Merry Christmas Everyone

Hi All,

I just wanted to share my annual Christmas Greeting with you all.  I've been working on it for the last few weeks.   As is my custom, I create an annual Christmas card and send it out via social media.  As a lot of my artwork these days, this started with pencil and paper and was finished with Wacom drawing pad, Apple computer and Photoshop.  I hope you enjoy it.

I just want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I hope you are able to enjoy the Holiday season, wherever you are.

From our hearts to yours - may you and yours have a wonderful holiday season and make next year the best ever.

Peace and Love,

Tom and Sue Kreienbrink and family

www.behance.net/tk-art

Expectations - It's a Trap

Hi All,

It's been a while...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I hope the holiday season is going well for you.  Things are starting to get a little hectic here, but that's how it gets.  Humbly, I'm grateful for having lived another blessed year.

So I was thinking about a topic for today and what could be helpful.  The topic of expectations came to me.  It can be such a trap for us so many times.  What do we expect of others?  our careers?  stores at Christmas time?  traffic? etc... Sometimes we're disappointed by people, by life; we can have high or even lower expectations that aren't met.  When that happens, how often do we go into a funk with a mindset like, "Wow...that's so unfair, life isn't fair," or, "is it too much to expect that my friend would...(fill in the blank)."  It can mess with our inner peace and serenity.  It can start those thoughts rolling around and around in our head...nonstop.  Maybe it keeps us awake at night.  And, of course, we may even be right, but that doesn't really change anything...does it?

First of all, having expectations of people, events, outcomes, etc...can be a trap.  Holding on to expectations can cause you to have a huge resentment.  Look at any resentments you have; was there an expectation in there somewhere?

What I'm talking about is; how attached are we to our expectations, and how do we act or react when our expectations are not met?

Now - think.  How do you react when your expectations aren't met?  Do you freak out?  Do you get on a soapbox and preach?  After all...you've been wronged.....right?  If you react like that, you're probably going to be upset a lot.  Even when our expectations are low, people, events, and outcomes will still fail us, on a regular basis.  It just happens.

First - It's not personal - it's life.  Don't take it personally.  Things happen.  Even if someone tries to make it personal for you, you can choose to take it personally or not.  It's always your choice.  Are you flexible?  When life throws you a detour (and it will...usually daily), can you go with the flow?  When I was in the Air Force, they used to say, "Flexibility is the Key to Air Power."  The more flexible you are, the more you'll be able to deal with life on life's terms.  Learn to flow with life.

If someone let us down, maybe there's more going on than we know.  We can be kind and maybe give them a break, maybe even ask how they're doing; instead of reacting.  If its an event or outcome that lets us down, we can remain calm and be flexible knowing that everything happens for a reason...usually for reasons that I don't know.  Again - I can get mad and frustrated or I can be present, take a breath, and remember to have gratitude...and move on.

From a spiritual standpoint, I can give it over to God.  Let go and Let God, as they say in the 12 Step community.  I trust that there is a plan for my day and my life and that if I do what's in front of me, things will work out.   When I'm frustrated and mad that my expectations weren't met, perhaps I'm trying to be controlling and I'm being inflexible.  Do I want a result that, (no matter how right I am), is just not going to happen?  Having a little humility and remembering that I'm not in control or responsible for everyone and everything, usually helps a lot.

Of course I'm not recommending that we be a doormat and let people walk all over us.  Sometimes we need to take action...that means to act - not react poorly.  This also has nothing to do with optimism.  I'm very optimistic.
It's all about detaching from expectations.  There's an old saying - "you can be right, or you can be happy."

This Holiday Season, and every day thru the year.  Watch your expectations.  Detach in a loving way, be flexible without being a doormat.  Let go and Let God.  You may find a lot more peace in your mind and thoughts....what a great Christmas present that would be.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
www.Facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Take Care of Yourself this Holiday Season

Hi All,

Well, the holidays are closing in on us fast.  Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas will follow a month after.  Of course, there are other holidays as well.  Here in America, it usually gets pretty hectic, as people are shopping for the perfects gifts to give, preparing for holiday meals and get togethers, and of course, going to one or maybe several parties.  Of course, this all happens while you still go to work and live your life.  It's no wonder many people get overwhelmed and even run down and sick, during and after the holiday season.

So that raises the question; how can we take care of ourselves this holiday season?  If you want to enjoy yourself and come out the other side of the holidays in good shape - you need balance.  Go with the flow and try not to overload yourself too often, or at all if you can help it.  Of course for most of us it's easier said than done.  Sometimes you can slip out of a party early or take short planned out shopping trips when you can.  Pull together with others and share the preparation duties when you can.  Try to simplify where you can and not overdo it too much.  As Thoreau said, "Simplify, Simplify, Simplify."

the holidays can be a real balancing act.

Remember the basics; proper rest, good nutrition, take a good multi-vitamin.  But that's not the whole story.  How else do we take care of ourselves?  How about doing something good for yourself?  Get a massage or a reflexology session.  Pamper yourself.  Enjoy a relaxing meal with a friend and then go to a spa for a little pampering.  Remember guys - massage is just as good for men as women.  Plan a little time to just relax and recharge your batteries.

Take time for yourself every day.  Take 20-30 minutes every day to just relax.  Sit down in a comfy chair, close your eyes and just relax; be aware of your breath, in and out.  That's meditating.  When you do that, bring yourself into the present moment.  Let go of the past events of the day and your life, and don't think about the things your need to do or plan for.  Just enjoy the moment.  It's so good for you and it's a good practice all year round.

Sometime or several times during the day, stop and just be grateful for whatever you're doing.  Practice gratitude while you're at work, shopping, relaxing at home, or whatever and wherever you are.  Being in present moment and practicing gratitude will bring you an overall sense of feeling good.  If you're feeling down at all - it may be time to start practicing gratitude every day - I promise - it's helps.

Feed your mind and spirit.  Are you taking time to read?  Take a little time and do some reading.  If you haven't been studying your spiritual texts lately, it's certainly a good time of year to take it up again.  Go to church.  Take a little time for worship.  Of course,  you don't have to go to a formal place of worship to do this, but it's certainly nice to worship with like minded people - or if it's been a while, to try something new.

Get into the holiday spirit.  There's so much commercialization of Christmas, they're ready for it in stores at the end of September; it's hard not to be a little jaded sometimes.  However, don't let it get you down.  Enjoy the season, go to a concert or parade, break bread or have a drink with friends.   Just make the decision in your mind that, "I'm going to enjoy the season, this year!"

These are a few simple ideas to help, "make the season bright."  Have some fun and enjoy....and remember - take care of yourself.  And - remember those less fortunate.  There's much we all can do to help others during the holiday season.

May there be more, "Peace on Earth, good will toward men." this year.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Massage

Hi All,

Wow - is it a beautiful day in Phoenix, AZ today.  This is why we deal with the long hot summer - because of days like today.  I hope things are going well for all of you and that you're enjoying yourself wherever you are.

I came across this little graphic on facebook recently that lists many benefits of massage.  It got me thinking about my clients that come in and return for regular massage.  The clients I see that come for massage regularly report experiencing many of these benefits in their lives.

Some of the benefits I see and hear about from my clients include - an overall feeling of relaxation; mentally and physically.  They report better sleep and muscles feeling less tense and less painful.  I see and feel the improvement in muscle tension when I work on them.

One of my favorites is better sleep.  Getting a massage or body work, helps you relax and get a good nights sleep.  It's so gratifying when I hear someone tell me they're sleeping better and feeling less tense and sore during the day.

I really enjoy what I do and like that I can help folks heal and feel better.  Check out the graphic - the list of benefits of regular massage and decide for yourself if regular massage would be of value to you.  If so - find the therapist thats right for you, that you like.  Try some different ones out - find the one that makes you feel good, and you will start seeing the benefits of massage.

If I can be of service - call, text, or email for an appointment.  If not - find a licensed massage therapist who give you the massage you like.

I hope this upcoming holiday season is the best ever for you.  Enjoy every day....don't worry about tomorrow or regrets of the past.  Enjoy this day - at work, at play...wherever you're at. 

in gratitude,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

My Biz - Holistic Therapy Solutions - an update

Hi All,

I hope things are going well for you out there.  Here in AZ - things are pretty good.  I'm keeping busy.  There's always plenty to do.  Some of what's keeping me busy these days is working on building my business by coordinating and participating in some special events.

My business is Holistic Therapy Solutions and I'm a massage and holistic therapist.  I practice massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, reiki, and hypnotherapy.  I love working with clients one on one, but it's also good to participate in and coordinate some special events.  The events are great opportunities to meet new friends and network with the public, other practitioners and participants.  I enjoy meeting people and working events.  So today I'd like to highlight some of these.

Social media advertising meme for the upcoming fair.

This coming Saturday we're hosting an Holistic and Intuitive Insights Fair at Beyond Today Co.  I'm hosting and coordinating this event along with Barbara Buck.  We'll have a variety of artisans, body work therapists, intuitives, and other vendors.  Admission is free.  There's something for everyone and it'll be a lot of fun.

An image used for social networking advertising of Reiki/Energy shares.

I've started hosting two Energy/Reiki Shares a month.  One at my new office, Healing Heart Creations on 13 Nov, 6:30-8:30pm.  The other share is at Beyond Today Co. on Sat, 6 Dec from 5-8pm.

What's a Reiki/Energy Share and why do this?  An energy share is where people get together to do energy work on each other.  There are a lot of people who are trained in Reiki and other energy modalities, who want the opportunity to practice with others; not all do this as a primary occupation.  The share gives us all an opportunity to share our gifts and talents with others in a safe, relaxed, fun and non-judgemental environment.  It's also an opportunity to receive energy work from others and it's a good time.  Non-practitioners are welcome to come as well.  Cost for attendance - donation.

Social media advertising meme for Public Healing Day.

We recently held a public healing day at Beyond Today Co.   This is a Saturday, where we open up to the public, to come and try our services.  Most practitioners will offer shorter sessions of their healing modalities for donation only.  It's a great day for people to try some complementary therapies and holistic therapies that they might not otherwise try.  It's also a public service day for us where we can give back to the community.

Me - Tom Kreienbrink, LMT and owner of
Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC.

If you're in Phoenix this weekend - stop by Beyond Today Co. and check out our holistic fair.  I hope you have a great week.  Let me know if you'd like more info about these events or my services.  I'm here to serve.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
https://www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Happy Halloween

Hi All,

Happy Halloween.  Hope you're having some fun with it.  Here in Arizona and all over the country, Halloween has become a huge holiday.  People really get into the spirit of it; dressing up in costumes, decorating their yards and houses, kids have always gone door to door trick or treating.  A lot of people have parties and cities throw events too.  And of course - there's the spooky movies.

I thought I'd get in on the action a little and do a fun Halloween pic.  It's the old-school skull with red glowing eyes and Happy Halloween on it.

This years Halloween pic - digital art, Photoshop and Wacom tablet.

I had a little fun drawing it and coloring it in Photoshop with my pen and Wacom tablet.  Good times.
Enjoy your Halloween out there.  Be careful - there's going to be a lot of little ones out there walking around.

A little throw back pic from last year....spooky jack o lantern head.

Take care and have a fun Halloween.

Peace,

Tom

Smoothie - Great Way to Start Your Day

Hi All,

Hope you're having a great week.  Nice warm sunny day here in Phoenix - pretty much like that every day.  I can't complain.  Life is good.  And I am so blessed to live in a great city like this.

One of the things I'm grateful for is all of the great produce that's available around here.  One really good way to start your day is with a smoothie - a fruit (and maybe vegetable), shake.

The photo above shows smoothies that I made for my wife Sue and I yesterday morning.  They included - apples, celery, and some mixed organic frozen berries (raspberries, blackberries, and others).  I also put in a little almond milk.  I blended it all up into a delicious and refreshing breakfast treat.

Not only do smoothies taste great, but a drink like this is loaded with vitamins and nutrients.  There are a lot of resources out there where you can find out the exact nutrients.  One of my favorites is www.WHFoods.com.  It's the website for The Worlds Healthiest Foods.  Great site - check it out.  I've got the book as well - about 15 pounds and 850 pages of in-depth nutritional info....good stuff.

The great thing about smoothies is you can use just about anything you have on hand - fruit, vegetables, honey, peanut butter, milk, yogurt, etc.  One of my favorite ingredients is fresh baby spinach.  It's so nutritious and tastes great in a smoothie.

Here's to you, and your health.  Get out that blender - and mix up a tasty nutritious treat.  Your body will thank you.

Have a great week everyone.  Enjoy yourself and enjoy those around you too.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Cartooning - Mr. Rodgers

Hi All,

I just finished a cartoon drawing of Aaron Rodgers (of the Green Bay Packers).  It combines two lifelong loves of mine; The Packers football team and Cartooning.

Since I was a young boy I loved cartoons and comic strips and I was always a Packers fan.  The Packers were the local heros where I grew up, and I still cheer for them (win or lose).  I also loved cartoons and drawing cartoons.  I would copy pictures of Snoopy and others, as well as making up my own characters.

My favorite cartoons growing up were Peanuts and probably Beatle Bailey (as a young boy), and Doonesbury was one of my favorites as I got into my teens.  Of course there are many others that I enjoyed - as well as Batman and Archie comic books.

Pen and Ink, photographed and partially colored in Photoshop on computer.

I've been playing with this piece off and on for about a month and a half.  I start out with bristol board, pencil and eraser.  Then I created a pen and ink cartoon.  I took a photo of it with my phone camera (hadn't purchased the new printer/scanner yet).  And - as you can see above, started cleaning it up and coloring the toon.

I do most of this with the brush tool in Photoshop.  I was working on this for fun and wasn't in a big hurry, so taking the extra time on this piece gives it a real hand drawn look (because it really is).  I use other tools and know of many other more efficient ways - I'm telling you how I did this picture, and it's a slower process for sure.

Finished artwork of Aaron Rodgers immortalized in a cartoon.

When the actual cartoon character is finished, I work the lettering.  I clean up the letters and use selection tool and airbrush to get the effect.  Finally I use custom brushes, layers, and transparency levels to put a nice background together.  Simple and fun.

Have fun with the cartoons.  The beauty of cartooning is you can do it anywhere and just about at any time.  All you need is a drawing implement and something to draw on.

Have a great week.  Go Packers!!

Peace,

Tom

www.behance.net/tk-art

Flu Season's Coming...Take Care of Yourself

Hi All,

How are you doing?  How's your transition into fall?  Here, the palm leaves don't turn colors, and very few other trees lose leaves.  It's cooling off a little and we're easing into another season - the not so hot season.  However - even in AZ, colds and flu still go around.  You still need to care for yourself or get sick.

At Beyond Today Co, (one of my office locations), there's an amazing Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Katie Nuckolls.  She's a naturopath who practices general family medicine.  She's excellent - and I recommend her.  A wonderful person and top notch physician.

She recently blogged about the 5 things you can do to help get thru Flu season.  Great recommendations and sound holistic medicine.

You should check out her website and blog... http://horizonnaturalmedicine.com/

The following is Dr. Nuckolls' blog post on the 5 things you can do to stay healthy during flu season.

Enjoy - and take care of yourself.

First of all, whether it is flu season or not, we are all exposed to thousands of disease-causing microbes every single day, and we have been exposed to them since the day we were born. If the simple presence of a virus or bacteria in our vicinity was enough to cause disease, we would all be sick every day of our lives. But the truth is that it’s not about the bugs, it’s about us. Micro-organisms only grow when conditions are right for them: in bodies where the immune system and other tissues are already damaged and weak.  So while it is important to be well-informed and practice good hygiene, I believe that the most important way to combat the flu and other contagious illnesses is to keep your body and your immune system strong.  How do you do that? Check out my 5 easy tips below.

1. Keep your gut healthy:
   1. There is a direct link between gut health and immune health. This is one of the main reasons I focus on healing the gut first with almost all of my patients. One of your body’s primary defense systems is the “good bacteria” that form a physical barrier on the wall of your intestines so that dangerous bacteria and viruses cannot enter into the bloodstream. If your gut barrier is strong, dangerous bugs will literally just pass on through without finding anywhere to attach to and cause disease. Two of the most effective ways to keep your gut healthy this flu season are to identify and avoid food allergens and take a good quality probiotic supplement daily.
2. Vitamin D:
   1. Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system, and many studies show that supplementation can reduce your risk of getting the flu. One of the main sources of vitamin D is sunlight. Our exposure to the sun is much less in the winter months, and this may be part of the reason why we are more prone to colds and flus during this time. Getting your vitamin D level checked with your doctor and supplementing if needed is a great way to keep your immune system functioning optimally.
3. Exercise:
   1. Getting regular exercise has a significant effect on your immune system. Studies show that moderate exercise (like brisk walking, jogging, or weight training) 3-4 times per week lowers your risk for getting sick. Just be careful not to take it too far; overtraining can actually lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection.
4. Berries:
   1. Many different species of berries have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral properties that help to keep your immune system strong. While fresh berries can be hard to find during the winter months, frozen berries are always available. For a stronger immune-enhancing effect, I use concentrated berry extracts like black elderberry, which has been shown in scientific studies to significantly increase immune system activity.
5. Homeopathic Flu Prevention:
   1. For the past 150 years, homeopathic physicians have been using the remedy Influenzinum as a preventative treatment for the flu. In the same way that the flu shot changes every year, a new batch of Influenzinum is produced yearly using the flu virus strains recommended by the World Health Organization. In 1998, the French Society of Homeopathy conducted a survey of 23 homeopathic doctors who used Influenzinum as a flu preventive in their practices (Coulamy, 1998). The results of this survey were quite incredible. In approximately 90% of the cases no instances of the flu occurred when Influenzinum was used preventively, and when the patients themselves were surveyed, 98 percent expressed a desire to take the same preventive treatment the following year.

The bottom line is this: no matter what the season, the secret to staying disease-free is to focus on your HEALTH and make yourself and your well-being a priority. Small changes can make all the difference. If you are interesting in learning more about the therapies listed above or have questions about what natural medicine can do for you, call 602-359-2893 and schedule a free 15 minute consult with Dr. Katie at Horizon Natural Medicine.

Cranial Sacral Therapy - Incredible!

Hi All,

How's things?  Things are pretty good here in Arizona.  It's cooling off a little - mornings and evenings are especially beautiful.  It's good to have a little break after a long hot summer.  

One therapy that I really enjoy helping people with, is Craniosacral Therapy.  It can provide such amazing relief for people in so many ways.  As I was thinking about the blog today, I decided to check the web and see if I could find something on this topic.

Below is a description and information about CranioSacral, that I found on the Upledger Institute's website.  Dr. Upledger was an amazing pioneer in this field and I love his book, Your Inner Physician and You.  

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. 

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. 

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

Migraine Headaches Chronic Neck and Back Pain Motor-Coordination Impairments Colic Autism Central Nervous System Disorders Orthopedic Problems Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries Scoliosis Infantile Disorders Learning Disabilities Chronic Fatigue Emotional Difficulties Stress and Tension-Related Problems Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) Neurovascular or Immune Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-Surgical Dysfunction What a nice little description and list of medical issues that can be helped with CranioSacral therapy.   This is a therapy that I provide in my holistic therapy practice.  It's so gentle, yet can provide such profound results.  Let me know if I can be of assistance.  I provide my therapies at prices that most everyone can afford - I don't think these kind of therapies should only be for a select few.  I also have a $10 discount for teachers and 20% off for our military Veterans.  Check out my website - listed below. Vets - if you've suffered from a traumatic brain injury, I may be able to provide some much sought after relief.  The therapy is also good for PTSD.  I've had very good results, working with people who have had head injuries and chronic headaches. Have a great day everyone.  Be good to yourself and others.... Peace and Love, Tom Owner and Therapist at Holistic Therapy Solutions Phoenix, AZ 443-850-4126 tom.kbrink@gmail.com www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com http://tomkbrink-design.blogspot.com/ www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Packers vs. Bears Rivalry Artwork

Hi All,

In American Football...known as the National Football League or NFL, the oldest and one of the most fierce rivalries is the Chicago Bears vs. the Green Bay Packers.  It's been going on for almost 100 years, and year in and year out - it's always a game both teams look forward to...and so do us fans.

Today, they met again and the Packers won (played in Chicago).  Full disclosure - I'm from Wisconsin originally and have always been a Packers fan....so I was happy with the outcome.  It's always a tough game and today was no exception.

Clay Matthews - pencil and computer illustration by Tom Kreienbrink

I don't know that I've shared the Clay Matthews piece before (forgive me if I have).  He's a star linebacker currently playing for the Packers.  I produced this piece a few years ago.  He's a great player.

What I'd also like to do today is to feature my Bears artwork.  While stationed in Washington DC in the Air Force, I worked with a guy, who was from Chicago and huge Bears fan.  He talked me into doing a couple of Bears pieces, do I did and made copies for him.

Sweetness...Walter Payton - Pen and Ink by Tom Kreienbrink

Another reason for the artwork, is that I've got Chicago connections.  My wife Sue and her family are originally from Chicago and we have friends there as well.  I thought it would be fun to offer them copies of the artwork as well.  I did the pen and ink artwork on bristol board with technical pens, then made copies at 11" x 17."

Former Bears Coach - Mike Ditka - pen and ink by Tom Kreienbrink

The Chicago artwork that I drew were pictures of Walter Payton and Mike Ditka.  Payton was perhaps the greatest running back of all time (I'd probably put Jim Brown and Barry Sanders in that group as well - and maybe Emitt Smith).  Ditka was head coach of the Bears for several years and took them to a Super Bowl Championship in 85.  He also had a great career as a player for Dallas and Chicago.

So there's my Bears artwork.  It was fun drawing these.  As much as I dislike the Bears - I respect them.  For just about as long as I can remember, they've put a decent team on the field, year in and out.  They go back as far as the Packers, and no matter what, it's always a gut wrenching game (for me anyhow), when they play.  For today, though, I celebrate a Packers victory - and hope there's more where that came from.

Take care all.  Have a great week this week.  Remember - the games are fun, but it's just a game.  Enjoy the moment and every day.  If your team loses, shake it off.  There's always next week or next year.  Be good.

Peace,

Tom

On-line art gallery
www.behance.net/tk-art
FB-Art page
www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

Healing Heart Creations

Hi All,

Well - it's fall here and we'll have a high of 102 degrees here today - Ha!  Still hot! The good thing is it's still warm enough for swimming.  I really miss the pool when it gets too cold.  The other good news is, my business is growing and I'm renting additional therapy space for Mondays and Fridays.

Currently I rent space for my holistic therapy and massage practice at Beyond Today (off I-17, between Cactus Blvd and Peoria Blvd).  I work Tue, Thurs, and Saturday at Beyond Today.  I share the room with another practitioner, who has the other days.

As I've blogged recently, I'm also starting to do massage in Wickenberg once or twice a month.  And, now I'd like to introduce you to my new office on Monday and Friday; Healing Heart Creations (HHC).

Front door entrance

My friend Ginger Hay is the owner of HHC.  Recently she found out she'd have a room available.  Another friend, Brandi Campbell was going to rent the room, but it helped her to have someone to share time and expenses.  So it worked out well for all, for me to come in and rent Mon and Fri.

The comfortable front area at Healing Heart Creations

HHC is a smaller operation - theres 5 of us working there, but it's a great place with great practitioners who practice a variety of healing modalities.  The good thing is that I really enjoy my fellow holistic practitioners.  There's also a classroom there as well, where we can hold classes.  It's a great place.

Ginger - making coffee - you know I like my coffee

So that's the big news.  Things are getting busier and I'm now going to be available 5 days a week.
Come see me now at Healing Heart Creations on Monday and Friday.  I'm still enjoying my practice at Beyond Today on Tues, Thurs, and Sat.  And - once or twice a month I'm traveling to Wickenberg to work also.

http://www.healingheartcreations.com/ - Check out the new place, on the web.

I hope you're having a great week.  Be present - past is done, the future will get here when it get's here. Enjoy this present moment - whatever's going on - and - Be kind.

Peace,

Tom
Owner and Therapist at
Holistic Therapy Solutions
Phoenix, AZ

443-850-4126

tom.kbrink@gmail.com

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

http://tomkbrink-design.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Taking Massage on the Road

Hi All,

Here I am again, pursuing a new opportunity.  As most of you know, I run my holistic therapy biz out of an office in Phoenix, AZ and I'm always open to new opportunities to expand my business.  I only have Tues, Thurs, and Sat in my room at Beyond Today Co.  I'm also starting to work Monday and Fridays at Healing Heart Creations in October (Peoria Ave and I-17).  So I'll be available for appointment 5 days a week.  But - I've got an opportunity in an unlikely place....Wickenberg.

A few months back I designed a logo for a friend of a friend, Laurie Hernandez, and her new store in Wickenberg, AZ.  It's called At The Center Of You.  It's a small shop with various CDs, crystals, clothing, organic soaps and candles, and much more.  It's a really great little place.

At The Center of You...the shop.

Afterward, as we got to know each other, I got the opportunity to do chair massage at Laurie's grand opening and eventually, we discussed me traveling once or more a month to provide massage and holistic therapy at the store.

On the road thru the desert

Well, I was happy to accept the invitation and give it a try.  Wickenberg is a great little western town about 60 miles NW of Phoenix.  There's not very much massage or holistic therapy available in the town either.  So I'm excited about the possibilities.

Selfie...on the road...don't crash the car!

Recently, I took my table and drove up there for a couple of massages.  It went great!  The space is great and very peaceful.  It's truly a great little place for relaxation and healing.  I'll be providing Massage, Reflexology and CranioSacral Therapy to those who want it.  Laurie (a practitioner herself), is a Reiki master, Life coach, and Hypnotherapist and will practice those modalities.

Shops and courtyard by At The Center of You

Wickenberg is a great little town with a lot of history in the old West.  I'm told John Wayne (and others), filmed a lot of westerns in Wickenberg and surrounding area.  The shop is right in the old town area and it's located in one of the "suite's" of an old motel.  There's other shops, restaurants and entertainment immediately surrounding the shop.

The logo I designed for the shop

So if you're in Wickenberg - stop in at At the Center of You, and check it out.  It's a great place.  I'll be up there on Mondays sometimes too.  Schedule a massage there or with me in Phoenix.
Take care - be good to yourself and be kind to others....help make this place a better place for all of us.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Public Healing Day

Hi All,

Well, it's been quite a night and morning here in Phoenix.  We've had our most rainy day on record (rain last night and this morning).  It came down good and caused much damage from flooding all over town.  I'm so grateful that we haven't sustained any injury to family or property.  Hopefully we don't get too much more rain today.

Hopefully your week is starting out well.  Enjoy the week - if you're working this week, have a great work week.  If you are in or around Phoenix, come check out the Public Healing Day at Beyond Today Co (where I rent space, to practice massage and holistic therapy).  Let me explain the details.

Facebook and social media advertisement

We're holding the public healing day on the 4th of October, from 11am - 4pm.  The day will have holistic practitioners that work out of Beyond Today co. coming together to provide mini sessions, for donation only.  The mini sessions will be 20-30 minutes.  The modalities include Massage, Reiki, Re-connective Healing, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, Toe Reading, Intuitive Readings, Hypnotherapy and Guided Imagery.

You can come to try one specific therapy or practitioner, or try all.  You may find yourself moving towards wellness or find much relief from physical and/or emotional pain - without the side effects that often accompany other things (won't name anything).

Flier for the event

I hope you'll come join us on the 4th of October.  Also - come schedule a massage or other holistic therapy, today!

Have a great week folks.  Be present, enjoy today - whatever you're doing.  And - be kind to others....all of them (not just your friends).

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink is a licensed massage therapist and holistic therapist in Phoenix, AZ
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

NFL Season is Here - Eddie Lacy Artwork

Hi All,

Are you ready for Football?  I am!  I'm a fan of the Green Bay Packers.  They were the local team, when I was a kid growing up in Wisconsin and I still follow them today.  The old loyalties are strong sometimes.  So naturally as an artist I like to occasionally create Packers artwork.  I do it for fun.

Last year the Packers drafted running back Eddie Lacy and he had an amazing rookie year.  It looks like this year may be even better for him.  This made him a natural choice to become piece of artwork that I can share with friends and internet.

reference material and layout

I found a couple of photos on the internet that I liked and started with them as reference material.  I like the contrast between him with helmet off, in a candid moment and the other photo, with Lacy running with great intensity straight at the camera.  I combined them in a photoshop file.  I removed/erased all the material around the photo without the helmet and laid it over the action photo.

re-drawing, or drawing over the photographs

Usually, I'll do a pencil drawing to start with.  In this case, I just started drawing right on the actual photo layout itself.  I kind of consider it "cheating."  However - in the interest of saving time, that's the way I did it.  This technique is still not instant, it still took a good chunk of time to "re-draw" the photos and background.

smudging the background

When I started working the background more, I used the smudge tool to give it a little illusion of motion.

after applying the duo-tone color

To add color I applied a duo-tone to the artwork thru Photoshop.  Giving it the green and gold coloring over the entire picture.

Eddie Lacy - Running Back, Green Bay Packers, by Tom Kreienbrink

I made some adjustments to the colors, added a border, a little more drawing/sketching and added a logo overlay and.....it's finished.  I hope you enjoy the artwork and the upcoming football season.

Take care everyone and have a great week.  Summer's fading fast, so enjoy it while it's here.

Peace,

Tom

www.behance.net/tk-art

Tom is also an holistic therapy practitioner in Phoenix, AZ.
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Having Difficulties on the Scale?

Hi All,

Hope you're all doing great out there.  Summer is winding down.  I hope it was a good one for you.  Personally, I'm still enjoying the warm Phoenix weather, but I'm ready for a little cooler weather too.

Today I would like to talk about releasing the extra weight some of us carry around.  Of course we know that you need to eat less, and move the body more and you will probably drop the pounds, right? But there's a little more to it for most of us and maybe a more holistic or complete approach is what we need.

flier for Holistic Weight Management with Hypnotherapy Group

Sometimes the change is not quite so simple.  If it was, none of us would be overweight.  One thing we need is to bring a desire to change.  Do you want to be healthy and fit?  Do you drop the extra pounds that do not serve you?  Well, if you have desire and some dedication, you can do it.

We need to change our relationship to food.   Hypnotherapy can be a big help with that.  We can change our view of food and beliefs about it.  We love food and desire to eat healthy food in the amounts we need to power this body....thru hypno, we can internalize this.  We train ourselves to desire good food in the right quantities.

We also want to change our view of ourselves.  We are all beautiful, in a beautiful, wonderful amazing body, but sometimes we don't believe it or know it.  We want to take care of this wondrous vessel.  We can train ourselves to enjoy feeding it good food and exercising it.  We can eat in moderation if we want.  We can exercise it more also - either way, we learn to and train ourselves, easily and gently, to care for our body and love our body.

All of this is fine - but if we don't remove the blocks to this, we won't really make meaningful change.  So we address the reasons why we eat the way we do; the emotional eating, insecurities, etc.  We need to get to the bottom of this and release those old emotional blocks that keep us trapped in the old habits and patterns...and we can do that.

Of course - in the group we continue to learn a little about holistic nutrition each week and support each other and share tips and foods that are working well in our personal journeys.

I got up early this morning and wrote a new hypnosis script that I will share tonight with the group.  It follows these themes.  I also provide a self hypnosis CD to attendees.  It's good for reinforcing the changes between group meetings.  I'll be recording the new script as well.

If you're in the Phoenix area - come by and join us tonight at 5:30 or on another Thursday soon.  I also work with people one on one, if a group isn't your preference.

Have a great day out there.  Enjoy those bodies - eat well, think well, and move it too.

Blessings,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Holistic Nutrition - it's what's for dinner

Hi All,

Having a pretty good summer here.  Nature sure put on an amazing show for us last night.  Some amazing storms pop up in the desert on summer evenings.  Hope things are going well for all of you, wherever you're reading this blog.

Summer storm in the distance

So one of the things I've been working on, personally, is making changes in my eating habits.  I'm working toward eating a more nutritious diet.  I've been doing pretty well for the most part, but one thing we don't do as much as I'd like to, is cook foods from scratch.  I guess that's the next phase.

On a professional level, I run a weekly Holistic Weight Management with Hypnosis group here in Phoenix, AZ.  Of course it incorporates hypnotherapy with sensible eating, exercise and a strong desire to change your body to a healthy, well balanced, right sized vessel.  We also do this with the support of a positive like minded group.

There's an holistic nutrition aspect to this group as well. Each week we look at a few foods that we can incorporate into our diets.   We look at good wholesome foods, their nutritional content and how we can incorporate them into our diets.  Remember though - this isn't a diet.  It's basically eating healthy on a daily basis.

Last week, the South American grain, Quinoa came up in the group.  So I decided to cook dinner last night and make a dish with quinoa.  I also wanted to prepare a dish with Lentils.  Both are power foods and very nutritious.

Leftover Quinoa Tabbouleh

Quinoa is considered a supergrain.  It's high in fiber and rich in high quality protein.  It originates in South America and was a staple of the Incas.  I bought the quinoa out of the grocery store bulk bin where it's very inexpensive.  It's easy to make, is loaded with fresh vegetables, was delicious, and a very nutritious and low calorie choice at only 182 calories per serving.  I found the recipe on www.myrecipes.com.

The lentil dish I made was Mujaddara Arabic Lentil Rice.  I got the lentils from the bulk bin as well.  I prepared it with onion, brown rice, and cumin.  It's a simple dish and took about an hour and 15 minutes to prepare.  I found the recipe for this dish on www.allrecipes.com.

Lentils are an amazing food.  They're high in fiber and excellent for your heart.  They also promote healthy blood sugar.  They're low in fat and calories, but high in Iron and an excellent high energy food.

All in all it was a good learning experience and a very tasty and nutritious meal.  As I write this, I'm finishing hard boiling eggs and cooking brown rice pasta for a cold tuna and wild salmon pasta salad for dinner tonight.

Cooked Brown Rice Penne macaroni - for the tuna and salmon salad.

OK - so I want to have full disclosure here.  I don't eat a perfectly holistically nutritious diet all the time.  However - here's the key.  Do the best you can.  Try to eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can.  If you get organic, great.  If you don't, don't beat yourself up about it.  I try to be grateful for the food I have and eat a well rounded healthy diet.  Little by little, I'm incorporating more and more wholesome foods and eating less processed food and fast food.  Just be gentle with yourself around food and keep making progress.

I hope you found this helpful.  Enjoy your day - wherever you are and whatever you're doing.  You can touch peoples lives every day.  Be kind to others....and yourself.

Peace,

Tom

Owner and operator at Holistic Therapy Solutions LLC in Phoenix, AZ
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

At the Center of You - Logo

Hi All,

Wow - it's been a busy couple of weeks.  Between holistic therapy work, this logo, and some other stuff....it's been a quick, busy time (and a good time).  It's really good to be busy sometimes.

So a lady named Laurie hired me to do a logo for her business, a couple weeks ago.  The biz, At the Center of You, is her new business.  She's opening it in Wickenberg, AZ.  Wickenberg is kind of a cowboy town about 70 miles NW of Phoenix.  Her business consists of her life coaching, hypnotherapy, and other holistic modalities, plus a little merchandise for sale.  It's also a very unique business in that town with a large potential.

So we sat down and started brainstorming.  What we came up with was the image of a horse sitting on a mat with legs crossed meditating.  It bridges the gap between the holistic/spiritual aspect of the biz and the old west feel of the town.  It was fun how we really clicked and both came to this idea really quickly.

Pencil sketch of the logo design for "At the Center of You"

First I sketched the cartoon horse logo and she approved, right away.  She was very pleased.

Pen and Ink - complete with coffee spill.

Next I drew the illustrated master drawing in pen and ink.  I even spilled coffee on it (as you can see in the photo).  My scanner is out of commission - so I start working in the computer, on the pen and ink photo.

drawing the black and erasing the white - in progress

I took the photo into Photoshop.  Selected All, and copied and pasted on to a new layer.  I colored the base layer completely orange and started defining the illustration by erasing the white on layer two.  I used the pen tool and would draw a path around an area, color it black, select the area, select inverse and erase the white around each section.  Hope that doesn't sound confusing.  I know it's definitely not the industry standard way of doing things, but that's ok.  It works.

black and white logo complete.

When I got the nice crisp black and white picture done, I saved the layers and starting adding layers under the black and white layer, and began adding color.  Laurie gave me her business card, told me it reflected her personality - and asked for the logo to be reflective of that.  The card had a robin egg blue color with a script type style for her name and a light san serif type style for the rest of the text.

adding sky color

So I started adding color to the background.  Trying to be consistent with the feeling of Laurie as reflected in her business card.

working on the horse.

Once completed, I did spend a little time, tweaking the color a bit, and then formatting both black and white and color, for both print and for electronic/web use.

Completed logo design

Again - this was a fun job.  I enjoyed working on it and the style of cartoon type logo, is really in my wheelhouse.  She was happy with the logo and it really met all of her criteria.

That's it for now.  Enjoy the coming week.  Be present and enjoy those around you.  Enjoy being with yourself as well.

Peace,

Tom

Art Portfolio - www.behance.net/tk-art
Facebook page - www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design/