July/August, 2009 – Chocolate Wedding Cake

AW Stories of the Month

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July 1, 2009

Chocolate Wedding Cake

By Frannie Sheridan

Being an incurable Choco-holic, I would have argued long and hard with my future husband if he had not conceded to having a chocolate wedding cake. Luckily, I married Mr. Right Cake!

Some people find their romantic match based on astrology. I had gone a step further. Considering my predisposition to chocolate, I had been determined to date a pure milk chocolate lover like myself, as opposed to a dark or white chocolate lover. It was okay if potential marital partners had enjoyed their fix with a few raisins here and there, but most importantly, no nuts!

Having done extensive analytical research on the varying personality traits of people who had a preference for milk chocolate over dark or white, I would have been insane not to narrow my search. I had irrefutable evidence that pure milk chocolate lovers like myself had bubbly personalities, didn’t think cow milk was the anti-Christ, and didn’t have to go to some specialty store in the Austrian Alps to obtain their chocolate!

Now, I don’t mean to come across as chocolate-tist, and in my past I had dated the entire chocolate rainbow of personality types. And sure, there is room for all chocolate lovers in this world. But at the end of the day, I just want to be able to relax at home with my type and not have to endure the company of a serious “I only eat 85% dark cacao chocolate!” whiney health nut type of person, or an “I only eat white chocolate because I’m that pure!” annoying perfectionist. Uch! Too hard to live up to. I’m happy being a foot dragging, “I eat it cuz I like it and that’s that!” milk chocolate junkie.

So, when my future husband proposed to me, it didn’t bother me in the least that he was speaking with a mouthful of my favorite milk chocolate ganache cake. To me, the light brown on his lips was the color of true everlasting love.

Enjoying chocolate cake . . . isn't it romantic?

To further prove my point, I examined the chocolate preferences of two couples who were famous for their romantic longevity. Mickey and Minnie Mouse (no surprise that they are both milk chocolate lovers) and Fred and Ginger Rogers. Although Fred had been a diehard white chocolate lover, whereas Ginger had preferred dark, when together, they had always shared the same type, perfectly melding their personalities. As we all know, their concession is a rarity since most of us will viciously defend the right to opt for our favorite chocolate, no matter how amorous we feel.

Frannie Sheridan first published the above article with Examiner.com. Her new solo multi-character show ‘A Celebration Of Life…Dancing On Hitler’s Grave’ debuts in Boca at The Adoph and Rose Levis Theatre January 16 and 17th, 2010. An associated film project is in late development. Most recently, she performed her Wacky Healthy Food Show sponsered by Whole Foods, which she continues to perform around Florida, also in development for television.

July/August, 2009 – Musical Kids

Mommy Moments

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July 1, 2009

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MOMMY MOMENTS

By Melanie Lewis

Musical kids. Are they born that way or do they become inspired by their environments? I wondered this as I watched in awe at 10 year old Emily Webster featured in June’s issue of Around Wellington. She clearly enjoyed singing and playing guitar. I wondered how she came to choose her musical interests. I wanted to expose my kids to music. Partly, because of the “Mozart effect” theory, which suggests that “listening to Mozart makes you smarter” and has a beneficial effect on mental development. And I also knew from my own experiences with choirs and orchestras how much fun it was to participate in musical activities. It would then be up to them to take it from there.

From the time my kids were born, we were singing lullabies to sooth their colicky restlessness. As they grew older we were singing “the Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Wheels on the Bus” together. With a limited repertoire, I found the library had several baby-play/song books. Wee Sing Children’s songs and Finger plays by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp are classics from the 70’s. Gymboree also had a book of different songs and activities. The kids participate more with finger plays. One particular favorite of ours is “Five little ducks went swimming one day.” It’s a bath time hit. You’ll need 5 rubber ducks in the bath tub or swimming pool. The song goes like this: “5 little ducks went swimming one day, over the hill and far away, momma duck said quack, quack, quack and 4 little ducks came back…and so on. At the end Momma duck says quack, quack, quack and all the ducks come back and I throw all the ducks up in the air and back into the bath.

As they’ve gotten older, I’ve introduced them to more grown-up fare. Although they don’t rock-out to Green Day, they enjoy the oldies station on the radio. There are a couple of CD’s out that they enjoy. One in particular is Ziggy Marley’s Family Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB8mZMEo_6k

Although many kids can sing “High School Musical” from start to finish, my group has their focus on commercials like the McDonalds filet-o-fish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJOIqVAD-s&feature=related. I figure as long as they’re singing and having fun, it’s a success. This spring, my 5 year old joined a children’s choir at church. The ages ranged from 5 to 15. The director gave us a CD with the songs and piano accompaniment to listen to and sing along. WOW! He was humming and singing to himself.

It wasn’t until recently that they started to take an interest in some of the noise-makers around the house. It seems a natural progression to want to play air guitar and try to make a coherent song on the mini piano keyboard. The sounds were getting more organized and made-up little tunes with nonsensical lyrics were showing up. An 8-week stint for piano lessons, however, did not yield virtuoso talent much less burgeoning interest for my 5-year-old.

Time will tell what kind of music my kids will be interested in. We’re creating memories and lots of digital video files for posterity. At least we’re having fun with our special musical moments and that’s the most important thing.

Visit this site for more interactive children’s songs:

http://www.smart-central.com/midiangel.htm

Melanie Lewis is the mother of two boys, ages 3 and 5. She is married to a self-described geek and works part-time. She enjoys reading, gardening and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll cat Percy and Golden Retriever Rosie.

July/August, 2009 – Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash…

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July 1, 2009

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July/August, 2009 – Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash…

Pet Talk

By Frances Goodman

Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash can put Pets at Risk

Have you ever walked into the kitchen to find the trash spread all over the floor?

And there in the middle of the mess is your wonderful dog — or sweet cat — looking quite pleased about it.

Raiding the trash is more than a minor frustration for us. It can be extremely dangerous to pets.

Toxic hazards in the trash may include medications, harmful foods like onions and coffee grounds, poisonous plant cuttings, and chemicals such as household cleaners, insecticides, or batteries.

Puppies and kittens have no discretion about what they put in their mouth, and are especially at risk.

Hazards

Here is a breakdown from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on what can happen if pets get into the trash:

1. Physical obstruction hazards — Items such as meat and poultry bones, plastic, metal, or paper can cause choking or trauma to the gastrointestinal tract. They can lead to a life-threatening blockage that could require emergency surgery.

2. Bacteria — Spoiled food can harbor millions of bacteria, which in some cases could lead to food poisoning or a condition known as bacterial enteritis. This is where the animal’s intestinal tract becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in painful bloating of the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Toxic Molds — Certain decaying foods such as cheese, nuts, grains and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds. Some of these can produce toxins that affect the nervous system, causing muscle tremors and seizures that can quickly become life-threatening.

4. Poisonous household items — The list of potential poisons to animals could go on forever, according to the ASPCA.

Even non-toxic items, like used paper towels or tissue (which many dogs find irresistible), can cause upset stomach.

Prevention

Prevention is the key.

Where trash is concerned, this can be as easy as using sturdy cans, with lids, that are not easily tipped.

Attractive stainless steel cans with heavy wooden tops are available at upscale prices. Plastic cans with step-pedals are available at a more economical cost.

If possible, keep containers in out-of-reach areas, such as a secure cabinet under the sink or inside the closed pantry, in all rooms as well as the kitchen.

To further protect pets, the ASPCA recommends:

● Always take high-risk items directly to a secure garbage can outside;

● Properly dispose of batteries and other potentially poisonous materials.

Thanks for caring. See you next time.

♥

Training tip for the month: Catching your dog in the act of doing something good, and giving praise, is just as important as catching him/her in the act of doing something wrong, and giving a correction.

Got a question? Frances Goodman is a professional dog obedience trainer and pet care writer who resides in Royal Palm Beach. Email her at [email protected].

July/August, 2009 – VillageWalk

The Neighborhood Scoop

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July 1, 2009

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NEIGHBORHOOD SCOOP

by Carolyn Bolash

Carolyn Bolash

Tucked Away in VillageWalk of Wellington

VillageWalk could be referred to as Little Venice due to the 22 pedestrian walk bridges that arch over the finger lakes of this gated community, consisting of 954 homes. Tucked away is the gated entrance on Lyons Road, which can be accessed from Forest Hill Boulevard or Stribling Way from State Road 7. Visitors indicate that it is similar to a resort as it has so many amenities. And guess what? The Home Owners Association is responsible for lawn maintenance on every property as well as the common areas. They maintain it beautifully and since all lawns are mowed on schedule, the community always looks manicured. There is an on-site management staff.

VillageWalk Clocktower

Sidewalks surround the interior perimeter of the lake as well as the perimeter road covering the entire area around the community. Walking is a rewarding experience…there are many different varieties of birds and fowl that enjoy our surrounding lakes. You can almost always find several on your walk throughout this paradise. A natural preserve is on the southwest side of the community; home to nature of several kinds. Most of the homes in VillageWalk are on water.

The Town Center is at the center of the Village. There is a beautiful free-form swimming pool, a lap pool, both heated, tennis pavilion and lighted tennis courts, lakeside gazebo, gas pumps, café and marketplace, mail room, hair salon, nail salon, Wachovia Bank with ATM machine, real estate office, card room, activities area, library and catering kitchen. The banquet rooms are available for special events for a fee.

If you enjoy resort-style living and a Mediterranean-style village with all its amenities, visit us soon! Century21 Horizon Properties has an on-site real estate office located at the Town Center. We would be delighted to show you available homes for sale in our community. You can select a 2 bedroom villa all the way up to a two-story five-bedroom home. Call one of our Century21 agents at 561-966-9212 to make an appointment.

A VillageWalk View

VillageWalk is a great place to call home! Wake up to the birds singing, view the beauty of the lakes, see an anhinga and catch the glimpse of a turtle during a morning walk, say hi to a friendly jogger on his morning run…if you exercise, the fitness center allows full view of the lake while you do your workout. The wonderful people, the beautiful homes with the amenities and the awesome beauty of VillageWalk make it a desirable place to live.

VillageWalk bridge

Carolyn Bolash is a Century 21 sales associate and has enjoyed VillageWalk living for six years. She says it is a pleasure to sell homes you are so familiar with and delights in sharing this community’s story with others.

July/August, 2009 – All Aboard!

Travel with Terri

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July 1, 2009

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Travel with Terri

by Terri Farris

All Aboard

Recently I had the opportunity to experience travel between New York and Chicago without arriving at an airport two hours before my scheduled departure, without long security lines and without being confined to a seat wearing my seatbelt for hours. How did I manage this? I took the train! For this month’s article, I want to share that experience with you!

As a surprise to my significant other for his birthday, I booked a trip for us via Amtrak from Penn Station in New York to Union Station in Chicago. A lifelong train enthusiast, he had yet to travel overnight aboard a train! Options for travel include coach seating, first class seating or sleeper cars. I chose a sleeper car for our journey and booked a “roomette” . While this provided the basics…seats that convert to a lower berth or bunk bed and an upper berth that converts to a top bunk, the larger bedrooms or bedroom suites provide more space and a full bath. Meals in the dining car are complimentary for first class passengers and all passengers with sleeping accommodations. Meals can also be purchased by coach passengers for a reasonable price.

We began our trip at Penn Station in Manhattan. Passengers are asked to arrive thirty minutes prior to their scheduled departure time. Yes, I said thirty minutes…not two hours! As passengers traveling with sleeper accommodations, we were entitled to club privileges at the Acela Club at Penn Station where we were able to relax comfortably in the private lounge and wait for the attendant to call us for boarding.

When boarding time came, it was efficient and stress free! We were directed to our car and introduced to our porter, Maria, who would serve as our attendant for our journey. Maria helped us settle into our room and noted our preferences for dining times for the evening meal, turndown service for our room and breakfast the following morning. She also answered any questions we had about the route and stops along the way. Serving only one sleeper car each, the attendants are able to provide personal attention and service to the passengers.

We departed Penn Station and began our journey through upper Manhattan and into Westchester County. Our route followed the Hudson River and we enjoyed beautiful views as we traveled north toward Albany. Along the way we passed several of the lighthouses on the Hudson River and traveled through the stations of the Hudson River towns.

When dinner time arrived, we moved to the dining car and chose from delicious entrees such as herb roasted chicken with vegetables, salmon and beef roast with garlic mashed potatoes. There were also dessert selections available. The service was personable and attentive and we were even treated to an extra glass of wine by our server.

After reaching Albany, our travels headed west toward Buffalo, New York. We enjoyed watching the scenery from our room before nightfall. When it was too dark to enjoy the view any longer, we visited the lounge or club car where beverages and snacks were available. Families traveling with children were playing games, one couple watched a movie on their computer and others enjoyed talking and having a glass of wine. When we returned to our room, Maria had prepared our bunk beds and we settled in to allow the train to rock us to sleep!

We awoke the next morning to a sunrise over a bridge and realized we were in Toledo, Ohio. It was a beautiful morning and after a brief stop in Toledo to board additional passengers, we moved to the dining car again for our breakfast. We watched the farmland rolling by, saw Amish families working their farms and enjoyed passing through the small communities along the way in Ohio and Indiana. I enjoyed seeing the view from the “other side” of the crossing gates!

As we neared the Chicago area we caught our first glimpse of the sparking blue waters of Lake Michigan! Although I had traveled to Chicago many times by plane, arriving by train provided a unique perspective on the city as we passed through the various neighborhoods along the way to Chicago’s historic Union Station.

Train travel offers many advantages. Trains are faster than most short distance flights when you consider the time you spend getting to and from the airport and waiting in security clearance lines. Train stations are generally centrally located in cities and towns providing visitors with a central location to begin their exploration of a new city. Being able to walk around, move to the dining car, stretch your legs and actually stretch out in a bed to sleep are incredible benefits! Also, did you know that train travel releases 10 times fewer greenhouse gases per average passenger journey than flying? Yes, train travel is green!

Amtrak routinely offers discounts and “hot deals” such as their summer special this year “Kids ride for only $19 on the Auto Train”. The auto train provides non-stop service between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia (near Washington DC). Families can enjoy a train ride and still have their cars available for use when they reach their vacation destination.

The route I chose for our trip from New York to Chicago is just one of many scenic routes available throughout the USA. For more information on Amtrak routes and specials, visit their website at www.amtrak.com.

After this experience, I too am a train enthusiast and am looking forward to experiencing more routes across the United States where I can take in the views and enjoy the ride! Sure, an airplane can get you to your destination, but when traveling by train it’s not just the destination that matters…it’s the journey! All aboard!!

Terri Farris is a freelance writer who enjoys traveling. You can see more of her writing on her blog at www.terrifarris.blog-spot.com or contact her at [email protected].

July/August, 2009 – Astrology at Work in Your Life

Astrology at Work

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July 1, 2009

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ASTROLOGY AT WORK

by Karola Crawford

July/August 2009

Interestingly enough, the Moon rules Cancer and the Sun rules Leo, both signs which are next to each other in the order of Birthdays. First of all Happy Birthday to Cancer! Your caring sign is celebrated in all cultures as the mothering instinct in all of us. Some may accuse you of being too emotional, but what a drab life it would be if emotions were placed on the back burner and intellect alone ruled. The Cancer spontaneity is what life is all about with the caring and love that is symbolized by a mother. This is the part of us that reaches out to help others and makes a home out of a building, laughs and cries with empathy and celebrates a birthday with renewed love and life. This part of us is able to dry the tears of a child and offer understanding and a sense of belonging to a co-worker.

The moon rules the feelings that drive us to live our life, the desire to protect others as well as ourselves. This month is full of change for you cancers, so go with the flow.

Accept help from your family and friends and don’t try to do everything on your own. You will probably discover something positive that you would have missed otherwise.

There are those that claim that a lack of sun in their life causes them to become depressed and sullen. Indeed, the sign of Leo is ruled by the sun, and this is the month to wish a Happy Birthday to all the sunny personalities that are born under this positive and upbeat sign. Leos are the most quiet of the fire signs, however, don’t underestimate their strength and character just because they are not as verbal as the other two. Leos have a quiet strength that some call willful and tenacious, and their presence is noticed just because that is exactly what they want. They desire to be first and just like the lion, will rule and dominate the herd. They are extremely friendly and just, and when they travel, well, they want luxury. A Leo friend is steadfast and reliable, but don’t make them second best.

The sun is the inner aspect of the personality, the burning desire to present to the world our basic nature and goodness of mankind. This is a desire to protect others and be recognized as a living force that is powerful and capable of making a difference.

This month it seems as though some big plans in your life have been placed on hold. This trend continues until October, at which time sudden forces will move your life forward again. Allow yourself the pleasure of not having to make major decisions right now and enjoy the small things. Happy Birthday!

Virgo – With Saturn in your sign, responsibility is still way up on the list of things that is weighing down on you. At the same time, it is important to be responsible since there is a boomerang effect that can happen otherwise. While driving, stick to the speed limit.

Libra – Things are looking up and opportunities prevail. You have the chance to expand something unusual, so take advantage of this positive placement.

Scorpio – Get a second opinion before moving forth even though you feel that you already have your own answer. Be open minded before jumping to conclusions.

Sagittarius – Sudden opportunities keep coming up so keep your eyes wide open and act. Don’t take these sudden windfalls for granted.

Capricorn – A feeling of being born “anew” can feel like a dream come true or a dread for the changes that are occurring. Regardless of how you wish to see it, it is happening.

Aquarius – A spiritual awakening is allowing you to look at life in a new way. Check with a friend to see their viewpoint of the changes occurring around you.

Pisces – It is time to re-evaluate major decisions and put them on hold for now. They will come up in the near future for you to act upon them.

Aries – Being born a leader has its pitfalls if you act too quickly. Others look to you for guidance so don’t lead them astray.

Taurus – A short vacation will definitely spruce things up and you are encouraged to take the offer presented to you.

Gemini – It is time to look at the details now that you have seen the big picture. Your decisions are good at this time, so scrutinize, then act.

Karola Crawford, MAFA, has been a certified Astrologer for 22 years. She has cast charts for clients all over the world and also practices Holistic medicine, Yoga, Shiatsu, Reiki, Auricular Acupucture and is an accomplished artist. Where does she get all of her energy? A grand trine in fire, of course. Karola can be reached at 561-615-1591 or by visiting the web site at www.karolacrawford.com.

July/August, 2009 – July/August Pictures

Around Wellington in Pictures

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July 1, 2009

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July/August, 2009 – July/August Pictures

Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “Photo Galleries” on this site!

Mama Pelican with Babies on Rookery in New Smyrna, Photo by Lois Spatz.

Daytona Beach Sunrise. Photo by Lois Spatz.

Layonel Lopez, Paul A. Nunnally, Derrick D. Berry, Israel Pabon, Bishop Oshea Granger, taking part in the Blue Dove Awards ceremony, presented by Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Skyler, safer today thanks to Project Lifesaver! See our AW Stories of the Month, as well as the Calendar page for a special Project Lifesaver event. Photo by Kristine Silva.

July/August, 2009 – Graduation Day

Future is Bright

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July 1, 2009

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TEEN TALK

by Heidi Thorpe

Graduation Day

The night before graduation didn’t quite go as planned. I was supposed to dye my hair in the morning, a dark chocolate color, so that it would look nice for rehearsal that evening. I was then supposed to attend rehearsal downtown and afterwards meet my aunt’s for dinner, where I would give them their tickets and relax before the big day. The day I’ve been waiting for 12 years.

Well, I got to rehearsal a tad late due to my internal compass malfunctions, smelling of hair chemicals that weren’t fully washed out. The whole rehearsal was basically to inform students of what they couldn’t do…which is a lot. No talking, no sudden movements, no blow horns, no touching, no throwing of the caps like in the movies, no stepping out of line or waving for any reason, and god forbid someone falls. They warn that if one were to in fact stumble and fall at any point, the board would review the tapes to be positive it was a mistake. If the crash appears to be for humorous purposes, it will result in the revoking of the diploma.

They make the wise decision of waiting to distribute the actual tickets until the end of the get together, so that no one can bail half way through the scare tactics. They finally gave us seven tickets each and told us to be on time. Unfortunately my mind wasn’t all there, causing me to leave behind all seven of my tickets in the bathroom of the convention center.

Fast forward through a great meal in City Place to my aunt’s place and then walking to my car to give them their tickets. That’s when I conveniently had the epiphany about the tickets and seeing that it was already ten o’clock, my only option was to call as many of my friends as possible to score extra tickets.

The rest of that night consisted of driving from house to house in a thunderstorm, trying to make up for my little brain hiccup. Not the best night. But I made it home by one a.m. with enough tickets.

And of course it rained on the day of graduation. I wasn’t about to let everything be ruined, so I stubbornly sat in my car until the coast was clear. I looked like a blue potato in my gown, finding it hard to keep the unflattering cap on top of my perfectly straightened hair. And the heels didn’t help with my fear of falling off the stage in front of hundreds, and then it being mistaken as a joke . . . ultimately leading to my failing of high school.

But I was finally graduating.

The boy in front of me had been a good friend of mine since elementary school, and the boy behind me I had never even seen before. I broke a few rules; I talked and waved to friends, it was impossible not to. This would probably be the last time we’d all be together.

I wasn’t too nervous or excited until I actually got to the stage and realized it was kind of a big deal. Really though, my only worry was that no one would clap when my name was called. Fortunately my dad had bribed everyone within a ten-foot radius of him to cheer for a Heidi Thorpe.

Within what felt like seconds, the ceremony was over and then the whole day was over. I graduated.

Heidi Thorpe will be attending UCF, beginning in the fall of this year. THANKS to Heidi for being our Teen Talk columnist this past year and welcome to our next Teen Talk columnist, Evan Baumel!

July/August 2009 – Walk this Way

As I Was Saying

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July 1, 2009

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AS I WAS SAYING

by Alan Williamson

Walk This Way

What would you say if I told you that by walking just 30 minutes a day, four times a week, you could enjoy increased energy, a trimmer body, a greater sense of calm and well-being, and a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.

Not good enough?

What if I told you that a brisk 30-minute walk, just four times a week, could also lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, raise your IQ, allow you to speak a second language fluently within one week, and land a seven-figure recording contract with a major label even if you’ve had no previous singing experience.

Still not convinced?

What if I told you that if you start walking now – this week – and continue walking just 30 minutes a day, four times a week, that in three months you will have reduced your risk of heart disease by 34 percent, added 2.4 years to your life, mastered the fine art of search engine optimization, and developed the inexplicable ability to communicate with domestic animals in a way that fosters caring, empowering, mutually-rewarding relationships.

While I can’t guarantee that all of these benefits will come your way (individual results may vary), I’m here to add my voice to the long chorus line of medical and fitness advisors who say, and I quote, “If you want to look better, feel better and live better, put down that pizza-encrusted, digitally-enabled, virtual reality video gamepad and go for a walk!”

But where, when, with who and at what pace, you ask.

These are mostly matters of personal preference. For me, for instance, the answers would be “in Birch State Park,” “at 7 a.m.,” “with my Indian sidekick Buddy Blackfoot,” and “enough to make me breathe harder.” For someone else, the answers could be completely different, perhaps more along the lines of “Heatherwood Drive,” “after dinner,” “with my dog Rooney,” and “like a small town mayor marching in the Memorial Day parade.”

Whatever specific details suit your tastes and circumstances, the good news is, once you start, walking is an activity that comes pretty naturally and requires very little instruction. This is why Walking Magazine, which ceased publication in 2001, couldn’t go the distance in spite of informative and motivational articles such as:

“Tying your Laces: The Trick to Injury-Free Walking”

“Trees, Shrubs and Flowers: What to Look at While You Walk”

“Pick a Spot to Turn Around: The Secret to Planning a Long Walk”

“Strut, Stroll, Saunter or Mince: Develop Your Walking Style

and Never Look Back”

Even though the instinctive nature of walking makes “coaching” the activity virtually unnecessary, I have identified three rules of walking for health and fitness that I strongly recommend. They are:

1. Never walk on the side of a busy road heading in the same direction as traffic. As a matter of self-preservation, you’re safer walking against the flow of traffic so you can see and react to drivers who may in fact be engaged in other activities inside their cars. These activities may include putting on a fresh change of clothes, watching a recent episode of Celebrity Apprentice on their cell phone, or making arrangements to take a donkey tour of the Grand Canyon (right after they head-butt you into a roadside ditch with the front bumper of their SUV).

2. If your walk takes you into wooded areas or any other uneven terrain, take extra care to notice things in your path that might cause you to trip and fall. These obstructions may include such stumbling blocks as rocks, ruts, tree roots, discarded trash, or, on rare occasions, the slumbering, foul-smelling carcass of rocker/outdoorsman Ted Nugent.

3. Never, I repeat, never get talked into walking the Ross Prairie State Forest in Dunnello, Florida with my wife’s cousin Nancy’s husband Georg. Now don’t get me wrong. Georg is a great, down-to-earth guy, with no obnoxious habits. The problem is, Georg isn’t human. He’s a relentless walking machine built by the Germans to cover vast distances on foot in all kinds of terrain without a break. After walking for five miles through a heavily-wooded state forest, Georg will look back over his shoulder at you and say, “Let’s go once more around.” Since your answer will most likely be a winded, unintelligible whimper that sounds like “yeesh,” Georg will take that as a “yes” and off you’ll go back into the wild green yonder.

But these are trivial concerns. Walking is, on most days, a refreshingly safe, uncomplicated endeavor. So follow my simple rules, don’t overthink it, and enjoy the smooth and gentle route to robust health and fitness.

Oh, before you lace up, I do have just one little disclaimer. While moderately swinging your arms while you walk can provide additional upper body toning benefits, the exaggerated, cartoonish style of arm swinging employed by some overzealous racewalkers is discouraged. For one thing, the extra toning and calorie-burning benefits of such a technique are minor and, more importantly, the odds of you earning a reputation as a “walking whack-job” increase astronomically.

Okay, now you know everything I know, so let’s give this a try.

Ready, set, walk! One foot in front of the other, that’s it, that’s it, watch the arms, watch the arms, no crazy stuff, there you go, breathe deeply, that’s it, watch the crack in the sidewalk, nice move, you’re doing great. We’re just taking a walk here, nothing fancy, easy come, easy go. Whadaya say champ, once more around?

Alan Williamson is an award-winning writer with 27 years in the field of true fiction (advertising). A practical man who knows that writing for a living is risky going, he has taken steps to pursue a second, more stable career as a leggy super model. Alan can be reached at [email protected].

July/August, 2009 – Man in the Mirror

Poem of the Month

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July 1, 2009

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Man In The Mirror lyrics

(See below)

By Michael Jackson

Jermaine Jackson Performs “Smile” at Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service

Tribute to Michael Jackson, “Man in the Mirror” Video

Gotta make a change
For once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

As I turned up the collar on
A favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin’ my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs

A summer’s disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man’s soul
They follow each other
On the wind ya’ know
‘Cause they got nowhere to go
That’s why I want you to know

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change, yey
Na na na, na na na, na na na na oh ho

I’ve been a victim of
A selfish kinda love
It’s time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really pretending that they’re not alone

A willow deeply scarred
Somebody’s broken heart
And a washed out dream
(Washed out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya’ see
‘Cause they got no place to be
That’s why I’m starting with me

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah)
I’m asking him to change his ways, yeah
(Change)
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
‘Cause when you close your heart
(You can’t close your, your mind)
Then you close your mind

(That man, that man, that man)
(That man, that man, that man)
(With the man in the mirror, oh yeah)
(That man you know, that man you know)
(That man you know, that man you know)
I’m asking him to change his ways
(Change)
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself then make that change

(Na na na, na na na, na na na na)
Ooh
Oh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
(Na na na, na na na, na na na na)

Oh no
Oh no, I’m gonna make a change
It’s gonna feel real good
Sure mon
(Change)
Just lift yourself
You know, you got to stop it yourself
(Yeah)
Oh
Make that change
(I gotta make that change today, oh)
(Man in the mirror)
You got to, you got to not let yourself, brother oh
Yeah
You know that
(Make that change)
(I gotta make that make me then make)
You got, you got to move
Sure mon, sure mon
You got to
(Stand up, stand up, stand up)
Make that change
Stand up and lift yourself, now
(Man in the mirror)
Make that change
(Gonna make that change, sure mon)
(Man in the mirror)
You know it, you know it, you know it, you know
(Change)
Make that change

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