Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer and author. Dr. Dyer is the Domain Designer for the Journey of Hearts website, created in 1997 as the first and only physician based website devoted to educating people about the normal grief response. Dr. Dyer is also a former NICU Parent. Based on her experiences with her youngest daughter, founded the NICU Parent Support Site. ... http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/comfortdoc Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:09:06 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.squidoo.com/write-a-condolence-note Taking a bit of time to write a condolence note or condolence letter can be a great source of comfort and provide a gift of healing for a friend or a loved one who is grieving a loss. According to research by Hallmark, Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually. There are a variety of different sympathy cards available for many different types of losses. People frequently to not entirely understanding the importance of sending a sympathy note until they have lost a loved one and personally feel the benefits of receiving condolence notes from friends and family following the death of a loved one. Let's take a look at when and how to write a condolence note. (If you are interested in How to Write a Condolence Letter or How to Write a Sympathy Card see the related lenses.) Image Source: Sympathy Card. Available on Amazon. education Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:13:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/grief-loss-bereavement Loss is the disappearance of something cherished, often the death of a person, loss of a relationship, loss of a job or loss of health. Grief is the entire response--mind, body and spirit--to the loss. Bereavement is the often term used when the loss is due to the death of a loved one. Although a disorienting, disturbing and distressing process, grief is considered to be a normal response, one that most people can cope with given enough time. This lens explores the many different types of losses and the normal grief or bereavement response to a loss. Also provided are some helpful strategies for making it through the first few hours and additional resources for more information. Image Source: Lucius Commons. Emelyn Story Tomba. Released to the Public Domain.   health Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:52:09 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/write-condolence-letter Finding the right words to write a condolence letter or sympathy note may be challenging, yet the benefits can be immeasurable. A well-written, heart-felt condolence letter is a show of your support and sympathy for the person grieving the death of a loved one. People have a better understanding the importance and the benefits of sending a sympathy letter when they been in the position of receiving condolence letters following the death of a loved one. Let's take a look at how to write a condolence letter. (If you are interested in How to Write a Condolence Note or How to Write a Sympathy Card see the related lenses.) Image Source: Writing a Sympathy Note. Modified Microsoft Image. education Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:11:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/do-not-stand-at-my-grave-and-weep This lens is dedicated to the favorite bereavement poem, "Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep" words of sympathy that have brought comfort to many since it was written. This beloved poem has also been put to music as a stirring song and most recently become a valuable eBook. This carefully researched and edited collection of poems, quotes and readings are useful sources for writing a eulogy, funeral speech or memorial speech.  The Poem This lens includes the classic version of the poem along with an updated version written in 2007 and used as the backdrop of a beautiful, comforting video. The Song In addition there are several moving musical interpretations of the poem, sung by members of the group Libera available for you to view on You Tube. Be advised that before watching these videos, you may need to get Kleenex especially if you have experienced a recent loss. There are links to other versions of the song by other artists some available for download by ITunes. The Book Finally there is the Book, Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep. This new eBook is a special collection of over 250 poems, quotes and readings to comfort anyone who has experienced a loss. I am honored to have one of my own poems, In Memory of You, included in this brilliant collection of inspirational words as an example of a contemporary bereavement poem.   Photo Source: Marcia Lozano. Grandpa's Stone. Royalty Free Use. philanthropy Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:37:58 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/holiday-ornaments A special selection of Ornaments Ornaments to inspire peace to honor and remember loved ones who are facing challenges or have died year 'round. Some of the Ornaments are designed for high quality porcelain and available through Cafe Press stores; others have been carefully selected from Amazon's collection of holiday ornaments. The Peace and Remembrance Ornaments also include links with directions and downloadable files for making your own Peace and Remembrance holiday ornaments--imagine peace ornaments, peace on earth ornaments, peace doves, peace cranes, remembrance and memorial ornaments. These paper and fabric ornament projects can also be used for children at home or in the school setting to bring a bit of peace to your holidays, to inspire hope to someone facing an illness or remember a loved one who has died. diy Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:01:45 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/sympathy-card Sending your sympathy following the death of a loved one or a major loss is still best done by sending a hand-written card, a note or a letter. It is estimated that Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually for many different types of losses from death to divorce. Sending a Sympathy Card is a way of telling the person who has lost a loved one that you are thinking about and supporting them during a difficult time. Let's take a look at how to write a sympathy card. (If you are interested in How to Write a Condolence Note, or How to Write a Condolence Letter see the related lenses.) Image Source: © Kirsti A. Dyer. Composite of Modified Microsoft Images. education Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:28:59 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/month-of-thanks A Month of Thanks gives lensmasters a chance to be thankful, raise awareness about hunger and make lenses to benefit hunger related Squidoo Charities. The challenge is being done to help us realize that even in the midst of everything that is going on, we still have a lot to be thankful. The month of November, the month of Thanksgiving is a good time to stop, take a moment and give thanks. Taking a little time to be thankful every day may help to shift your perspective. Counting your blessings instead of the losses and focusing on the positive aspects of life can help in shifting attitudes and life challenges. philanthropy Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:24:38 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/randy-pausch-hero Dr. Randy Pausch is a living inspiration. Diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in 2006, he has gone on to show people how to continue *living* even after getting the diagnosis of a terminal illness. For his head-on, straight-forward, entertaining and motivational approach to facing the diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, I would like to introduce my superhero, the incredible Dr. Randy Pausch, professor and author of the Last Lecture. He even comes with his own Superhero outfit. :) Updates July 25, 2008: It is with great sadness that I have to report that Dr. Randy Pausch has lost his battle with Cancer. He died July 25, 2008. In Lieu of Flowers: The family had requested that donations on his behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, which the university will use primarily to support continued work on the Alice project. More information can be found at the Carnige Mellon Tribute page the Enduring Legacy. pop Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:26:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/doing-the-bone-dance Teaching children about bone anatomy can be made a bit easier and a lot more fun for the children by using some songs, dances and available innovative educational tools. The idea for this lens came after watching a recent episode of Hannah Montana there she comes up with a song and dance, "Doin' the Bone Dance" as a way of remembering her anatomy for a test. I had the catchy, song get in my head and wondered how effective it might be in teaching children their bone anatomy. Halloween is a great time to introduce bone anatomy to children and to be less afraid of skeletons as symbols of death. I started using skeleton puzzles to teach children about bone anatomy in 2006. I have gone into my both of my daughter's classes for two years now with a skeleton floor puzzle. I have taught bone anatomy to preschool children, Kindergarteners, First and Second graders. The puzzles are an effective, interactive way to teach children about the bones in the body and to be less afraid of skeletons at Halloween. This lens provides a review and information about creative, innovative ways of teaching children about the anatomy bones. Photo Image: Learning Resources. Skeleton Floor Puzzle. education Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:23:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/recycle-campaign-signs Now that the election is over and the campaigning is done, what can you do with all of those old campaign signs? Find ways to recycle, reuse or re-purpose those old used campaign signs. How you choose to reuse the sign may depend on who you supported and who the sign is for. This lens offers some practical and some creative suggestions for ways of recycling campaign signs, reusing or re-purposing them. Be sure to leave your ideas on your favorite use for old campaign signs. Image Source: Laura Hertzfeld. Obama Signs. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. green Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:21:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/california-fires California Fires of October 2007 have already caused untold damage, displacing more than a million people and causing over a billion in losses. You can help the survivors of the fires by donating cash to help in funding relief efforts. FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) is urging those who want to help those affected by the fires to make cash donations (rather than goods or other items) to nonprofit organizations that are active in disaster work. So far the fires have burned nearly 500,000 acres and destroyed roughly 1,800 homes, mostly in San Diego County. The property damage in San Diego County alone has surpassed $2 billion. The California Wildfires have been declared a Federal Disaster Area. The Southern California Fires are the first natural disaster on the scale of Hurricane Katrina to occur since that storm hit in 2005. Photo Source: Kevin Labianco. Santiago Wildfire. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons. newsandpolitics Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:06:20 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/squid-items This collection of squids has been carefully selected for you to choose a squid Holiday gift for your favorite Squidoo Lensmaster or Squid Lover. Perhaps he might want a PowerSquid Power Multiplier, a Squidoo Orange Flip Video Camcorder or Squid Orange shopping bag. She might want her own Squid necklace, Squid baster or a Squid Mug. The crafty lensmaster might want to try his or her hand at making their own squid from a squid pattern. Take a peek at this unique collection of Squid Stuff for Squidmas gifts. Proceeds benefit Planet Gumbo as part of the Month of Thanks challenge and the Squidoo Charity Fund. It was created as my 200th lens. shopping Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:45:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/harpo Oprah Gail Winfrey is thought to be the most influential woman in the world now. She is also considered to be the most philanthropic African-American of all time and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the United States. Oprah, as she is known to most, is a talk show host, magazine publisher, book club host, philanthropist, Broadway producer and sometimes actress. Oprah has been someone that I have "grown up with" over the years and watched her weather public challenges. She is one of the few living women that I have been inspired by for her business ethics, her generous spirit and her unending compassion. Photo Source: Alan Light. Oprah's 50th Birthday. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. pop Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:34:23 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/freeset-bags One of my great finds for the year, Freeset Bags. Not only are these bags stylish, well-made, practical and eco-friendly, but in purchasing one of these bags you help a woman on her journey to freedom. How great is that? Freeset Bags are made by women escaping the sex trade in the largest red-light district in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. By working for the Freeset Bags, these women are provided an opportunity to earn a dignified living and become free to leave a profession many do not chose to enter in the first place. green Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:30:37 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/bono-superhero For charming, bulling and morally blackmailed the leaders of the world's richest countries into forgiving $40 billion in debt owed by the poorest, Bono was named Person of the Year by Time Magazine in 2005. For his ability to make people listen and make people care about world poverty and AIDS, I introduce my superhero, Paul David Hewson known to most by his nickname, Bono. He is an amazing example of how one person can make a difference, inspire others and change the world. Image Source: HDS. Bono G8 Press Conference. Creative Commons. people Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:50:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mynicubabydied Many parents consider the loss of a child to be the highest level of loss. The information on the site cannot take away the intense pain and sorrow you are feeling. Instead I offer information, resources and support that others who have been in similar situations have found to be helpful during their times of loss, in the hopes that it will ease your loss even slightly.  This belief in information to aid the grieving process is the same one expressed by perinatal bereavement and mourning specialist, Dr. Elizabeth K. Best. While little can assuage the difficult and forgotten grief surrounding stillbirth and neonatal death, information can be helpful regarding the normal feelings and experiences which leave parents in an emotional and spiritual wilderness.  health Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:12:58 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/wash-your-hands Hand Washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection. Every year more than 164 million school days are lost due to illness. In addition as many as 76 million Americans get a food-borne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness. Those who are particularly vulnerable to these infections are the very young, the very old, those who are hospitalized and those fighting diseases such as AIDS or Cancer. Many of those illnesses could have been avoided if adults, children and caretakers had done something as simple as wash their hands correctly. I have worried about preventing infection and hand washing professionally when I was practicing medicine and also as a surgical intern. I have also worried about preventing infections and surgical scrubbing personally, when my youngest was in the Intensive Care Nursery as a baby. health Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:43:29 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/zorbitz-karma These Lucky Karma Bracelets, Karmalogy, Nirvana Crystals and Feng Shui Charms are among my favorite fun gift ideas--for myself, or to give to others. I love the Zorbitz product line because they create products that can be worn or used as focusing tools or devices. Zorbitz inc. has also developed a special product line, Pink United, to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Image Source: Unexpected Miracles Lucky Karma Beads. religion Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:38:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/secret-identity-costume One easy way to create a simple, fun and effective Halloween costume is to start with with a mask, a cloak, a cape or a robe to hide your true identity. Halloween is a time when children and grown-ups alike get to take on a different identity for a a few hours, a night or a day and be a bit mysterious about our true identities. While, I haven't created lenses on all of the featured Masks, Caped, Robed and Hooded Costumes listed (yet), I realized when I went to start this lens that I had created quite a few lenses that featured people who were cloaking their identities in some way.   Photo Source: Floor Length Cloak. Available on Amazon. entertainment Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:05:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/just-smile A simple strategy for how to survive those most difficult of days...just smile.  This lens includes a specially selected collection of videos with different versions of the classic song "Smile" written by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. These videos are good resources to bookmark as a favorite for those days when you are feeling a bit down. It also includes several resources on the benefits of smiling and the inspirational lyrics from the song smile. I hope that You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile Photo Source: Michael Bretherton. Sand Stuff. Royalty Free Use. entertainment Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:09:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/freddie-mercury-queen Freddie Mercury, lead singer for the Rock Band Queen, was once quoted as saying that he didn't want to be a rock star, he wanted to be a legend. While alive, Freddie Mercury was known as an entertaining and energetic rock star. Since his death at the fairly young age of 45, he has become a legend. Freddie Mercury is considered by many to be one of the greatest vocalists in contemporary music. His remarkable voice covered a span of nearly four octave range allowing him to sing in both the baritone and tenor ranges. As the lead singer for Queen and also as a solo artist, Freddie Mercury created and performed technically complex songs blending several different styles of music from heavy metal and rock to disco, opera and ballads. His wide range of styles appealed to millions of fans around the world. Even though it has been nearly 16 years since his death, the Music of Queen and the legacy of Freddie Mercury live on through the incredible music. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. While you're visiting, be sure to check how you can Sponsor a Star for Freddie Mercury and benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Image Sources: Wikipedia. Wikimedia. Freddie Mercury Statue Montreux. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. people Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:06:48 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/dia-de-los-muertos Although occurring around the same time of the year as Halloween, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrated in many Latin American countries, is a very different holiday, with a very different focus.   This festival to celebrate the unity of life and death, is considered by many to be the most important holiday of the year in Mexico and other Latin American countries.  It is the time once a year, when the spirits of loved ones who have died, return to earth to celebrate this holiday with friends and family. Calacas and Calaveras (Skeletons and Skulls) are prominently featured in many of the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebrations, not as objects of fear, but as ways of mocking death. In addition to the Latin American countries, Dia de los Muertos is also celebrated in many regions in the United States, Brazil and the Philippines. Even if not traditionally from your cultural background, Dia de los Muertos is a unique way of keeping the memories alive of those who have died. Image Source: Kirsti A. Dyer. Calacas con el Corazón. education Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:08:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/free-hugs-campaign The Free Hugs Campaign began as one person's attempt to make a difference and reach out to others to brighten their lives. Juan Mann describes his inspiration as follows: Standing there in the arrivals terminal, watching other passengers meeting their waiting friends and family, with open arms and smiling faces, hugging and laughing together, I wanted someone out there to be waiting for me. To be happy to see me. To smile at me. To hug me. So I got some cardboard and a marker and made a sign. I found the busiest pedestrian intersection in the city and held that sign aloft, with the words "Free Hugs" on both sides. And for 15 minutes, people just stared right through me. The first person who stopped, tapped me on the shoulder and told me how her dog had just died that morning. How that morning had been the one year anniversary of her only daughter dying in a car accident. How what she needed now, when she felt most alone in the world, was a hug. I got down on one knee, we put our arms around each other and when we parted, she was smiling. The effects of the Free Hugs campaign have become phenomenal on YouTube. The Free Hug Campaign is meant to be a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better. The Free Hug Campaign uses elements of "hug therapy" or therapeutic hugging to make people feel better. philanthropy Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:14:47 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/worldwide-candle-lighting Every year, since 1997, on the second Sunday in December The Compassionate Friends (TCF) hold a Worldwide Candle Lighting in memory of all children who have died too soon. On this day people around the world are encouraged to light a candle to so that...Their Light May Always Shine. This year the event will be held on December 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in all time zones around the globe. Image Source: The Compassionate Friends. Worldwide Candle Lighting Image. Used with Permission. philanthropy Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:05:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/sadako-sasaki Sadako Sasaki was only two years old when the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. At the age of 11, she was diagnosed with Leukemia, or the "Atomic Bomb Disease." Her courage in the face of her cancer and determination to fold 1,000 paper cranes to be granted a wish had been an inspiration to many. Since her death in 1955 at the young age of 12, Sadako has become a symbol of Peace throughout the World. For this amazing legacy she is my superhero. people Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:29:49 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mamma-mia-party Mamma Mia quickly became the musical hit of summer 2008. This December pick your favorite character and go as a favorite Mamma Mia character at your DVD Release Party. Here are some great ideas and themes to choose from. You can even throw your own Mamma Mia the Movie Party. Host your own Mamma Mia Come as You Are Party, Mamma Mia Visit the Greek Isles Party, Mamma Mia Wedding Party, Mamma Mia Dance Party, Mamma Mia Retro Party, Mamma Mia Early ABBA Party or Mamma Mia Classy ABBA Party. Get ready to celebrate the music of ABBA. Remember that Mamma Mia the Movie is coming to DVD just in time for Christmas! entertainment Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:36:26 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/bindi-irwin The sudden, unexpected death of Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, last September left some pretty big shoes to fill, but daughter Bindi Irwin has stepped in and picked up where her father left off as a passionate wildlife warrior and spunky television personality in her own right as star of the new show for the Discovery Channel, Bindi the Jungle Girl. Bindi Irwin is following in the footsteps of her late father, Steve Irwin as a television personality, wildlife warrior, tourism ambassador, health and fitness promoter, columnist, blogger and fashion promoter. people Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:42:03 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/altruism Being altruistic, or reaching out to help others, not only benefits the person being helped, but practicing altruism also has many benefits for the person doing the helping.  Altruism is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is a generous way of expressing gratitude for all that you have been given.  Reaching out a hand to lift someone else up is one of the greatest gifts for the heart. The gifts that one receives from giving back and from reaching out to help others are immense and priceless. Photo Source: Modified Microsoft Image. health Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:58:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/spooky-halloween-meal Our Halloween tradition for the last five years has been to create a Spooky Halloween Meal for my grade-school-aged daughters. We always hold the Halloween dinner at my parents house. This lens contains the Menu of items and recipes along with several bonus recipes and ideas to plan your own kid-friendly Halloween Dinner. parenting Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:38 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/everything-gumbo Gumbo is a thick stew or soup and a very popular Cajun dish that had origins in Louisiana. This Creole soup or stew often made with tomatoes, okra, meats, seafood, vegetables and some kind of thickening agent. It is often served over rice. According to Wikipedia, Gumbos can be divided into three main categories: those thickened with okra, those thickened with file powder, and those thickened exclusively with roux. Gumbo recipes often take on a regional difference particularly with the type of meat used. Everything Gumbo is being made as a lens to benefit Planet Gumbo, a Non-Profit Foundation, Planet Gumbo and their "Planeteers" provide hope and sustenance to folks in need by feeding the needy--body and soul. Image Source: FoeOpoooey. Gumbo. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. philanthropy Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:27:01 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/text-email-condolences Even in an era of so many different ways of being in touch with people, there are some personal communications, such as condolences or sympathy, that should still be delivered in person or by snail mail. I started this lens to find an answer to the question, "Can I Text, IM or Email Condolences?" I quickly discovered that there wasn't a whole lot of information on the topic, so I researched the etiquette behind these communication forms. What resulted was a synthesized consensus from the email, IM and texting etiquette experts combined with my expertise in bereavement. Along the way, the lens turned into a look at the some of the etiquette behind these new(er) methods of communication, email, texting and instant messaging. Image: Modified Microsoft Image. education Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:56:14 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/easy-halloween-costumes With a bit of imagination and a little time, you can create a variety of easy Halloween costumes. Many of these ideas include using just a few items, items you have at home or items that you can reuse or recycle as a Halloween Costume. Many of these costumes can also be put together at the last minute from what you have on hand. Remember that your Halloween costume (or your child's) this year may be as close as the clothes in your closet, the nearest thrift store or items that you might be planning on throwing out as trash. diy Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:52:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/prevent-heart-disease February is officially American Heart Month but you can learn about promoting heart health and preventing heart disease year 'round. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Stroke is the third leading cause of death. There are many things you can do to improve your heart health and lessen your risks of heart disease. Learn ways to promote your heart health, reduce your risk of heart disease, how to recognize the signs of a heart attack or stroke and how to respond in case of a loved one is experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Getting educated on heart health and heart disease is a heart-ful present for yourself and your loved ones. Image Source: Sanja Gjenero. Two Stethoscopes 3. Royalty Free Use. health Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:21:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/gratitude-campaign The Gratitude Campaign is a way for people to say "thank you" quickly and easily to those who serve without even having to approach them. With a simple hand gesture in sign language, you can easily convey your "thanks" to those who are serving without stumbling around for words, feeling ackward or getting tearful.  The Campaign was started in 2007 by Seattlite Scott Truitt as a simple way of expressing thanks to those who are serving. Word is spreading through News Articles and blog posts. The Gratitude Campaign is also a good reminder to express your thanks to those that you are grateful for. education Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:44:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/soldiers-angels One of the special projects of Soldiers' Angels is to sew, knit or crochet blankets that get sent to soldiers with hope, with belief and with gratitude. If you can sew, knit, crochet consider getting involved and making one of these special gifts for those who serve, or those who have served. Solders' Angels even offer an option of a no sew kit, for those who don't feel very creative or donating directly to Soldiers' Angels. There are three different types of blankets: Blanket of Hope - for those who have been wounded. Blanket of Belief - for those who are currently serving. Blanket of Gratitude - for our veterans who have already served.Think about the soldiers who may be facing a Holiday season without loved ones and do what you can to participate in the Blankets for Soldiers programs. Image Source: © LawnDart. Permission granted to use this image or derivatives thereof to advertise for Soldiers' Angels. philanthropy Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:43:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/bereavement-photography There are several organizations that help to ease the grief of NICU Parents and other parents by taking professional photographs of dying newborns. Photographs create a tangible reminder of the brief moments shared between parent and child. Offering this type of a service to a parent can be invaluable. The images serve as touchstones for feelings and memories pertaining to deep significant relationships and spiritual connections some of which may flourish in the intimacy of the last days or months of life. Todd Hochberg Photo Source: Nic Luc. Old Photo Lens. Royalty Free Use.  health Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:55:52 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/with-gratitude Many of the simple things in life can be reasons for being grateful. These are often things that we tend to take for granted--our health, family, friends, our livelihood--until they are brought to our attention or taken away. Remembering to be grateful daily for one's health, family, friends, a job during a recession, having a roof over one's head and food on the table is a good way to start living with gratitude. As each year ends we have the opportunity to stop and reflect on the current state of our lives and remember to be grateful. Each New Day can give us the chance to start anew and is an excellent time to start keeping a Gratitude Journal, as a written reminder of for all that you have to be grateful. Take a few moments as you read through this lens, think about what are grateful for in 2008. Photo Source: Modified image. Jin Neoh. Pink Lotus. Royalty Free Use. religion Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:10:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/polaroid-module The Polaroid Module allows lensmasters to quickly upload a single picture to create a Polaroid-like image within the lens, a photo with a white border. The benefit of the Polaroid Module is that you can upload a large image easily without needing to use or know any HTML. The Three Bears help explain what to do to get the Polaroid Module, "Just Right" and also some unique ways to use the Module to enhance your lenses. Note: Lensmasters who have found unique uses of the Polaroid Module are encourage to add their lens to the lens plexo. squidoo Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:35:44 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/holiday-blues For many people instead of the holidays being a time when "the days are merry and bright," they are more likely to be experiencing the blues for many different reasons. For some people the holiday season can be a very difficult time time of year. It is a time of sadness and loneliness, a time of self-evaluation and reflecting about the past and a time of anxiety about the future year. This lens takes a look at the "Holiday Blues." With a bit of understanding about this common emotional state, your holidays might be a little less blues. Image Source: Modified Microsoft Image. education Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:06:44 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/nature-therapy John Muir once wrote, In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. Walking in nature can have many therapeutic benefits for the person walking. Taking a walk or a hike to enjoy the scenery, the fresh air and the activity can help in calming and clearing the mind, managing stress and depression and improving one's overall health. Other more focused techniques such as a walking meditation, walking a labyrinth or grief walking can be beneficial for the body and the spirit as a way to promote health and well-being. Robert Sweetgall remindes us of one of the other benefits of walking: We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down. Simply slowing down the pace of life by spending more time walking helps reduce the stress and improve your overall health and well being. Photo Source: Modified Microsoft Image. green Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:20:43 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/florence_nightingale Florence Nightingale helped to mold the fields of nursing and public health. She earned the nickname "The Lady With the Lamp" for her tireless nursing care delivered to British soldiers during the Crimean War (1853–1856). Although most know for her early work in the Crimean War, through her publications Florence Nightingale was able to create changed in patient hygiend and treatment. She also founded the groundbreaking Nightingale Training School to teach nurses. Nightingale was awarded the Royal Red Cross by Queen Victoria in 1883, and in 1907 became the first woman to receive the Order of Merit. Image: Florence Nightingale, English coloured engraving, 1855. people Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:25:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/beyond-belief Turning a tragedy into a tribute is one of the ways for survivors to keep going and and keep living after the traumatic loss of a loved one. Introducing my superheroes...Patricia Quigley and Susan Retik, two 9/11 widows on a heroic mission to overcome grief and loss by connecting with Afghanistan widows. These two women have found a way to turn tragedy into a triumph, a living legacy of reaching out to help others as they overcome they own grief. people Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:37:32 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/diana-princess-of-wales I was one of the thousands of people, who were stunned and in shock 10 years ago by the tragic death of Princess Diana and then a few days later the death of Mother Teresa. As I watched the enormous worldwide outpouring of grief for the deaths of these two humanitarians, I felt my own grief, saw a worldwide grief response and I knew had to do something. That something, ultimately became creating Journey of Hearts, a website for anyone grieving a loss. I think for many of us, as Diana's contemporaries but single, we were living our lives vicariously through hers. I'd compared thoughts with my friends who were also physicians trying to figure out why we were affected by her death. We realized that we'd spend the 1980's in college, studying to get into medical school, so Diana became the dream...watching the princess marry her prince in a storybook wedding...a dream that first ended in their divorce and then a year later, in her untimely death.  Photo Source: Concert for Diana. people Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:07:22 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/the-last-lecture My background includes caring for those those who are facing the end of life. I have been in awe of the human spirit shown by those facing their final life challenge. I was amazed when I read Randy Pausch's inspirational story. He has shown amazing courage and an uncanny spirit in facing and coping with a terminal diagnosis. In the process this Computer Science Professor from Carinege Mellon University has taught millions about living. The Last Lecture begins story begins soon after receiving a terminal diagnosis with Pancreatic Cancer, Dr. Randy Pausch gave his last lecture, the lecture that many professors dream about giving by never get a chance to do so--the lecture that imparts all of their wisdom. The Last Lecture he delivered wasn't about Computer Science, his specialty, nor was it about the fact that he was dying. Instead the lecture was about "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." It was all about living. The lecture was all about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. The Last Lecture, the Video, has become a phenomenon downloaded more than a million times on the Internet. Dr. Randy Pausch has become an inspiration to everyone who has heard the story. The Last Lecture Book is an amazing tribute to one person's and one family's courage despite challenges and choosing to live each day of his life. arts Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:25:32 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/children-grief Children and adolescents are not immune to facing loss, death, dying and grief; they encounter loss and will experience a grief response. Much as we, as parents and teacher, might want to protect and shelter children and try to create a world for them in which no one ever dies, losses do not occur and they never have to experience grief, we cannot. We are unable to shelter our children from these realities of daily living--the sorrows that occur as a part of life. We can teach them how to cope with these sorrows. Children are affected by loss and death differently than adults. They may express their grief in a variety of ways and deal with death in many different ways, not necessarily in the same way as adults. This lens offers some helpful ways to help a child cope with loss and grief along with a collection of some of my favorite books on this topic. Photo Source: Horton Grou. Sad Girl on Steps. Royalty Free Use.   parenting Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:43:17 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/write-an-obituary For many people the obituary section is the first one read in the morning newspaper each day. An obituary may be the last words written about a person after they die. This lens explores different aspects of obituaries or death notices including useful information to help in writing an obituary for someone else or for yourself. Image Modified from Sophie. Bit of newspaper 1. Royalty Free Use. education Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:57:47 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/coping-with-grief When faced with a loss, crisis or life-changing event, you are suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar world, one that can be frightening and unsettling. Knowing how to make it through the first few days or hours can help. This lens offers articles and resources along with helpful, healthy strategies for coping with a loss and the grief response that follows. It can be helpful to realize that   On life's most difficult days all that we can do is simply take things Moment by Moment. Sometime the best you can hope to do during times of challenge is remember the basics and take things one minute at at time, one hour at a time, one day at a time. Photo Source: Linda Graindourze. Pain. Royalty Free Use. education Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:52:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/oprah-angel-network Oprah's Angel Network originated in 1997, in part, as Oprah Winfrey's response to the sudden Death of Princess Diana and the Death of Mother Teresa both in the same week. It was Oprah's first major philanthropic venture. Oprah's Angel Network was established to encourage and inspire people around the world to make a difference in the lives of others. Oprah's vision is to inspire individuals to create opportunities that enable people to rise to their own potential. Oprah's Angel Network supports charitable projects and provides grants to not-for-profit organizations across the globe that share in this vision. Oprah's Angel Network is a 501(c)(3) public charity awarding grants to organizations and operating projects that make a difference in underserved communities. philanthropy Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:10:47 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/randy-pausch It is highly likely that Dr. Randy Pausch lasting legacy may not come for his work in Computer Science, his field of expertise. His lasting legacy is likely to come from a lecture that has become know as "The Last Lecture" teaching people about "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Dr. Pausch's Last Lecture has become an Internet phenomenon. He inspired people at the time and continues to inspire people (thanks to the availably of the lecture online) to not only following your dreams, but achieving your dreams. He advises "It's important to have specific dreams," to "Dream Big" but perhaps his most important message is to "Always have fun." (The photo with his three children is an illustration of this point.) From my perspective as a Physician who has worked with those at the end of life and as a Thanatologist, I believe his greater gift is his ongoing continued teaching about *living* after getting the diagnosis of a terminal illness. His head-on, straight-forward, entertaining and motivational approach to facing the diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer has been an inspiration to the millions that have seen his Last Lecture and have watched his story unfold. Dr. Pausch has also become a "poster child" for Pancreatic Cancer, putting a face to an often overlooked cancer by recording several Public Service Announcements. He has also testified in front of Congress as to the need for more research money being allocated for Pancreatic Cancer Research. He supports the The Lustgarten Foundation and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Updates July 25, 2008: It is with great sadness that I have to report that Dr. Randy Pausch has lost his battle with Cancer. He died July 25, 2008. In Lieu of Flowers: The family requests that donations on Randy's behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund (www.cmu.edu/giving/pausch), which primarily supports the university's continued work on the Alice project. More information can be found at the Carnige Mellon Tribute page to the Enduring Legacy. people Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:00:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/imagine John Lennon's anthem of peace and hope has been one of my favorite songs since college. This is a collection of many different versions of one of the greatest songs of peace of all times "Imagine." News of his sudden death in 1980 came during finals week for me. Starting that year and for a decade after his death, no matter where I was, on the anniversary of his death, I would stop, light a candle and remember his message of peace. I would light a special candle, focus on the burning flame, play this song, and "Imagine." I would reflect, remember, hope and dream. I would imagine a world that could be better, where things could be different, where there was peace and we could all live as one. You may say I'm a dreamer... Image Source: V Manninen. Imagine. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. music Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:47:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/horton-hears-a-who Horton the Elephant is featured in two Dr. Seuss books, the first "Horton Hatches an Egg" and the second, "Horton Hears a Who." "Horton Hears a Who", the new feature film produced by Blue Sky Studios and released by 20th Century Fox started March 14, 2008. Horton the Elephant is a good character that can be used with the Horton books or films to teach children about friendship, kindness, loyalty, patience, persistence and tenacity. With his expression that "a person's a person, no matter how small" children can learn about kindness and of being careful with little things, whether they are little children or littler things like bugs. Since the first Dr. Seuss book was written in 1937 by Theodor Seuss Geisel (who wrote under the pen name of Dr. Seuss) the many different Seuss books have sold over 20 million copies worldwide, been translated into fifteen languages and several made into television programs or featured films. The Horton books are consistently among the top-selling of all Seuss titles generation after generation. Image Source: Cover. Horton Hears a Who. education Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:53:28 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/children-wash-hands For children germs are invisible things that cause them to get sick. Remembering to do things like washing their hands or covering a cough may not come easily. Helping children understand about germs is to find ways to help them 'see' the germs is a big way to help them understand about germs. Hand washing and covering coughs are two good ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs. Image Source: Modified Microsoft Image. education Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:51 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/comfortdoc This is the lensography, or collection of lenses, for lensmaster Kirsti A. Dyer a.k.a. lensmaster Comfortdoc and Griefdoc. Depending on the situation and the circumstances, I wear a variety of hats, hence the various aliases... Comfortdoc, Griefdoc, Momdoc and Professordoc. With a background in medicine, an interest in grief, loss and bereavement, current job titles of professor and health educator, a mother of two young daughters now ages 8 and 6, and a former NICU parent, my areas interests are varied and diverse.   Photo Source: Sanja Gjenero. Healthy Apple. Royalty Free Use.  aboutme Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:24:45 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/marchofdimes..surviving-in-the-nicu This lens was created to help parents survive in the NICU after they have gotten past the initial shock period, covered in the first lens My Baby's in the NICU: Now What? The focus of this lens is on the later phases of the NICU experience--the next few weeks or months--the time when most parents find that they need and want more information to become an active participant in their baby's care. The lenses in the NICU Parent Support Site Series are being developed to inform, support and encourage current NICU Parents--those whose newborn babies have been hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Purchasing NICU products recommended through this lens also benefits the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program. health Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:19:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/health-4-life Health 4 Life helps put the focus on raising healthy kids by providing education and resources for schools and families to encourage healthy choices, good nutrition and daily physically activity in a fun and enjoyable manner. Health 4 Life is a simple concept that I have developed which can be used by parents, teachers, educators and schools to emphasize to everyone where our focus should be...on raising healthy families and raising health children. Health 4 Life uses 4 terms as an easy way to remember the 4 items to emphasize when raising healthy children: 1.) Food 2.) Fitness 3.) Family & Friends 4.) Fun Modified Photo Source: Stefan Kuemmel. Orange. Royalty Free Use. education Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:53:01 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/anniversary-reaction Coping with the anniversary of the death of a loved one, the loss of a public figure, dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or the national trauma of September 11, 2001 can be difficult for the family, the friends and the loved ones left behind. Whether it's the first, the sixth, the tenth or the umpteenth anniversary of a death or a tragedy, for survivors it can be quite challenging to make it through the days and even weeks leading up to the anniversary and then to make it through the actual day of the anniversary. Remembering, recalling and reliving a tragic loss or traumatic event can be very difficult. This lens was written to provide general information about the normal anniversary reaction along with helpful suggestions for coping prior to and on the actual date of the anniversary. Photo Source: Brian Lary. Blue Flame. Royalty Free Use. health Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:59:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/josh_groban Josh Groban is an remarkable performer with a voice than can easily handle pop and rock music as well as classical. Generally classified as 'adult contemporary' Josh Groban is among a new generation of musicians and performers defining a new genre of music. What also sets Josh Groban apart from may of his contemporaries is the  amazing combination of pure talent, genuine humility and a compassion for giving back to others. It is this generosity, humility and willingness to help that makes him such a good role model for my own children. Photo Source: © 2007 Shou-ping Yu. From The AWAKE Tour in Atlantic City, NJ. Used with Permission. people Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:31:58 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/marchofdimes..mynicubabyisdying This lens is developed to support the 1,000's of NICU Parents each year who must face the difficult realization that their NICU baby will not be discharged to home because their NICU baby is dying. Each year nearly 30,000 infants die in the United States, many of them are in the Neonatal Intensive Care units (NICU) and Intensive Care Nurseries (ICN). This lens is one resource that we hope no NICU parent will every need to read. This is dedicated to the NICU parents who are holding the littlest ones at the end of a very brief life. The lenses in the NICU Parent Support Site Series have been developed to inform, support and encourage current NICU Parents--those whose newborn babies have been hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.   health Mon, 03 Sep 2007 10:47:23 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/christopher-reeve Anyone around in 1978 remembers Christopher Reeve emerging on the film screen as the ultimate Superman and as a SuperHero. Yet for me, I think his true SuperHero status happened years later. I would like to introduce my SuperHeroes...Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana. The image of Christopher Reeve as Superman is one that has been indelibly etched for me...particularly in light of the tragic riding accident in 1995. In just a few minutes this talented actor and "Man of Steel" became a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic for the last decade of his life. The way he continued to live his life and the lived their live as a couple with grace, dignity, courage and strength, truly classifies him as a hero. I wonder, when I think about his circumstances, if I would have had the strength and the courage to continue on and live as full of a life as he did or become a loving and giving caregiver the way that she did. I would like to think that faced with similar circumstances I would have found the courage to rise above the adversity and thrive. Photo Source: Alessandro Queiroz. Dana Reeve and Christopher Reeve. Some Rights Reserved. philanthropy Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:25:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mamma_mia Mamma Mia is being described as the feel good cinema event of the summer. This highly anticipated movie musical is already generating Oscar buzz for Meryl Streep. Mamma Mia, the film, is an adaptation of the worldwide production of the smash hit musical based on many of the popular songs of the Swedish group from the 1970's and 1980's ABBA. Mamma Mia invites you to: Take a trip down the aisle you'll never forget. moviesandtv Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:17:33 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/marchofdimes..prematurity-awareness-month As part of a national effort to save babies from premature birth the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month. The month of November is dedicated to raising awareness about premature births, while also raising funds for the March of Dimes. Why the Concern about Premature Births? More than half a million babies are born too early each year. Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns. Those premature babies who do survive are often disabled for life. The March of Dimes is leading the fight to defeat prematurity with a multiyear, multimillion-dollar national campaign to help the nation reduce the rate of premature births. Their goal is to reduce the rate of premature births from 12.1 percent in 2002 to the national Healthy People 2010 objective of no more than 7.6 percent.    health Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:24:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/squidoo-nonprofit-partners Squidoo.com currently supports more than 90 nonprofit organizations, from the country's most popular causes right down to tiny local animal shelters. This lens focuses on all of the Squidoo Charities and NonProfit Partners. Squidoo Lensmasters can choose to donate their royalties from lenses and groups to any of the Squidoo Charities, NonProfit Partners or to the Squidoo Charity Fund. This lens includes the list of all of the Squidoo Featured Charities along with a bit about the Charity, usually their mission statement. Note: This list was compiled at the end of August, before the Charity reshuffling started so there may be a few that have been removed and a few that have been added since that time. Once the list is stable again, this lens will be updated. Image: More Squid Charities. Kirsti A. Dyer. Some Rights Reserved. squidoo Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:40:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mamma-mia-movie Mamma Mia was the much anticipated summer film of 2008. It is based on the very popular West End and Broadway Musical, Mamma Mia. Mamma Mia originally was a song released in 1975 by the Swedish group, ABBA. It became a smash hit for the summer. The music (soundtrack) for the movie is great. It ended up being one of the top albums for the summer. My daughters have become part of a new generation of ABBA fans. They like it so much that they took it with them to share with Grandma. The countdown is on to the release of the DVD on December 16, 2008, just in time for Christmas. Pre-order your copy now. moviesandtv Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:18:48 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/josh-groban The first time I realized the healing effect of listening to Josh Groban sing was watching him sing 'To Where You Are' on an episode of Ally McBeal in 2001. David E. Kelly wrote the special Christmas episode as a tribute to those who had died on September 11th. In the episode Josh sang the uplifting song, 'To Where You Are' at a funeral. Fly me up to where you are Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile If only for awhile to know you're there A breath away's not far To where you are For any one who has experienced the loss of a loved one, the thought of that loved one only being "a breath away" can be very comforting.  For the Holiday Season 2007, Josh released the much anticipate Noel album. Included on the album was his new version of the classic Bing Crosby song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." When I first listened to Josh's new version I was moved to tears and still tear up a bit nearly every time since. Photo Source: © 2007 Shou-ping Yu. From 8/3/07 - The AWAKE Tour in Hershey, PA. Used with Permission. education Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:32:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ever-after Ever After is a retelling of the Cinderella story with a bit of a twist. This 16th Century Cinderella a.k.a. Danielle, played by Drew Barrymore is beautiful as well as intelligent. She is a victim of ill-fated circumstances who still manages, despite the odds, to rise above it all, change her fate and soar. In Danielle, director Andy Tennan created a positive role model for today's young girls and women...a woman who is beautiful, adventurous, strong, smart and most of all a survivor. moviesandtv Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:40:02 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/healthy-bake-sale Trying to figure out healthy recipes for the bake sale can be challenging. Bake sales have traditionally been filled with high calorie, high fat and high sugar cakes, cookies, pies and other goodies. Some parents, myself included, are looking for alternatives to the traditional bake sale. Since I teach nutrition, I believe we need to be reinforcing classroom nutrition teaching by including more healthy choices in fundraising activities otherwise the students get a mixed message. This lens includes from cooking with healthier recipes, hosting a No Bake or No Calorie cupcake sales and even looking for alternative fundrasing options to the bake sale. Also included are some links to the Sneaky Chef. If Missy Chase Lapine, has her way, her "Save the Cupcake" will teach parents how to use healthier recipes for the traditional bake sale. Image Source: Justyna Furmanczyk. Fruit Flan. Royalty Free Use. parenting Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:42:48 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/blessings Count your blessings, this is such a simple charge and a reminder to be grateful for what we have. Yet in the craziness and the hustle and bustle of daily living stopping to be grateful and count our blessings is often one that we fail to overlook. Counting your blessings, instead of the losses and focusing on the positive aspects of life can help in shifting attitudes and life challenges. New Year is a perfect time to stop, reflect and remember to count your blessings, give thanks and be grateful for all that you have. Count your blessings by smiles, not fears. Count your age by friends, not years.  Source: Modified from John Evans. Abacus. Royalty Free Use. education Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:36:25 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/carepages CarePages unique service allows you to create a personal, private web page to help family and friends communicate when a loved one is facing illness whether at the beginning of life as a newborn, at the end of life, or somewhere in between. Creating a CarePage can be a way of generating support, providing information and updates easily. I think the greatest benefit may be that of holding the loved one in everyone's thoughts so they can do better and get healthy, or feel the love and support of family at the end of life.   CarePages is making it to the news with the recent publicity about AMA President Dr. Ron Davis creating a CarePage to keep people up to date about his fight against Pancreatic Cancer. health Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:06:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/music-therapy According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.  Music therapy interventions can be designed by therapists to:   * Promote wellness * Manage stress * Alleviate pain * Express feelings * Enhance memory * Improve communication * Promote physical rehabilitation   It is important to realize that Music therapy is more than just playing records in nursing homes. Therapists are trained in psychology, group interaction and the special needs of the group or population that they serve. Photo Source: Iancu Oaida. Music Signs. Royalty Free Use.   health Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:18:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/healthy-fundraisers Being a health-conscious and eco-conscious parent is hard these days when schools are pressuring us along with friends and family to buy junk food, low quality products and a variety of paper products that are not just needed. Fundraising doesn't have to be this way. In 2007 the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) released a report showing that non-food and healthy-food fundraising options can raise as much or more than the traditional junk food fundraisers. Healthy Fundraising requires that parents and schools just do some thinking outside of the box to discover new ways of fundraising. Let's take a look at some of the reasons for holding healthier fundraisers along with some great ideas for healthy-food fundraisers and non-food fundraisers. (If you want to jump to the list of fundraisers, follow this List of Healthier Fundraising Options.) Image Source: Composite of Michal Zacharzewski's Just a Box and RAWKU5's Apple both Royalty Free Use with several Microsoft Images. parenting Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:51:51 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/the-catacombs Far beneath the city streets of Paris lies the bone remains of more than 6 million people, in an elaborate labyrinth of passages, tunnels and corridors. It is a place of mystery, of intrigue, of history and of death. One can easily get lost or disoriented when exploring the Parisian Catacombs and become one with the remains of those who are already there. It's a place that people visit to get scared--a perfect spooky location for a Halloween scare. This lens explores the mysteries of the catacombs in Paris and Rome, the cataphiles and some of the more notable inhabitants and probable inhabitants. You can also follow pictorial and virtual explorations of the Parisian catacombs. One of the videos features footage of filmed by a lost cataphile (catacomb explorer) who apparently has never been discovered. Photo Source: J.M. Schomburg. Kata Archways. Paris Catacombs - 20m under the wall of the Fermiers-Généraux. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. travel Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:07:44 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/peace-crane Paper cranes have been used a symbol of peace since the second world war. In the 1950's a young girl Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, but a victim of atom bomb disease (leukemia), hoped to fold 1,000 cranes to grant her wish while she was in the hospital.* Every year thousands of people around the world fold paper cranes as an expression of hope for a world at peace. Many use them for special occasions, to make a wish, to remember a loved one or send them to the Children's Memorial in the Peace Park in Hiroshima. * The legend of the crane is that if you fold 1,000 origami cranes, any wish you have will be granted. Peace cranes have been used to promote a world where people can live without fear. Image Source: Veterans Affairs of Canada. Peace Crane - PDF File Instructions. parenting Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:21:17 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ignaz-semmelweis Ignaz Semmelweis was one of the first physicians to recognize the importance of Hand Washing prior to examining patients. Having spent so much time washing hands prior to seeing patients and prior to scrubbing into surgery, it is hard for me to imagine a time when Hand washing was not required. Yet, in Vienna during the 1840's it was common practice for doctors to go straight from autopsies each morning on women who had died the previous day to delivering babies (and doing pelvic exams) without washing their hands. The doctors and the medical students were infecting their own patients. Up to 25% of women who delivered their babies in hospitals at this time died from childbed fever or puerperal sepsis. Ignac Semmelweis is said to be the "savior of mothers" because he showed that deaths from puerperal fever (an infection following childbirth) at the Vienna Hospital could be reduced simply by making doctors and medical students wash their hands in a disinfectant solution before entering the maternity ward. It was discovered later that Puerperal fever, an infection following childbirth was caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. people Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:40:06 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/boundless-playgrounds Amy Jaffe Barzach is the founder of Boundless Playgrounds, an organization created to develop barrier-free, developmentally advantageous playgrounds. After the death of her son Jonathan from a rare condition, Amy found a way to cope with the grief of losing her son by creating a living memorial for him. She was inspired by a little girl in a wheelchair who was unable to join the other children on a playground and decided to build a place where everyone could play, a Boundless Playground. For her ability to turn a tragedy into a living tribute, I would like to introduce this SuperHero, Amy Jaffe Barzach. philanthropy Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:22:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/bushs-final-day We've started the Final Countdown to the last day that George W. Bush is in office, January 20, 2009. You can watch the Countdown clock on this lens, tick off the days, hours, minutes and seconds. The Final Countdown lens was inspired by my husband who saw the 2008 George W. Bush Out of Office Countdown Wall Calendar. I thought I would create a Countdown lens to mark the time until there is a positive change on January 20, 2009. I included a Toast to Change. Also included are a few modules that allow you to share your thoughts and participate in a few interesting opinion polls...What is your favorite description of Bush's Last Day? What is the best song to describe 01-20-09? and Who do you think will be the person providing the change? humor Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:28:11 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/free-nicu-ebook "For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands" is freely available eBook for NICU Parents from the NICU Parent Support Site. The eBook is filled with information, encouragement and resources to support NICU parents through their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit experience. This eBook is a colorful and visually pleasing complimentary eBook has specially selected photographs and an exquisitely designed layout. Also included are the normal, expected responses to a sudden challenge or life changing event as well as suggestions for getting through this challenging time to be available and support your newborn. health Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:35:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/peace-on-earth Peace on Earth / The Little Drummer Boy is one of my all time favorite Christmas Carol. The song is from an Bing Crosby Christmas special in 1977 with the very unlikely duet of Bing Crosby and a young David Bowie. It's hard to believe it has been 30 years since this Christmas song of Peace was first performed. Apparently I wasn't the only one that enjoyed this Christmas Carol. Several years ago, it was much harder to find the music. I'd been able to get a copy on a Starbuck's Winterludes Christmas CD in the late 1990's. Fortunately now with the interest and this becoming a favorite of many people, the CD and the Video Clip are now readily available. These sentiments are good reminders of the true spirit of the holidays, perhaps the greatest gift we can pass on to each other and to our children... Peace on Earth Can it Be? For the sake of our children, I hope so. Photo source: Compilation of Microsoft Images. music Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:40:59 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/memorial-photography While many people do not think of photographing loved ones after they have died, the practice of memorial postmortem photography or photographing a loved one after their death was common practice in the 19th and 20th centuries. Memorial Photography or Postmortem Photography was an integral part of the mourning and memorializing process during a time when death played a more visible role in a person's day-to-day life. This old practice is being revised, particularly with baby and child's death, to help create a lasting photographic memory for the parents. Photo Source: Joël Dietlé. Old Camera. Royalty Free Use. education Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:03:37 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/maria-shriver Maria Shriver is an award winning journalist, best selling author and serves as the First Lady of California after her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected and then re-elected as Governor of Calfironia. She is also a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Shriver took on the role of California’s First Lady when her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger was inauguration as the 38th Governor of California on November 17, 2003. She lives, breathes, and writes in California. Photo Source: About Maria Shriver. Maria Shriver, First Lady of California. people Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:29:10 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-spirit-jar Keeping the Christmas Spirit alive the year 'round is something that many people would like to do. You can make your own Christmas Spirit Jar, often from materials you already have. Fill it with something that embodies Christmas Spirit to you. You can give it as a unique gift to a friend or keep it as a gift to your self. It is a very simple idea, a way to recycle materials at hand, but it has a very heartfelt meaning. Image Source: Composite Image from Sanja Gjenero's Cooking Salt 2 and Daniel Deak Bardos's Label 1. Both Royalty Free Use. diy Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:26:15 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/home-for-christmas The classic song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," is a song about longing to be home with the ones that you love. Listening to this beautiful melody and lyrics is one way of being home for a bit even when you're far apart...if only in your dreams.  This lens also includes some resources for coping with the holidays for those who are apart from loved ones.  Image: Holiday Dreams. © Kirsti A. Dyer. Composite from Microsoft Images.  education Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:53:10 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/caregiver-grief Grief is important part of the caregiver experience that is often overlooked. According to Grief expert Kenneth Doka, PhD "Grief is a reaction to a loss, but it can be -- and with caregivers grief often is -- a multifaceted reaction." Many caregivers of the aging or the ill experience anticipatory grief, or grieving prior to the actual death of the person. Particularly with those dealing dementia, caregivers experience the "death" of the person as the mind dies but the body remains behind. The grief a caregiver experiences is still as real, as if the person had died. Photo Source: Modified Microsoft Image.  health Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:06:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/marchofdimes..mybabysinthenicu The first lens in a series of lenses from the NICU Parent Support Site created to provide information, support, encouragement and resources for parents and Families who suddenly find that they have a NICU Baby--a newborn hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The focus of this lens is on helping parents manage their NICU Baby during the earliest phases of the NICU experience--the first few days to weeks or the initial shock period-- by providing information, encouragement and resources to support NICU Parents and NICU Families. This lens is being developed by a former parent of a NICU Newborn to inform, support and encourage current NICU Parents and their families. This lens also benefits the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program. health Sun, 09 Sep 2007 16:16:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/imagine-peace October 9th 2007 on would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday, Yoko Ono unveiled the Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island in Reykjavik, Iceland as a way of encouraging global peace. The Imagine Peace Tower is dedicated to her late husband, John Lennon and their message of peace. The Imagine Peace Tower is engraved with the message “Imagine Peace” in 24 languages and filled with nearly 500,000 capsules with messages of peace and hope from people around the world. The Imagine Peace Tower's cylindrical base illuminates to the sky, sending out a “peace light” from the world’s northernmost capital. Yoko Ono was joined by family, friends and other like-minded supporters from all over the world in Reykjavik for the unveiling of John's 67th birthday present. Plans are to light the tower on John Lennon's Birthday (October 9) until the day of his death (December 8) and on New Year and other special occasions. newsandpolitics Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:55:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/steve_irwin Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, was a bigger than life personality. Passionate and enthusiastic about everything that he did and the way that he lived. Perhaps that is why it was so hard for people to believe the news of his unexpected death.  Photo Source: Michelle. This is so sad... Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. people Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:19:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/journey-of-hearts   Journey of Hearts was launched in the Fall of 1997 as "a Healing Place in CyberSpace." It was the as the first and only physician sponsored website devoted to educating people about the normal grief response. In the fall of 2007 Journey of Hearts celebrated 10 years of services to the grieving Internet community. The focus of the site all along has been as a web resource providing information and support for anyone grieving a loss and living through a life transition.  Journey of Hearts has been an online place for Grief and Loss info, now it is officially an online place for GriefandLoss.info. health Tue, 27 May 2008 20:19:17 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/john-muir The United States is forever indebted to John Muir, the "Father of the National Park Service" for helping to preserve this countries greatest treasures, our National Parks. John Muir (1838-1914) was America's most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist and one of California's most important historical personalities. He has been called a "Wilderness Prophet," and "Citizen of the Universe" and the man who made the U.S. go green. Having grown up on the Northern Border of Yosemite and spent so much time hiking in Yosemite and enjoying the beauty in the park, I am grateful he had the vision to help preserve this area and other wilderness areas for people to continue to use for generations to come, so I can share my childhood experiences with my own children. John Muir's life reminds us of the important things that just one person can do. He remains today an inspiration for environmental activists everywhere. Photo Source: Francis M. Fritz. 1907. John Muir Cane. Wikipedia Images. people Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:43:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/green-halloween Halloween is another opportunity to "Go Green" and make eco-friendly, earth-friendly and healthier choices with the types of costume we wear, the types of foods we serve and how we choose to celebrate. Everyone is going Green these days often out of a growing concern for the environment. Why would Halloween be an exception? You can green your Halloween with Green Halloween Costumes, Recycled Costumes, Green Halloween Decorating and Green (Healthy) Food Ideas. This lens takes a look at the growing trend of going Greener at Halloween and how you can reduce, recycle and reuse a lot for your Halloween festivities. green Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:31:14 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/earth-hour On March 29, 2008 at 8:00 pm millions of people, businesses and governments around the world switched off the lights for one hour during Earth Hour. Did you join them and turn off the lights? Earth Hour 2008 was a global event created to symbolize that each of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change--no matter who we are or where we live. Starting at 8 pm local time on March 29, 2008, individuals, communities and businesses "turned off the lights" in cities around the world for one hour. This simple act will not only heighten awareness of the impacts of climate change on our world, but also inspire individuals and businesses to take practical action to reduce their own carbon footprint. Get yourself involved, your family involved, your children involved, your students involved in an event to raise awareness about climate change. newsandpolitics Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:58:52 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/the-bone-dance Skeletons have been a symbol of death at least since the Middle Ages when they were portrayed as the Grim Reaper. Dancing skeletons are featured as participants in La Danse Macabre* or the dance of death and as such skeletons have become objects of fear. During Halloween skeletons are among the fearful monsters. These representations of the undead get paraded out as one of the many different scary ghosts, ghouls and goblins that people like to become for a night. Yet Skeletons are just bones, bones that allow people to stand upright. They can be used as a fun and just a bit scary way to educate children about skeletons about death and bone anatomy during Halloween. This lens is a collection of skeletons, skulls and dancing skeletons selected to entertain and educate, not to cause fear. It is a bit historical and a bit educational, but mostly entertaining with a lot of ideas and items for how to incorporate skeletons into your Halloween activities (educational or other). Most of the video clips should be child friendly. I checked them out on my 5 and 7 year old. Be sure to view the entire video to make sure it is appropriate before sharing a clip with your child. ______  * La Danse Macabre, also called Dance of death, La Danza Macabra, or Totentanz, is a late-medieval allegory on the universality of death. No matter who you are, no matter what your station, death comes to us all. La Danse Macabre, the dance of death is often featured as a row of dancing skeleton figures leading people from all walks of life as they dance their way to the grave. education Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:51:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Keep-Wildlife-Wild People who do not grow up around Wildlife may not realize the importance of keeping our wildlife wild. Interacting with or feeding wild animals can seem like a fun thing to do, but it can have serious consequences for both the animals and the people feeding them. I live in and teach in a region where we see a lot of wildlife (deer, squirrels, birds, fox, coyote, mountain lions and an occasional bear) or evidence of wildlife and we've had to learn how to coexist with them. I work on a college campus that has a resident mountain lion and it own heard of deer. Growing up near Yosemite I have heard the reports of a child being killed by deer. I have also been the victim of a bear breaking into my car in 1999. These experiences have given me an appreciation of learning how to get along with wildlife and how to teach my daughters to be save and respectful of wildlife. This lens on Keeping Wildlife Wild was made to support the SquidActivists October Challenge for Animals and to benefit the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Image Source: Pinnacles National Monument. Keep Wildlife Wild. Government Website. animals Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:50:47 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/do-they-know-its-christmas-videos In late 1984 Irish singer Bob Geldof watched a BBC report on the famine in Ethiopia. He was so affected that along with Midge Ure they wrote and organized the recording of a pop record to increase awareness of the famine and to raise money. Do They Know It's Christmas became the fastest selling single in UK history debuting at Number 1 and staying at Number 1 for five weeks. Ultimately this popular Christmas Song sold more than three million copies and raised over £8 million ($16 million) worldwide in funds for emergency aid to Ethiopia. Since the original recording in 1984, several other versions of Do They Know It's Christmas have been re-recorded and released, including Band Aid 20 commemorating the 20th anniversary of this musical groundbreaking song. Whenever I hear this song, not only am I transported back to the mid 1980's, but I am once again reminded of the purpose and the mission of Band Aid - to Feed the World and Let them know it's Christmas time again. Image Source: Children from Do They Know It's Christmas? cover art. music Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:11:59 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/a-knock-at-the-door I was so inspired the very first time that I saw "A Knock at the Door" mini-film, so much so that I searched out the publishers, ordered one copy of book and DVD for my daughters and myself and had a copy sent to a dear friend. I also created this lens to feature the film and the book. The First Edition of the Book and the film were so successful that a Second Edition has been published by Amber Lotus in partnership with Duirwaigh, Inc. A Knock at the Door second edition features four new artists, sixteen new works of art and a brand new cover by Matt Stewart. Be Inspired as you watch and then read this magical, encouraging and healing story, "A Knock at the Door." Image Source: A Knock at the Door. Available on Amazon. education Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:56:43 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/wish-tree The Wish Tree is a lovely concept to create for your family at the holidays or any day. Everyone writes down their wishes and then hangs the wishes on the Wish Tree.  Since the 1990's the Wish Tree has been a part of many peace-promoting art exhibitions staged by Yoko Ono. With the Wish Tree, people are invited to write their wish on a piece of paper and hang it to a tree branch. Some wishes of the wishes are deeply personal, others global wishes for peace and better future for all of humankind. Yoko sees the Wish Tree like a collective prayer in a way. People are encouraged to keep wishing as they participate. As a child in Japan, I used to go to a temple and write out a wish on a piece of thin paper and tie it around the branch of a tree. Trees in temple courtyards were always filled with people's wish knots, which looked like white flowers blossoming from afar. She had been collecting Wish Tree Wishes for years. This year the wishes were all place in the Imagine Peace Tower that was unveiled in October on Videy Island in Reykjavik, Iceland in memory of John Lennon. Image Source: Mosieur J. Wish Tree / Arbre a souhait. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. Public Photo. Quote Source: Yoko Ono. Imagine Peace. Wish Tree. parenting Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:12:49 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/nicuparentsupport This NICU Parent Support lens was created to organize our various lenses and provide an overview of the information, support, encouragement and resources for NICU Parents and Families, those whose newborns are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This series of lenses was also developed benefit and raise awareness of the March of Dimes new NICU Family Support Program, created to support NICU Parents with information and encouragement to alleviate the stress, distress and confusion so common in NICU Families. The NICU Parent Support Site Lens series covers a variety of topics from the basics of surviving the first few days to weeks, to suggestions for making it through the death of a baby. health Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:07:23 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/healthy_halloween_treats It is possible to enjoy Halloween, stay healthy and still survive the start of Candy Season.* To do so it takes a bit of thought, planning and perhaps developing new traditions for how one typical spends Halloween. With daughters who want to have all of the Halloween Candy and their mother (who teaches nutrition) not wanting to gain any Holiday weight, I am taking a different approach to Halloween this year. We are still having fun, but I am focusing on healthier foods, healthier choices and enjoying the fewer candies and sweets that we do eat. This lens offers tip and suggestions for surviving all of the Halloween candy, one night that can become a parent's nutritional nightmare. As a parent who also teaches nutrition, one can only imagine what kind of nightmare Halloween poses for me. * Candy Seasons starts in October with Halloween and runs through March or April with Easter. During this time there is Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's Day as well, all times for sweets and treats. Image Source: Ella Marie The Pumpkin Parade. Royalty Free Use. parenting Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:46:18 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/elisabeth-kubler-ross Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross has the distinction of writing the first best selling book on a topic that no one wanted to discuss. On Death and Dying, written in 1969 is still required reading for many medical, nursing, psychology programs and college death and dying courses. I remember reading On Death and Dying for a course during college. For me reading this book early on in my college experience may have set the pace for me to go on and develop an interest in hospice and end-of-life care. Dr. Kubler-Ross was named one of the “One Hundred Most Important Thinkers of the Century” by Time Magazine in 1999. The book On Death and Dying was included as one of the "One Hundred Most Important Books of the Century." Image Source: Book Cover for Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: Encountering Death And Dying (Women in Medicine). Available on Amazon. people Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:10:11 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/no-powercell-ball As a physician, nutrition instructor and parent, I find several things wrong with the Power Cell Energy Ball product and marketing strategy. This company is promoting a caffeinated, vitamin-fortified gumball as a 'nutritious snack' with all the visual marketing apparently targeting children, tweens and teens. This lens was created for two reasons. The first was to inform parents and physicians of the Power Cell Energy Balls so they will be aware of the product. The second was to create an educational module for college nutrition students. Image Source: © Kirsti A Dyer. health Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:41:28 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/water-blessing-labels Water Blessing Labels can be used as positive affirmations and inspirational messages to help you focus your intentions and inspire your inner journey. These re-usable transparent static cling decals can be placed on most smooth surfaces. The labels then become reminders to focus your intentions...on love and attraction, on healing medicine, on prosperity or on laws of attraction. The positive words and ancient sacred symbols labels can be placed on water or other visible places. Place a label on your drinking water (glass, mug or bottle), showers, faucets, bath tubs, pet and plant water, mirrors, windows (house or car)--anywhere you want to focus your energy, intentions and blessings. The Water Blessing Labels are thought to work by sending silent messages that reflect your deepest intentions into your water transforming yourself and the universe using the Law of Attraction. Even if you don't believe that the water itself will change, what can change is yourself, as you focus your thoughts and energy on positive words and symbols. Image Source: The Spirit of Water. health Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:24:35 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/al_gore Apparently there was a greater mission in life for Al Gore than becoming President in 2000. Now as Nobel Peace Prize winner, Academy Award winner, bestselling author, activist and political icon, Al Gore has become one of the most respected and influential leaders in America today. I'd like to introduce my superhero...Environmental Activist, Nobel Prize Winner, Academy Award Winner, Author of An Inconvenient Truth the book and focus of An Inconvenient Truth the documentary, President Al Gore (Almost), Former Vice President, Early Advocate for the Information Superhighway (Internet) and Husband Father and Grandfather, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., better known simply as Al Gore. people Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:58:01 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/give-thanks Thanksgiving is a perfect time to stop for a moment once a year and remember to give thanks. It's a time to be grateful for one's health, family, friends, job, home and having food on the table. Take a few moments as you read through this lens and to share what you will be giving thanks for this Thanksgiving. We will be taking a few moments with our family to give thanks and say our "Gratefuls" before eating, as a reminder of all that we have to be grateful for, the good and the not so good. Photo: Modified Microsoft image.  parenting Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:50:15 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/nanny-mcphee Nanny McPhee is the mysterious, amusing and a bit scary Nanny character created by Emma Thompson from Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda. Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay for the film and also stars as Nanny McPhee bringing the character to life. Through the use of make up and costuming that included a nose, unibrow, warts, large earlobes and padded costumes the normally beautiful Emma Thompson is transformed (almost unrecognizably) into the ugly mysterious, slightly lovable and slightly scary Nanny McPhee. During the process of the movie, as the children gradually learn Nanny McPhee's lessons, we see her transform back into her normal beautiful self. You need Nanny McPhee... Can I get a Nanny McPhee? Nanny McPhee was a hit with moms everywhere and especially with those of us who also grew up watching Mary Poppins, the original Mysterious, Magical Nanny. I would guess that I am probably not the only parent who would like to hire a Nanny McPhee, at times to help teach my children manners, how to behave and perhaps most importantly the consequences of their actions. Photo Source: Video Cover, Website for Nanny McPhee.  people Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:12:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/who-wants-to-live-forever I always find the song "Who Wants to Live Forever?" sung by lead singer Freddie Mercury from the English Rock Band Queen to be a haunting and poignant reminder of just how fleeting our time here really is. The lyrics for this song sung by Freddie Mercury, who later died at the young age of 45, have always served as a moving reminder for me to cherish the moments and live for today, since none of us really know just how much time we have.  Forever is our today Who waits forever anyway? This song is one of Queen's best known and most recognized singles written by guitarist Brian May for the Soundtrack to the film "Highlander" released in 1986. Photo Source: Screen Shot of Freddie Mercury from the video of Who Wants to Live Forever.  music Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:29:38 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/music_thanatology Music Thanatology is the practice of using music to comfort, calm and relieve the suffering of someone in the final stages of life; it is using music to ease the passage of someone who is terminally ill or dying. Since Music has been a part of my life, I think if I was in my final stages of life, I would like to be hearing soothing, healing music. As a discipline, Music Thanatology has a thirty year history; it is considered to be sub-specialty of palliative medicine. The practice of using music as a way of comforting, calming and relieving  suffering is one that dates back to the Greek temples and monastic infirmaries of the Middle Ages.  Photo Source: Seer. Angel with Harp. Royalty Free Use.  health Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:26:07 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mattie-stepanek Mattie Stepanek wanted to be known as a poet, peacemaker and philosopher who played. Even though he had a rare form of muscular dystrophy, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, Mattie was able to accomplish a lot in his short life. He was not limited by the disease. For this reason I consider he is Superhero. The Muscular Dystrophy Association National Goodwill Ambassador, wrote six best-selling books. In 2001, a small publisher issued a slim volume of his poems, called "Heartsongs." Within weeks, the book reached the top of the Times' best-seller list. He died in June 2004 just shy of his 14th birthday. Images of Mattie from the Muscular Dystrophy Website. people Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:29:06 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/my-good-deed How will you remember 9/11? Pledge your good deed for 9/11 in memory of those lost September 11, 2001 and turn 9/11 into a national day of service and compassion. My Good Deed is a non-profit public benefit corporation that was founded in 2002 to honor the victims, family members, and survivors of the attacks on America, as well as the rescue and recovery workers and the thousands of volunteers who gave so much on and following September 11. My Good Deed pays tribute to them by working to establish Sept. 11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity and good deeds. What will you do today in memory of 9/11 to change the world? philanthropy Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:19:32 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/squidoo-activists Squidoo Activists were developed with purpose of the Activists is a group that focuses on charity. Over the summer of 2008 the Activists hosted many different charity challenges and created resources to help others raise funds for charity. The Squidoo Activists grew out of the Squidoo SuperHero Challenge brainstorm of Squidoo's Non-profit Organizer, Anne Reidy. Anne has moved on, but the Activist remain and continue to raise funds for charity. Many of the original members were invited to participate as Squidoo Activists because of our participation in the SuperHero Challenge. The primary goal of the Squidoo Activists is to do even more for charities using Squidoo. The Squidoo Activists for Charity will be doing even more to make it easier for lensmasters to make lenses that donate to charity. philanthropy Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:28:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/idolgivesback For the second year running, American Idol and fans helped those who are less fortunate in the United States and around the world through Idol Gives Back. The second special night aired Wednesday, April 9th starting at 7:30/6:30 central on your Fox network. On Wednesday April 9th, Fox, American Idol and the Idol Gives Back Foundation presented a second installment of the popular TV event to help children and young people in extreme poverty here at home in the U.S. and around the world. Last year the first Idol Gives Back raised over $70 million. They are hoping to break this record for the second Idol Gives Back aiming for at least $100 Million. Even though the show has aired, you can still help and you can still donate. Squidoo Lensmasters can even make a lens that benefits two of the Idol Gives Back charities, Save the Children and/or the Children's Defense Fund. Contribute a Lens. Watch. Donate. Spread Hope. pop Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:32:26 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/grobanites-for-charity Josh Groban is the young baritone who is defining a new genre of music. This lens supports the work of the Josh Groban Foundation and the Grobanites for Charity a group of dedicated fans working to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. The Josh Groban Foundation (JGF) is a charitable organization with 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status. The Foundation is focused on efficient, underfunded organizations benefiting children in need all over the world through contributions to the arts, education and healthcare. Proceeds from the sales of products on this lens will be donated by this lensmaster to the Josh Groban Foundation and the Grobanites for Charity. Photo Source: © 2007 Shou-ping Yu. From 3/12/07 - The AWAKE Tour in New York, NY. Used with Permission. philanthropy Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:31:43 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/disney-enchanted Disney's Enchanted takes the best of some of the Disney classics combines them with some of the updated Fairy tales to create what is destined to become a new classic. Enchanted combines elements of Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid with tributes to many of the other Disney classics in this modern fairy tale. In this new Disney film the fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in a story about an animated princess (Amy Adams) who is sent to the real world by an evil queen where she meets a real charming person (Patrick Dempsey)who turns into a prince. moviesandtv Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:46:42 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/zaky The Zaky, an ergodynamic positioning pillow, was designed by a former NICU parent after her own NICU experiences with her son Zachary. One of the most difficult things for NICU parents to do is to realize that they cannot stay with their NICU baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At some time you have to leave the hospital and your precious baby behind in the care of others. The Zaky Hand produced by Zakeez inc. is a way of providing comfort to your NICU baby when you are not able to be with him or her. health Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:39:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/bunny-film I would not have believed that the computer animation studio that produced "Ice Age" would have created a short film that works as an effective resource for educating children and adults about death and dying, but this short film is a valuable thanatology* resource for teaching about death and dying. On the surface Bunny the Short Film, appears to be just a funny cartoon, yet this animated short reaches people on a deeper level. The film can be used to open discussion for more serious topics. I have used Bunny personally to start conversations about death and the dying process with my young cartoon-watching daughters and also professionally with my graduate students studying bereavement.  * Thanatology is the scientific study of death, dying and bereavement.  Note: This seven-minute short film was included as a bonus feature on the Super Cool Edition of Ice Age (1) DVD. Photo Source: Bunny Movie Poster.  education Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:06:03 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/doctor_seuss There are probably few children and grown-ups who haven't read at least one of the imaginative works of Theodor Geisel. The children's books of Dr. Seuss, such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who and Green Eggs and Ham have become classics for teaching children how to read with fun and with humor. In 1966 the original cartoon version of "How the Grinch Stole Chrismas" was broadcast. When I was in the 7th grade our school put on a version of the Grinch as a holiday play. Now more than 40 years later, the Grinch is become a holiday staple, one that I share with my daughters. Photo Source: USPS. 2004. 'OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO' DR. SEUSS! Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) to be Commemorated on Postage Stamp. Stamp News Release Number: 04-008. arts Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:50:58 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/CaregiverStress Caregiver Stress is the emotional strain of caregiving for a loved one, or attending to the needs of a child or dependent adult. Caregiving can have a major impact on the caregiver's own health. Caregivers become so concerned about caring for their loved ones, that they may lose sight of their own health needs and overall well being. Caregivers often report that it is difficult to look after their own health in terms of exercise, nutrition, and doctor's visits, while juggling caregiving with full-time jobs and parenting. Additionally, Caregivers are more likely to suffer from depression than their peers and be more likely to have other health problems like diabetes and heart disease than non-caregivers. As a result of the many demands, caregivers often end up becoming overwhelmed, and feeling irritable, angry, anxious, isolated and suffer from Caregiver Stress. Photo Source: Steve Woods. Demands. Royalty Free Use. health Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:59:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/monterey-bay-aquarium Located at the Pacific ocean's edge off the Coast of California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean. The Aquarium is home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies, and thousands of other marine animals and plants. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a learning resource. In addition to offering resources for those who can make it to the Aquarium they also offer online information and educational newsletters for teachers who may not be able to easily travel with their classes to Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium also happens to be one of my daughters' favorite places to visit on vacation, so I decided to create a lens after our last visit this summer. travel Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:12:27 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/have-hope Hope can be a bit difficult to pin down, an elusive emotion, but one that we cannot seem to live without. It is defined as a general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled. Hope is having a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life when there may be evidence to the contrary. Hope is also a powerful factor in helping patients to heal from life-threatening diseases and to help people make it though difficult times. This lens is a collection of Hope Quotes to inspire and give you hope as part of the Month of Hope Challenge. Remember what Matthew Prior said Hope is but the dream of those who wake. Here is wishing that your dreams are all hopeful. Image Source: Dan Shirley. Hope. Royalty Free Use. religion Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:48:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/phantom-of-the-opera The Phantom of the Opera began as a novel written by Gastron Leroux in 1909. In the novel we are introduced to the character Erik, or the Phantom of the Opera, a horribly deformed musical genius also known as the "Opera Ghost." Over the years since Phantom of the Opera novel was published, the story has become several movies, television program and a multi-award winning Broadway production. The phantom has been portrayed in film or plays by Lon Chaney, Michael Crawford, Gerald Butler and Colm Wilkinson. The songs from the musical adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber have been sung by notable contemporary artists incluing Josh Groban and Antonio Banderas. In 2006 Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running Broadway musical of all time with more than 7,500 performances. Photo Source: Adonis Chin. Phantom of the Opera. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons. people Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:17:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/reach-out-and-read This lens focuses on Reach Out and Read (ROR). Reach Out and Read is a national non-profit organization that promotes early literacy, because growing up healthy means growing up with books. During visits to the pediatrician, children get new books and parents get advice about the importance of reading aloud. Through the Reach Out and Read (ROR) program doctors and nurses can provides tools and resources to help promote children's developmental skills and later school success through reading.  Reach Out and Read is endorsed by th