Friday, February 7, 2014

Stardust to Stardust

Yesterday we celebrated the life of a dear friend and family member.
And once again I realized how truth is always there in all its many guises.
The phrase "Dust to Dust" has far more meaning that just something to be said at the closing of life in this realm and time.
We now know that we are made of the same things that stars are made of. In other words, we are made of stardust.
Since, apparently, nothing completely vanishes, but only takes a different form it can be said we return to the stardust we came from.
So sometime, someplace, a bright and shinning new star will come from one who was a bright and shinning star while he was here with us.
It was a great blessing to know you, Jerry.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

It's Been A Long TIme

I haven't posted on this blog in a long time, but today I decided to do something with it again. When will I do another blog? Goodness only knows.
I began searching for ways to keep moving and here is a review of a book about Rocking Chair Exercise.
 In addition to the book I've reviewed I also found some stuff about rocking chair exercise on YouTube.
This led me to a handy book by Dr. Henry F. Ogle The Rocking Chair Exercise Book. I hope he puts it into Kindle form soon.
I found the Chapters 10 through 18 the most helpful, but I recommend at least skimming the book all the way through the first time. Do pay attention to his CYA's. It is very easy to overdo the first time because, after all, you are "just" rocking. It is all too easy to get involved in a book or, in my case, crocheting, or TV and forget how long you are rocking. Next day. Ouch.
I bought this book because, in view of recent articles on how dangerous just sitting can be, I am on the lookout for anything that will encourage movement throughout the day.
After a month of following suggestions in this book, I think it might be a very good thing if everyone, from toddlers to great-grandparents, has a rocking chair and uses it most of the time instead of a stationary chair.
I remember having a rocking chair when I was a very little girl and my grandmother would have me sit in it and listen to the radio with her (while she rocked and crocheted). Since I was moving I wasn't as inclined to get up and run around as if I had been sitting still.
 I also discovered a couple of years ago when I was in a great deal of pain that rocking, with or without a chair, relieves pain. A LOT.
And for the guys out there Dr. Ogle says rocking can help with your abs.
One qualifier; if you've recently had surgery or a long period of inactivity for some reason, talk to your doctor before you start rocking.
 In my case my doctor told me to wait for six weeks before beginning my rocking exercises. She felt this was especially important because I'd had major surgery in the lower abdominal area. Having several "wrecks" over the years from not listening to my doctors I paid attention. Glad I did.
Now I am on the "Rocking Chair Exercise" program and enjoying it which is more than I can say for most of the exercise I do (swimming excepted). So let's "everybody rock."