IRISH MOSS GEL CONCENTRATE; SMOOTHIE FORTIFIED W/IRISH MOSS

IRISH MOSS GEL CONCENTRATE RECIPE
IRISH MOSS, or "Sea Moss" can be purchased in several forms in its dry state. For this recipe, we are only interested in the WHOLE or GRANULATED/CUT variety. Do not use powdered Irish Moss for this recipe. I will give you an example of use of the powdered variety for use in smoothies, but tor this recipe, you can use the gel for virtually anything. YOU WILL NEED:

• 1/2 Cup GRANULATED Irish Moss - OR...
• If you are using WHOLE Irish Moss, take a large handful and COMPRESS IT in your hand into a fistfull.
• 2 Quarts DISTILLED WATER

Rinse the herb in water; check to see if there is any shells or debris. Soak in PURE WATER for 10 - 15 minutes, to allow any possible debris to settle to the bottom of the bowl so that it can be rinsed away. This is easier to do with the WHOLE herb than the GRANULATED.

In a large STAINLESS STEEL or other NON-REACTIVE COOKING POT (NO ALUMINUM), bring the 2 QUARTS DISTILLED WATER to boil. After adding the Irish Moss, REDUCE THE FLAME TO LOW IMMEDIATELY, and simmer UNCOVERED for about 30 minutes.

IMPORTANT: This mixture boils over quite easily! To avoid having to clean up a big mess on your stove, keep the flame LOW; allow to simmer until the pieces are soft.

Once the herb is cooked fill your blender container NO MORE THAN 3/4th FULL. DO NOT FILL TO THE TOP; MIXTURE IS HOT, AND THE HEAT WILL CAUSE THE BLENDER TOP TO POP OFF, POSSIBLY CAUSING SCALDING INJURY. BEFORE TURNING ON THE BLENDER, remove the "plug" from the blender top that allows you to add things into the blender while it is blending. This will allow any steam to escape, rather than jarring the top loose when you turn the blender on.

You may want to strain the mixture into a glass container for storage in the refrigerator, to ensure there are no additional shells you may have missed in cleaning. Allow to cool in the refrigerator. As it cools, it will "gel up."

The Sea Moss Gel Concentrate serves as a base for many soups, sauces, smoothies, and desserts. It’s great for adding "body" to your recipes as a thickener. More importantly, it is a tremendous cell nourisher, supplying the body with an abundance minerals that make up the body. It is specifically high in Organic Calcium. So use liberally, To Your Health!

IRISH MOSS-FORTIFIED SMOOTHIE
You will need:

• A Blender
• Your favorite Fruit (If you like FRESH GINGER, grate some!)
• Apple Juice, Orange Juice, or Pre-Made Nut or Seed Milk (Nut/Seed Milk is easy to make; simply add a heaping tablespoonful of pre-soaked Walnuts, Sesame Seeds or Hemp Seeds or a combination in the blender bowl with just enough water or juice to cover, then liquify) - OR you can just use plain Spring Water, and/or Coconut Sugar to sweeten to taste.
• One Teaspoon IRISH MOSS POWDER (or 1 CUP SEA MOSS GEL)

If you’re making your NUT/SEED MILK, do that first, as instructed. Then add the FRUIT. If you are using the IRISH MOSS GEL instead of the powder, you can add it now.

IF YOU ARE USING THE IRISH MOSS POWDER: After adding the FRUIT to the blender bowl, turn the blender on; add more LIQUID if that will help the blade to turn. GRADUALLY sprinkle the teaspoon of IRISH MOSS POWDER into the blender bowl (so it won’t "clump" or stick to the sides of the blender). Add more LIQUID as it blends, to get the consistency you desire. Add COCONUT SUGAR, to sweeten to your taste. Pour into a large glass - and ENJOY NOURISHING YOURSELF to your Heart’s Content!

ESSENTIAL HERBS for Boosting Immunity and Health Maintenance

Winter can be rough for keeping the illnesses at bay, if one doesn't have the proper information and tools in their "arsenal" to ward off contagions, and maintain health in general. Over years of trial and error; being my own "guinea pig," I've discovered certain essentials that have warded off so-called "colds" and "flu," and if my immune system happened to be compromised by some contagion, I was able to arrest the dis-ease before it could "take hold" in my system.

One can get overwhelmed by the number of herbs and supplements out there that are supposed to provide whatever their proponents profess they can do to help. From my experience, the following practices have aided me immeasurably:

• First and foremost, a diet that is PLANT-BASED has made all the difference for me, in terms of arresting and preventing dis-ease. When I say "plant-based," I'm referring to green plant food. Even if you insist on consuming flesh, make sure first of all that the flesh you are consuming is of the highest quality available (organic, grass-fed and better still, natural animal meats such as bison or wild Alaskan salmon), and that it is consumed in SMALL QUANTITIES. One may consider eating flesh only a few days a week, as opposed to every day, if one must eat it. And the proportion should necessarily be no more than 20% of what is on your plate in relation to green plant food. Meat is DEAD; therefore, if one is going to eat it, one must take into account the necessity of "bolstering" the system with green plant food to move the dead flesh out of the body in the most timely manner. I make no judgement as to what individuals determine they need for their own health and longevity. Though I eat certain fish on occasion, I chose not to make animal flesh a consistent part of my dietary regimen.
• And as for milk and dairy products - compared to eating meat, it behaves even worse in terms of creating "pus"/infectious mucous in the body. Milk products are VERY BAD for immune health. The main component in curing Sickle Cell Anemia includes removing milk, dairy, starches and meat from the diet, cleansing/removing the damaged cell tissue through an intracellular cleansing, and administering MEGA DOSES of ORGANIC IRON.
• Starches (i.e. rice, beans, soybeans and soy products, corn, potatoes, wheat products, barley, millet, carrots, and others) create carbonic acid when it combines with the hydrochloric acid in the digestive system, resulting in excess mucous production in the intestines, and leading to other gastrointestinal disorders. The aforementioned items can be substituted with natural grains and plant foods, which I will identify later. And even the natural alternatives should be used sparingly. Sugar should also be avoided. Even the so-called "unrefined" variety.
• Many people wonder how "vegetarians" end up being overweight or constantly having some sort of malady, when a "vegetarian diet" is supposed to be "healthy." Many making the transition to vegetarianism unfortunately try to compensate for the absence of meat in their diet with starch and milk/dairy products. And in an effort to get "full" and feel satisfied, they tend to overdo it, to the point they injure themselves. I've been there. You can read about my "bout" with soy as a young vegetarian in my book, the CARBON factor: healing from our perspective. Which brings me to another important point: Once one begins to supplement their diet with NATURE-MADE Plant Food (which comes in the form of herbs, but also includes a few items one can find growing naturally, or even in supermarkets, like dandelion greens, nopal cactus, burro bananas, watercress, and seaweeds), one will find they do not need to eat as much, because their bodies are being truly fed from the mineral supplementation of the natural plant food.
• CLEANSING THE SYSTEM. VERY IMPORTANT in maintaining optimal health. I remember "back in the day," hospitals used to give patients a laxative or enema as a matter of procedure. They almost NEVER do such nowadays. Back then, while some may have used an herbal-based laxative, for the most part they probably used some irritant like "Milk of Magnesia" or "Epsom Salts." And although intent of giving enemas was noble, enemas in and of themselves are not the best method of cleansing the system, unless in an extreme situation where there is no other alternative to do so (a person in a coma, with lockjaw, unconscious, or other medical emergency). The valves of the intestinal system are ONE-WAY VALVES. They were not intended to have anything forcing pressure on them from the opposite direction! The best way to cleanse the system would be with a natural vegetable substance. Cascara Sagrada Bark has proven to be a very safe and effective cleanser not only of the intestines, but also of the liver and lymphatic system. BUT - one must be certain that they purchase Cascara Bark that has been PROPERLY AGED, to prevent "griping" of the intestines. CAUTION: ALL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS ARE NOT AS "WHOLESOME" AS ONE WOULD PREFER. MANY LISTS "GELATIN" AS THE INGREDIENT IN THE CAPSULES, WHICH IS TYPICAL OF AN ANIMAL SUBSTANCE (i.e. SWINE) READ THE LABELS. The recommended dose on the bottles tends to be inadequate. Try doubling the dosage at bedtime with LOTS of water, and if you do not move your bowels at least 3 - 4 times a day, increase the dosage - and stay near a TOILET! It is important to clean out the old, dead waste in the body because the intestines will absorb that old waste back into your system, creating a "gateway" to dis-ease. Also, when the body has not received this level of cleansing maintenance, it behaves like a laboratory "Petrie dish," receiving infectious "hosts" for further "development" in your body!
• And it is also VERY IMPORTANT to STAY HYDRATED. Drink clean, fresh WATER. Try to do a gallon a day, if you can. It's easier to accomplish if you have a quart container, and drink one 4 times a day. Spring water is best, in that it has the minerals in it that are in you, prepared by Nature for you to assimilate it without difficulty or complications.

Now, I'll move on to some of the NATURAL FOODS one can consume on a daily basis for healthy maintenance:

• IRISH MOSS - A remarkable sea vegetation in that it contains a high-quantity of the 140+ minerals the body needs - with the exception of iron. (Iron is only found in trace elements.) In addition, Irish Moss (a.k.a. "sea moss") is a demulcent, rich in ORGANIC CALCIUM and has the ability to remove radiation from the body. In the Austin Area, it is available in powder and granulated form at THE HERB GARDEN. But BE CAREFUL as to WHERE you purchase this herb. Unscrupulous merchants have been "cultivating" Irish Moss by "simulating" the natural wave action of the sea in artificial tanks filled with common salt water. You can tell this "Irish Moss" is ARTIFICIAL by the way it looks: It will have a pale pinkish color, a "rubbery" texture and most notably, unnaturally CAKED with salt. I will provide a recipe for making Irish Moss from the solid/granulated state into a "gel," which can then be used in smoothies, sauces, and soups.
• ORGANIC IRON HERBS (i.e. Mulicle, Elderberry, Yellow Dock, Dandelion, Tila Estrella) - IRON is most important in that it is the mineral that is the "magnet," attracting all other minerals. This is why when one is deficient in IRON, they experience what is known as "anemia" or "weak blood." Yellow Dock (because of it's "bitter" property) is best taken in capsule form (unless you're "hard-core," like me! LOL!!). Dandelion Greens can be found most-anywhere. I have some growing in my yard right now, which is the optimal means of obtaining them. But one can always go to most health food stores and buy them by the bunch. The fresh ones from the yard I have been enjoying in salads, sliced thinly with romaine or other lettuce greens. I tend to mix them because of their slightly "bitter" property. I find the young greens are not as bitter. But dandelion greens can also be enjoyed as a green drink juiced with cucumber, apple, and kale. If you don't have a juicer, you can liquify the ingredients with a little water or juice (apple or orange) in a blender. Not as effective as a juicer, but better than nothin'! Elderberry is well-known for its healing properties in warding off colds and flu. Good quality syrups and tinctures of Elderberry are available at most health food stores, but a glycerine tincture of Elderberry is easy to make (see previous blog). You can also take a heaping teaspoon of the berries and infuse in a cup in water, like you would make hot tea. In Austin, THE HERB BAR  and the NATURAL GROCER have Elderberry. One can also buy Elderberry in capsule form. Occasionally I have found Elderberry tincture in health food stores made by a company called Herb Pharm. One should note that most Herb Pharm tinctures in the health food stores are alcohol-based; this should be considered when administering tinctures to children. The last 2 herbs, Muicle and Tila Estrella are not as readily available, but I was delightfully surprised to see Mulicle at an Austin store - MR. NATURAL. The spelling wasn't the same on the container (it was spelled "Mulitle"), but it was most-definitely the same herb. Mulicle is a tropical herb that is VERY HIGH in ORGANIC IRON. I believe Tila Estrella is also available at Mr. Natural as well. These herbs can be made in the form of a tea. Using boiled distilled water, you can combine the Mulicle, Tila Estrella, and Elderberry for a very potent tea rich in ORGANIC iron.
• You notice my emphasis on ORGANIC iron? Or ORGANIC MINERALS, in general? This is because many health practitioners are erroneously prescribing minerals that are insoluble in water, therefore making it IMPOSSIBLE for the minerals to assimilate into the body. ONLY PLANT-BASED MINERALS CAN READILY ASSIMILATE. And ONLY NATURAL PLANTS can convert solid minerals into water-soluble, digestible, mineral food. THIS is why your common garden-variety plants have little to nothing to offer in terms of nutrition, because being hybrid (as in MAN-MADE), they are incapable of converting the minerals into digestible nutrient food. At best, hybrid plants provide chlorophyll, and not much else. This is a common mistake health practitioners make when prescribing IRON, in particular. They will typically recommend an INORGANIC form of iron (i.e. ferrous oxide, ferrous sulfate), which is tantamount to ingesting a ROCK, and expecting it to dissolve and assimilate into the system. Hence the resulting constipation one experiences from taking "ferrous" iron. Ionthroferosis is the process GOD-MADE PLANTS utilize to process solid minerals into water-soluble, digestible plant food. Hybrid plants are incapable of this, thus are devoid of true nutrition.
• As far as getting an idea of the best things to eat on a daily basis, I suggest going to http://www.drsebiproducts.com/ for a listing of "hybrid" and "recommended" foods; that would be foods to avoid (hybrid) and foods that are least harmful (recommended). But I can give you a "short listing" of some "grains" and nuts that produce less of an "acid flora" in the body. They include quinoa, spelt (although spelt doesn't agree with me, personally), rye, teff, kamut, amaranth, wild rice. Also, if one MUST have potatoes in their life, the ones that are best to consume are the small "red rose" potatoes. They are closer to the original potato that was discovered in Peru and hybridized by the Irish. Recommended "nuts" are Brazil nuts, walnuts, macadamias and hazelnuts. ALL nuts and grains should be used IN MODERATION. Hemp and sesame seeds are also recommended. It's better to use the Nut/Seed Butters from the items recommended.
• I'm outlining the more "bulkier foods" because these are the "foods" that most people are the most concerned with. AND - the ones that cause the most damage to the body. I included them to offer alternatives to those that can be more harmful.

Other than the obvious (washing hands, avoiding sick people, avoiding surface contact), TO WARD OFF A CONTAGION that has invaded your system, I recommend the following:

• INUNDATE YOURSELF with the ORGANIC IRON HERBS I outlined earlier in this blog.
• CLEAN OUT THE SYSTEM with the CASCARA (take 7 capsules at bedtime with PLENTY WATER).
• SWAB THE BACK OF THE THROAT with TEA TREE OIL. Also, SWAB THE NASAL PASSAGES (this may cause INTENSE SNEEZING, but don't worry); do this several times until the itchy-scratchy "raw" feeling in the nose and throat subsides.
• This can be INTENSE, so BE CAREFUL: Put a DROP of CLOVE OIL on the tongue. Do this several times, until the sensation in the nose and throat subsides.
• If you feel you're suffering from FOOD POISONING or other contamination, CLOVE OIL is GREAT for killing the pathogens. I have even used GROUND CLOVE; I arrested a recent food poisoning bout by taking a heaping teaspoon of Ground Clove in hot water to steep for 15 minutes, sipping the entire cup down (sediment and all) while hot. Along with mega doses of ORGANIC IRON, I laid down to rest, sweat some, and woke up BRAND NEW.
• IN CASE OF FEVER - Make an INFUSION of ELDER FLOWER (2 ounces to 2 pints boiling water). Add a little FRESH GINGER, if you have it. Boil water (DISTILLED, if you have it) and pour it over the herb; place in a 300 degree oven COVERED for 30 minutes; strain, sweeten, if you have it (COCONUT SUGAR is best - but NEVER CANE SUGAR), and sip a cup WHILE HOT while covered up in bed. Put a HEATING PAD at your feet if you have one, and stay CLOSELY COVERED, so as to produce sweating, to break the fever. One should also take SEVEN (7) CASCARA SAGRADA CAPSULES before taking the Elder tea and retiring. The combination has been known to break fevers.
• Once you're feeling better, you will probably experience some NASAL and THROAT CONGESTION. In the morning and perhaps twice a day, IRRIGATE THE SINUSES with WARM SEA-SALT WATER, WITH A DROP OF TEA TREE OIL in it. Use a "Neti Pot" or Syringe and irrigate one nostril with the water coming out of the other nostril, then irrigate the opposite nostril. Takes a little practice and "tolerance" to get used to, but it really serves to clear out the excess infectious mucous.
• BREATHING EXERCISE (to clear the lungs) - INHALE, counting slowly to 5; allow the BELLY to "BALLOON". HOLD BREATH for at least 10 seconds, then EVACUATE THE LUNGS FULLY; squeeze the air out of the lungs until there is none left. Then, repeat at least 3 times, or until you begin to cough-up copious mucous from your lungs. This exercise is great for any pulmonary congestion.
• My HomeGirl turned me on to CAMU CAMU BERRY POWDER and REISHI MUSHROOM POWDER.  CAMU CAMU really keeps any "bug" at bay, if taken in MEGA DOSES.  According to an article on the Pure Healing Foods website (http://www.purehealingfoods.com/camuInfo.php), it "has astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient and nutritional properties."  And for those of you who believe in "alphabet nutrition," Pure Healing Foods says it has "Vitamin C - more than any other food."  I can personally attest to the efficacy of Camu Camu. As for REISHI, I haven't worked with it as much but I trust the experience my dear friend is having with it.  Here's a LINK to its properties:  http://www.naturalnews.com/021498_reishi_mushrooms.html

These things should help. ALL THE BEST!

Mold, Yeast & Breathing Don't Mix!

Okay, I'm seeing a pattern here.

I did a major cleanse a year ago, and afterwards stopped consuming sugar, fermented alcoholic beverages (specifically beer and wine), and corn products. Prior to my cleanse, I had some small bumps that appeared on my legs and also on the back of my arms. And whenever it would rain, I would experience wheezing, as if I was about to have an asthma attack. After the cleanse, the bumps disappeared. And they did not appear again, until very recently. The lungs weren't put to the test because during my "clean" period, there has been little to no precipitation. And with the rain comes mold where I live. And the mold affects my breathing.

I've recently allowed the "banned" elements to be reintroduced into my body in the form of red wine and popcorn. Last week I went to a festival and had some water ice that, although made with real fruit, was sugar-sweetened. I noticed the bumps returned and in addition, my lungs are experiencing congestion with the recent rains we've been receiving in our area.

I admit, I've gotten lazy with doing breathing exercises that keep my lungs clear. I also noticed that when I take ORGANIC IRON herbal compounds, I can feel the congestion building up, but instead of escalating into wheezing, it's as if the mucous is unable to "stick" to the surfaces of my lungs and bronchial tubes, allowing me to expectorate it.

Which brings me to another discovery I peeped a few years ago: When the lungs discover a "threat" in it, it produces more mucous to protect itself from the threat. If the body is not being inundated with acid foods, or foods that introduce harmful mold and yeast (like the wine and popcorn), the mucous does not "latch on" to the epithelial cell tissue, causing the obstruction of the lungs. Rather, if the body is more alkaline, the mucous serves more like a "broom"; collecting the impurities, allowing them to be cleared out of the system.

I was talking to a friend of mine this past week who is experiencing asthmatic symptoms and like me, the rain exacerbates their condition. Prior to our conversation where they revealed their dis-ease,they had a beer and what looked like a "shot" of alcoholic spirits. From what I observed, my friend also consumes foodstuffs that create an acid flora in the body.

From my experience, once I cleaned out my system and didn't introduce the yeast-producing elements in my body, at worse I experienced congestion which I was able to clear. This congestion would take place only when I was introduced to certain allergens. Now I'm discovering the mega-doses of organic iron have served to save my ass! The main reason why the yeast-producing foods were reintroduced was because my financial situation has caused me to purchase cheaper, poorer-quality foods.

Which brings me to ANOTHER observation: I am actually eating MORE than I did when I was able to afford my hemp seeds, seaweeds, find burro bananas, and was able to harvest the natural plants like the dandelion leaves and agave shoots. I've been subsisting on popcorn, watermelon, lettuce, red quinoa, collard greens from my garden, walnuts, and these "baby bananas" (which I notice don't have seeds). I still drink my "power smoothie," but not everyday (trying to conserve my resources). But the herbal supplements are helping me to stay nourished. I forgot I have some seaweed in reserve; I need to start preparing that.

I do "imbibe" on occasion. I notice when I started drinking wine again, I would feel a irritation in the back of my throat, like I'm coming down with something. I'd quickly swab the back of my throat with some tea tree oil, and the symptom subsided. However, when I drink pure agave tequila (as a shot; not sugared down in a margarita, and without the table salt) along with a very high quality mineral sea salt, I feel none of the symptoms I get with the wine. Plus, with just one glass of wine, I experience a headache (guess that's what's considered a "hangover") whereas with one shot of tequila with lots of lime, the mineral salt, and pure water to "chase" it, I don't experience any side effects. In fact, I remember my last birthday I was treated to TWO SHOTS of tequila (I'm a "1-shot wonder!") and while I was feeling "really nice" afterwards, once the intoxication wore off (in less than 2 hours), I felt totally refreshed!

I just finished the last of the popcorn I had in the kitchen. Took my natural vegetation cell food. It's raining steadily right now, and I'm feeling no congestion. Think I'll treat my lungs to the cleansing breathing exercises. I plan to go out to a jam-session party later tonight; want my lungs to be clear to sing! And I hope they have tequila!

Time to get PRO-ACTIVE! Boost Your Immunity! Make Your Own Elderberry Tincture!

Making herbal tinctures is easy; time does the work!
I make Elderberry tincture all the time; about due to make some more!
Vegetable glycerine tinctures are a great alternative to alcohol tinctures, particularly if you have children. Plus, it's pleasant-tasting; won't have a fuss giving it to the little ones!

Glycerine Extracts (Excellent for Children)

To make glycerine extracts, you need a quart-sized GLASS bottle. Use 2 to 4 oz. dried herb, 1/2 to 1 pint vegetable glycerine, and 5 to 11 ounces distilled water. In the glass bottle mix glycerine and water, then add the herb and stir thoroughly. Make sure to close container tightly and agitate (shake and mix) daily for 14 days (2 weeks). NOTE: Write the date that you started the tincture on the bottle top. After 14 days, double strain; press herb through cheese cloth, then pour liquid through a strainer and store in amber-colored bottles in a cool place.

Nutrition isn't all that complicated as THEY make it out to be...

MINERALS
© 2006 Chandra Y. Washington

In his biochemical experiments,
western man found the same 140+ elements
in every God made thing that exists.

On the African continent,
minerals exist
that western scientists
have yet to classify.

No wonder why
we who were colonized
on our own soil
or displaced
in a strange new place
currently know diseases
we have never known before.

What’s missing in our nutrition?
Minerals. It’s that simple.

Yet, we are told we can find nourishment
in an artificial elements like
carrots, beets, wheat and soybeans.
What I mean is - man made these things.
There’s little or no nutrition in it
because man has put his hand in it.

So, where do we get our nourishment?
Why not use herbs - like Hippocrates?
The foundation of modern medicine
is supposed to be built on his teachings.

Instead, the physician prescribes
B-12 shots and vitamins supplements.
While nutritionists -
even herbalists recommend
coral calcium for bones and teeth;
ferrous oxide for iron and immune deficiency.

Taking inorganic things like these
compromises the body;
leaving it constipated,
and feeling generally lousy.

But there seems to be a contradiction.
They contain minerals.
Misinformation brings confusion
to what’s really very simple.

What doctors,
nutritionists,
and even herbalists don’t calculate,
only plant-based minerals
can readily assimilate.

Solid minerals can’t dissolve in H2O.
These are the simple,
common-sense things we need to know
before we unknowingly ingest
things that can potentially harm us.

Information Is Power.

Information tells us
that a vitamin
is just what it implies:
Vita-lity - at its bare min-imum.

Information tells us
we can’t receive nourishment
from a fraction of
a manipulation of
a whole.

It’s safe to say,
most everything we eat is
molecularly compromised.
So it’s best that we supplement
what only serves to make the belly full
with simple, God-made,
mineral-rich plant food - like

Irish Moss and Horsetail
for organic calcium;
Yellow Dock and Elderberry
for iron and immune deficiency.

But don’t be fooled -
Artificial herbs are out there, too!
Echinacea, garlic, and comfrey,
to name a few.

By now, some of you are thinking
"That’s B.S.!"
But no need to debate or guess.
We can all make a truthful determination
through simple, common-sense observation.

A natural plant grows
in "the wild," on its own.
In other words -
Natural plants are Divinely placed by Nature.
A hybrid plant - you’ve gotta make a garden
and cultivate her.

But if you really want to
confirm this yourself,
do a simple pH test and see for yourself!
A substance below 7 pH is acid.
It can’t support life.
In fact - it is known to destroy it.

So at best,
when you ingest
hybrid herb supplements,
you’re wasting time and money.
At worst,
the affects could be adverse;
even life-threatening.

So to fill the nutritional void,
take plant-based,
water-soluble,
God-made minerals.
It really is that simple.

So-called "Swine Flu?" Not an issue! Boost your immunity NATURALLY!

A couple of days ago, I got an informative e-mail from my cousin about practical ways one can ward off the so-called "Swine Flu." Good suggestions, including:

• washing hands frequently
• irrigating nasal canal w/warm salt water (I'd use sea salt and a drop or 2 of tea tree oil)
• stay hydrated

I would add - loading up on ORGANIC IRON.
There's confusion about IRON. I'm not talking about the inorganic variety; the "ferrous oxide" or "ferrous sulphate." These forms of iron cannot assimilate into the body because the iron has not been converted into a water-soluble, digestible plant source. You're basically talking about trying to ingest a ROCK. This is why the "ferrous" iron constipates the body.
Only a NATURAL PLANT can perform the ionthroferosis process of converting solid minerals in the soil into a digestible mineral food source. About the only useful process a hybrid plant can accomplish is the process of photosynthesis, which produces chlorophyll, but it cannot convert and absorb minerals like a natural plant.
Which brings up ANOTHER misnomer: What is a "natural plant?"
The stuff you see in the supermarket? The "organic" produce? Not necessarily.
In fact, most of the fruits and vegetables in the supermarket - and even in "natural food stores" - are NOT NATURAL. "Natural" means the molecular structure of the plant is complete. In other words, not hybridized. Natural plants are the ones that grow naturally in nature; think dandelion, burdock, yellow dock, green jelly coconut, elderberry, nopal cactus, lamb's quarters, lily of the valley, saw palmetto berries, perslaine, watercress, Irish moss, dulce, nori, kelp, mulberries, mustang grapes, mesquite beans, amaranth, to name a few.
A NATURAL PLANT does NOT need man to survive. It grows in the so-called "wild"; on its own. On the other hand, most of the produce in the supermarkets - even organic produce - is the product of hybridization. They are literally a manipulation of a whole. A fraction of it. With a hybrid plant - like a carrot (a cross between the Queen Anne's lace and the wild yam) it necessarily grows in a garden. Plus, in order for this plant to survive, one must fertilize and use pesticides (either natural or chemical) to make sure the plant doesn't get eaten up by "Nature's little friends" who are simply doing their job! If something comes in these little guy's environment that isn't Natural, their job is to clean it up! Get rid of it! It's not supposed to be there, because it is not natural to the environment. Instead, we kill the bugs; the "defenders," to save the hybrid. We save the nutritionally-devoid hybrid and KILL the dandelion plant because it's an "eyesore" in our lawn.
And I need to speak on this: Seeded vs. Seedless fruits. This should be obvious. How can a fruit be "natural" and not have a seed that is naturally fertilized to germinate? How can this seedless "frankenfood" nourish anyone if it is not whole? Those of us sold on seedless grapes and seedless watermelons need to think about this. Are we eating for NUTRITION, or a false sense of "convenience?"
Okay, with the Natural definition covered, one can better equip the body against the "Swine Flu Monster" by...

• loading up on ORGANIC IRON (elderberry is the best high-iron phosphate/iron fluorine source available in most conventional "health food stores"; followed by yellow dock and fresh dandelion leaves. Why organic iron? Organic iron is the "magnet"; it attracts all the necessary 140+ minerals into the system. It is essential for energy; it oxygenates; it is essential for carbon maintenance in the pineal gland. As we are all carbon-based, without carbon we would not be electrical; we would not EXIST.
• CLEANING THE COLON. If one has never taken time out to give the body a rest by fasting (or at least by doing a cleansing diet for a period), the intestines become backed up; caked up with old, dead fecal matter and mucous that serves to tax every organ and bodily function, including lowering immunity. Properly-aged cascara sagrada (available in capsule form) not only cleanses the colon, but it also cleanses and tones the liver, as well as restores the natural peristaltic action of the colon.
• Eating a more healthy, balanced diet in general. If you're a meat eater, make sure you don't over eat meat. Eat it in smaller portions; at least 80% green plant food ratio to meat on your plate. One could also stand to not eat meat every day. And back up off the milk and dairy products, as they lower the immunity and create excess mucous in the body, which creates a "Petrie dish" environment for all types of infections and pathogens to make a "home." And those who are on plant-based diets need to be careful not to "starch-out." A "starchatarian" is just as bad - perhaps worse - than someone who eats meat everyday. The "starchatarian" (one who adopts a plant-based diet that is heavy on starch) risks creating a "Petrie dish" environment in their body by consuming too much mucous-forming starch, and would do better to adopt the 80% green practice too. Take a vacation from the cakes, pies, ice cream and pastries. Say "bye-bye" to sugar and sugary soft drinks. Replace sodium chloride "table salt" (ex. - Morton's salt) with a very high quality mineral sea salt.

Above all, just use COMMON SENSE. Listen to your body, every time something goes inside it. So-called "Swine Flu" doesn't have to be an issue!
HEALTH AND HEALING TO ALL!

"Not "In The Market"

Yesterday, a well-meaning friend tried to "hook me up" with a guy she felt would be "a good match" for me. He's "Christian," touts himself as "evolved" and "a good catch" for "the right woman." I'm not sure how it was initiated; whether he saw my profile and asked the friend to put in a good word, or the friend initiated the matchmaking. At any rate, the man's looking for "a wife." The friend thought I'd be a good candidate for him.

I got the feeling that the friend thought I was in the market for a man. I am not. I don't pursue men. I remember 2 times that I pursued a male, and they were both when I was in college. Quite a while ago. I also don't pursue friends. These types of connections are sacred unions; I don't take friends or partner relationships lightly. I strongly feel mutual interest comes through DIVINE INTERVENTION. Forced unions have a false foundation. No "glue."

As much as my friend thought I'd be impressed by the guy's profile that was forwarded for me to read, I was not. I don't identify with any religion. This person projects himself as a devout Christian. But more significantly, I'm very leery of anyone who is intent on PURSUING someone. That's A LOT OF ENERGY to be projecting OUTSIDE OF SELF. Seems his consciousness would serve to help him realize no matter how much he tries to make something happen, it's ONLY going to happen when - and IF it is meant to happen! Like my girl Veronica says, "What is yours will come to you; what you run after, you never get." That's pretty basic understanding.

Not to mention - I don't see myself involved with any man who's eating KFC, burgers, and milk products. Or, even a "vegetarian" on a heavy starch and soy diet. Levels of desperation such as his is typically fueled by a toxic diet such as I described. There can be no clarity; no HARMONY when the Body Temple is being contaminated with Lactic, Uric, and Carbonic Acid. It wreaks havoc on the nervous system; all the internal organs. I seriously doubt he's taken the time to understand what's UNDERNEATH his desperation to have a wife.

As for the friend who was attempting to "hook us up," she seemed more of a "match" for him than I did. Like him, she's Christian, and she expressed that he has characteristics that SHE admires. So I asked her - "Why don't YOU pursue him? You seem to think he's a 'good catch', and you're both single, seems you two have much in common..." She replied, "He's out of my league..."

I have NO IDEA what she meant by that! He certainly wasn't in MY LEAGUE! From what I read, he might as well be from Mars and me from Venus!

My friend's feelings disturbed me. If he was such a "great catch" to her, why did he seem good enough for me - but not for her? Is she seeing herself "lesser" than him; "lesser" than me?

And - she seemed to feel that I was passing up something really "special"; kept egging me to at least communicate with him. I could see CLEARLY that he wasn't someone I could "cozy up to." But more significantly, my friend seemed to think that just because I am single, I necessarily want to have a man in my life. Goes with the training BOTH SEXES have been conditioned into; that a woman needs a man to be "complete." Men feel the same way - although this notion is a lot heavier on females. If a woman doesn't have a man - ESPECIALLY if she's older - she's a "spinster"; and "old maid." A man is an "eligible bachelor"; something more "distinguished." The very tone of that term implies he's "the prize."

It was as if my friend couldn't fathom I, a single woman, would pass up this "prize-of-a-man." But what my friend doesn't realize is, I have no objection to a union based on DIVINE INTERVENTION. Conversely, I felt DESPERATION coming from him - AND HER. I felt she was projecting negative reflections of how SHE FEELS about of being single and "alone." I don't feel "bad" about being either! I understand that I AM NOT IN CONTROL, and if it's meant for me to be with someone, I will know with absolutely certainty who that person is when - or IF - they come into my periphery. I'm in no rush to be involved with a man; shit - I've got a lot of re-acquainting with SELF to nurture!

Being single is a very special time; it's a time to get to know yourself like never before; without any "interjections" from someone outside of you. If one is willing to be truthful to Self about Self, it can be the Time of Your Life! I'm in Celebration. And these days, I'm much more astute when it comes to "premature interruptions" of "ME TIME." I know who I can hang with, and who can hang with me. Not many - even in the area of friends. It ain't about "quantity"; it's about QUALITY. I'd rather have a few TRUE FRIENDS than a room full of superficial "acquaintances" ANY DAY. I'm an a-typical Gemini, in that respect. I'm uncomfortable with "small talk." I'm really not all that "social." I prefer to be amongst people who have a mutual love and reverence for me. I can feel "hater energy" a mile away!

I really hope women will come to realize their power; that a man doesn't "complete" them. Men like the one my friend was trying to introduce me to need to understand they'll never find happiness in a woman, or any one or any thing else. Happiness IS. Life is what YOU make it; happiness cannot be achieved by going outside of yourself. No woman/man/house/car/clothes/amount of money will result in lasting fulfillment. The very fact that Life is Dynamic is indication that these things cannot sustain you. YOU sustain you. Fall in love with THAT.

Mrs. Willie Lee Parks "Cousin Willie", R.I.P.

Driving to a poetry set one Sunday, I thought of my Cousin Willie. In her 90's, she was in a nursing home, eating pureed crap I know she couldn't stand but ate anyway 'till she could no longer stand it anymore. I even fed it to her. It got to the point I didn't like coming to see her during lunch, but it was really the only time I could actually interact with her. And she appreciated it. Sometimes, it seemed she couldn't believe I would actually come all the way out to the North Side to visit her. That made me sad.

What also made me sad, as I was driving to that poetry set, was that I wished she wasn't living that life in that nursing home anymore. I know she hated it, and she wanted to go home. But there was no way she could go back home. It was literally "the end of the road" for her.

I actually wanted her to pass, and there was a part of me that felt guilty about that for a minute. I hated seeing her suffer; wanting her to pass felt like some selfish desire on my part. But at the same time, I had another selfish agenda. I wanted her to live, too. Because I would miss her.

She went into hospice last week. Her heart rate was very low, and her body cold. The doctor didn't expect her to last the night, but the next day, she rallied. Her heart rate went up; extremities warmed. It was as if she didn't want to enter that corridor to the unknown. She fought with ALL HER MIGHT to stay here. She was breathing so laboriously, I didn't know how her frail, aging frame could keep up with the energy she had to be expending to breathe like that. Heavy; in and out, through the mouth. Not congested, but very laborious. Her throat had to be parched. Her son and the nurses had to sponge lubricants in her mouth, to keep it moist.

I did sing to her once. I felt self-conscious about singing to her while others were around. I managed to get some time alone with her earlier in the week, and sang lyrics I wrote to Monk's Mood, a Thelonius Monk composition.

Last night, I crashed on the couch in her hospice room. Her son had left hours before. I didn't leave until close to 2am. I could've sung to her then, but I didn't. Felt kinda "groggy"; thought it better to get on the road. Fortunately, it was a short drive.

Didn't sleep well, once I got home. It was hot (I'm conserving on a/c); and because I slept earlier, I wasn't that sleepy anymore.

This morning, her son/my cousin called to say she passed around 9am. He was with her the entire time. I'm glad she didn't die alone. Maybe that's why I stayed so late the other night. The a/c was refreshing, too.

I feel kinda empty today. I don't have her to visit anymore. No one to tend to; I liked bringing her clothing items, and finding good deals on natural body products. I felt since this was "the end of the road" for her, I'd try to provide her with some of the finer things.

Just now, I was reminded of another relative that I loved dearly, that was also in a nursing home before she passed. My aunt; Cousin Willie's first cousin. I'd like to dedicate a blog to "Sis"; don't want to go into her story here, except to say I may have been making up for the attention I did not give my aunt. Hers is a pretty complicated story. I'll save for later.

Cousin Willie and her sister Lois were very cool. I used to like to visit Lois, too. She died several years earlier from a liver disease. I only got familiar with them both about a year before Lois passed. My mother brought me by their houses one day (the sisters lived around the corner from each other). Mommy said she wanted me to know my cousins. Glad she did that.

Down-to-earth. I really loved them both for that. Plus, Cousin Willie provided a lot of "history" of my mother's side of the family; the Jackson side. What a history! It reads like a scandalous novel. THAT's another story, too.

Cousin Willie was the last that could tell those stories. I'll miss her, but I'm glad I got to know and love her. Haven't been able to bring myself to sing for her yet. It will come, I guess...

My Dis-ease!

This morning, I'm feeling like my previous post is a testament to MY DIS-EASE. Everybody's at their respective places in their Life Journey; reflecting on my comments, I'm seeing I was being somewhat judgmental as to where they are, in relationship to where I am.

The stuff touted as "food" is ADDICTIVE. It took me many, MANY YEARS to get to the little landmark I've reached today. And I STILL struggle with the deleterious effects of starch, though I'm not nearly as addicted. My thing these days is NUTS. My friend thinks maybe it's because my body is craving so-called "protein." I feel I eat them in excess, because I always have this lingering mucous in my throat, that I'm constantly clearing. But I still go for those nuts! My dis-ease!

I don't regret posting that "rant," and I will leave it up - as a reminder to me as to how dis-eased I am!

EVERYBODY'S Drinkin' the Kool Aide!!!

I just got the revelation. It's time to get outta here!

What I mean is - it's time to get away from so-called "civilization." Everybody's "drinkin' the kool aide," and it's causing everybody to be deaf, dumb, and blind! And - from my vantage point, it's a DANGEROUS place to be in the middle of it.

Most everybody thinks it's perfectly fine to eat garbage and be sick from it. Most everybody thinks it's "acceptable" to be "P.M.S."ing and "going off." The vast majority of folks are out here in COMPLETE DENIAL of their behavior towards others.

I just had an exchange on the internet with someone I used to be acquainted with, through our mutual interests. This person found me through one of the social internet sites. When I knew the person, they seemed VERY disturbed; reflected in the way the person was verbally abusive to me. The person even PHYSICALLY assaulted a friend of mine - for no reason that was apparent TO US. Now mind you - this happened at least 20 years ago, but today, the person remembers NOTHING of these events; even said I was TOTALLY MISTAKEN. Not to mention - this person views me as a friend; said they "thought we were (cool)." I NEVER saw the person as such, nor do I see them as such today.

Maybe I'm the "off" one; I assumed that since there's so much information out here regarding self-help -- via OPRAH, first and foremost (I first heard of Louise Hay and Geneen Roth via "Ms. O") -- that people would take steps to heal and become more "evolved" in their personal development. I get "Enlightened Beings" postings through the internet ABSOLUTELY FREE. I'm no "different" or "special" than anyone else; I've got "issues," like everybody else. If my "sick 'n twisted" lil' behind can access and utilize certain READILY AVAILABLE INFORMATION, then...

You know - I'm getting ready to ask a really DUMB ASS QUESTION: "Why can't everyone else?" A former acquaintance used to say, "Why is the question asked by 85% of the population, but can only be answered by GOD." WHY is not the question; for me, WHAT is the question. WHAT am I GOING TO DO?

The answer that came to me -- as I was feeling bewildered by how blissfully unconscious the vast majority of folks are I encounter -- was/is, "HEAD FOR THE HILLS!"

I rarely come out of my house, because I don't like having conversations that make no sense! And, most EVERYBODY is talking NONSENSE. And, they don't even know it!!

I just came from somebody who at one minute said "I want to lose weight." "I'm going to stop eating out, and start cooking more at home; it's much better that way... I think I'll make some FRIED FISH tonight."

Prior to this, we were having a conversation about the liver; how the GARBAGE the average person consumes over-burdens it, causing the organ to malfunction and eventually fail. We were visiting a loved-one at a hospice facility. Someone passes by the door; an attendant, asking if anyone wanted to order a meal. I decided to ask if they had a decent salad on that menu. They did not. Mostly starch, meat, sugar, and various other forms of over-cooked "food." I said to the attendant: "No green salad?! No wonder everybody's DYING up in here! Y'all make SURE that happens, by what you're feeding these people!"

This exchange took place in the hallway. When I came back in, the same person who said they're making fried fish for dinner said, "You shouldn't say that!!! What if people in the rooms heard you?"

I replied, "They NEED to hear me! They need to know GARBAGE KILLS."

After the person made the incongruent comments about eating healthier and frying fish for dinner, I had ENOUGH. I wanted to spend more time with my loved one, but I couldn't take making senseless conversation anymore.

I remember being totally unaware of certain things, too. BUT -- when I was HIPPED by someone or an entity I could respect, I took heed. I'd try different ways of doing things. I'd pay attention to how I felt before - and after trying it.

There are people I know that claim to be about health and healing; yet, they allow certain information to go right over their heads. Hell, there are people in the "alternative health" field that continue to practice the same ol' same shit (maybe b/c they got a degree in their studies, and don't want to admit their money spent was pretty-much a waste) that will CONTINUE to use certain methods to attempt to treat people that do not yield results, but are reticent to even CONSIDER a methodology that has been PROVEN to CURE DISEASE. Why?

There goes that question, again...

I'll be foolish enough to answer - in an over-simplified way. The "physicians" are DIS-EASED themselves! Their nervous systems are SHOT from all the starch, gluten, lactic, carbonic and uric acid, sugar, and soy they're ingesting - in the name of "health." On more than one occasion, I've had health professionals approach me -- with ROTTEN BREATH.

Can't they tell something is WRONG with them?!

And even more crazy -- why don't the people they're treating notice it?

There's that question... AGAIN!

I'll attempt to answer -- AGAIN -- with an over-simplified response:
The people don't notice or question, because they're just as sick -- if not sicker than the health practitioner.

I remember going to a "naturopath doctor" who had nasty breath. I wasn't that concerned, because I didn't want treatment from this person; I was just going for tests, to see what was wrong with me. After all - the person recommended I eat CASSAVA: a.k.a. CYANIDE SUPREME.

I knew this person was CLUELESS, at that point; I just wanted to find out what was wrong with me (I had been suffering with a chronic malady - which turned out to be pancreatitis - for some time), so I could do what I knew to do to heal it. I did eventually heal it, through a 40-day fast on herbs and liquids at the Usha Village in Honduras.

After I got home today, thinking about these clueless exchanges I'm typically subjected to whenever I step out of my house, it made me want to start saving my cash to buy a ticket and RETREAT to the Usha Village. Yeah; clueless people are there, too. But at least I can heal myself with some herbs and thermal waters, and stay to myself in my own little hut.

I actually like people. Just need to be around those I can relate to/with. They're few and far between. VERY FEW.

"Choose Life"

African-American Book Festival was SLAMMIN!

KUDOS to Evelyn Martin-Anderson for putting on a truly successful event! Informative guest speakers; all very accessible, and equally knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.

As for the poetry set, GREAT TALENTS were on hand. I really dug how Evelyn chose artists who had their own unique approach to the art of delivering their poetic expressions. Most enjoyable!

I really enjoyed doing my feature, too! I did 5 poems; 4 were in the little books I published on this computer I'm typing on.

In the book, "37 years times more i seek..." -- I selected poems with themes
that move beyond "victim consciousness" that we poets tend to get "stuck" in sometimes. In other words, if the poem's about something that happened to me that was less-than-favorable, rather than only focusing on feeling hurt/angry/resentful, etc., I go into my responsibility in each situation; how I contributed to -- or possibly created the scenario that had me feeling adversely. The title of the book was taken from a poem that is in the book with the theme of taking responsibility, called "37 years."

I knew I would get a response from the poems I read from the other book, "the CARBON factor - healing from our perspective," but I was pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming positive feedback I got from reading from the content of that particular book! I brought 8 of those books; I think I have 2 left!

It indicates to me that people are really hungry for alternatives to the "okie-doke" we've been led to believe for far too many years regarding the nature of dis-ease, and what we're putting in our mouths as "food," masquerading as "nutrition." People are truly "sick 'n tired of bein' sick 'n tired"; they're beginning to see the "okie-doke" the allopathic world is "spinning" is just that. The content I offered was from a perspective they never heard or considered; and apparently, it RESONATED to the point I practically SOLD OUT of that book. In addition to poems, it also includes essays about certain "stops" on my healing journey, as well as information about diet, and healing dis-ease.

Definitely gonna make more of THAT book!

Thanks to EVERYONE who came out and supported the set!

Chandra Features @ African American Book Festival Today, 1 PM

I feel very honored to be part of a STUNNING lineup of very talented poets, to present at the 2009 African-American Book Festival. There will also be featured authors there, from all over the country.

The festival is TODAY (June 27), 10AM - 4pm, at the Carver Museum, located at the intersection of Rosewood and Angelina Streets (at Angelina) in Austin, TX.

I will be reading poetry that is also featured in 2 of my self-published poetry samplers, 37 years times more i seek..., and the CARBON factor - healing from our perspective.

The poetry readings are from 1pm - 3pm.

Hope to see you there... and please, pick up a copy of my publications. They're VERY affordable, entertaining, and revealing, with content one can definitely utilize. THANKS!

PHOTO: Reading at a previous African-American Book Festival

Now - I'm SELF-PUBLISHING!

They say "necessity is the mother of invention."

Circumstances of one's Life status will force ingenuity, sometimes. In my case, "Mercury Retrograde" hit me on "the back end"; things I thought were in place either dissolved, or simply didn't take hold. As a result, work that I was counting on did not exist! And my bank account? Well, to avoid claiming "lack and limitation," let's just say my bank account is awaiting a SUBSTANTIAL deposit!

My good friend Veronica suggested since I have considerable culinary skills, I might consider preparing pre-packaged vegetarian food items. That idea DID NOT resonate with me. My experience with preparing food for retail has been very "iffy" (developing a customer base - which waivers - and perishability issues are primary concerns). Plus - investment capital is needed, which... again, let's just say the check is (somewhere) in the mail; yet to arrive... But I'm sure it will!

ANYWAY... The next morning, I woke up with what I thought was an even BETTER idea. Since I have so many of my writings simply lying around collecting dust I thought, "Why not make poetry 'chap books'?"

Took me a minute to figure out how to get my word processing program to print a book, but when I did, I managed to generate my FIRST 10 COPIES OF A POETRY "SAMPLER." My plan is to sell them at an upcoming book festival highlighting Black authors (I'm a featured poet at the event -- "The African-American Book Festival, Carver Museum, Austin, TX). THEN yesterday, I got the idea to create a book of my poems and essays on health and healing. I literally stayed up until DAWN publishing 8 copies. I wanted to make sure I had some "product" for tomorrow.

I'm planning to further develop my self-publishing skills, and offer my books online. If you know how I can set that up on this blog site, HIT ME!

MUCH GRATITUDE!

Turned in my manuscript to the publisher - FINALLY!

Won't be long now!

Back in 2005, I won a full publishing contract in the Big Texas Poetry Competition. Then, my parents passed; back-to-back! Initially , I was planning to publish a collection of my poetry, but the grieving period put any thoughts of a book on hold - for a while!

That was fortunate, because during that time, I saw a disturbing documentary, A Girl Like Me, that inspired me to write a short story of a little Black girl who struggled with self-acceptance. From this short story (intended for children) evolved an entire self-help text for people of ALL AGES; ALL WALKS OF LIFE. What I discovered was, upon reading the manuscript, several adults found the lessons in the book useful in their lives.

The book entitled, No Mistake: Self-Help for ALL AGES, including the short story, Abena's Journey. The book also includes something I call a "Discovery Guide"; a "workbook" at the end of the short story that challenges the reader's preconceived notions about self and others with questions and exercises. There is also a Resource section, and a section that tells My Story; the reason I wrote the book, with highlights of my very personal story of my early life, including my struggles with identity; being one of a handful of little Black children in an all-white Catholic school in the South.

I will keep you posted as to its progress and release date!

CHECK OUT THE PHOTO - "Confirmation" picture (I'm one of the "bookends", top right. Notice how the "colored girls" are strategically placed! LOL!)

UPDATE (1/2011): After a series of re-writes, and some "soul searching," I came to the conclusion that publishing the book as a short story for young people with the Discovery Guide accompaniment would be better -- particularly since there is currently much distress and chaos among young people regarding bullying and self-acceptance. Now, I have to wait until the publisher has time to get to my project; my book is on hold indefinitely... SIGH!

UPDATE (9/8/12): I have decided to publish the book on my own, without using the prize winning (not that it would've been redeemed anyway, which is part of the reason I am moving on).  ALL thing happen for a reason; let's just say I feel "protected" by the fact the publishing deal did not manifest...

So, here's the deal:  The book, titled NO MISTAKE: JOURNEY TO SELF-ACCEPTANCE is in the process of being published INDEPENDENTLY.  I have constructed a WEBSITE for the book, to keep all informed of its progress: http://nomistake.yolasite.com/

MUCH GRATITUDE TO ALL for your Patience and Support!!

About Chandra

WELCOME to ALL THINGS CHANDRA!

Those things include WRITING, PERFORMANCE POETRY, JAZZ and IMPROV VOCALS, DANCE, ACTING, and VEGETARIAN CULINARY ARTS.

I have performed with KanKouran West African Dance Company, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Sweet Honey in the Rock's "In Process," Hamiet Bluiett (The Healing Caravan, which I currently direct), Circle of Light, under the direction of the late Tina Marsh, and featured my performance poetry at venues throughout Austin. I have also appeared in numerous local, regional, and national commercial spots, and appeared in a role in the movie Stop Loss, directed by Kimberly Peirce.

In 2005, I won a full publishing contract in the Big Texas Poetry Event Competition. I am using the contract to publish a self-help book (see below). My poem, "I Am Perfect" was selected for publication in the 2009 Austin International Poetry Festival (AIPF) Anthology, where I was warmly received - to the level where I was asked to feature at a closing festival event. I also advanced to the finals in the AIPF Slam Competition.

Currently, I am in the process of forging relationships with creative people for future collaborations. I am also in the midst of publishing my first book; a self-Help book for youth titled No Mistake. And - I very recently embarked on SELF-PUBLISHING. Two "samplers" are available for purchase: 37 years times more i seek... , and the CARBON factor: healing from our perspective. "37 years..." chronicles stages in my life - from "victim" to finding my freedom through 6 poetry selections. "the CARBON factor" is small collection of poetry and essays on various subjects related to healing, nutrition, and connecting to the Procession of Life.