____________Adoptees ISO Birthfamily_________

I'll be posting some tips on my personal blog for those in search of family separated by adoption. I've been active again in some e-groups and forums and thought I'd share some experiences with adoptees and birthfamilies in search, as well as adopted families who are supportive of possible reunion. Many adoptive parents are equally curious and eager to learn of the children's birth heritage. Closed records protect/benefit no one.

________Health and Fitness Facts_____________

I found this article and thought I would share it here.

Hallucinating, vomiting and unable to stand, but guides refused water to dying trekker

Family sues survival school after death of fit 29-year-old on wilderness course

Dan Glaister in Los Angeles
Monday May 7, 2007
The Guardian

"Dave is dead." The words came at the end of the second day of what was supposed to be a character-forming experience, a chance for 12 people to "experience the wilderness to the fullest".

Instead, the trek through the mountains and desert of Utah in the mid-western US left David Buschow, a fit 29-year-old US air force veteran and security guard from New York dehydrated and hallucinating, his eyes bulging and tongue swollen. Less than 10 hours after setting off from the group's overnight camp on the second day, Buschow collapsed and died.

Article continues

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This really makes one think about safety and drinking plenty of water. Listen to your bodies. Exercise is supposed to improve your life, in my opinion, not end it.

It's great to push a little but learn your limits. Vital signs are pretty useful.
There are clues even without a stethoscope or pulse ox; such as: when it's 100 degrees out and you have the chills while watching the mother ship hover above, well, it may be time to rest and drink a glass of water.

Safety first.

________________Artist's Corner_____________

I've been trying, once again, after all these years I've spent studying and observing, to put together a collection of work. Over the years, I have never sold any of them. I gave them as gifts (which I like to do) and even had two portfolio's stolen(which takes me years to start again).


I've noticed there are many different support systems in place now-a-days, for the starting artist as well as the established. Tons of good forums with info!
One of the things I've learned recently is what an ACEO is. I had no clue that when I used to fill my friends wallets with my art, that is what those little pics were! An artist here on blogger has some on eBay and was not selfish with the info on what they were. For that I thank her.


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If you would like to show off your work, talk about your art, or ask any questions, please comment to this post leaving a link to your site if you like. Within your comment leave a tip or useful hint for us --a short paragraph like this one is fine. Be sure to sign it with the name you want (posted by).
I will then copy and paste your comment as a post on this blog--include your link and what name you provided and delete the comment.
Then others can comment and so on.

Or just simply leave a link to your favorite informative group,forum,blog or site. If it is informative I'll gladly include it.

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Don't forget about the old days of

paper-mâché

Earth day (April 22nd) and I think it is one of many good projects in honor of that day. It supports recycling.

It's inexpensive and easy. Remember you don't have to make piñata you can paint it and make vases, bowls, pencil holders, centerpieces, amongst many things. The thicker you make it the stronger it is; and the longer it takes to dry. You don't need to start with balloons either. Cardboard or any paper product is great. You can even make your own picture frames with it.
I use flour, water, and Glue-all in mine. I mix it until its pretty thick. It varies. The fun part is to make it so smooth everyone thinks its clay-porcelain or glass!

Any good unique recycling ideas? Please share!

_____________Personal Updates_____________

http://www.savetheinternet.com/=senatemap?state=OK
Tooth Ache

Please pardon my absence as I have been struggling with a tooth ache from a dark, dreary place. I have even searched for alternative relief on the internet. It is one of those tooth aches that does not involve the gums nor an actual tooth. It's the kind that effects; the root, behind the eye, inside the ear and quite frankly, makes you want to drive your head into a brick wall to get your mind off the real pain. A little toothache makes you sensitive to cold. A severe tooth ache makes you require cold and only be sensitive to the ice melting too fast.
I have found that ibuprofen, when taken in excess, makes ya feel rather "blurpy".
The main thing for me was to find some form of break from the pain. Something that would let me sleep with out waking up 10 minutes after I dozed off in extreme pain.
Dr Tichenor's Antiseptic does just that. One has to dilute this peppermint mouthwash as it is strong as can be. It works great as it burns your mouth beyond belief, while making you drool like a St Bernard over ones shoulder. It's after this point (like 2 minutes) that you can feel it numb and travel to the infected area. Then you can slip off into an ibuprofen induced sleep.
Walmart sells Dr Tichenor's and it's usually on the top shelf in a clear bottle with a red white blue and green label.
Clove oil works but not quickly, as with salt water, lemon, pepper, and ice.
A oral surgeon with a script for antibiotics would work much better I'm sure. But of course, even if you can get to one, you still need some relief in order to make the journey!
Feel free to share any tips!

________________Our Children_____________

Here is a site worth sharing for mothers: Vocalpoint. You may have already heard of it. It's where a mom's voice can be heard on new products, shows, and other things that effect our children. You get savings and free things as a member. I first found out about it through my daughter's school. Either click on the link or be sure to go to (dot com) and not net or anything. Trust me--I punched in the wrong thing once and got the surprise of my life!! lol.

eToys: Top Baby Gifts!

Message Board/forum

Click to join Herez2us

_________________Pets______________________

We love our pets and it's hard to say goodbye especially for a child.
With our cat, Sunny, he insisted on going outside although he appeared injured, thing is--he never came back. We suspect he may have gone to a special place to lay down--forever.
We miss him so much, but we also know it's better that he wasn't suffering.

The main thing is to help your child by talking about the loss and listening to their own ideas and understanding of death. It's important not to dismiss their feelings while grieving or to belittle their pain by careless statements. This can be used as a learning oppurtunity and a chance to connect as a family. Don't be afraid to let you child know you are feeling sad as well. Remember that anger can also be part of grieving.

The Aspca has a lot of good tips on pet care. You can even get tips on your mobile phone.