Busy little Aiden

I am a mother of two children.  I was a single parent for many years to my first child, 15 year-old Jeremy, and my most recent addition is 11 month-old Aiden.  Me and my husband Steve try very hard to be good parents.  Aiden is his first child and I see a big difference in how Steve reacts to parenting situations compared to me.  I have done all this before, and have learned to take it all in stride.  Steve is new to all of this and worries a lot.  Some of that is his personality, but much of it I think will wear off with experience.

Let me give you an example.  The other day I was out at a meeting and my husband, Steve, was watching the baby.  Now Aiden is in that crawling and cruising stage where he is in to everything he can get his hands on. He’s figured out how to stand up and walk hanging on to things like our coffee table.  Unfortunately, he isn’t stable on his feet yet and frequently loses balance. We’ve done our best to make our home safe, and we watch him as he plays but as any parent knows little bumps and cuts are sometimes unavoidable.

Now back to this particular day where Steve was babysitting.  I guess what happened was that Aiden was standing holding on to the coffee table, and he slipped to his knees.  Unfortunately his chin knocked against the table and his two little bottom front teeth (still the only teeth he has) cut into his top gums making them bleed.  There were a few drops of blood, and Aiden howled for a couple minutes but wasn’t actually hurt badly.  He quickly forgot about it and went back to playing.  Not the case with Steve however.  It was about this time that Jeremy came home.  He walked in the door and saw Steve “running around like a chicken with his head cut off” in a complete panic and desperately trying to get a hold of me on my cell phone.

When I noticed a few minutes later that I had missed 4 calls from him, I called him back and he was very upset that I didn’t answer the first time, and described the situation as a horrible accident with “huge amounts of blood”.  I came home and looked over Aiden.  He was fine and I realized that Steve had blown the entire thing out of proportion.  I quietly giggled at how adorable Steven was being such a worrier.

Parenting changes a lot from the first to the second child. I was the same as Steve when Jeremy was little, but not anymore.  Of course I watch him and keep him safe, but I don’t worry too much about little accidents.  I am reminded of a scene from the now classic comedy, ‘Parenthood’ where Karen Buckman, played by Mary Steenburgen, says to the school principal that they were really overprotective with their first child; freaking out over every little scrape, but by the fourth one they let them juggle knives. Certainly she was exaggerating, but as we gain experience as a parent we realize that children are actually pretty hardy.

Written for Hippy Grandma
By Megan Chatry, Hippy Mommy Extraordinaire

The hippies at Hippy Grandma give a “far out shout out” and thank you to Melody Owen of Ethical Consumer for providing our Green Tips. 

February Green Tips

97% of Canadians recycle where roadside pick up is available. That’s excellent! But roadside recycling is only part of the solution. What about recyclables that do not get picked up roadside? This month we will look at four items that more Canadians could be recycling and probably would if they had the right information.

# 2 

Different batteries need to be disposed of accordingly. Non-rechargeable batteries also called alkaline batteries are the least dangerous of the three and can be dropped off at Future Shop/Best Buy. Rechargeable batteries contain toxic substances. Canada has a program that has been running since 1994, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) so just go to http://www.rbrc.org/ and enter your postal code to get a list of place to return your used rechargeable batteries. 

Use and enjoy these tips to keep our wonderful “grandmother gaia” healthy and happy!

namaste,

Zoey

Zoey Ryan

founding hippy at hippy grandma

coach . catalyst . shakti sage

life & business coach for women

“Coaching for your heart & soul and the heart & soul of your business”

www.positivelyoutrageouswomen.com

www.entrepreneurialsuperstars.com

604-323-3700

Keep the love flowing and support fair trade gifting at Hippy Grandma – an online eco-boutique selling earth friendly treasures for your grandbabies, their mamas and you!   Hippy love for generations! www.hippygrandma.com

Holistic Health Information provided by Victoria Pawlowski, RD, MEd of Springwell Nutrition Group: Springwell provides nutritional assessment, counselling,consulting and psycho-nutritional therapy.  We are passionate about supporting you to transform your health with quality whole foods, optimal nutrition and mindful eating.

At Hippy Grandma, we know that February is “Heart Month” and so are pleased to bring you some great holistic health info and tips!

Eating to Your Heart’s Content

Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are messages from your body that something in your life needs attention.  It may be time to review your diet, exercise routine and stress levels.  This is one situation where ignoring it will not make it go away.  

Some people worry that they will never be able to eat the foods they love again.

Or that they will be forced to eat low fat low cholesterol cookies. But eating for a healthy heart is so much more than just avoiding high cholesterol foods.  It is actually more about the foods that you do eat, rather than what not to eat. These heart healthy diet recommendations incorporate the University of Toronto’s Portfolio Diet into Springwell’s natural, whole foods version of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating.  This is what you need to eat each day to keep LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure low, while at the same time keeping your energy and vitality high.

5 – 10 servings of different colored locally grown, seasonal, organically grown fruits and vegetables.  

That is about 4-1/2 cups a day including 1 cup of leafy greens such as kale, swiss chard, beet greens, collards and spinach.  

Tip:  Greens can be steamed or sautéed and added to soups, stews, stir fries or eaten alone.  Simply sauté a pound of mixed greens with garlic, onion and expeller pressed canola or olive oil.  Add to soups, salads, eggs or eat cold as a side salad.   As an alternative, try mixing a tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp dark brown sugar, 1 cup diced canned tomatoes, one whole bunch fresh cilantro, 2 – 3 tbsp curry paste or powder and then mixing with cooked diced potatoes.

We hope you have enjoyed these tips!

namaste,

Zoey

Zoey Ryan

founding hippy at hippy grandma

coach . catalyst . shakti sage

life & business coach for women

“Coaching for your heart & soul and the heart & soul of your business”

www.positivelyoutrageouswomen.com

www.entrepreneurialsuperstars.com

604-323-3700

Keep the love flowing and support fair trade gifting at Hippy Grandma – an online eco-boutique selling earth friendly treasures for your grandbabies, their mamas and you!   Hippy love for generations! www.hippygrandma.com

This week, in honour of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share a lesson in love and letting go.  Now I’m not talking about romantic love, but rather the love a mother feels for her child.  I was a single parent for many years, and it always felt like it was me and my son against the world.  Perhaps that is why this affects me more than it may others.  My oldest son, Jeremy, turned 15 on Sunday.  For the first time since he was born I wasn’t with him on his birthday.  He went away with a friend and his family.  I was happy for him that he got to go and have fun, but I couldn’t help but feel strange about not actually being with him on his birthday.  Like any caring mother, I usually throw him a party, invite his friends, and just generally try to make it a special day for him.  Now that he’s older, I’ve realized that those days are coming to an end.  He is growing up, and too soon he will move out on his own.  He is quick to remind me of this fact.

Like most teens Jeremy is becoming more and more independent and wants to be with friends, not his mom.  I can’t blame him.  I remember going through the same thing.  In fact, I was out on my own by 17.  But I will still miss those younger years where I could throw him birthday parties, and invite lots of kids to come play games and eat cake.

My lesson is simple. Treasure each stage of a child’s life as unique and wonderful in its own way.  Some are filled with joy while others are more work, but all of them pass by quickly.  Embrace each stage, no matter how challenging it may be.  It is all part of growing up. The biggest reward for a parent is to see the intelligent and caring adult their child becomes.

I know that Jeremy and I will always be close, no matter how old he gets.  Of course I will still have my youngest, 10 month old Aiden, at home for many wonderful years to come.  Plus I’ll admit that I am looking forward to buying these adorable hand crocheted baby booties from www.hippygrandma.com for my grandchild years from now when I become a hippy grandma.  So when Jeremy said he was going away this year for his birthday, I smiled and told him to have fun.  Parents don’t always know when to let go, but kids are quick to let parents know when they are ready.

Written for Hippy Grandma
By Megan Chatry, Hippy Mommy Extraordinaire

February Green Tips

Green Tips are provided by Melody Owen of Ethical Consumer

97% of Canadians recycle where roadside pick up is available. That’s excellent! But roadside recycling is only part of the solution. What about recyclables that do not get picked up roadside? This month we will look at four items that more folks could be recycling and probably would if they had the right information.

Week One

Expired and unused medications find their way into our collective medication basket and the question always arises as to what to do with them. Dumping down the drain or tossing them in the garbage furthers the destruction of our land and waterways. In B.C. we can simply return them to most pharmacies. If you are Canadian, however aren’t in B.C you can check out http://www.medicationsreturn.ca to find out what programs are available in your province. 

Stay tuned for more eco love green tips next week!

namaste, 

Zoey

Zoey Ryan

Founding Hippy at Hippy Grandma

coach . catalyst . shakti sage

life & business coach for women

“Coaching for your heart & soul and the heart & soul of your business”

www.positivelyoutrageouswomen.com 

604-323-3700

Keep the love flowing and support fair trade gifting at Hippy Grandma – an online eco-boutique selling earth friendly treasures for your grandbabies, their mamas and you!   Hippy love for generations! www.hippygrandma.com

At Hippy Grandma, we specialize in handmade, unique, earth friendly, heirloom gifts for babies!  Our “angel heart art dolls” designed and created by artist Carolyn Dawn Good are truly a one of a kind art treasure. Grandmas, Aunties and Mommies love commissioning this gift for their little hippy angels as it is truly a gift from the heart.

You can see Carolyn in action on this video as she demonstrates her process with these dolls at a workshop.  If you live in the Vancouver area you can make a doll yourself, or you can commission Carolyn to create a special art doll for your special little one!

angel heart art doll workshops

Learn more about this unique and exquisite gift and artist Carolyn Dawn Good.

February is all about “the heart” and the lotus is often considered a symbol of the heart.  In Feb., we have Valentines Day and Heart month with the Heart & Stroke Foundation!   While I feel somewhat vulnerable doing it, I share the following with you for the purpose of education and awareness around “heart health” for women.  

As some of you know, I had a heart “attack” in September.  My heart attack occurred after receiving a serious health diagnosis for my husband and after meditating on opening the heart and “walking right into the sharp point of the pain”.  There could be numerous discussions about the timing of all of this, however, today, I want to tell you more about the type of heart attack I had, as many women I talk to have never heard about this kind.

A “heart attack” or myocardial infarction (MI) by definition, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is cut off because of an “occlusion or obstruction”.  Most of us know about coronary artery disease and about “fatty plaques” that can block or occlude blood vessels in the heart and lead to a heart attack.  This is the only type of a heart attack I knew about, even after being in “health care” for over 20 years in a “previous life”.

The type of heart attack I had; occurs predominantly in women, is likely under-reported, is not very common (thankfully) and seems to be associated with hormone levels.  I want to tell you about it so you will have personal awareness and be attentive to your body, even if you are healthy and do not have heart disease!  I had what is called a “spontaneous coronary artery dissection” (SCAD) and what happens is that a few layers of the artery wall tear away or self dissect, creating a “flap” which then pulls away from the artery wall and stops the blood flow.  Upon investigation, my arteries were completely clear of “plaques” and I do not have “heart disease” in the way most people think of it.  The symptoms of both types of heart attack are the same though.

Here are the symptoms I experienced; for about 2 days prior, I felt a tightness in my chest, which felt like I was developing bronchitis; I felt abit light headed, during the “heart attack”, I felt like a 50- 200 lb dog was sitting on my chest and I had difficulty breathing, this sensation would ease for a while and then it would resume.  I had the “heavy dog sitting on my chest” sensation, three times or so and it lasted about 20 minutes each time.  I had very little pain!  My reference for physical pain is childbirth and relatively speaking, I had virtually no pain, just a slight discomfort in the right (not left) side of my neck, shoulder and arm.  I felt pretty calm and relaxed until I googled “symptoms of a heart attack for women” and found I had about 8 out of 10.  At this point, I decided I should go to the hospital, still thinking I was being very silly and melodramatic.  Very sensibly, I did not drive myself to emerg, I had my daughter drive me.  When I arrived in emerg and told them I was having chest tightness & heaviness and difficulty breathing, I was whisked right in.  My blood pressure was “sky high”.

My story has a very happy ending; I am healthy, happy and alive.  I did not need a stent or bypass.  I received incredible medical care and attention.  In my recuperation, I was exhausted for about a month and then my energy started to return, although I could resume my walking program almost right away (with my Dr’s OK).  I had “critical illness” insurance, so could relax and not worry about finances.  I have since talked to another woman who had a very similar experience and apparently there is a North American research study going on about SCAD, let me know if you want more info.

Here is my big “surprise”; I really didn’t experience significant pain, it was more discomfort, heaviness and chest tightness!

Here is my learning: trust my body’s wisdom, listen to the messages of my heart, do not minimize intuitive concerns, know what a “healthy body” and organs feel like, understand the mind/body connection (I was feeling pretty stressed about my husband), know the symptoms of a heart attack, understand that a heart attack doesn’t always contain a lot of “pain” as I was used to thinking of pain, ask for help and don’t drive if I think I am having another heart attack!  This experience also re-validated the importance of self-care, a healthy lifestyle, loving relationships and the importance of living each moment fully present and in the now.

So, wonderful women, from my perspective as a life coach and from my perspective as a woman with a “torn heart”, here are some reminders:

1. Get acquainted with your heart, see if you can “feel” it in your body.  Know when your heart and your circulatory/respiratory system feels healthy and ill, know the symptoms of a heart attack in women (the heart and stroke foundation is a good resource http://heartandstroke.com ).

2. Get acquainted or more acquainted with your body!  Engage in a daily “body centered” practice like yoga, qi gong or tai chi. Consider working with a yoga therapist, or doing a “mind/body” program.

3. Ask your heart for it’s wise messages, what is it trying to tell you!  Imagine that your heart is tender, soft, warm and melted, what message do you hear, what emotion do you feel?

namaste,

Zoey

Zoey Ryan

Founding Hippy at Hippy Grandma

coach . catalyst . shakti sage

life & business coach for women

“Coaching for your heart & soul and the heart & soul of your business”

www.positivelyoutrageouswomen.com

Jeremy's Violin

Music has always been important to my family. My dad’s mother sang and played piano. My grandfather still sings in a choir and performs regularly. They even recorded a CD. My other grandmother has always sung in church and played piano. My uncle is a very talented guitar player and singer. My father is learning to play piano, and my brother plays guitar and sings. Over the years I have played piano, clarinet, saxophone and guitar. My son Jeremy played violin in elementary and middle school. With or without the talent to play or sing, everyone in my family enjoys listening to music. A beautiful song can tell a story, and there is a song for every mood.

Music can help people go through tough times and what could be more difficult than the turmoil that comes with being a teenager. I don’t know how I would have made it through high school without listening to my favourite songs on the bus on the way to and from school. Jeremy, who will be turning 15 this month, loves listening to his ipod in the car, on his way to school, and even as he falls asleep at night. I don’t always like his choice in music, but I accept that musical tastes are a personal thing and tend to change over time. There is a lot of garbage out there, but also some wonderfully talented musicians.

I think that a love of music starts almost from the day you are born. My baby boy Aiden already loves it. He gets excited when he hears songs he recognizes. I can’t wait to get him interested in learning to play an instrument. What a wonderful way to express yourself.

I’ve previously talked about how much Aiden loves his Bobs & Lolo CD ‘Action Packed’. It takes quite a talent to create such fun and entertaining music. I am so happy to see that Robyn and Lorraine are getting recognized nationally. Read about their newest success here.  I’ve been telling my husband’s family in Newfoundland about them. Now they can turn on Treehouse TV so that their kids can watch them too. Congratulations Bobs & Lolo!

Written for Hippy Grandma

By Megan Chatry, Hippy Mommy Extraordinaire

It is our pleasure at Hippy Grandma, to share some more exciting news from members of our community.  Lorraine and Robyn of “Bobs & Lolo” have some exciting news!  See below.

Hear and buy their music here!

“We are writing today to share some exciting news about the beginning of a new chapter for Bobs & Lolo. We are thrilled to announce that we will soon be featured on a national TV network completely devoted to preschoolers – Treehouse TV! Alongside our long-time media partner, Playground Media, we are excited to enter into this new relationship with Treehouse TV. Known for its strong balance of educational, values-rich and entertaining, parent-trusted programming, it really is an honour to be included in their line-up. The network will broadcast a rotation of the music videos currently featured on our award-winning DVD, On Your Feet with the debut broadcast scheduled for February 6th at 10am (PST). 

Please help us spread the news by forwarding this announcement to your circle of friends and family, particularly those with little ones around them. You can also take a peek at the intro animation for our TV segments on our website <http://www.bobsandlolo.com> . 

Additionally, we invite you to join us to celebrate the national launch of Bobs & Lolo at a family concert featuring our full band on Saturday, February 21st at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Further information about the concert is available on our events calendar <http://bobsandlolo.com/blog/?page_id=104> . 

For a number of years, Playground and our B&L team have been working tirelessly to move our programming beyond a regional level. To be achieving it now in partnership with a media icon like Treehouse TV definitely seems surreal. The opportunity to share our musical messaging with kids across the country is like a dream come true. We definitely credit all of you with allowing us to stay true to our goals and dreams…thank you again for all of your support!” 

Big hugs,

Robyn & Lorraine

–

Bobolo Productions

Direct: 604-417-7078

B&L info line: 778-329-8644

www.bobsandlolo.com <http://www.bobsandlolo.com> 

Check out the new Action Packed CD – available now!

Hear and buy their music here!