upposed
to snow almost 10" of the white stuff today. It is well on its way. I have
had a headache for 2 days and when I went to break down to take some aspirin at
3 am, it was snowing hard then. 2 days ago we were supposed to get a dump of 16
inches but that storm totally missed my area. That would have been exciting to
see. 
town.
This happy-go-lucky pig was one of them. I really rather liked him. I like the
artists who can create such a thing from just clay and give them such character.
I was so close in finding my French Butter Bell. They said they would have more
in the spring, but they usually carry hand thrown ones from a particular potter
in the colours I like. Each potter tends to have a 'trademark' colour of glaze.
I have such a thing for handmade items, as so much of the person goes into the
item being made. There is a vast difference between handmade objects and things
mass produced. 
some
magnificent work. She is making what she calls a healing wand. It takes her
about 6 or more weeks to carve one, so her orders take awhile to fill. This particular one is made from juniper.
She said she is willing to teach
me how to carve. One day I want to carve a front door for my cabin, so I need to
learn the basics. Although I only show a little bit of her project in the
picture, it is carved for its entire 18 inches of length and set with semi
precious stones. The work she does it
very delicate. This project is nowhere near completion yet. There are places in the world where a concentrated number of people routinely live to 100.
From the lush valleys of Ecuador to the peaceful island of Okinawa to the pristine hills of the Himalayas, these centenarian clusters all have something in common: an environment conducive to a healthy, long life-clean air, pure water, and nature unspoiled by the modern world.
In our Western world, we have to contend with the toxic by-products of
our technological advances. Not only have we made our environment cancerous
for ourselves, but we have also made it harder for other organisms in nature
to thrive. By living in harmony with nature, we bring health to ourselves
and to the planet.
Make Our World Less Plastic
Plastic, lightweight, durable, and versatile is everywhere in our modern
world - bad news for the environment and our health. Many plastics release
vinyl chloride and other harmful gases or contain phthalates that can lead
to cancer, birth defects, and lung and liver disease.
Some plastics are right out in the open, like the ones found in our TVs, computers, telephones, coffeemakers, water bottles, and food containers. But some plastics show up in places where you might least suspect them, in carpeting, chewing gum, cosmetics, mattresses, sanitary napkins, polyester clothing, tissues, toilet paper, and upholstery.
Minimize plastic usage to cut your health risks. Use glass water bottles,
wooden toys, personal care products and cosmetics made with natural
ingredients, and natural fiber clothing, bedding, and mattresses.
Unbleached Paper for the Planet
Paper products do not come naturally white. All white paper is bleached with
chemicals that leave behind harmful residues of dioxin, which is a known
carcinogen.
These residues are found in coffee filters, diapers, lunch bags, napkins,
paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper. When dioxin enters the landfill as
waste, it leaches into the soil, contaminating groundwater. Using unbleached
paper products is good for both you and the earth.
Green your Clean Routine
Seeking longevity means protecting ourselves from products that are
dangerous to our health. Household cleansers containing bleach or chemicals
are harmful to inhale. Instead of these, choose natural cleaning products
that have recently come onto the market, which are safe and will not pollute
the environment. You can use natural brands sold in your local health food
stores.
Eat with Environmental Edge
Commercially grown produce is filled with pesticides, herbicides and toxic
chemical residues. Conventional meat, poultry, and dairy products contain
high amounts of pesticides, hormones, and antibiotic drugs that are harmful
to your health.
These toxins show up in a variety of places, including the water supply, breast milk, and urine. They cause degenerative changes, hormonal problems, immune system disorders, and cancer in both people and animals.
For your own well being and the health of the planet, search out organic
foods; whenever possible, buy only organic and free-range poultry and meat.
I hope you find ways to be in harmony with nature! I invite you to visit
often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you stay healthy, live long, and live happy! ~ Dr Mao