R.E.I. and R.E.I.

Which one is St. Francis of Assisi?

Recently, Nancy and I did a couple of presentations at our two local R.E.I. (Recreational Equipment Inc.) stores.  In little more than an hour we shared details of our upcoming adventure hiking a portion, approximately 60 of the 324 miles, the Franciscan Trail in Umbria Italy.  We shared our excitement with others considering taking this hike along this same trail, some of whom already refer to themselves as pilgrims, since they've walked segments of the Camino de Santiago.  We showed photos of the green vistas, historic churches and agriturismos (small farms) scattered along the Franciscan Trail that are sure to be a feast for Nancy and my eyes, ears and spirits. The feasts for our mouths and stomachs will be found in the local cafes and restaurants at day's end.  

 

We talked about the historic significance of the route we will be taking, once traveled by St. Francis of Assisi.  He was a rather interesting guy.  Born into great wealth, his father a prosperous textile merchant, his mother a beautiful French woman, Francis spent most of his youth, whooping it up and partying.  It wasn’t until battle broke out between the regions of Assisi and Perugia, that he took up arms with a new found sense of purpose and allegiance.  However, Francis was captured, and his captors knowing of his family’s great wealth, held him for ransom.  Francis waited in excess of a year for his father to pay the monies for his son’s release.  While in prison, Francis had his first of many visions and communiqués from God and Christ.  Once released, Francis took a vow of poverty and lived out the remainder of his life as a missionary, traveling along this now famed trail, rebuilding churches and ministering to others.  It was interesting to learn his reputation for kindness and compassion earned him the moniker, patron saint of ecology! 

Of course St. Francis didn’t function as the environmentalists we know today; rather he demonstrated great respect for all God’s creatures and nature by incorporating caring and concern into his practical life and instructed others to do the same.  It was St. Francis who coined the phrase: “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”

Bet he wore Berkinstocks too!

Nancy and I also shared with our audience members how this trip has morphed from a get-away-from-it-all vacation to a vacation with a purpose.  Or vacation with intention as Nancy likes to say.  As she and I train, taking our Saturday morning walks wearing hiking boots, increasing our protein intake and reducing our sugar and fats, except wine, I draw the line at wine, Nancy and I continue to spend a portion of each day preparing for this trip. Now enveloped in shades of purple, the colour signifying Alzheimer’s awareness, our trip is focused on walking to build support for Alzheimer’s research as well as enhancing support for those care givers who live with, care for and love companions, spouses or parents who have been diagnosed.  

If you don’t already know, Nancy was diagnosed with this mysterious brain dis-ease but has not allowed it to define her.  It is simply a progressive ailment she is learning to accommodate and sometimes circumnavigate in her life.  I, as her traveling companion, feel privileged to be allowed to make my own imprint along this rocky trail with Nancy. 

Since many of you were not able to attend our presentations at R.E.I., using our version of R.E.I. we ask you to Recognize our need to Engage your Involvement in this project.  Please help us to Raise, even Exceed our Ideal goal of $100,000 for the National Alzheimer’s Association as well as the local chapter of Care Givers by making a donation to our funding site on Generosity (little sister to Indiegogo):  http://j.mp/FFALZ  

With donations of $10.00 or more you can request to join our Foodfaithandalzheimers FaceBook page.  On that site you will have access to behind the scenes activity of our preparation and in depth sharing of our actual hike along the trail.  Like this one.  Gross but real.

My feet hurt.

You'll feel like you're right there with us. Who knows, maybe next year you'll be making this same sojourn.  Whether you have experienced Alzheimer's directly or know of someone who has or is currently dealing with this distressing disease help us help them.  Or you.  Donate today!

Thank You. 

Wagons, Wheel Houses and Women

Raining in the Piazza

Red Rock Canyon 

The temperature in Rome is currently 43 degrees F. at about 8:20 in the evening.  Lots of rain expected over the next 4 days as well.  A far cry from the sunny, 66 degrees we're experiencing here in Vegas.  And NO rain in sight, we'll be sitting in the low '70's all through next Tuesday.

So what are we three women doing with ourselves amid this spring-like weather?  Well, I've been cooking up a storm, preparing healing foods and balms in anticipation of fatigue and a little muscle soreness.  As I've been diligent about my P90X videos and the 3 of us will be taking a killer Pilate's class this Saturday.  Brenda is scheduled for her second knee surgery in the upcoming month.  Getting the metal removed will hopefully diminish that "brought to her knees" pain she's been living with for so long.  And Nancy has been running from one engagement to another speaking on behalf of Alzheimer's.  Last week I attended her presentation at Aegis, donning one of the purple ribbons her daughter Michelle had made.  I watched the group of 50 or so sit on the edge of their seats as Nancy shared her story of diagnosis and the aftermath of living with such.

That successful event was followed by an interview two days later, with KNPR.  I know this because a friend of mine called to ask if Nancy had written a book.  "Yes, a poetry book," I replied.  "Why?"  He explained he always listens to KNPR on his way to work and there was Nancy talking about some book and telling her story.  He told me as her words made their way into his ears, he felt as though he was meeting her for the first time.  He had forgotten I told him about Blue. River. Apple. last year and found himself touched by the interview more deeply than he was comfortable with considering he was sitting in traffic and on his way to the office.  He also said how proud he felt to know her.  So do I.

As a matter of fact, I have always said, "Nancy, I'm just going to hitch my wagon to your star and enjoy the ride."  I've always said it, now I'm living it.  Nancy is much like a big sister to me, and Brenda for that matter.  Wise, considerate and compassionate.  Always willing to give it a try.  And more recently, not allowing any kind of diagnosis to define her.  I believe, that's what I admire most about Nancy.  We all have certain traits, behaviors and in many cases diagnoses of our own.  There seems to be a fine line between accepting those aspects of ourselves and defining ourselves as such.  My little brother, Lawrence, who passed away 2 years ago after a long and ugly fight with cancer, finally reached a point in his life when he no longer defined himself as a paraplegic, or a man (one of many with superior intellect) with dyslexia.  Nope, when we were filling out the paperwork of how he wanted others to remember him, he told me to write; "A Traveler, Cyclist and Artist."  Nothing about wheelchairs, chemo treatments or making change in that definition.

Nancy is the same way.  And this trip to Umbria will add yet another layer of interest and depth to her, all of us really.   Our hike along the Franciscan Trail will most certainly incorporate into our personal stories, adventure, excitement, courage and . . .   whatever else we discover while in Italy.  By hitching my wagon to Nancy's star I find I am opening myself up to even greater opportunities to be of service to others and move closer to exposing my authentic self.  And that's what it's all about, right?

If you would like to learn more about why we have decided to embark upon such a journey, please join the 3 of us at R.E.I.  We will be hosting an interactive gathering at the Boca Park location on Tuesday the 23rd, 7:00 p.m. then we'll be at the Green Valley/The District on Thursday the 25th, also at 7:00 p.m.  Speaking from our individual Wheel Houses, I will be discussing Foods that are both body and brain friendly.  Brenda will share how her Faith has played a role in her healing and her efforts to walk with the same skip in her step she used to have, and Nancy will of course share how her diagnosis of Alzheimer's has both served and challenged her.  Her book, Blue. River. Apple will be on display, I will have some printed recipes for you to take away and Brenda will have some words of inspiration for whatever type of journey you may be traveling, in any kind of weather.

 

Words To Live By

Hiking Locally

Do we look ready?  Certainly we look happy. 

It was, as you can see, an absolutely beautiful day for a hike!  To be honest the threat of rain in the early morning hours put us off a bit, but we pulled up our Columbia boots and tied our laces tight, then grabbed our gear!  Armed with walking sticks, coats, hats and gloves, it is after all January, we filled our water bottles and cemented our resolve and made our way outside.

Only three miles through the rugged terrain of Cottonwood Canyon (right outside my back door).  Not much in the way of elevation, but certainly worth the effort.  Nancy and I focused on placing our feet firmly upon the ground and deeply inhaling the crisp, snappy air.  As we walked further up the trail and began to feel that warm glow we associate with a good round of exercise, we both exclaimed about the beauty of the desert and much we love Vegas in January.  More so than say, Montana or Wisconsin.

Yup, it's official, Nancy's now a "tree-hugger."

As you can see, I take my hiking seriously. 

While Nancy and I didn't overly exert ourselves, we felt the symbolism of each stride we took.  The first official training hike for our international adventure along the Franciscan Trail.  Of course, before we headed out my back door we consumed good fuel for our bodies.  For Nancy, blueberries (high in antioxidants) and bananas (lots of potassium) for Nancy, while I consumed a toasted power bagel shmeared with peanut butter (protein, something I lack) topped with some of Nancy's banana.  We both sipped on cups of piping hot coffee brewed with dark Guatemalan beans sprinkled with pinches of cinnamon and turmeric.  Our supplement for the morning? Bee pollen.  

We kept our pace rather fast, wanting to increase our heart rates and work up our endurance.  But then we had to rest.

Resting our dogs.  

Our next hike will be, I don't know . . . a full four miles?!  With more elevation to really challenge us!  So watch out Sierra Club comrades, we're getting ready for you!

Breakthroughs Not Breakdowns

                                       Nancy and me, together at her walk for Alzheimer's

I was hoping for a Breakthrough, what I got was a Plateau.

To anyone out there who can relate, my life has yet again, gone in another direction.  And of course it has gone in a direction far from the one I had planned.

By mid-November I had set goals, that both our Umbria trip Leader, Anne, and I felt needed to be achieved in order for me to really endure the hike along the Franciscan Trail in May.  Here it is, January and I haven't yet reached those goals.  The fact that I haven't obtained what I intended to, by this time and in conjunction with a recent visit to my Ortho Surgeon, I'm thinking it may be necessary for me bow out of actually making the hike.  

In March I will undergo another surgical procedure and have that metal rod in my leg removed.  Will it improve matters?  Ease the daily pain somewhat?  Or will it only make things worse?  Or will there be no changes of any kind at all?  The doctor can't seem to give me a clear answer.  And of course there will more rehabilitation for me participate in.   However, I have been released from the intense physical therapy for the initial break of my tibia, since they felt things were as good as they were going to get due to the plateau I hit.  In spite of their releasing me,  I've continued to do what I can on my own.  Determined to meet those goals Anne and I discussed.  But alas, I am not progressing as I'd hoped.  As a result, I spent the last weekend feeling frustrated, depressed and angry.

By Sunday evening I hobbled into my "she shack," sat down on the cozy cushion I arranged on an elevated bench and engaged in some serious meditation along with some heavy duty prayer.  I sat and sat and sat.  Thinking to myself, self, you have worked too hard and come too far to give up now!  You can't just stop and let this be as good as it gets.  I limped, rather than hobbled out of that room with a renewed sense of determination.  There is more I can do to help myself!  My body can and will heal!

  First I reactivated my gym membership (had let that lapse due to the therapy I was undergoing at the doctor's office).  Second, I promised myself to actually take a lunch break at work.  For years I have packed a healthy little lunch and ate at my desk while I worked.  Instead, I decided I'm going to start walking short distances during my lunch break, you know, take a real mental and physical break.  Lastly, I decided to keep on praying.  In spite of my current challenges, or yours for that matter, Life Is A Present . . . and so as you may already know . . .we must open our Present and enjoy it!  Every day!

So, rather than have a breakdown, I've created a new goal for myself.  That is to stay strong as I prepare for this second surgery.  I have set the intention that recovery will be a breeze and if . . . if Miracles really do happen and It is meant to Be, then I will not just be hiking with Nancy and Deborah, virtually, I will be there with them physically!!  Could there be a chance that I can somehow still make the trip?  God hear my prayer.

Finally, it is in gratitude I openly give thanks for one of my best presents ever, that is the close friendship I share with Nancy and Deborah.  Whether I am walking with them physically or virtually, our spirits are tied together.  So, by their suggestions and encouragement, I am still considered a part of this trio and the journey along the Franciscan Trail.

I'm going to keep writing, taking photos, walking and exercising.  What do you think about that?

Now, enough talking, it's time to start training even harder . . .it's later than you think.


                                                              Many Blessings, BrendaMarie

The Third and Final Point of Our Triangle - Alzheimer's

 

 Hello.  My name is Nancy.  If we were talking in person, friendly wrinkles from age and real life experiences would accompany a warm and welcoming smile.  I'm an agile walker, less frequent hiker, and blue ribbon finisher of the Lake Las Vegas Triathlon.  I am now looking forward to walking a large portion of the Franciscan Trail, beginning in Umbria, Italy, May, 2016.
    Strong in Faith with a great family and wonderful friends,I realize if family and friends were barometers of wealth I would be rich!  My life is pretty special.  Life's Plan A came to halt one September day in 2013.  Dementia is said to translate as "deprived of mind" and the fact slapped me in the face when I was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease (AD).  Confirmation that I was to follow in my father's footsteps jarred me like thundering white-capped waves crashing upon the shore on a cold, dank, stormy night.  Even today I feel the hits of this icy reality.
     I began waking up in the wee hours of the morning, in quiet darkness, writing.  Poetry.  The words seemed to write themselves on the paper quickly and without hesitation.  It was as though I was possessed by someone or something far more powerful than myself.  I write of frustration, fear, funny moments, and angry ones -  realism faced day to day by someone who has been told they have diminishing memory.
     Pleased to say, I positively accept the challenge of fighting the diagnosis of AD. I am one of twelve chosen by the Alzheimer's Association as an advocate for the 2015 National-Early-Stage Advisory Group.  One of our functions is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma attached to AD.  Our local Las Vegas Chapter works diligently to garner funds towards research and support.  For those diagnosed and their caregivers.
     I plan on sharing with you my perspective as we prepare for this trip.  Giving you an insider's view of an Alzheimer's world.  I am no expert, except to say, I only know about me and my personal journey.
    My gal-pals Brenda, Deborah and myself all have different reasons for taking this trip.  We three are here to share our stories as we embark upon a sojourn of Food, Faith and Alzheimer's.  
     Until next time, plan something spectacular in your life as you follow along with us.  

The Second Point of Our Triangle ~ Food

Hello, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Deborah.  While I’ve been living in Vegas for over nineteen years, I grew up in Palo Alto, but was born and went to college in San Francisco, California.  That famous fog that rolls in at day’s end, accompanied by those chilly breezes, still rustles through my veins even here in the desert.  Growing up in what is now known as the bustling Silicone Valley, but back in the '60's and 70's was far less so, is where I developed my innate tendency to wear patchouli oil and hemp-based backpacks accented with designer eyewear and outfits with an avant garde flair.  This dichotomous approach to fashion permeates my character and makes for a mix of expensive taste, tempered with organic reasoning and logic.  At least that’s how I see myself. 

I’m between 58 and 62 years of age, been married a few times and have four wonderful, full-grown children.  I spend my time (oh dear, this is beginning to sound like a dating site bio) working as a personal chef, teaching cooking classes, writing, and doing volunteer work.  There’s also some exercising and gardening thrown in for good measure.

I was drawn to this hike along the Franciscan Trail over a year ago.  I heard about it while attending a lecture and viewing videos presented by a gentleman who had just returned from his own venture along Italy’s Green Heart.   A couple of months after that video, my selection for my book club was Wild, which was followed by the movie version.   Now I am not a wilderness trail kind of girl, but I do enjoy hiking.   I’ve always appreciated nature in its fullest, the majestic trees of Yosemite, the rocky beaches of Half Moon Bay, the snow-capped mountains of the Sierras and of course the icy, blue water of Lake Tahoe.  However, snakes, wild boar and spiders (apparently they are part of the St. Francis Trail) are rather bothersome for me. But there seemed to be so many “signs” directing me towards the Trail. 

My love of travel, art, history, and of course, Italian cuisine and wine.  That, mixed with my recent yearning to wander through greener pastures, trumped my fear of wild animals and pesky insects.   I made the decision to pursue this adventure.      

It doesn’t seem long ago, when I would eagerly wake with the sun warming my eyelids after a night of sleeping under the stars, only a plastic tarp beneath my sleeping bag (Michael beside me) and an expansive morning sky above me.  Back then I could lace up a pair of hiking boots in seconds flat, stuff a sleeping bag into a 4 x 6 nylon drawstring sack, then run my hands through my long, unruly hair and head out to the nearest road or trail.  These were things I did as I hitchhiked across the country from California to Annapolis Maryland.  Slept on the floor of a ballroom on board a cruise ship then rode the train west, across Canada.   Then I was still a teenager. 

In my late forties I found myself hiking the Grand Canyon, I didn’t pay attention and thought I would be doing day hikes for a day or two.  Nope, instead it was 7 hours aaall the way down to Phantom Ranch and 9 hours back out the next day.  Now that was a feat worth Blogging about.  So why, all these years later, do I think I can take on an excursion of this sort?  First of all because I want to.   Secondly, I’ll be hiking this trail with a legitimate out-doorsy group, The Sierra Club, and lastly, more importantly, I’ll be flanked by two of my best friends, Brenda and Nancy.  

While the three of us have our own personal reasons for making this trek through the undulating landscapes of Central Italy, my contribution is the food perspective.  Not only do I plan on covering the foods we will encounter on the hike and while tootling around town for 14-16 days, I’m going to contribute to my threesome’s epicurean preparation for the trip.  As the girls and I move between workouts and walk-a-thons, I’ll be sharing what I know and research regarding which ingredients, herbs, spices and dishes will best help to increase our strength and endurance.  

Of course, we each individually and collectively have issues to address and a variety of obstacles to overcome as we ready ourselves for this trip.  So before Nancy, Brenda and I make even one imprint of a hiking boot onto the dust and dirt of the Franciscan Trail in Umbria Italy there are a few things we must do.    The first of which is . . . . .

Brenda ~

Brenda Marie, born in South Bend Indiana under the sign of Aquarius. I have lived a life thus far filled with many of the same events and experiences as most of woman-kind.

I was first blessed by being raised in a house that taught ethics, morals and the belief in God. After moving west with my immediate family to San Diego, California at the age of 19, I changed my areas of interest in education, jobs and living arrangements numerous times. I got married and moved to Las Vegas NV where I have lived since 1992.

Christian David, is now 25, and of all the nerve, lives in beautiful San Diego, California (aka paradise) after graduating from University of Nevada-Reno and is now attending SDSU for his Master’s Degree. He is my pride and joy and only child, can you tell?

I have been married and divorced, worked hard my whole life (primarily in the field of Human Resources), with happy family times, memorable vacations, friendships made, friendships lost, achievements and disappointments, fallen in and out of love (hoping for one final run at that), been a care giver, followed by loss, grief, depression, loss of my faith for a period of time but with growth in my faith for a longer period.

In my 55^th year of life, I added to my life’s experiences. It was on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb 1, 2015, an ambulance ride followed by a major surgery and rehabilitation from a horseback riding accident. Having always been a very active, busy woman, working, church, volunteering, team dragon boat racing, spin classes, yoga, meditation and socializing with friends 2 to 3 times a week--- all of that stopped after the accident and my whole life changed overnight.

Now as I work to overcome my physical challenges and recovery, I find myself reevaluating, reprioritizing and consciously reinventing myself into a life I want to get up to every day and live. I have some thoughts and plans, one of which includes Walking the Franciscan Trail, for numerous reasons. To be continued . . .