Ah, mon cher, for anyone who is alone, without God and without a master . Camus Albert

Pearls on Petals, originally uploaded by Bet-zi.

Ah, mon cher, for anyone who is alone, without God and without a master,

the weight of days is dreadful.

Camus, Albert

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."

When finding quotes one can relate to, investigating about the heart and mind they were generated from, sometimes brings interesting surprises when you learn the context and the background of such quote.

Albert Camus a Political Moralist

The writings of Albert Camus have had a decisive influence on the political convictions of many young Frenchmen. Yet he often sounds like a Christian moralist. In fact there is no better way of moving toward the center of his political convictions than by recognizing their theological dimension.

"The astonishing history evoked here is the history of European pride." With these words Camus introduces his eloquent study of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, The Rebel (New York: Alfred Knopf, Inc., 1956). Camus writes scathingly "of the horizontal religions of our times," of the attempted deification of man that has plagued contemporary life. In the fashion of the Christian prophet, he pursues the moral pretensions of the French Revolutionaries, the pedantry and hypocrisy of the bourgeois world, the demonia of the fascists, and the messianic utopianism of the Marxists. In all these movements, Camus argues, man overreaches himself, pretends to one sort of divinity or another, but concludes by justifying the violation of man.

Proptosis in hypothyroid patients

I had an appointment with the doctor yesterday and he sent me to the ophthalmologist, my eyes have been extremely red and dry lately. He observed unilateral Proptosis in my left eye. That means another specialist is going to take a look at me.
I hadn't worried about proptosis much, since I don't have Graves disease I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's which is a very labile condition but in my case it basically stayed on the hypo side. Except for last year when my hair was falling and my TSH level was 0.90 and my dosage of levotiroxine had to be lowered. You can read more about it at the link below.

Lower dosage of levotiroxine to stop hair loss if TSH is 0.90

How could all this have happened? Everything had been going well and my endocrinologist was seeing me every 3 months but on the time I had the appointment at the Social Security Clinic in my country, he had gone out on vacations so they gave me a new appointment. Guess what? in three more months and they told me I could always go to the E.R if I felt bad. So I did and they said they had no specialist at the moment and my case was not an emergency so I was sent to get an appointment with my family doctor.... after several tries I was losing lots of hair, and had anxiety attacks for which menopause was blamed when in fact I was hyperthyroid. Thank God my family doctor lowered the dosage without lab results because the Social Security Clinic lost them. The worst time of my life! I tried private medicine and everything seems to be under control now. Except this problem with my left eye, it seems to be bulging out a little, just a little and it's always very irritated. I have the appointment until August at the Social Security and no money for a private doctor. My husbands business is down 50% due to the influenza outbreak measuresI also have a daughter graduating and going to College this summer. No need to panic, I have learned the less you panic, the better your body responds to healing. Always hoping for the best!

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slight proptosis in the right eye

This is an example of slight proptosis follow the link to see how it was corrected

Graves ophthalmopathy

Thyroid eye disease is usually associated with Graves disease but can also be associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Graves ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that can be extremely unpleasant, can be cosmetically distressing, and, occasionally, can threaten sight. Graves ophthalmopathy is clinically apparent in 25% to 50% of people with Graves disease. However, more than 70% of the remaining patients can be demonstrated to have ophthalmopathy by magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits. My eyes a couple of years back.

One of the reasons why I take pictures of them is because I'm so grateful I have them. One learns to value everything that you still have, and everything you can still do.

My eyes, originally uploaded by patgarcia.

The scripture that has given me faith to face all this Hebrews 12:2

Gratitude Requires Faith

Marathon of life: Thyroid eye disease

Amazed at the lense of an old Nikormat

Amazed at the lense - Lael, originally uploaded by patgarcia.

It seems like encouragement to art can been effective, my electroencephalogram shows hyperactivity in my right temporal lobe. Medication has been prescribed to lower it which makes me wonder if that's what's hindering creativity, I definitely seemed to be more creative with the right temporal lobe hyperactivity.

Amazed aat the lense - Arturo, originally uploaded by patgarcia.

My students were amazed with my old Nikormat.

Talking about enhancing creativity

Creative Sparks

I found this awesome thoughts from a participant of Creative Sparks An Art Exhibition from people with Epilepsy. Cinthia Gott really encouraged me in my recent lack of creativity as I read the following part of her writing.

Gott, Cynthia

Imperial Beach, California, USA

"My art is not merely a reflection of me ... the inner workings of my psyche ... it is me. Each artwork, in essence, is a self-portrait no matter the genre. I put my soul into these works; it feels at times like I actually lose part of myself when releasing a painting. I have found creativity in the spaces between realms, bridging the gaps in the synaptic delay. I often travel to an existential place. My psyche transcends the material plane as I shift awareness from left brain activity (verbal, analytical processing) to right brain activity (spatial, perceptual processing). When I enter this sacred space I sometimes experience visions which often leap onto my canvas and paper." "Vincent Van Gogh wisely explained, "If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."

Below is my own participation at the exhibition.

Garcia, Patricia

La Paz Baja California Sur, Mexico

"First of all I would like people to understand it is an illness that affects your emotions and the other way around too; because stress is hard to handle it may trigger seizures, seizures make you depressed, stressed and so on. All cases are so different and individual, but what’s certain is that we need help and understanding from our loved ones. Not pity but a supportive “go ahead!” attitude. I believe creativity is a form of self-expression; in my case it has been enhanced through illness. Appreciation of life’s beauty is at full perception now and this journey has taken me through a path of personal growth."

I lost my shape to thyroid condition.

I'm a little heavier now

I'm the heaviest I have ever been in my whole life, I have also developed an insidious double shin, at least my brain is working perfectly well now, my hair is not falling out anymore, but medication seems to have inhibited my creativity.............. I'm not drawing or writing or taking any more photos. I don't have those spontaneous "This is so full of beauty thoughts" but at least I'm not aware of any more absence seizures. I'll have to look for ways to enhance creativity again.
I had the experience of being in top physical appearance a few years back, working out, dieting, inspite of my condition I really looked and felt great but many things where happening inside my brain, inside my glands until one day it all collapsed.
I have had the experience of dedicating myself to all that which is physical, I reached many goals but somewhere along the way my mind, and my brain were suffering from thyroid storms, wrong medicine dosages, stress, absence seizures , you name it. In order to overcome this new form of attack I had to emphasize my spiritual life rather than the physical part of myself I was starting to look good on the outside again but all the internal damage was very well concealed.
One day coming out of the gym I had what seemed like a very dramatic respiratory crisis, which was the beginning of my lung problems.On top of everything else! It has taken a while to have than under control but thank God it's in control now. I can breath easily again I don't use an inhaler anymore and I haven't had vertigo for a while so I can slowly start exercising again.... just about time before I get any heavier due to my thyroid condition. I'm facing this with contempt but I do know I'm running out of clothes that fit and my body is screaming to have all the extra weight off. I move slowly, bend down slowly but I thank God I feel good inside. I totally feel myself again, inside. The goal now is to keep a good balance of spiritual things, mental challenges and physical shape.
I feel confident I will do well. I have God on my side and excellent new doctors.

I translated for a parents seminar this Saturday it went well, I felt secure and confident, I have learned not to let my extra weight cause feelings of low self esteem. Our real beauty and value is inside and it reflects on the outside. I have been told my face shines with tenderness and God's love more than ever before. It's not a proud comment, it is a happy comment of what God can do in our lives and hearts. We are more than good looks and good bodies. God knows how much I have tried to get mine back and I almost get there for brief periods of time. I guess I have learned not to give up but not feel frustrated I don't. I do my best, I'm fighting against several illnesses. The victory I've had is not how I had expected, it is not superficial. If you are going through this kind of trial I want you to know that. There are greatest victories to what meets the eyes look for those edifying triumphs in everyday life. Don't focus on negativism, if you are get up, take a shower, get help, set your mind to it. It is not your fault if you feel devastated, you are fighting against an infirmity, you may have war wounds that need healing.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (New King James Version)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Photos taken during our food bank outreach

After Isolation Students Return to Classes in Mexico

by patgarcia | May 7, 2009 at 08:39 am at NowPublic

Update: 3:30 pm

I've just received an e-mail requiring me to present myself to disinfect the school I work in. This will be done under supervision of The Health Department and The Board of Education.

After staying more than a week in isolation, my daughter went back to school today, at last, with all her final exams and scholarship applications this health crisis had other preoccupations implied, economy was and still is a major one, businesses closed, low sales, wedding and quinceañera receptions being canceled.

A special place in our hearts for the lives that were lost.Worry and concerned took hold of the hearts of people.

Baja California Sur has stayed influenza free, but the isolation had to be done by government disposition. Economy has been seriously affected.

High School and University students returned to classes this Thursday, elementary school and Junior High School will do so on Monday. That means two weeks without work for me, believe me, it is not enjoyable rest under these circumstances. It's good to see this measure helped the virus from spreading more.

Este jueves correspondió a los estudiantes del nivel superior y medio superior regresar a sus distintos planteles escolares, mientras el resto de los alumnos de los niveles inferiores, es decir primarias y secundarias, lo harán el lunes próximo.

Source: eluniversal.com.mx
Authorities informed two students were rejected and kept from entering school for presenting syntoms of influenza, their parents were notified and the students will not be allowed in school until they present a medical health certificate.

Las autoridades informaron que dos jóvenes fueron rechazados en un colegio secundario de Ciudad de México pues mostraron síntomas de gripe porcina. Sus padres fueron notificados, dijeron las autoridades, y no podrán reincorporarse a clases sin un certificado médico señalando que no han contraído el virus de la gripe porcina.

Source: el-universal.com.mx

My country paralized by Human Influenza A/H1N1

Being my country paralyzed due to swine flu / Human Influenza, A/H1N1 virus all activities were canceled and we were asked to stay home for more than week so far. Schools won't open till Monday. It actually took me several days to adapt to this situation, to cope with worries, fears and preoccupations not knowing exactly when I fell into some kind of "stupor" being unresponsive and depressed. I'm not always brave, I'm not always ready for battle.How did I respond and cope this time? I can't single out one thing, it was in fact a series of events and situations. As I struggled out of bed to water my garden one morning I saw a humming bird again, I stayed still, watching it fly,busily feeding from flower to flower.Life is awesome! Then A student sent me an e-mail of "The Wise old Man" which I read and smiled. It was all beautiful but this is what was impressed in my heart.

Taken from The Wise Old Man By Kwee Lain

“I can choose. I can spend my day in bed enumerating all the difficulties that I have with the parts of my body that no longer work very well, or I can get up and give thanks to heaven for those parts that are still in working order.”“Every day is a gift, and as long as I can open my eyes, I will focus on the new day, and all the happy memories that I have built up during my life. “

“Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw in later life what you have deposited along the way. “

So, my advice to you is to deposit all the happiness you can in your bank account of memories.

Thank you for your part in filling my account with happy memories, which I am still continuing to fill…

Remember these simple guidelines for happiness.

1. Free your heart from hate.
2. Free your mind from worry.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

I don't have a problem with growing old I want to, the thing here was that every time I heard about influenza and how people had died because they already had other health issues that became serious complications, I couldn't help to think about all my health issues and medications I'm already taking.

I loved this message, I also felt encouraged to do something I have wanted to do for some time now. A Good Times Family Memory Book, just keep writing down good memories from long ago as we remember or new ones as soon as they happen.

I also had a special time of prayer and meditation....... I "heard" someone call my name softly....Patricia.

I had a dream too, I was walking on a road made of coral reefs in the middle of the ocean! I looked as if I was walking on water, the ocean water barely covered my ankles. I asked where does it go? As far as you can follow it................

So here I am again! Once more following my journey.

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

The Wise Old Man

View more presentations from nath.

Digestive tract influences on the brain

The digestive tract is the most responsive system in the body to the influences of the brain and the mind-body connection. In fact the digestive system is the only part of the body that contains and uses identical tissues and chemicals to the brain. This has led to the gut being referred to as the 'second brain'. There is a lot of interest in this area at the moment with researchers trying to determine the extent that the brain plays in digestive disorders.

As a result of this strong connection, stress and negative emotional states can have a profound effect on the health of the GI tract. One of the major physiological reactions to stress is the diversion of blood away from the digestive system to the skeletal muscles in readiness to either fight or flee. Effectively, the digestive system is shut down. Without the normal flow of blood, the digestive system is deprived of oxygen, glucose and essential nutrients. Chronic stress therefore leaves the tissues of the digestive system starved of the things it needs to maintain a healthy intestinal wall and produce adequate amounts of protective mucus. It's clear therefore that chronic stress plays an important role in leaky gut syndrome and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.

Dr. Walt Stoll, one of a growing number of doctors turning to an integrative style of medicine, believes that stress is THE most important factor in recovering from leaky gut syndrome. He suggests that everyone suffering from leaky gut syndrome should practice a relaxation technique twice a day that puts the brain into an 'alpha' or 'theta' state. These names relate to the frequency of the brain waves with alpha waves having a frequency of 8-12Hz and theta of 4-8Hz. In these states the brain is able to release the stored stress response 24 times faster than normal sleep which creates 'delta' waves with a frequency of 2-4Hz

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The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression. An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases in this category include lupus, alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis, vasculitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives), diabetes and Raynaud’s disease. Physicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of allergic or autoimmune disease. Understanding the leaky gut phenomenon not only helps us see why allergies and autoimmune diseases develop but also helps us with safe and effective therapies to bring the body back into balance.

The virus attacking and paralizing my country: A/HIVI Influenza

Days of isolation seem endless, most activities have been suspended. Even when the virus has not affected one's body, economy and plans have been ruined.