Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that occurs on the final Monday of each May. It was originally known as Decoration Day, and it served to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the early 20th century, Memorial Day was extended to honor all Americans who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today, Memorial Day is an occasion to remember all of our deceased loved ones and the spaces they fill in our lives and hearts.

This is a day of remembrance of those who have gone before us – young, old, relatives and friends. This day I honor my children and their father. My children gracefully endured the passing of their father after a long illness. Every challenge along the road of his path my children took in stride and held steady. Blessings to all.

The first printing of this book was in 1997. I have read the book and listened to the audio book many times over the past several years. The information Ruiz presents has been very enlightening to me, and has helped me improve communication and clarity in what I do and what I don’t do.

Many of us have not been raised in a culture that encourages the approach of the Four Agreements in our daily lives and relationships. For instance, in the culture where I was raised, I always had the sense that my feelings did not matter. If I did not say the ‘right’ thing, ie expressed my opinion, there was displeasure in how I expressed myself. If the adults agreed with me, then I was good. If they did not agree with me, then I was bad.

Ruiz offers a clear, detailed explanation of the Four Agreements. Here is a very brief overview:

First Agreement: Be Impeccable with your word. This is the most important, and it is the most difficult to maintain.

Second Agreement: Don’t take anything personally. Nothing other people do is because of you, it is because of them. But there are lessons to be learned in these situations.

Third Agreement: Don’t make assumptions. We make assumptions about what other people are doing or thinking. We take it personally, and then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word.

Fourth Agreement: Always do your best. This agreement makes the other three agreements habits. What a way to be good to yourself!

Breaking Old Agreements is Chapter 6. This chapter offers a path to freedom from old habits and dysfunctional relationships with ourselves and others. Stress reduction comes with this also.

I highly recommend this book, and would be happy to discuss it with you. Buy the book or download the audio, and begin your own enlightening discoveries.

Garlic, honey, apples, and turmeric are highly recommended foods to have regularly in your food plan for prevention and maintenance of health.

Turmeric is an herbal spice that is not well known in our American diet, but it is very popular in Indian and vegetarian food plans. Turmeric is known as curcumin as a spice powder. It is known as the “Golden Goddess” by ancient Indian healing traditions.

Today, there are numerous scientifically proven uses for healing with Turmeric. Turmeric affects over 150 distinct biological and genetic / epigenetic pathways for health – this is more than any one drug has ever been designed to do! Turmeric reduces oxidative stress and inflammation among many other uses.

Look for recipes using Turmeric, and incorporate something new into your food plan!

Here is an easy, delicious recipe for Turmeric Dip:

Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp white sugar
2 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp white vinegar

Directions:
Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill 2 hours before serving. Great with raw vegetables.

It is an exciting time of year to be out in nature with the warmth and the breeze. While you’re exploring outdoors, be sure to take advantage of the local Farmers’ Markets. These markets provide a wealth of fresh plants, flowers, vegetables and fruits, along with homemade baked goods and jellies.

These markets take place at various locations across the area, and there is a market each day of the week. If you can’t make it to one, try another location and time. Here is the schedule:

• Coralville, Mondays and Thursdays 5 pm – 7 pm, in the Aquatic Center Parking Lot.
• Downtown Iowa City, Wednesdays 5pm-7pm, and Saturdays 7:30am-Noon, Chauncey Swan Parking ramp (kitty corner from New Pioneer Coop, Iowa City).
• Iowa City Sycamore Mall, Tuesdays 3pm-6pm, Sycamore Parking Lot.
• Eastside Iowa City, Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings, off the corner of Rochester and Scott Blvd.

Don’t miss the opportunity to eat a whole foods meal plan with fresh, local, and seasonal foods. This is the sure way to get your necessary servings of fruits and vegetables power packed with vitamins and minerals. Be sure to check out the organic foods first. These markets and wonderful local growers can supply you and your family through October.