THE BRAGGART

                                 She flashes her freshly straightened hair
                                 Twists it in a coil, drops it again
                                 An action that continues,as if a nervous tic has set in
                                 That is the case I suspect but even bigger than that
                                  is the ego, otherwise known as
                                  ATTENTION GRABBER
                                  That has taken over


                                   Her action screams "look at me"
                                   Her eyes are dashing and a slight smile
                                   Appears on her hardened face
                                   Like a bull she is ready to charge
                                   She is sitting on a high horse
                                    She is climbing Mt. Everest
                                    She becomes that peacock, with wide-spread wings


                                     Where are the little people she shouted in anger
                                     Don't they know who I am?
                                     Why aren't they screaming out my achievements?
                                     I will show them a thing or two
                                     Her face gets harder, that wicked smile gets wider
                                     Spelling  revenge
                                     She pinned another badge of her high standing
                                     On her heavy laden lapel
                                     Let me see them top that!


                                       There is nothing else for me to do, she declared
                                        I know it all, I have done it all
                                        She closed her eyes and beat on her chest
                                        Satisfied with her grading of self

SEEDS OF HOPE

"Help me to help them was the cry.
And you all came running.
Banding together for a kinder world."
psw/With Gratitude
                                                                  
We were able to get much needed funds through Macy's yearly "Shop For A Cause" project.  This year we were caught by surprise by what is known as CrowdRise Funding.  All donations were handled on-line.  Thanks to the team members who galvanized their friends and families to help us raise $2,184. Thanks to the donors, no matter what your contribution was.


Choose To Care also won one of CrowdRise's  challenge which netted $500.  Now we are able to change the lives of many more kids in need at home and in distant lands.



"If you think you are too small to have an impact, try
to go to bed with a mosquito."
Anita Roddick


Yours in Service

SMALL STEPS TO HEALTHY LIVING

Today, August 19, is CHOOSE TO CARE's Back To School Shoe Distribution Event, to help youths in need who reside in Corona, Queens.  This was an unforgettable day for the youngsters and their families; they received a brand new pair of shoes, joined in fun activities about healthy living and best of all, enjoyed a delicious snack, falafel served with  a dressing made of yogurt, cucumber, and dill.  Who knew that kids would ask for a second serving of this vegetarian delight. We talked about the brain boosting ingredients of this recipe, from garbanzo beans to yogurt and how the ingredients feed our brains. We have begun to use Choose To Care's platform to have kids and their families get on the path to a healthier lifestyle.  Sometimes parents say that their children will not eat certain foods but that's because they never give them a chance to try new things.  They left with the recipe to prepare at home.

We are also passionate about saving the planet and have added simple ways to do so.  Grow NYC has amazing tips on an easy to carry card, that we gave away at this event.  The three R's(Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) will become rooted in our mission.

Choose To Care's shoe distribution was launched in 2008, after a trip to Brazil, where I noticed kids were barefooted, leaving them vulnerable to disease.  Nine years later, thousands of pairs of shoes  given away and we are still going strong, taking our efforts to other States and other Continents.

Thanks to the families and children who answered our invitation.
Thanks to the father who stood up and gave a testimonial on his path to a healthier lifestyle.
This impromptu show of pride, sealed the day's mission; not only did the kids leave with a brand new pair of shoes, fulfilling Choose To Care's goal, but they heard from a parent that small changes are easier to make and stick to and can deliver big results.
Thanks to the members of Nutritionists And Friends In Action(NAFIA) team, who were involved in preparing for this fantastic day.
Thanks to Choose To Care, the small organization with big ambition.  We are thrilled that we are all on this journey together to gain healthy new habits.

We will get up and walk, pace or just move whenever possible.
We will consider the environment.
We will eat sharp and sensible to improve our physical and mental health.

"Service my friends
strengthens the very
fiber of our community.
You made the decision
to be part of this,
and we welcome
your participation."

psw/With Gratitude To You{NAFIA TEAM)

WE ARE THERE FOR THEM - EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

August 19, is fast approaching and the women of the mighty and humble Nutritionists And Friends In Action (NAFIA) group are busy assisting with Choose To Care's BACK TO SCHOOL SHOE DISTRIBUTION event.  We are oh so excited to meet our precious young children.

At this event, falafel and whole wheat bread will take center stage.  All the ingredients that make up this nutritious sandwich(chick peas, olive oil, whole grain, etc) are brain boosters and we will tell them about these brain development foods through a fun activity.

But wait, we are not done yet, what is a Choose To care - NAFIA event without movement? Whether it is the latest dance craze or simply raising the hands, moving the neck, rolling the shoulders,stepping to the left, stepping to the right; we certainly will have everyone moving.

The environment is on our mind too, making it safe and knowing it is our responsibility to protect the earth.  Pulling together is paying off.  We are excited to plan and participate in each event and spend a few hours at what we call "cultivating young lives" so they can grow healthy,step by step.

This year Macy's took their fundraising a step further, allowing qualified non profit organizations to fundraise online.  Thanks to all the generous donors, you are there for them too.

The NAFIA group has focused on the goal of helping the children and their families thrive and this story of the collaboration with Choose To Care should be shouted on every street corner.  They have
stepped up to every calling.

Way to go NAFIA women!

Spread joy wherever you go.

Cheers!

EASING ON DOWN TO KINDNESS ROAD

                                         She cried out to no one in particular
                                         Hoping anyone and everyone would
                                         Hear her plea.
                                         "This is not a hard road to travel," she said
                                         "Come let me show you how
                                          Get ready for a journey down Kindness Road"

                                          Fret not if you come across a bump,
                                          Here and there.
                                          First timers may feel a bit sore,
                                          But on your next round
                                          You will make it without a moan.

                                           Just point to the way to Kindness Road
                                           She shows him, he shows another
                                           To the left, To the right, Around the bend
                                           You can't miss it.
                                            Any turn will lead to Kindness Road

                                            "What if I have a change of heart?" you ask
                                             Too late, says the Genie
                                             That's the wish granted to your fellowmen
                                             And it has spread like wildfire
                                             Any Street, Any Lane, The Alley, The Avenue
                                             Will take you down Kindness Road
                                             There you will find them,
                                              Joyfully banding together
                                              For a kinder world.


psw/from:"Wishes For A Better World"

THE PLOT THICKENS

                                         Her body is erect
                                         Straight as an arrow
                                         With her head held high
                                          She moves with caution
                                         Aware of the proverbial knife in her back
                                          She has no fear
                                          As she waits for the one


                                            Hateful Dora has a plan
                                            I know I can, I know I can
                                            Let's begin a blame game
                                            And scandalize her name
                                            At things like this I am a pro
                                            I will let everyone know she is a foe
                                            Already I can feel the delightful glow
                                            Wow this is hot
                                             Come on, let's thicken this plot


                                             Join me, let's show her a thing or two
                                             Working together is not hard to do
                                              Let's pull her down
                                              And make her frown
                                              In her pitiful self, she will drown
                                              And at last, they will hand me the crown


                                             The plan they thought was tightly woven
                                              Fell apart as was proven
                                              And the one they wish to conquer
                                              held her head to the sky
                                              And only asked "why?"
                                              Victorious for the moment
                                               But cautious she remained
                                               "I will never let you break me"
                                                She whispered with a smile on her face


Brawta

ON THE MENU - WHO IS GAME?

ON THE MENU is my way of creating a game plan for living authentically.  Each of us will find our own path through this rugged and delightful, BITTER AND SWEET world, finding ways to spice up our routine and live well.  Look to the WORD GAME for words to use or come up with your own.  Keep adding words that are meaningful to you.  Today you may need more understanding and need to show more kindness.  Tomorrow is another story.

You can name your life recipes whatever you desire such as "LIVING WITH JOY"  This sample recipe is called "CREATING POSSIBILITIES"  My first attempt was to begin as an ordinary recipe with precise measurements; a cup of this, 2 Tablespoons of that but quickly realized that this is far from an ordinary recipe and the rules of adjustment and building as you go along, still apply.  I choose not to put my ingredients in precise measurement but you certainly have the flexibility of doing just that.

The ritual powers up my day, feeds my body and just as important, nourishes my soul.

                               RECIPE FOR CREATING POSSIBILITIES

                                          Start with positive vibes,
                                          Throw in understanding,
                                           Kindness and respect,
                                           Patience and fortitude.
                                           Add a dollop of compassion,
                                           For wholesome goodness.
                                           Make adjustment for bitter taste,
                                           Add more delights, A good amount of wisdom,
                                           A pile of Hope, with a joyful spirit.
                                           Sprinkle lots of GRATITUDE
                                           And mix thoroughly
                                           To balance it out; sealing the flavor
                                           And keeping it preserved.
                                            Savor it all.
                                            Offer a BIG SERVING, every chance you get!

ON THE MENU - WORD GAME
                      {No Special Order}


Adjustment
Awareness
Balance
Compassion
Connect
Courage
Daily Intentions
Declutter
Delights
Determination
Expand
Explore
Fitness
Forgiveness
Fortitude
Goodwill
Gratitude
Healthy
Hurdles
Inspired
Journey
Joyful Spirit
Kindness
Lift Up
Love
Mindful
Movement
Nutrition
Nourishment
Overcome
Paradise
Patience
Possibility
Positive Vibes
Recalculating
Recharge
Rejuvenate
Revitalize
Respect
Rest stop
Savor
Sensitivity
Soar
Soul Satisfying
Sustainable
Understanding
Venture
Welcome
Wholesome
Wisdom

SIDE ORDERS:  Add your choice of words

Peace &Love