WORLD MS DAY 2016

Love, love, love this day.

WORLD MS DAY

#StrongerthanMS

Shout it to the world.  Let everyone know.  

Time to build even more awareness around multiple sclerosis.  

Tell us your story & share something that MS doesn't stop you from doing!

Here's just the beginning of my #StrongerthanMS list 

MS doesn't stop me from:

• Helping others live better with MS #lifecoach #livingwithms #takethatms
• Serving as a volunteer 
• Staying active - even if it's just a slow stroll through a giant poppy field. 

• Enjoying the little things in life including this small red wildflower on a recent hike.  

• Camping - with the help of friends and beautiful weather here at Refugio Beach, California with my #orangemoji 

• Being resourceful - after forgetting the pot to boil water we compromised.

• Being myself.  MS won't stop me from being quirky and silly.  We are all beautifully unique.   

• Enjoying the garden.  Just one of many lilies that my father grows in our garden.   

For people who suffer from this illness, everyday is MS day.  But between MS Awareness Month in March and World MS Day, the awareness about multiple sclerosis is growing.  Of course all the recent celebrities with either the disease or related to someone with it, doesn't hurt the cause.

I can't kayak like I used to but now enjoy watching others show how they are #strongerthanms.  

How are you #strongerthanms?  

Join the conversation @thegirlwithMS 

Are you ORANGE? Time to moji!

Time for the #OrangeMoji 

It's easy:

For demo click here: How to #orangemoji on #youtube or on video below:

With World MS Day happening on May 25^th, we’re excited to announce the kick-off of OrangeMoji, a new initiative of the Our Voice in Song program with music artist and multiple sclerosis (MS) advocate, David Osmond, to help raise awareness of relapsing MS.

 

The purpose of Our Voice in Song program is designed to engage, inspire, and motivate people living with MS. The OrangeMoji initiative supported by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is a part of the program. OrangeMoji provides a fun way for people living with MS and their friends and loved ones to help spread awareness of MS and express their “I Can Do This” spirit by creating their own personal emoji.   To participate you’ll need a black marker and an orange, which represents the official color of MS awareness. Here is how it works:

1. Grab an orange
2. Get a marker and decorate your orange with a face
3. Snap a photo of your OrangeMoji
4. Submit image here, and participants might be selected to join an exclusive listening party with David.

Click here to hear more from David about OrangeMoji and watch a quick demo!

I hope you’ll create and submit your own OrangeMojis and consider sharing it with #OrangeMoji on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to help us spread the word about this new initiative. 

Another great way to say #Takethatms

So I took my #orangemoji camping over the weekend. Fun stuff! 

MAY Contest! Special post and Enter to win

Choices - Choosing a winner! (We have a contest winner - watch this spot!)

By Caroline Craven, Girl with MS

How many decisions have you made so far today?  From what we wear to how we approach life, we make choices all day long.   Sometimes they are good ones and well, sometimes we pay the price.  

One of the choices we have is to smile.  Did you ever stop to think about it?  It's true.  It's a choice.  It is our choice.  I have always loved this option.  Smiling increases so many good things in our life and leads us onto a path of wellness.   

We may not be happy but we can wear a smile.  Think of performers, always smiling in the public eye.  Smiling is a muscle Ð the more we use it the easier it is to flex it.

One of my favorite quotes, "If you see someone without a smile - give them yours," came from one of my old horse trainers, Jimmy A. Williams.  Talk about resonating.   As the youngest of three children I was often encouraged to smile and be happy.  Smiling has become a part of my wellness program.  It's hard to harbor negative thoughts when you are busy grinning.  

In fact, making decisions may be the one constant in our life that is often overlooked, due to the frequency with which we make them.  We may not like the options but usually it is up to us as to how we will proceed.  

As MS patients we have many choices to make from treatments to support groups.  We base our decisions on a variety of factors, often including our doctor's advice, things perused on the Internet and other resources such as family and friends.   Often we choose things just because they feel right - that feeling in the gut.  

Businesses have choices too.  How they operate, what they sell, who they serve, all in the name of making a profit.  They also have the choice to give away their profit in the name of humanity, of a loving gesture toward a group of people just because it's the right thing to do. 

And when a company comes along who wants to make a difference like this they have chosen to smile on the world.   Yes, they want to make a profit, but they want to help others as well.  In this case, these others are those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). This company not only wants to help raise money and awareness for research in MS but has been doing so for almost 20 years.  Wow - how cool is that?   We can use all the help we can get!   

The company choosing to smile today is Christopher and Banks (CB), who has been working with National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) since 1998, and has contributed over $200,000 in sales from their exclusive MS jewelry collection.   CB is a women's clothing store based in Minnesota with more than 500 stores in over 40 states and online at christopherandbanks.com.   

In addition to donating 50% of the purchase price for their MS jewelry collection to the NMSS, CB also plays a significant role with the Minnesota chapter of NMSS with  WalkMS teams and scholarships across the state.  It's these grassroots activities that build significant awareness around this illness and we can't thank them enough for all they have done.  

This is a photo of the CB Twin Cities MS Walk Team from 2015.

CB has won several awards from the NMSS for corporate sponsorships and top fundraisers, but it's not the recognition that inspires these folks to make a difference.  It's the thought of helping those in need, of sharing the love from their company throughout our country.  

With that said, CB might be in it for the awards, because each one is hand painted by someone affected with MS.  Priceless, these awards are a true showing of love and appreciation.   

On March 3, Christopher & Banks HQ team hosted an "Orange Out" in celebration of National MS Awareness Week.

In addition to the grassroots efforts to raise awareness, CB has an exclusive MS jewelry collection with a new design each year.   This is the collection that has raised over $200,000 since the beginning.  There are several pieces of jewelry and 50% of the purchase price is donated to the NMSS.  This year the design of "hope and love" was voted on across the country by CB's Facebook community. 



The winning design is shown here: 

        

Click here to see all the jewelry pieces.  

CHOOSE TO SMILE CONTEST!

In honor of all Christopher & Banks has done for our illness from building awareness to raising essential funds for research we are having a "Choose to Smile" contest!  

For a limited time we are offering an opportunity to win a set of CB's awesome MS jewelry!   We are sharing the love and choosing to smile.  How about smiling with us?  

HOW TO PLAY!

1. Choose to smile

2. Take a selfie 

3. Share it on Facebook or Twitter

4. Use the #smilingforMS and tag me @thegirlwithms

Example:

It's this easy!

Winner selected May 15, 2016.  See rules below.  

CONTEST RULES:

Entries will be taken from applicable posts on Facebook or Twitter from April 28 - May 10.  A random drawing will be held May 15, 2016.  

Entrants must be 21 years of age or older.

Entrants must have a valid U.S. mailing address.

All winners are collected via Girl with MS/Caroline Craven. When contest ends, Girl with MS/Caroline Craven will randomly select one entrant as the winner.

Once notified via email or Twitter, the contest winner will have 48 hours to reply to claim the prize. If selected winner fails to reply within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.

Girl with MS/Caroline Craven is partnering with Christopher & Banks to provide this giveaway to its community. Christopher & Banks is providing the prize, and prize fulfillment is the responsibility of Christopher & Banks. Christopher & Banks will send the prize directly to the winner once the winnerÕs information is supplied to Christopher & Banks via Girl with MS.

The prizes for April 2016 contest includes the following items*:

* HOPE MS Earring: $9.95 (retail value)

* HOPE MS Bracelet: $14.95 (retail value)

* HOPE MS Necklace: $22.95 (retail value)

*If product is not available, a gift card will be issued for equal or greater amount of the item.Ê

This blog post was sponsored by Christopher & Banks. 

Little Miracles and Thriving with MS

We wake up, not knowing what the day will bring. We have ideas, probably a plan and even an agenda, but the day will unfold as it may, and not necessarily to match our expectations.

The other day I had an agenda. To work on my new workshop on MS and nutrition, A New Diet = A New You. And as I worked, the day started to unfold in mysterious ways. First, the workshop was rescheduled at one venue. OK, I said to myself, let's use the time for research. But instead we formed a circle, pulled a little miracle out of the community help box and decided to proceed with a soul circle meditation. Wow! Imagine a small group of folks, talking and supporting each other as we discuss life, struggles, work and more. This was truly a miracle. My mantra for the month:

Dreams grow holy put into action.

OK, Time to put these dreams into action!

What started out as one day quickly turned into quite another! While I work with my clients, rebuilding lives after MS, creating new diets and nutritional help, I am pleased to include these little miracles with my healing workshops and private wellness coaching.

Workshops are provided throughout the year in various locations. Call me for more information at 818-585-5660. See you on the road with MS!

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Fighting a relapse

MS weighing you down?  It sure got a hold of me last week. Talk about fighting a relapse. Wowza. I am Tired from the fight.  

How did I survive? By saying NO and setting boundaries. Sometimes the Only way to a healthy life is to be selfish and protect yourself. Just say no thank you. Seriously. Even fun stuff. Put it all on hold until that battery power bar is back up to sufficient. Or incase of the spoon theory, when one has more spoons to use. Personally I like the battery bar and power mode to visualize my health and energy. 

It wasn't easy, saying no. Turned down friends and family. Turned down work and fun. But, I was able to do a little each day and that was OK with me. Just 1-2 hours max on the computer per day and the rest of my time spent restoring and rejuvenating. 

I did nothing yesterday except go to farmers market. 

I literally sat on the couch and rested. Or for me took an absolutely lazy day. How can one not feel lazy when slacking in the couch by the fire reading and playing games?  

Hardest part about fatigue and multiple sclerosis is the guilt. At least for me it's the guilt of not being productive. Even though I went to the market, did a little bit of client work and some house work, feeling like a slacker. Hate this feeling and don't deserve it. But it's a tough one to work out of jones system. 

I am heading to church in a bit to help with a campaign and to prepare for the women's retreat where I'm giving a work shop on creating a more capable life.  My book is in progress but not done yet.  Many other tools and tricks to share with this group. Looking forward to it!

So, take time to make priorities. Set boundaries. Listen to your self. Obey your health. And say #takethatms! 

Painting to Survive - PC594

We all find a way to survive. But what if surviving means trespassing, painting murals on the freeways and

running from authority?

Living with excruciating pain, brushes strapped to her hands, one MS warrior paints to build awareness.  She paints.  And she paints.  Political statements.  World issues.  Stories of life through murals. She paints. And she survives.  Despite the hospitals, diagnoses, and a failing body, Lydia Emily continues to fight the multiple sclerosis that is ravaging her life.

Born into a family of social activists, LM was destined to make people look at things differently. While MS is not genetic, such traits as tenacity, passion, perseverance can come from one's parents and environment.

There is much to be learned by watching Lydia Emily in this new film about survival, ms and a whole lot of life.  With just a handful of days left for the Kickstarter campaign we are searching for the last $15,000 needed to launch this great project.

Click here to show your support today.  

Thank you Bluprint Films for bringing us such an inspiring project!

Plan B necessary for those with chronic illness.

Living with multiple sclerosis is as random as a snowflake.  No two the same. No two days the same.

Every morning when I wake up, I thank God. Thank him for my wonderful life and all the blessings bestowed upon me. Even despite having MS, it's best to focus on the positive. 

In addition to my gratitude, each morning is met with a body and mind analysis:  how's the pain?  The cognitive fog?  The fatigue?   What's the weather like?  On a scale of 1-10, with ten being the best, how is my ms?  

Once that's determined, then I can make plans.  But wait!  This isn't fair.  How can one live if they have to wait every morning to see how they feel?  Where's the spontaneity? How does one avoid being called flake of the year if plans have to change?  

Plan B!

Yes, as simple as always having a plan B can make all the difference in the world.  

Plan B can be simple or complex. Most importantly it's an option that is doable with ones multiple sclerosis, or ones limitations. 

Just a couple of weeks ago I had a big event. The Los Angeles County Trailduster ride with Supervisor Mike Antonovich. Almost six months in the planning we were expecting over 120 horses and guests to our little community.  So, I better get ready!  

My concerns for the ride:  Heat, balance, urinary problems, pain. 

I hadn't ridden in about a year so I borrowed a friends horse and stretched the old legs out. And boy did it feel good!

The day of the ride came. The weather was predicted for light showers and highs of 82f.  I can do that! Plan B for warmer weather included chillin vests, cooling scarves and bags of ice. But I don't need any of it.  The weather cooperated. 

  As far as the bladder goes, I rely on a pee pad and told myself to take advantage of the halfway pit stop on the ride.  Last time I didn't and when I got back to the barn, peed all down my pants.  Didn't want to do that again!  

Balance issues. Well, I don't have control over this issue but when I got on the horse I felt fine.  My plan B for this issue was to either not ride or take a slightly shorter ride. 

With several Plan Bs to help my day, I approached the ride with confidence knowing that whatever I ended up doing, it would be a great day. 

Me on my trusty steed, Roper. 

Caroline Craven and County Supervisor Mike Antonovich

Local charros waiting for the ride to begin. 

Parks and rec, city officials, trail boss from La Canada Flintridge 

The fact is, our lives are ravaged by the randomness and disabling qualities of multiple sclerosis. But we can learn to thrive. We can learn to wake up, embrace the positive, create alternative plans, and live life to the fullest.  

There have been plenty of days where my plan B ends up with me in bed. But not every time. I had several plan Bs scheduled and arranged nutrient need any of them this time.  So #takethatMS! 

Do what you can when you can. Life is short!

Wiped out.  Nothing more to it.

Cement boots on and energy level that of a sloth on dope. 

But let me tell you...it was Worth it.  

A splurge of a day.  Picked up by a friend at 5:15am we head to Malibu or the 'Bu as some folks call it.  Unfortunately I slept like crap on Thursday, up every hour from 1-4am. Not sure why, and nothing I could do about it but get on with life.  

Earlier this week I invested in a stripping basket, a new line for the wheel I won last spring, and some flies for the surf. Psyched to say the least.  Only my second time surf fishing on the fly and the club was going as a group. 

It wasn't until 9pm Thursday evening when I found there was a ride for me to the beach.  Driving that distance isn't a choice with my Multiple Sclerosis.  Excitedly my fishing gear was formed into a nice pile and placed by the door.  Water bottles, porta urinal, diaper and other Tools for MS were packed as well.  Fishing with four men, and my MS, this shall be interesting.  

After an easy 30 minutes we were in front of the Pacific Ocean sipping coffee, stringing up the rods, deciding which fly to use.  I went for the shrimpy looking thing but thought that the red checkerboard would be the slayer.  The water was real clear.  Beautifully still with small waves forming.  

With waders and boots on, water bottle in tow, fly rod and stripping basket we head to the water.  Within an hour two of my friends are hooked up with Corbina.  One was tail hooked and fought for awhile before getting off.  The other one was a beautiful fish and his first Corbina. I was psyched to take pictures and be there to watch him tactfully being in the fish.  

In fact I may have been more into the photography than the fishing. Or at least enjoyed the photography as a break. In casting.  

My casting isn't the best and being my second time in the surf, the 8wt, sinking line, was a lot for me to handle.  I'm looking forward to taking a class in this type of casting.  But I handled it. And I did not fall into the ocean and get drifted away.  

Being not the best swimmer and with balance like a weeble, the fear of falling in was strong.  I didn't go in above my chins. One time a bigger wave got me and I al,let took a tumble. Maybe a pfd would be good to wear for safety.  One guy had one on and with my instability with MS, could be a safe option for me.  

Have you seen the Martian? Or read the book?  Or seen anyone in a spacesuit walki?  That's me in my waders.  And Waking around in the beautiful pacific coast sand in waders and boots for over two hours, well, that sand gets heavy. 

I'm laughing because I'm obviously not using my stripping basket in this photo But I got used to it by the end of the day. 

After two and half hours I was done.  My legs will be burning once this adrenaline wears off.  Tomorrow will be shot.  This afternoon will be shot. But it was worth it!  

With MS, fibro and other chronic illness our lives are limited. We must do what we want at time. Enjoy what God has given us.  This is a beautiful world.  Enjoy it.  Love it.  Respect it.  

Ume plums, a beautiful discovery in my own backyard

Just a week or so ago I finally identified the beautiful fruit tree in our backyard. It's an ume plum tree. A Japanese plum that is more like an apricot. The fruits of these trees are a bit toxic when raw but are coveted for their alkalizing abilities once cured. They can be made into jam, drid into umeboshi or pickles, fermented and even made into Ume plum wine. Wow. I have a lot to discover.

The ume plum is small and greenish, turning yellow as they ripe. Some get a slight blush to them. Found several websites online to help me with the first project, making jam. Here is the recipe I followed.

First one needs to clean the little stems on the plums using a small paring knife or toothpick. These dont taste good. Then basically I soaked the plums over night with salt to detoxify them. Then I started a boil on the stove and soften them up a bit. After a quick drain I smashed the plums using the flat side of a chefs knife to remove the pit. Again, use this website to learn more.

I had about 4 pounds of plums and used about 3 cups sugar and fresh lemon juice. I could have used less as I enjoy some tartness. But this turned out good. I canned 3 and 1/2 pints and had another pint left for the refrigerator.

Treating myself to fresh ume jam, goat cheese and fresh jalepeno/asiago sourdough from the Rustic Loaf at our local farmers market.

Now this is obviously not the most alkalizing way to enjoy this coveted fruit. But it's a start! And Anything alkalizing is great for folks with MS or any inflammatory disease.
Now time to try to make some umeboshi.

Supposedly it clears up a hangover right away. Imagine what it could do for those with MS!

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