Momentum Matters

A Moveable Feast

Last week I had the pleasure of being part of A Moveable Feast, an event sponsored by the Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI). It was simply fabulous. We started by visiting local farms, hearing the stories of folks who passionately care for the land while raising sustainable crops and animals, and gathering a bounty of foods for a gourmet feast.  

First stop:  The May Farm Pasture in Frankfort.
Paul and Sharron May raise pastured meats and eggs and custom livestock. A highlight of their farm is the Farm to School Eggmobile and "The Flerd," a mixed herd of beef and lamb that they pasture in succession with poultry. Their pilot pasture is also a working template for a micro-enterprise that requires minimal infrastructure, equipment, inputs or fuel costs because it works with nature. 

Second Stop:  Laman Farm in Honor.
Peter and Kristi Laman have owned their farm for more than 30 years. They grow New Haven and Red Fremont peaches as well as Pristine, Gala, Golden Delicious, Royal Empire, Red Delicious, Spartan, Smoothee, MacIntosh and Honeycrisp apples. 

Third Stop:  Harris Farm in Honor.
Walt and Sharon Harris have been farmers in Benzie County since 1980. Their biggest crops are asparagus, sweet corn and tomatoes, and they also grow a wide array of summer vegetables and fruits including strawberries, tart and sweet cherries and blueberries. They have weathered many ups and downs of farming over the the years, but Walt says, "I still enjoy it."

Last Stop:  Our Feast.
We meandered our way back to the shores of Crystal Lake to the home of Steve & Hallie Christian, owners of Dinghy's Restaurant in Frankfort, and enjoyed a fabulous meal featuring local products, some gathered by us, some by master chef Jim Barnes, Crystal Lake Catering Company. 

Let's see. How can I convey the difference in taste of foods grown with TLC by farmers who live and breathe their passion for quality and sustainability? Or the difference in transporting product short distances? Or the importance of supporting local farmers? It's what my honey and I do. In fact, we go out of our way to eat local, sustainable foods. When you take a look at our menu for A Moveable Feast, you'll understand why...

Appetizers:

• Chicken Curry Lettuce Wraps: Shredded chicken poached in sweet curry brine and wrapped in bib lettuce
      Chicken: The May Farm, Frankfort
      Bib Lettuce: Spring Hollow Farm, Buckley
• Seasonal Vegetable Platter: Bountiful assortment of roasted vegetables
      Fresh Vegetables: Elberta Farmers Market
• Sweet Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraiche
      Corn: Harris Farms, Honor
      Smoked Salmon: Port City Smokehouse, Frankfort
• Fresh Eggplant Ajvar Caponata on Crostini
      Eggplant: Elberta Farmers Market

Dinner

• Northern Michigan Salad:  Field greens, dried cherries, goat cheese, red onion, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette, served with fresh baked bread 
      Field Greens: Ware Farm, Bear Lake
      Organic Dried Cherries: North Star Organics, Frankfort
      Goat Cheese: Land of Goshen, Kaleva
      Bread: Crescent Bakery, Frankfort
• Beef Tenderloin:  Dry rubbed with coarsely cracked black pepper and fresh garlic, seared and finished medium rare 
      Beef: Rice Centennial Farm, Benzonia
• Fresh Lake Superior Whitefish:  Baked and served with a beurre blanc and fresh dill
      Whitefish: Monte’s Smokehouse, Frankfort
      White Wine Beurre Blanc: Left Foot Charley, Traverse City
• Grilled Vegetables:  Roasted tomatoes, onions and garlic sauteed with baby yellow and zucchini squash panzella 
      Corn: Harris Farms, Honor
      Tomatoes: Grow Benzie, Benzonia
      Baby Squash: Ocana Farm, Suttons Bay
      Bread: Crescent Bakery, Frankfort
• Peach Tarts with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Pomegranate/Gooseberry Sauce
      Peaches: Laman Farm, Honor
      Ice Cream: Hill Top Soda Shop, Benzonia

Local Beverages from:

• Coffee: Higher Ground Trading Company, Traverse City
• Cream: Cream Cup Dairy, Kaleva
• Iced Tea: Light of Day Organics, Traverse City
• Wine: Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay
• Beer: Short’s Brewing Company, Bellaire and Bells’ Brewery, Kalamazoo
• Hard Cider: Northern Natural Winery, Benzonia

With a meal like that, I hope you can see why I'm unabashedly singing the praises of A Moveable Feast, local farmers and the Michigan Land Use Institute.

MLUI has been key in bringing local foods to our tables by supporting local farmers, creating the Taste the Local Difference program, and publishing a comprehensive guide that lists farms, wineries, groceries, restaurants and other businesses offering locally grown farm products in northwest Lower Michigan. BRAVO, MLUI!

Will you join me in supporting the Michigan Land Use Institute (go to www.mlui.org) plus the farm to table movements in your communities? Our health and the health of our communities depends on it.

What's for supper?

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

 

From Omnivore to Vegan

Former President Bill Clinton has a new focus. An omnivore turned vegan (no meat, no dairy, no eggs, almost no oil), Clinton is trying to spread his newfound zeal for healthy eating to children. It's a message we can all take to heart. 

Clinton's dietary changes began in 1993, when first lady Hillary Clinton decided to inaugurate a new, healthier diet for her husband, who loved hamburgers, steaks, chicken enchiladas, french fries and doughnuts... and his health showed it.  At his annual physical in 1999, the White House physician noted that Clinton had put on 18 pounds since a checkup two years earlier. 

In 2004, less than four years after leaving office, Clinton underwent quadruple bypass surgery at the age of 58. Last year, after feeling week during his trip to Haiti to support relief efforts, he returned home for stent surgery to open one of the veins from his bypass surgery. That finally got his attention and was the beginning of a true lifestyle change.

Clinton is a shining example of how lifestyle changes can transform one's life. His focus on exercise and a low-calorie diet allowed him to drop more than 20 pounds, and he says he's healthier than ever. The Clinton Foundation has teamed up with the American Heart Association and is helping 12,000 schools promote exercise and offer better lunches so decades from now, today's children will not face the same heart troubles he has.

BRAVO! 

After a month of eating fast food thanks to travel and a move to our new home, I'm ready to get back to healthy exercise and food. Thanks for the motivation, Mr. President!

By the way, tune in to "The Last Heart Attack," tonight at 8 p.m. ET as Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the signs, tests and lifestyle changes that could make cardiac problems a thing of the past. I'll be watching and hope you do too.

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

Oh My, Look What We DID...0 to 60 in 3 days

We did it! We gave our hearts, soul, sweat and tears for three days and created some remarkable memories along the way. Here are a few highlights of our Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure journey...

My bff Terry and I the night before the 3-Day pulling our outfits together... hats, tiaras, and donor recognition necklaces.

At the opening ceremony ready to walk! Left to right: Leslie, Janet, Jim, Terry, Nancy

 

My brother Jim was a good sport. We nicknamed him "the slacker" because he was anything but that and the only one who walked all the recommended MEGA miles for training.

 

Still smiling... it's a McAlpine thing to stick oranges in our mouths for photos. ;)

 

One day down; two to go!

 

 Janet getting taped up on Day 2.

Jim getting taped up on Day 2.

Nancy getting taped up on Day 2.

Terry getting taped up on Day 2.

Leslie getting taped up on Day 2.

 Still happy... but what's with your orange, Terry? You're 90 degrees off. ;)

Day 2 DONE. Nancy left with her hubby and Terry was off eating so we decided to take photo of Leslie, Jimmy and Janet walking for Dad. This day was all about mental fortitude, something Dad gave us plenty of (thank goodness!).

 

We walked most of Day 3 in the rain but left hats on hoping for sun.

Jim called in a lifeline and his wife brought him dry shirt, socks and shoes. Lucky dog. 

3.7 miles from the finish and we were so happy that we started singing, cheering and entertaining anyone who would look our way. 

We were welcomed to the finish line by Tricia. She was beaming and so were we.

Tired tootsies but oh, so happy and satisfied.

Thank you for following us and for your support. We walked for Tricia & in honor of Dad and feel so grateful for every step of the journey.

Leslie & Tricia's Team

Visualizing BOLD Action & BIG Success

And here we are. Just days from walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in the Detroit area. It has taken a lot of time, energy and determination to reach this point, and I am feeling so proud of my team for their perseverance in what's turned out to be more of a training and fundraising challenge than we anticipated. But we did it. We've prepared for the BIG weekend, and we've raised $16,758!

When I created Tricia's Team, I didn't know if I'd have another member. Within hours my sister Janet signed on. A few days later my cousin Nancy surprised me and joined the team. Then my bff Terry and my brother Jim. And finally we added Dad as an honorary member. He battled colon and bile duct cancer and became quite familiar with chemo and radiation treatments... and the complications that resulted from the protocols. When my sister/his daughter Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer, he fought hard to stay alive to act as a constant support and cheerleader. After his passing it seemed fitting that he continue to support Trish in her health and healing by becoming an honorary member of Tricia's Team. It's been so comforting to have him on the team. 

And now it's safe to say that we're all feeling a little nervous about walking three consecutive 20-mile days. As is my habit, I'm using visualization as a tool for success. It's something used by many world-class athletes to prepare for an athletic event and something I've shared with hundreds of clients. I promise to write about the technique soon, but for now I'll just say that I'm repeating the images and sensations of a successful 3-Day in my mind's eye while banishing any negativity or fear.

Each day this week I will imagine myself at the finish line of the 3-Day, smiling and feeling strong. I'll feel the breeze on my face as I walk, and I'll hear the crowds cheering me on. I'll feel my feet moving along the sidewalk, light and energized. I'll imagine how my clothes feel against my skin, and I'll imagine the joy and pride pumping through me as I walk into camp with hundreds of newfound friends.

Finally, I'll see the rows of breast cancer survivors in a sea of pink, thanking and congratulating me and Tricia's Team. I will imagine every little detail exactly as I want the experience to be. This is my visualization for the week and my reality come Sunday, August 14.  

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammates in their final fundraising push? Click here, select a team member and donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When they top $3,000 (and they're oh, so close), they'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

 

Waking Up & Living Mindfully

I love this story. It's real. It's life-changing. And it's in my book, Create the Life You Crave. Dr. Blake Brown has positively impacted thousands of lives, and his story and message could change yours as well. Read on for a lesson on waking up and living mindfully, written by Dr. Blake... 

 

After many years of practice, every day I wake up in happiness with a smile on my face.  Now, it’s automatic and just happens.

I grew up in Kansas, and as a Midwesterner, I was doing everything that was expected of me. I had a basketball scholarship to the University of Michigan where I was emulating a medical path modeled by my father and grandfather, both Doctors of Osteopathy.

I quickly discovered this was not where my heart was, so I dropped it all and went into business administration. With my "yearn to learn," I also began exploring Eastern spiritual studies and Tibetan yoga as well as macrobiotic vegetarianism.

It wasn’t long before I had an amazing epiphany during a meditation. It was so profound that it completely changed my life as I got in touch with the God in me. I realized that I needed a complete paradigm shift to release my Midwest consciousness, deal with my inner self, suppress my ego, and discover my mission. I needed to find my purpose and start fulfilling that purpose in this lifetime.

I decided it was time to make energetic choices to support where I was, and that meant leaving my business career and company of 10 years as well as the big house, the nice cars, and my marriage. As I made the change, I lost 90% of my friends and family because I was threatening the mores that we had been raised under.

I set out on a path to learn as much as I could to help myself achieve the best chances to be healthy, happy and successful. I moved to California and studied acupuncture, cranial sacral, polarity, reflexology, Bach flowers remedies, homeopathy, Reike, Aston Patterning, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, massage and many other modalities to add to things I was already doing which included meditation, yoga and vegetarianism. 

I learned a lot in a short period of time, so much so, I moved from northern California to Santa Barbara to establish my own practice to share what I had learned and what seemed to be working for me and many others.  After a few very successful years, my office relocated into a chiropractic clinic and I soon learned there was more to learn. Long story short, I went to chiropractic school at the tender age of 42 and studied numerous non-force techniques that were offered outside of traditional schooling and returned to Santa Barbara to resume a holistic practice with more ammunition. 

Over the 36 years I have been practicing holistic health care, I have always recognized the importance of practicing extreme self-care. I do so myself and also teach others how to follow the 6 Essentials of Life which are how we think, what we eat and drink, how we rest and sleep, breathe, and exercise.

Practicing extreme self-care is analogous to extreme skiing. You’re at the top of your game. It’s challenging. You’re out of your comfort zone, and you’re committed to honoring your truth. For me, that means personally living and experiencing extreme self-care and sharing it with thousands of others.

The biggest challenge is to be in every moment of every moment, which is a bit of what meditation is. I’ve practiced this concept for 41 years, and it’s still a huge challenge to be in the moment and be grateful. Some days are easier than others. For instance, a recent golf game got me totally out of balance within 15 minutes of picking up a club. When I found myself irritated and out of balance, I said, “Halt!” Then I brought myself back to being in the moment and seeing the good and learning the lessons of each moment.

I continually tell others:  practice, practice, practice. And that helps me follow the 6 Essentials of Life. Here’s how I do it:

I wake up every morning thankful for waking up. I think and feel happiness with a smile on my face. Then I spend 20 minutes practicing yoga, doing sit ups, and lifting weights followed by 20 minutes of meditation where I listen to the silence, my breath and verbalizations to self (expressions of gratitude for relationships with Roelanda, my family, friends, master mind group, staff, financial freedom and life style of passionate living that includes spiritual awareness, good food, good wine, sports and travel).

Prior to each meditation, I do what is called the “mPower March” where I assume a certain stance and S T R E T C H, holding that stance for 10 seconds on each side while thinking positive thoughts. I repeat this process three times, twice a day minimum. After meditating, I walk at a fast pace for three miles through my neighborhood while I reflect on a daily affirmation. 

Affirmations guide my days. On “Good Thoughts Monday” I focus on the positive from morning til night. For “Appreciation Tuesday” I appreciate all that there is and that I have on all levels.  On “Good Deeds Wednesday” I focus on small acts of kindness such as buying lunch for someone I don’t know and yielding to other drivers and giving up my seat to another. “Thank You Thursday” provides an opportunity to make more eye contact with others as I thank them for their words or actions and give thanks repeatedly throughout the day for everything. “Good Feelings Friday” is a day to express more love and happiness and fill up with good feelings. “Lighten Up Saturday” is a fun-filled, easy and effortless day, and “All Good Sunday” is an opportunity to look at goodness of the past week and the week to come. 

I carry those affirmations through my day, whether at work or play. I could have retired 15 years ago, but still love to help others unlock their potential, so I continue to work 12 hours per week and teach seminars and do lectures. My office is just minutes from where I live, and I have a fantastic staff supporting me so that I can devote all of my attention to patients and to teaching others how to do this work.

Each day I make sure my body stays alkaline by eating 2-3 pieces of fruit, and a green barley product for breakfast. At lunch I juice carrots and enjoy a sprouts, tomato and avocado sandwich on sprouted grain bread, along with my vice, some white and yellow corn chips. Dinner is usually at home and includes vegetables over millet, rice, pasta or a baked potato. All food is organic and most is locally grown and purchased at one of the daily farmer’s markets.

While my diet is primarily lacto-ovo vegetarian (raw milk and cheeses, poultry, vegetables and whole grains), I do eat other foods on occasion, especially while traveling in France where I’ll always enjoy Duck Confit and in Holland where I eat paling, smoked eel.

I am heavily into sports still, record all the Kansas basketball games, and watch at a time that is convenient.

I believe every thought we think is either health enhancing or disease producing. As I see it, the health care of the future will treat the whole person, body, mind and spirit and deal at the level of cause and prevention and offer more from a coaching perspective.  This is what the work I do now is all about; to make it less necessary for the body to express in sickness, disease and dis-ease.

The 6 Essentials of Health are how I practice extreme self-care. It’s a choice, an ever-processing phenomenon, and an opportunity to be in every moment of every moment and see the good in it, learn the lessons and be forgiving.

 

~ Blake Thomas Brown, D.C.

www.wix.com/drbtbr/dr-browns-wellness-center

 

Want to read other inspiring stories of transformation and commitment by women and men who have radically shifted priorities, unleashed authenticity, and embraced the practice of extreme self-care? Click here to Create the Life You Crave.

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst