Where Are You Coming From?

Hi All,

How's your week going?  Things are pretty good here in the desert.  The heat is on - summers here.  And - it's good.  That's what deserts do...they get hot.  This too shall pass...and I enjoy swimming.  So, it's all good.  I hope wherever you're at - you're enjoying life.

So last night I was in a conversation, and the intuitive or "gut" knowing came up.  It reminded me of a time a while back, when I was still in school.  I was doing a demo with the teacher and when she asked me questions, I'd respond with "I think...."  It was a therapy oriented class and the questions were introspective in nature - but I was over thinking it, I was bringing up the questions from my head...thinking about what to say.

After a few times she stopped and said, "put one hand on your belly - your gut - the place of knowing.  Put your other hand on your heart - the place of feeling.  Now answer the question - how do you feel about it and what do you know about it.  Answer from those places."

 It was a good lesson.  Many times we need to get out of our heads and respond from a different place. What's that gut feeling or knowing?  The first thing that comes to us?  That's typically the intuitive response - what we know for sure.  I believe most of us have had those intuitive gut feelings to do something.  For example - you get the strong urge to brake while driving a vehicle, just before a child runs out into the street or another car runs a stop sign and would have hit you.

How about when we answer from our heart?  That's really how we feel about things - coming from that place of love.  When we ask the question - - what's the feeling?

Critical thinking is a good thing, of course.  But the point is that sometimes if we're in our head too much, we can over think.  When we have that feeling or knowing to do something - we can easily talk ourselves out of it, by thinking about why we shouldn't.  Some things to consider.  Now days, I try to pay attention - how do I feel about it?  What do I really know about it?  ...and...respond appropriately from there.  It's good to use our thoughts, feelings and knowings when making decisions. 

I hope you have a great day and enjoy the rest of your week.  Be good to each other out there.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

also - follow Holistic Therapy Solutions on Facebook

Taking Care of Ourselves

Hi All,

I hope you're all doing great things out there today.  I'm working on it - and yet, I'm a work in progress, (but I keep learning).

I saw this photo (I'm sharing here), on a social media website and it prompted me to think about the many ways we take care of ourselves, or not.  Many of us take care of ourselves in some ways, but may neglect ourselves in others.

Why do we take care of ourselves?  The obvious - it's good for us, good for our health, and it's the right thing to do...I'm sure you can think of other reasons too.

The basics: we take care of the body - nutrition, exercise, adequate rest.  We want to feed ourselves spiritually, and mentally as well.  Most of us try to take care of the body - and may or may not always do a good job of it.  In this path we walk here on Earth, I keep discovering and learning various ways that I can take care of myself.

One of the key ingredients for me is to reduce stress in my life.  I like Thoreau's quote, "Simplify, simplify, simplify."  The less complex my life  - the more I stay in the present - the less stress.  With less stress, I feel better.  Easy, right?  Well - sometimes, yes - and I can flow with life like a river of love.  Other times there's nothing simple about it at all.

Saying "No" can be one of those ways of caring for myself.  Many times in the past I've found myself agreeing to do something, when I really didn't want to, or didn't have the time.  But, out of guilt, or maybe even low self esteem, I said yes.  Typically - this adds stress to my life.  I may obsess about now being committed to something I had neither the desire or time to do.  This can manifest in the body - maybe keeping me awake at night,  tight muscles from stressing, even possibly causing my immune system to be compromised and getting sick, (if you believe in mind-body connection).

You may read this and think I have a selfish attitude, but I would disagree.  Of course, it's a good thing to help when we can.  The act of serving others with love, can be such a powerful force in our lives.  I like to be of service as often as I can.  I like to say "Yes," as well.  However, in the past, my tendency to say yes has caused me to spread myself too thin, on many occasions.  When I do that, I'm not taking care of myself - and the spirit of service turns into a commitment I regret and don't feel good about at all.  It leaves me out of balance and ineffective.

I like the analogy of the oxygen mask on the airplane.  The flight attendant giving the emergency instructions tells us, when the plane loses pressurization and oxygen masks come down, put your mask on first, then put them on people around you.  When I take care of myself first - then I'm much better for those around me.  I need to feel worthy enough and love myself enough to say No, when necessary and let the chips fall where they may.

When I take care of myself in this way so many other good things follow.  Number one - I don't obsess with worry or regret about fulfilling what I agreed to.  This helps me sleep better at night.  This reduces stress in my life and helps me feel better about myself and the world around me.

So take care of yourself - physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Cultivate love in your like and be of service to others when you can.  But - love yourself as well.  Say no when you need to.  It's ok.

Have a great day.

Peace,

Tom

If I can help with your self care with massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy, or energy work like Reiki or CranialSacral therapy - let me know.  I'm here to serve.

www.holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com - or follow Holistic Therapy Solutions on Facebook.

Life as Art - The Great Northwest

Hello my Friends,

I'm back!  I had just taken a week off and travelled to Washington State.  My wife Sue and I attended our nieces wedding and spent time looking around and visiting with family and friends.  We had a great time.  We saw some awesome sights and caught up with some folks we haven't seen in a long time.

 All in all it was a good time.  Here are some of the sights from the northwest part of the USA.

Space Needle, Seattle, Washington

We ended the trip with a day in Seattle, a good sized city and very busy place.  The Seattle metro area has about 3.5 million people.  Here we went to the famous Pike Place Market, where we saw the fish throwers, shops, and did some people watching.  We had lunch in a great little mom and pop diner - the kind of place I like the best.  We went up in the Space Needle.  It's a very odd looking tower, build for the Worlds Fair in 62.  Great view of the Puget Sound and the city.

Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA

Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA

Seattle from the Space Needle.  Seattle is also known for coffee....there are lots
and lots of Starbucks shops and other coffee stands...everywhere.

Seattle with the Puget Sound.  Lots of ships coming and going.  A very large port.

The wedding was in Cle Elm, Washington.  It's about 100 miles from my brothers place near Tacoma.  The drive was thru the mountains and absolutely spectacular.  Washington didn't disappoint in the weather department either - there was quite a bit of rain, and cloudy and cool temperatures in the 50s and 60s.  Of course for me it was a great break from the 100 degree desert temps.

The Big House Lodge in Cle Elm.  Out of town a little ways...a beautiful getaway.

My brother Dave and his daughter Amber - now Mrs. Calderon.  Nice wedding and a fun reception.

Cle Elm is right next to Roslyn, WA - a small town where they filmed the television show "Northern Exposure."  The show was probably about 20 years ago.  The Roslyn Cafe was featured on the opening of the show with a moose walking down the street.

Sue and I stopped in to Roslyn for an afternoon.  Had some great food at the Cafe and shopped at the open air farmers market.  Wonderful place - fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery.

Sue and me in front of the Roslyn Cafe

Downtown Roslyn, WA

My Sue at the Big House Lodge.

Sunset over the Puget Sound by the Narrows in Tacoma, Washington.  A truly
spectacular sight and beautiful evening.

It was a great trip.  We're back and I'm back to work today as well.  I've got a couple art projects on the horizon and my Holistic Weight Management with Hypnosis Group and a massage this evening.  It was a fun trip and if you get the chance, check out Washington.  It's a great place.

Take care all and have a great end to this week.

Peace,

Tom

Color Logo design

Hi Everyone,

How are things going out there today?  Things are pretty good here in Phoenix.  Its warming up here - 110 degrees today...Hot stuff!!  I've got a slow week scheduled - so call now for a massage or other holistic therapy appointment.  Saturday we're having an holistic fair at work...should be fun - come on out if you're in town - it's free.  You can also sign up to win a gift basket worth $1500.  Not bad.

So a while back I decided to take my old black and white logo (from my art business), and add some spot color.  I created the logo probably about 17 or 18 years ago and the original medium was technical pen on bristol board.  The tools on the logo (brush, airbrush, and technical pen, pencil), are the tools I've been using to create artwork for over 40 years now.

The Tom Kreienbrink Art and Design original black and white logo

Of course now days I use a computer most of the time working with artwork and design.  The real work is always done in one place...the mind.  I also still work out design ideas with pencil and paper before taking it to the computer.  However - the color logo was done with IMac, Photoshop, and Wacom tablet.  Below is the finished color logo.  I haven't used it anywhere, but here yet.  It's nice to have a color version available though.

The updated color logo

I hope things are going well for you out there.  Whatever you're up to, enjoy yourself.  Do your best.  Do what's right.  And let the chips fall where they may.  Have a great week.

Peace,

Tom

Art website  - www.behance.net/tk-art

Holistic Therapy - www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Happy Monday Meme

Hi All,

Just a quick post today.  Getting ready to do some shopping today - paint for exterior house trim, food, and supplies for this weekend.  I'll be drawing caricatures at the Holistic Fair at Beyond Today Co on Saturday.  I rent space at Beyond Today Co for my Holistic Therapy practice (Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC).  I wanted to put together a little social media meme with simple message...Happy Monday and enjoy it.

Happy Monday Meme - created in and painted with Adobe Photoshop and Wacom tablet.

I hope you can find a little satisfaction in this amazing day that we have.  In the words of the Blues Brothers..."whatever you do to live, drive, and survive" -- make it a great Monday.

Peace,

Tom

Start Your Day with Water with Lemons

Hi All,

Happy Sunday!  What a great day!  No reason, other than it's a good day to be alive and to just to be.  It's Memorial Day weekend here in the USA - where we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  It also kicks off the summer season and we typically enjoy a 3 day weekend and get together with family and friends.  It's a good weekend to be grateful for many things.  We're having a little BBQ tomorrow afternoon.  Whatever you're doing - be present - and enjoy each moment.

So this morning I was poking around Pinterest, looking at the "pins" under a search topic of holistic health.  One of the first things that pops up is a picture of a glass of lemons in water, with a headline "20 Reasons to Start your day with Lemon Water."  Well, that got my attention because I know how healthy lemon water is, I enjoy it regularly - and don't know as much as I'd like about it.  So I'm going to share the 20 reasons with you here today.

The info is from an article from the web site titled, "LA Healthy Living."  I'm not an advocate for the site or know anything about it, but it seems like a good post that I'd like to share.

20 Unbelievable Reasons To Start Your Day With Water and Lemon

1. Water with lemon provides the body with electrolytes which hydrate your body. As lemons contain good amount of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
2. Water with lemon is good for the joints, reducing pain in the joints and muscles.
3. Warm water with lemon helps digestion as lemon contains citric acid. It interacts with other enzymes and acids which easily stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and digestion.
4. The liver produces more enzymes from water with lemon than from any other food.
5. Water with lemon cleanses the liver. Lemon juice stimulates the liver to release toxins.
6. Water with Lemon helps fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throats and inflammation of the tonsils. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon.
7. Warm water with lemon helps regulate natural bowel movement.
8. Water with lemon is indispensable for the normal work of metabolism. Since lemon is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals and strengthens the immune system.
9. Water with lemon aids in proper functioning of the nervous system (as lemon  has a high content of potassium). Depression and anxiety are often the result of low levels of potassium in the blood. The nervous system needs a sufficient amount of potassium to ensure sustainable signals to the heart.
10. Water with lemon cleanses blood, blood vessels and arteries.
11. Water with lemon can help lower blood pressure.  A daily intake of one lemon can reduce high blood pressure by 10%.
12. Water with lemon creates an alkalizing effect in the body. Even if you drink it immediately before a meal,  it can help your body maintain a higher level of pH. The higher the pH, the more your body is able to fight diseases.
13. Water with lemon is good for the skin. Vitamin C in lemon, improves our skin by rejuvenating the body.  Drinking water with lemon regularly (every morning) will improve the condition of your skin.
14. Water with lemon  helps to dilute uric acid, the built up of which leads to pain in the joints and gout.
15. Water with lemon is beneficial for pregnant women. Since lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, it acts as an adaptogen helping the body cope with viruses such as colds.  Furthermore, vitamin C helps the formation of bone tissue of the unborn baby. At the same time, due to the high content of potassium, a mixture of water with lemon helps forming cells of the brain and nervous system of the baby.

1. Water with lemon relieves heartburn. For this, mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water.
2. Water with lemon helps dissolve gallstones,  kidney stones, pancreatic stones, and calcium deposits.
3. Water with lemon helps with weight loss.  Lemons contain pectin fiber, which helps suppress hunger cravings. Studies have proven  people with a better alkaline diet have lost weight faster.
4. Water with lemon helps with tooth pain and gingivitis.
5. Water with lemon prevents cancer. This is due to the fact that lemons are a highly alkaline food. Multiple studies have found that cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline environment.

 How and when to drink water with lemon:

For this purpose, use warm purified or spring water. Take half a Cup of warm water without sugar and squeeze in there at least half of lemon or lime. Better to use a special juicer (to get the most juice with minimal effort). You can also use lemon essential oil.  (where to find)

You need to drink water with lemon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Some recommend a drink of water one hour before meals for maximum results.

So, when life gives you a bunch of lemons, make water with lemons.  ------- end of material from LA Healthy Living web site.

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There you have it - 20 reasons to drink lemon water to start your day - or any time.  I like to take a pitcher of water and slice half a lemon and put the slices in the water.  Then I drink the lemon infused water the next couple days.  Then I use the other half.  I know lemon water is  cleansing to organs and very healthy and supplies vitamins and nutrients.

Enjoy your weekend, enjoy the lemon water and enjoy each moment.  Do a good turn for someone this weekend...for no reason.  Try it out - see how it makes you feel.

Blessings to all,

Tom

Holistic Therapy Solutions - Massage and holistic therapies

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

My on-line art and design portfolio

www.behance.net/tk-art

Digital Painting with "Painter" software

Hi All,

How's your week starting off?  I hope well.  Things are moving right along here.  Keeping busy - a little bit of everything.  Summers starting off nicely here in Phoenix.  It's been in the low 100s and 90s recently.  Warming up!

Some of what's been keeping me a little busy - I've been working on more artwork for my friend, Towanda Allen.  She's been writing books and working on workshops for Mother and Daughter empowerment and enrichment.  The first piece I did a while back was the "Brave" artwork.

Digital Artwork for Towanda Allen's empowerment workshops.

That was a fun piece, and I knew she wanted more soon.  As promised, she came back recently with a request for a book cover design.  The book is a kids leadership development journal that she's written called, "I'm a Leader for a Great Tomorrow - Inspirational Journal for the Next Generation of Leaders."  She's finished writing it and working with a publisher now.

Painting/Design for bookcover for Towanda's kids leadership journal

The direction I got was - "here's the title - it's for boys and girls, let me know if there's an image that comes to you."  I thought about it for a bit and what came to me was clear and quick - an abstract painterly style painting.  Something a bit adventurous, but not in the traditional sense.  Above is the image.

I've been wanting to work with the program, Painter, for a while now.  I do play with it on my own, but I wanted to do some complete works with it, in a painterly style.  This was the perfect project for Painter.  I've worked with it off and on over the years, even when I was still in graphic arts in the Air Force.  It's fun and really simulates artistic media well.  You can use oils, acrylic paint, airbrush, pencil, marker, chalk, pastels, etc - all simulated thru this computer graphics software. (I think Corel is the company that owns/sells Painter now).

Painting/Design for Towanda Allen

I also did a second image - I like it and it's different from the first, but I didn't really like it for this project.  Well, as things often work out, Towanda loved it and wanted it...for the Mother/Daughter workshop.  Awesome!  So, I put some text on it, as seen below.

Painting with text - for Towanda Allen's workshops and promotional materials.

Towanda did like the abstract for the cover and below is a version with text for the cover.  I like the idea of having the translucent text box - so the text reads well and you can still see the art.  It works for my design sensibilities.

Book cover with text.

So that's it.  Since then, another friend wants a book cover also and I'm working on a painting/design for it in Painter also.  More to come on that.  You can check out Towanda's web site for info on her workshops, books, her blog-talk radio show and more.
www.TowandaMAllen.com

Enjoy every moment - be present - suit up, show up, and live it.  Make it a great day - choose to have a great day, even if you're doing a job you don't want, or whatever you're doing...it's a choice you make.
And of course - be good to each other.

Peace,

Tom