Radiant Recovery Newsletter #715

July 30, 2017

Hi, {!firstname_fix},

First of all, I would like to tell you why this is coming on Monday morning rather than Sunday night. Some of you know that I. have been the caretaker of an injured peacock from my neighborhood. Last week I decided he was mobile and strong enough to be back to the neighborhood. I released him to return to the flock. However, my neighbors see his disability rather than his progress and have been gravely concerned about his ability to take care of himself. They have also noted that the #3 male has been pecking him and attempting to banish him from the flock. The neighborhood concern erupted into a plea that I come get him and keep him safe. At 8:20 last night, just as I was in the middle of doing the news letter, I got a text saying he was standing on the wall down the street, could I come now. Armed with my red peacock catching towel and the dog crate, I went off for peacock duty. It took a while because one wrong step and he would have hopped off the wall into the backside neighbor's yard, and closer to the ditch where the coyotes roam. High drama,...ending in a sublime toss of the towel over Mr. Peacock and Kathleen knowing just how to grab him so his mighty wings stayed close to his body and out of my face.

Into the crate he went. Brody was in the car and barked at the arrival of Mr. peacock. The neighbor who had called for the rescue saw Brody and wanted to know if he was *good with cats*...dear god, the woman wanted to adopt *my* boy, LOL. I deferred, took Mr. Peacock home, put him in the kennel we had cleaned this morning. Needless to say, my newsletter schedule didn't make the Sunday deadline)

As I promised last week, we have some changes to report. Elaine A who most of you know from her many years of service as the step one mentor has returned after a rest and renewal. She is going to mentor the creative cooking list. And she is on board to welcome the activation of the new recipe system we have been working on for 6 months. Look for that to be up later this week.

Kath, who has been doing such things as recuperating from shoulder surgery and full time care for her disabled husband, is now ready to come back to mentoring. She will be mentoring the vegetarian list which will be revitalized around sustainability and plant based eating. Kath has expertise in this area and I am thrilled she will be able to share about doing the program from this filter.

Jo, who was resting after her tenure with the Step Six list, is returning to mentor the fitness list, yea! Jo has wondrous skill and tales to share about learning to be fit and adjust food to support a growing level of skill and strength.

Rachel from the UK also started as a new mentor last month. She is working with the Depression list and brings light and the skill of her program and radiance to bear there. It is lovely place to learn about healing from depression.

Helen from Ireland will be returning to mentoring after recuperating from a knee replacement and a program reset. We are talking about best places for her joy and skills. More on that too come. And I have a list of people I am speaking with so expect more energy streaming in. If you have ever thought about mentoring, do write me.

Gretel has offered to mentor the Living list and they are on a roll over there talking about life things and joys.

Other exciting things to report include adding a new Facebook Group to accommodate people from Germany who would like to be sharing in their native language. Verena has offered her skill and program knowledge to mentor that group. We hope to set up other sub groups for FB to accommodate international users who come in mostly by their phones and find FB an easier platform.

We changed the name of the Brits list to Radiant British. I have been struggling with the Naming issue for many years, LOL. Here is the explanation I sent to the group:

From the beginning, I have struggled with the naming of this group. You have NO idea, how I have struggled, LOL.

Yesterday I had the idea to actually google my dilemma. I put in this question

Is it appropriate to call a British person a Brit

and I came to this page

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/25289/is-it-appropriate-to-call-a-british-person-a-brit

The essence of the argument is this

I am British, live in Britain and can state I have never heard the British use the term "Brit" about themselves. Nor have I heard any other country use it other than the Americans. We tend to say "I am British" rather then "I am a Brit". Newspapers refer to British people or "Britons" (as in "ten Britons died in the fire"). We would say "were there any British people there?" or "were there any British there?" — never "were there any Brits there?".

Offensive? Not really — more disrespectful because it suggests the Americans can't be bothered to use our terminology and have to invent their own.

Now, I will respectfully say that honestly, for me, it was never a question of not being *bothered*, but one of not being able to grapple with the question properly. And the persons I was asking were way too polite to say some of the things said in this article, LOL.

But the points made in the article are well taken including the idea that Americans would never refer to themselves as a *yank* because it would not reflect the proper description of how we define ourselves, LOL. [for the record, generally we would refer to ourselves as *American* although until today we would be cringing at the thought of admitting it]

So I am thinking, it is time to change the name of the group to Radiant British.

Come to chats this week. We will be talking about change. And how doing the food supports being able to weather all sorts of things. Remember this is grace unfolding and you are not alone.

Support for Your Program

Ongoing Groups

Discover ongoing discussion geared to the step you are on, or special considerations like depression, parenting or fitness.

Radiant Coaching

Coaching is individualized support. We are just started a new sequence for beginners so if you are beginning the program and would like to have individualized support from Kathleen in apprentice coaching, please come join us. The commitment is $20 @week for 2 week intervals.

If you are further along in the process and would like to join Skilled Coaching, write me at kathleen@radiantrecovery.com

Classes

This class will start on Aug 2, 2017:

Using the Resources of the Community

This is a FREE orientation that will show around the community and give you a sense about how things work, what we offer and how to make your way around.

I will be working on designing a new class schedule. Lots to catch up on and work through.

“Doing the food will balance you, and you will know exactly how to heal yourself.”

Testimonial

For years every time I started a new diet I announced it to everyone. Maybe I thought that would help me to stay on the straight and narrow. What I did was kind of give everyone permission to remark on what I was eating.

Fast forward to when I began to follow the steps. First I read PNP and it made a lot of sense. Right away I started a journal which I kept hidden from everyone. Although the order of the steps changed, it may have been best for me to do the journal first. All those yellow marks for all the sugar I ate made a huge impression.

I followed the steps and made slow and steady progress. I never said a word to my DP or anyone that I was working the steps. When I wobbled I got right back up and started again. I didn't punish myself when I wasn't perfect. That was huge because I was always doing that if I wasn't perfect on my new diet. I stuck to what Kathleen wrote about one food choice at a time. If I made a poor choice, I just tried a little harder the next time. If I ate the wrong things on Sat. I didn't trash the plan. At the next meal I did my best to eat enough protein, browns and vegetables. I didn't fall for that old trap of "I might as well start over on Monday."

After a couple of months I started to watch my anniversaries. Funny, but now that I wrote that, my five year anniversary is the week of St. Patrick's Day. My family gets together to watch the parade on St. Patrick's Day. I cook corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. I was seven months into the program and still playing with a little sugar after my meals. When I say a little, that is one tablespoon or less of ice cream after my meal. It didn't even taste good any longer.

After dinner at my son's I ate some home made carrot cake. After all I was allowed because I hadn't done a sugar detox LOL! It gave me a terrible migraine headache for about three or four days. Since I had no sugar for those four days I figured the Universe was helping me to do the sugar detox.

One of the main reasons that I was able to stick with the steps was because I could go at my own pace. Once I started having breakfast consistently I began to feel so full of energy, happy and focused. Only than did I have the courage to go on to the next step. It was very important and helpful for me to experience the healing of my biochemistry. It sure beats going cold turkey!

Hugs,
Ann

Radiant Recovery Store

I know that last week I talked with you about pycnogenol. Kathleen just read a pretty amazing article about a *powerful aspirin alternative* and thought you might like to hear about another wonderful support for it. It is pretty clear to me that it is a good thing to take. And it is why we have a private label.

Here is the report that appear in Green Med Info [a fabulous resource]

And here is where to find it in our store: Pycnogenol.

Please send questions and suggestions. My name is David and I am Kathleen's oldest son. I run the Radiant Recovery® Store and I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better.

Come visit at the Radiant Recovery Store.

Radiant Kitchen

Georgia Sweets

This recipe comes from the Radiant Recipes cookbook. I was looking for a really yummy comforting brown and I think this definitely does the trick.

Ingredients
   •   3 lb. sweet potatoes or yams, scrubbed and cut into chunks
   •   2 T. butter
   •   2 T. orange juice concentrate
   •   1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
   •   1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
   •   2 large eggs, slightly beaten
Topping:
   •   1 c. chopped pecans
   • 1 /3 c. rolled oats
   •   3/4 tsp. cinnamon
   •   T. butter, cut into bits
Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan with enough lightly salted water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cook at a simmer until potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes. Drain well and set aside. While potatoes are cooking, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9 x 12 baking pan with cooking spray. With a hand masher or electric mixer, whip potatoes in a medium-sized bowl. Add remaining ingredients and whip until smooth. Spread mixture into prepared pan. Combine topping ingredients to form a crumbly paste. Spread over top of sweet potatoes. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until golden brown and hot throughout. Makes 6 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 60 minutes. Learning skill.

For great program-friendly recipes, check out our Cookbook in the store and visit our online Radiant Recipes site.

Radiant YLD

Radiant Your Last Diet is a membership program for people wanting to lose weight in an entirely different way. We learn *maintenance* FIRST. We stop the addiction before doing the pounds part.

Often you have tried 100s of diets. You may know how to lose weight, but you always regain because you never healed the addiction. Here is a way to do it differently.

For current members, don't forget we have added a *secret* (that means private) list on FB as well.

YLD is a lifetime membership. You can ALWAYS come back.If you would like to join us in YLD, come find us here.

Radiant Living

Well, as I said in my notes above, Kath has agreed to mentor the Radiant Living list. We are excited about since she is my role model for how to live from a place of radiance. I am excited to see the list come alive and look forward to leading my new and exciting chats!

If you would like to join us in Radiant Living, come find us here.

The Story of the Clown

Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.

I have published this story before. I am putting it in again because I love it.

I was visiting my brother and we were chatting in his storage room where he has his exercise bike set up. I noticed the clown, Clowny, sitting on some magazines. It was Clowny, my brothers doll from a long time ago. Long enough to be on the edge of collectible and antique. So I asked him where he came from. *Oh,* he said, *I was putting things away and found him in a box.* This is an important find. So I told him that I thought he should get Clowny restored. His clown suit was frayed, his cap was chewed off, his shoes were almost worn to the skin, and his nose was patched. My brother knows about restoration because he has some old Native American textiles and old maps and things. He treasures old things. He liked the idea.

We went online and googled dog restoration. It seemed as if Clowny was from the family of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. We tried a couple of Ann and Andy restorers, but the chemistry wasnt right. We found a doll clinic in Atlanta - ah the joys of the internet and the US Post office. Yes, Linda would see him and tell us what she thought. So my brother sent Clowny off in a box.

The first message came back as a functional exploration of what needed to be done. My brother's replies to the clown restorer are italics:

Hi:

Well, interesting project.

#1, clean clown body, as from years of use, he will dry rot most likely, if NOT done. OK

#2, replace black boot feet. Is it necessary to replace ?

#3, replace head, re-stitch features on new face, (keeping color of fabric as close to original as possible) - will not match exactly, but when dressed, one won't notice particularly. Is it really necessary to replace?

#4, re-attach old hair to new head. *I removed the "patch" to see what type nose was there, appears to be a green triangular one? Advise if you remember-am I correct, most of it is long gone, I see only faint evidence of the original for my clues. I see the stitch marks of the brows, black thread, think they were black. OK

#5, re-stuff Mr. Clown. What is his name? OK - "Clowny"

#6, Clothing: Either clean up and patch old suit, or make a new one using a fabric with the flavor of the old, but we are minus the material for the hat. We can make a new suit/hat, or restore the old, making some sort of hat to accompany the suit. Definitely clean up & patch old suit.

The old suit is mangled at the sleeve edge, but I could add a ruffle on the end of each sleeve to hide the damage on the one sleeve, and they would both match then. The hole in the center of the neck ruffle can be hidden with a pom-pom. I prefer to retain the integrity of Mr. Clown, because if I change him in a dramatic way, he is no longer (YOUR CLOWN)! I completely agree.

Once I clean the the body, I remove the head and I iron the face. I trace very carefully the features, they are my pattern that I will use for thr needlework for the features. Originally the mouth and eyes were outlined in black. I follow this carefully, so as not to alter what was original. I even try to hand stitch as was original to it. Great

The one problem is the hat. There is a wee bit of fabric still on the head, remove it, perhaps incorporate a tad of it onto the new one, perhaps a dot on the new hat so it adds a connection. Good

What I am attempting to do, in my own sneaky artistic way, is to restore Clown, not make him look like he rolled outta Walmart! Oh yes.

I mark the old head, so that I can replace his ratty (but clean) old hair back onto the head, even tho pieces are missing. You wore it off, it stays that way! If I add more, not your Clown guy anymore! You chew end of his hat? Not nice! Yes

Okay, there you have it. It can be done successfully, little bit of magic to make it happen, but we can get the job done. Trust me, I love these brain teasers.

Please let me know what your desires are, and thank you for contacting me with your needs.

So they came to agreement to proceed. And then something started happening. Here is Lindas next note:

Hi:

I'm alive and kicking. Clowny and I are having a great time. He is presently in his "birthday suit", because his "suit" is soaking in chemicals and coming out remarkably clean. I'm impressed. I removed his hat, and there is some fabric there. I believe the original had a rolled stuffed brim all the way around like a skinny donut. The hat possibly might have come to a point like a clown hat with perhaps a pom-pom attached to the end, or was a dome attached to the donut like brim. I'd bet on the clown pointed version with or without pom-pom. You ate it, what was it?

1. Shoes. The original will not hold up to restuffing, but I will use the old ones as a pattern, "age" the black fabric so it will not "bounce" off his legs visually. As I force the stuffing into his feet, they will not hold the filler, they will split apart, too dry rotten. I need that foot support to stuff the remainder of the legs.

Another thing. I'll bet "Mom" made Clowny and I also retain the stitch integrity, as I open up each leg/hand compartment individually at the side seams, I do not undo the original hand stitching, but go into the machine stitching instead. Whatever set of "loving hands" did the work, those stitches remain intact.

Each compartment is emptied before cleaning is attempted. Nasty old stuffing is removed, patching is done before the "bath", detailing, afterwards.

2. I was thinking about the head all day long, as it is so important to his originality. I am going to "patch" him from the inside, support the torn face from the inside, and try to hide as best possible, the damage. It will show, but it will not be as obvious as the "patch". Once I put the nose back on, which is totally gone, less a few telltale stitches, it will draw attention away from the rips. He will just look well loved, but original too. There is plenty of thread in the mouth, also, someone tried to paint it red at one point.

I think we are in agreement in that saving his face is paramount, and we both give the Walmart approach the "boot"!

I just had a couple of dolls come in that were "restored". They were the total pits. As I was speaking to my customer, I was systematically ripping the wig off one of them and the look on her face was hysterical. I was speaking very matter of factly, waving around this wig as I spoke. Too funny. Something as inappropriate as that wig, bit the dust immediately.

The fact that the "white" of his suit is coming clean is great, then the additional hat fabric will not stand out. I will also trash the pom-poms to give them a little AGE.

His body is VERY fragile. Saliva, tears, grease/grime, acidity, etc., break down the fibers. The face is the MOST fragile part. The body must be cleaned SLOWLY, any stitching is done without any tension, as it would rip right out of the existing fabric.

I believe you will be well pleased with the end result. I love the abstract part, the challenge, to see what I can pull off. Personal challenges engage my mind, oddly enough, easy stuff bores me to no end! In over 30 years, I never thought that there was something that I could not fix. What is really weird is that I'll accept a job period, and figure out HOW I'm going to fix it LATER, go figure! Guess the abstract/artist thing gels. Not a clue.

Anyway, we are rolling with Clowny, he is sleeping, I covered him up, he was freezing! Wait till I "operate", and screams of agony resonate from my studio.

My brother and I started talking about the time he had Clowny. I knew he had him when we were in Tucson because I remember seeing pictures of him carrying him. As we talked, we both had this image of Clowny in Milwaukee, just after I was born. Clowny when Peter was in the snowsuit and Mom had a new baby. And we talked about the fact that Clowny was a homemade doll, not a Raggedy Andy type fellow. It seemed to fit, maybe a Midwestern doll from a church sale. We hung up.

I was smiling thinking of that little funny dolly. Then Peter sent these emails along and the idea that *Mom* made the doll stopped me cold. It is possible, I thought. My mothers mother was an incredible seamstress. She made all sorts of doll clothes for my mother by hand. Tiny stiches, little dresses with smocking on the front, little knickers and undershirts to match. So my mother learned to sew. And that winter she was at home, not working. She could have made Clowny. Somehow that idea just fill me with peace. Sort of like Moms loving being restored.

Linda seems like my kind of woman. She does dolly restoration...I do people...

I hope you like this story as much as I do.

©2017 Kathleen DesMaisons. All rights reserved. You are free to use or transmit this article to your ezine or website as long as you leave the content unaltered, use this attribution: "By Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. of Radiant Recovery^®", and notify kathleen@radiantrecovery.com of the location. Please visit the Radiant Recovery^® website at http://www.radiantrecovery.com for additional resources on sugar sensitivity and healing addiction.

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