beds and comforters are a good investment or sleeping bags that are meant for arctic weather. Flannel sheets and down slippers. Check your mittens and jackets with hoods. It is our responsibility to be prepared not our governments. If you live in warmer climate be prepared as appropriate to your climate.

No body owes us, we owe ourselves. We owe it to ourselves and our children to be prepared. Government and FEMA is secondary to OUR kuleana. (responsibility)

What about our pets? Bring them inside (or a garage works) and give them a blanket or comforter to sleep on. Food and water. Dogs and cats can provide warmth for children and adults as well. It is inhumane not to tend to your pets. Recall in the Tsunami that killed so many people, the animals were fine because they were outdoors set free. Most pets who die in disasters were locked in a home or tied to a tree or porch. Did you know that animals can sense disaster before it comes and will usually disappear or run and hide ahead of time? They can give us our first warning of natural disaster if we are paying attention.

Elders? If your elders live elsewhere call and make sure they are alright. Invite them over. If they do not have proper warm clothing or heat take care of it before disaster visits. We must ho'e he (show sacred respect) to our elders and care enough to check on them. At one time, they fed, bathed, wiped our tush and carried us until we could stand and walk alone. They deserve out respect and honor now in good times and not so good ones. Make sense?

Remember: Do Not light or use a propane stove or hibachi indoors, those fumes can kill.

Final comment:

Ron and I had a separate electrical panel put in after an ice storm that caused major power outages for weeks to months in this area. We researched generators, got one big enough to accommodate our home and had a separate electrical panel installed. We also got extra gas containers. We worked out an emergency plan for water storage for toilets and drinking. I have researched different nourishing foods that store up to 5 years. There are herbal foods that nourish the body intra cellular and provide the vitamins we would need. I actually eat these everyday and call it meal in a mug. If you would like more information don't hesitate to give me a call or email me specific questions and I will e-mail you back. nani@universityoflife.info

As always take what you need and discard the rest!

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Point of interest: Picking your own natural herbs: Important to remember. Medicinal herbs are picked and processed during specific times of the day, month and year. Process matters! It is wise to remember that dried herbs have many uses. Some strictly for the vitamin content. Some for minerals. DO NOT mess with fresh herbs for medicinal use unless you know the process. The body cannot tell the difference in modern medicine and herbal remedies and reactions can be deadly. When in doubt, don't!

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Announcements

Educational Diversity Summit:

"Courageous Speak & Culturally Relevant Teaching Skills"

When: January 27-28

Where: Spokane, Washington

Complete details coming in Decembers issue. Woman's Business Center, Deb Barnes Executive Director and University of Life & Hope, Nani Aki Linder, Founder & also President ,Changing Winds Seminars have created a partnership to present this event.

Why attend this Educational Diversity Summit? Here is our answer: Courageous speaking and culturally relevant teaching skills play a role in identifying and problem solving in today's classrooms, boardroom and communities. Consider for a moment the implications of racism, exclusion, bias, stereotyping in today's world. This is about INCLUSION not color.

Participate and explore thoughtful concepts of racism and how it may manifest in our schools, communities, workplace and indeed, our boardrooms.

Local experts engage you in problem solving sessions and share information relevant to the diverse community, workplace, school environment, and boardrooms.

Engage the concepts of how students learn effectively rather than how teacher performs.

Address the art of teaching. "What worked and what didn't."

Address issues of finding common ground and why language is an important component of Native spirituality and who they are.

Learn to recognize "kids at risk" and the how to's of trauma or crisis situations and follow up strategies.

Learn why health and nutrition matter to thought processing. Why cleanliness matters for all of us at home, work, play, jobs, medical centers, and our environment in everyday living.

Engage thought provoking issues relevant to today with a panel of experts from the community and elsewhere. Come and build a community of hope by adding your voice.

Educational investment fee for the two full days of fun and activities is only $199. This includes registration, all texts and materials, all workshops and panel discussions. Vendors are invited to call or email us for space and fee information. This is a great opportunity to present your products and services. (Hint: Valentines will be just around the corner) There is also the opportunity to possibly receive CEU's from EWU. Who should attend? Anyone who touches the life of others, warriors of courageous truth, teachers, students, administrators, tribal councils, teachers who teach Native students, medical caregivers, headstart teachers, home schoolers, social workers, small business owners, church groups. Email me for details or to pre-register. Nani@universityoflife.info Firmed and complete details in next months December newsletter.

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The Final Word:

Tomorrow is truly today! Thanksgiving is everyday when you stop and think about it. We have seen so many disasters hit around the globe. Yet America stands out in giving aid to others even though we are struggling with our own disasters. In the coming days think about how you can step out in faith and help a fellow human being. If you can't share a turkey how about $5 to the local food bank or church kitchen. How about stopping to give a homeless person a food coupon from one of the local fast food establishments. Remember the local pet shelters who can use an extra bag of dog or cat food. All your acts of kindness shall manifest ten times in returns to you. Try it? You'll see, the laws of the universe are engaged constantly. I wish you enough my friends.

Point to ponder: If I don't have enough to eat today it is my kuleana (responsibility) to work smarter tomorrow. All of us have what it takes to rise above and to be self sufficient inspite of any circumstances in our lives.

You my friends are loved.

Contact us about becoming involved in "The International Diversity Educational Summit or with suggestions!" 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 December 10, 2005

www.universityoflife.info 509-467-7714 nani@universityoflife.info