Patti Ramos

7 Little Things That Make Life Effortless ...

2011-10-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

7 Little Things That Make Life Effortless

Post written by Leo Babauta.

Life can be a huge struggle, most of the time, and for years it was a struggle for me.

I’ve gradually been learning what causes that struggle, and what works in making life easier, better, smoother.

Life can feel effortless, like you’re gliding along, if you learn to swim smoothly, to glide, to stop fighting the waters of life and start using them to buoy you up.

I stopped thrashing and fighting, and started gliding and enjoying the swim.

I’ve written a new book on this topic, called The Effortless Life, which I should be publishing digitally next week. Some interesting things about this book:

It was written publicly, on a public Google Doc, while the world watch. That was tremendously fun — normally writing is a solitary act, but with technology I was able to make it a public act.

I allowed the world to edit it, as I wrote. That was incredibly scary, giving up control as a writer. When I was done, I had written it in a blur, as everyone edited it … and so I had no idea what changes had been made. I thought I should figure out what changes were made, and whether to keep them or not … but then I just decided to go with the wisdom of the crowd, and kept it as is.

It’s a compendium of some of the most important things I’ve been learning recently. It builds on some of the things from my previous books, The Power of Less and Focus, but takes them further.

I will allow readers to buy it at any price you like. I will set up a donation model — pay what you think it’s worth, and what you can afford.

More about this later. For now, I thought I’d share a few things you can do today, to make life feel more effortless.

Take what you want from this list. I find these things work, but your mileage will vary.

1. Do less. This is my productivity mantra, and it’s counterintuitive. I actually don’t believe in productivity, but instead believe in doing the important things. Do less, and you’ll force yourself to choose between what’s just busywork, and what really matters. Life then becomes effortless, as you accomplish big things while being less busy.

2. Having less is lighter. Start asking yourself if you really need everything you have, or if you just have it out of fear. Start to let go of what you have, so it doesn’t own you. And then, as you have less, you feel lighter. It’s wonderful.

3. Let the little things go. People who struggle often fight over little things. We obsess over things that don’t really matter. We create resistance instead of letting things glide off us. Let the little things go, breathe, and move on to the important things.

4. Clean as you go. I haven’t written about this for a long time, but early in the life of Zen Habits I wrote about the habit of cleaning as you go. Instead of letting the cleaning pile up, put things away when you’re done. Wash your bowl. Wipe the counters clean as you pass them. Sweep up dirt when you notice it. By cleaning a little bit at a time, as you make messes, cleaning up becomes a breeze, and it’s never difficult. By the way, this applies to everything in life, not just cleaning.

5. Make small, gradual changes. Most people are too impatient to follow this advice — they want to do everything at once. We have so many changes to make, but we don’t want to wait a year for it all to happen. As a result, we often fail, and then feel crappy about it. Or we don’t start at all, because so many big changes is intimidating and overwhelming. I’ve learned the hard way that small changes are incredibly powerful, and they last longer. Gradual change leads to huge change, but slowly, and in a way that sticks. And it’s effortless.

6. Learn to focus on the things that matter. This is implied in the items above, but it’s so important I have to emphasize it. Swimming (or any physical activity for that matter) is best done when you do only the motions that matter, and eliminate the extraneous motions. Stop thrashing, start becoming more efficient and fluid. You do this by learning what matters, and cutting out the wasted activity.

7. Be compassionate. This makes dealing with others much more effortless. It also makes you feel better about yourself. People like you more, and you improve the lives of others. Make every dealing with another human being one where you practice compassion.

Cultivate appreciation and gratitude ... for the one day that is given to you today.

2011-10-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Imagination - it makes you want to go deeper in so you can see more beautifuller things."

~ 6yo girl

Sparkle ...

2011-09-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

"I am like a falling star

who has finally found her place

next to another in a lovely constellation,

where we will sparkle in the heavens forever." -

Amy Tan

Form and beauty ...

2011-09-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

"Birth is an experience that demonstrates

not only function and utility,

but form and beauty."

Have an October or November due date?

2011-09-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you have an October or November due date
and would like to attend an inspiring, fun and empowering childbirth preparation
workshop with an emphasis on nurturing your relationship with your partner ...

please come and join us in the upcoming
September 17th and 18th "Birth Preparation Workshop"

featuring the memorable "Ice Journey" labor simulation
Hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm both days
$285.00 per couple
You may register here: www.pattiramos.com/workshopregistration.html

Andy B., M.D. ~ "As a physician and second time father, I was skeptical about our need for another birth preparation class. However, the Birth Preparation Workshop ended up being one of the most valuable classes I have ever attended. I have never seen or heard of anything as effective as the "Ice Journey" at allowing a father to experience some of the emotions of birth. I was deeply touched by this and feel that it made me a much more effective birth partner and perhaps even a better doctor. Patti's presentation of factual information and specific techniques were also very cogent and effective. I highly recommend this class."

Karen B. ~ "This weekend was the perfect mix of factual information, hands-on techniques, experiential preparation and relationship building. As a second time mom, I had taken birthing classes before and was looking for something more than just a review of comfort techniques. The intense "Ice Journey" allowed me to work through issues remaining from my first birth, and to prepare my husband and I as a couple for the birth to come. We found it immensely empowering and the springboard for much further discussion and reflection. The weekend as a whole gave us a rare opportunity to focus on the foundation of our family and our relationship. Patti is a highly skilled group facilitator and it was wonderful to share this journey with her and the other couples in the class."

Home is wherever I'm with you ...

2011-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is LOVE ...

August 27th "Labor Tools and Techniques Workshop"

2011-08-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

If you have a September or October due date, we have two openings available in the
August 27th "Labor Tools and Techniques Workshop"

featuring the "Ice Journey" labor simulation

To register: pattiramos.com/workshopregistration.html

"Tools" for your "Labor Basket"

Faith and Strength

Endurance and Laughter

Create a peaceful, relaxing nest and then insist on privacy when you need it

Make every breath count and labor where you feel safest and the least inhibited

Let the tears freely flow and share your gratitude for one another

Surrender to the power - keep an open mind - care compassionately

Rejoice -- Trust -- Visualize -- Dream

Wrap it all up with an abundance of Commitment and LOVE

"Birth is one day in your life ... don't miss it!

*The above photos, except for the last, were taken during Patti's "Birth Preparation Workshop/Ice Journey"

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

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Fireworks ~ Lake Union

Father's Day ... I miss you Papa

2011-06-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Three days before my Father passed away ...

During this Father's Day ...

my thoughts, tears and gratitude flow from the love

I have in my heart for my precious Papa.

How blessed I was to have a Father who loved me unconditionally

and always with respect, kindness and a hilarious sense of humor.

He loved life, his family and adored his wife ... my Mother.

Never a day passed, without Pop saying

"We have FUN don't we?"

During his final hours, I held him in my arms, singing his favorite song ...

telling him over and over how much I loved him and that I was truly

the luckiest daughter in the world to have been raised by such a GREAT man.

What a beautiful experience it was for me to be at my Father's side,

as not only his daughter, but also as his Doula ...

during the final hours of his amazing life on this earth.

Mama and Papa lived on a beautiful farm in Chehalis, Washington

inhabited by horses, cows, chickens, dogs, cats

and whatever other critter made the farm their home.

Pop "throwing" my daughter onto the pony. (1983)

This song is so close to home ...

I LOVE YOU PAPA!

Cesarean Support Group Meeting - "Restore Your Core"

2011-06-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

We are here to provide support, friendship, sharing of birth stories, resources, understanding and informaton for those who are about to, or have already experienced a cesarean. It is a safe and nurturing place to share your story and express your feelings. Information will be available that will help you plan for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), if that is a possibility, as well as find VBAC providers in the community. If it is necessary for you to give birth by cesarean for the first time, or as a repeat, information will be available on how to create the best possible cesarean scenario/experience.

In addition to mothers and fathers, our meetings are open to doulas, birth educators, midwives, nurses and physicians.

Location:

The new Tacoma Pregnancy, Birth and Family Education Center

7406 27th Street West, Suite 301 (Plaza West Building)

Tacoma, WA 98466

Date and Time:

June 18th from 6:00-9:00pm

Guest speaker:

Dani Hemmat, Licensed Tupler Technique Provider

June 18th Meeting Topic: Restore Your Core (Mummy Tummy)

Diastasis Recti. A dirty word in Latin? No, but it should be. Diastasis recti is what happens when pregnancy spreads apart the outer abdominals, leaving a pooch, or "mummy tummy". It's a condition that can't be cured by Pilates or stomach crunches, but can be healed by using the Tupler Technique. Dani Hemmat, of Restore Your Core Fitness, will be presenting a brief overview of this groundbreaking technique, developed by Julie Tupler, RN and Childbirth Educator. Restore Your Core also provides Perfect Pushing workshops, utilizing the Tupler Technique to help with a speedy delivery and quicker post-partum recovery. Hemmat is a licensed Tupler Technique Provider and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer with an emphasis in Prenatal/Postpartum exercise. www.RestoreYourCoreFitness.com

Please RSVP - lydiasparks@ymail.com

If you are on Facebook, you can "like" The Tacoma Pregnancy, Birth and Family Education Center page where you will see ongoing event updates.

http://www.facebook.com/doulapattiramos/posts/180542841998893?ref=notif&notif_t=share_comment#!/pages/The-Tacoma-Pregnancy-Birth-and-Family-Education-Center/207499975956549

Water your soul ...

2011-06-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

"Let your tears come. Let them water your soul."

~ Eileen Mayhew

The miracle of life ...

2011-06-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

As I witness the arrival of each newly born baby,

this helps to explain why, for over 35 years and 2000 births,

I continue to stand in awe of the miracle of life.

http://youtu.be/-4GtimvTX6Q

Photo Copyright 2011 Patti Ramos. All rights reserved.
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Sunset sky ...

2011-06-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

"Clouds come floating into my life,

no longer to carry rain or usher storm,

but to add color to my sunset sky.

National Doughnut Day!

2011-06-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

National Doughnut Day started in 1938as a fund raiser for the Chicago Salvation Army. Their goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression, and to honor the Salvation Army "Lassies" of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers.

Soon after the US entrance into World War I in 1917, the Salvation Army sent a fact-finding mission to France. The mission concluded that the needs of US enlisted men could be met by canteens/social centers termed "huts" that could serve baked goods, provide writing supplies and stamps, and provide a clothes-mending service. Typically, six staff members per hut would include four female volunteers who could "mother" the boys. These huts were established by the Salvation Army in the United States near army training centers.

About 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France. Because of the difficulties of providing freshly baked goods from huts established in abandoned buildings near to the front lines, two Salvation Army volunteers (Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance) came up with the idea of providing doughnuts. These are reported to have been an "instant hit", and "soon many soldiers were visiting Salvation Army huts". Margaret Sheldon wrote of one busy day "Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee."

A legend has spread that the provision of doughnuts to US enlisted men in World War I is the origin of the term doughboy to describe US infantry, but the term was in use as early as the Mexian-American War of 1846-47. It is still a fund raiser run by The Salvation Army.

The U.S. consumes over 10 billion doughnuts each year.

Photo Copyright 2011 Patti Ramos. All rights reserved.
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A black hole where women's dignity is destroyed ...

2011-06-03T00:25:00.000-07:00

Father's Love ...

2011-06-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

In honor of all loving Fathers ~

http://youtu.be/3tQwI7EY4KM

Memorial Day ...

2011-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war."

~Albert Einstein

Please no copying, reproduction or transfer without permission from Patti Ramos.

Jeweled balm ...

2011-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes,
and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.
A few of those days and you can become drunk
with the belief that all's right with the world."
~Ada Louise Huxtable

I Cried For You ...

2011-05-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ken Gore

July 31, 1951 - May 14, 2011

.Rest in peace my kind friend
So many treasured memories that make me cry out for you ...

http://youtu.be/4Fr5-16ZnPM

You're beautiful so silently
It lies beneath a shade of blue
It struck me so violently
When I looked at you

But others pass, they never pause
To feel that magic in your hand
To me you're like a wild rose
They never understand why

I cried for you
When the sky cried for you
And when you went
I became a hopeless drifter
But this life was not for you
Though I learned from you
That beauty need only be a whisper

I'll cross the sea for a different world
With your treasure, a secret for me to hold

In many years they may forget
This love of ours or that we met
They may not know
How much you meant to me

I cried for you
And the sky cried for you
And when you went
I became a hopeless drifter
But this life was not for you
Though I learned from you
That beauty need only be a whisper

Without you now I see
How fragile the world can be
And I know you've gone away
But in my heart you'll always stay

I cried for you
When the sky cried for you
And when you went
I became a hopeless drifter
But this life was not for you
Though I learned from you
That beauty need only be a whisper
That beauty need only be a whisper

I love you Kennyo ♥

P.S. Please give my Papa a big hug for me.

"Quiet Ecstasy" ...

2011-05-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

A Song, a Baby, the Congo, and a Meeting

by Jodilyn Owen

In Helen Reddy’s anthem to female power, I Am Woman, she sings about standing toe to toe while “I spread my loving arms across the land.” Standing toe to toe is a boxing term, which draws to mind the picture of two people squared up to each other, facing each other directly from the tips of their foreheads all the way down to their toes. She is singing about embracing the world with love from a place of power and strength that is deeply rooted. Driving home from work in the early hours of a rainy Seattle morning this song came on the radio. I focused on the road ahead but my arms and hands had all of my heart-attention. I wondered if my appendages could possibly reach lovingly across the land? Only a few hours prior to this drive, my hands had received a new life into this world. I could still feel the warmth and softness of a wet baby girl born to a mother I had come to know and love over the course of several years. I could feel the mother’s hands on top of mine as I laid the baby on her chest and slowly eased my hands out of their space leaving the mother/baby dyad in a quiet ecstasy. As a midwife, by the time I am at a birth I have worked for hours and hours with families. I know mom’s dreams and her fears. I know her body and her baby. I know her favorite songs and what makes her cranky. She knows my stories and my affection for newborns. My work is about developing meaningful, joyful relationships. My work is about watching women become mothers. When I look at women, I see their power, strength, and fortitude. I know what is lying dormant inside of an expecting mother and relish the process of working with her while she uncovers her greatest truths. The particular birth that had me thinking warm fuzzy thoughts about my hands moved me in a very new way. The birth of this baby girl stunned me in its beauty for a very simple reason: For the entirety of the pregnancy, this mother of three boys had pined for and talked about the little girl she just knew was growing within. She had no proof of it. She spent her pregnant days sending dreamy pink wishes to her belly. She spoke of shopping excursions and cute shoes, dresses, and ponytails. We planned ahead so that at the birth we would leave the discovery of the sex to mom and dad. The baby was born quickly with no drama whatsoever. As I saw the head and face I thought to myself, “Oh my, that is a distinctly feminine face. If that is a boy, he is very pretty indeed.” The baby slipped into my hands, and I swooped it up to mom’s chest. There, I felt her hands cover mine and just as quickly replace mine against the heat of that new body. I left the two of them to their quiet, multi-sensory discovering of each other. After she took a deep breath and sighed, mom looked down and lifted one of the legs to see for herself about the sex of this baby. She yelled out, “Is it? Is that!? It’s a vagina!!!” and with that she let out a yelp of joy akin to very few I have heard in my life. Her husband and mother-in-law joined in and her midwives, myself included, gave laughs and shouts of delight that matched the mother’s. We cheered this little baby girl as if she just won the big high school game! What I came to realize a few hours later is that this baby was born into a loving room full of people cheering about the existence of her vagina—the very base of her biological self, her second heart. Her vagina: a source of pleasure and purpose for women who stand with power and move with love. I drew my breath in awe over the fact that she was received in such a meaningful way and wondered about a life based on the celebration of girl and womanhood. I wondered about a society where the essence of the female self is cheered from the deepest place of honor and joy. When I arrived home I took a long look at my sleeping sixteen-year-old daughter and sent her silent celebratory thoughts. She is the essence of standing with power and moving with love. I learned a lesson from a new mother about how we celebrate our daughters that morning. Watching my own daughter sleeping that sound teenage-sleep, I could see her all at once as she looked those first moments I held and sniffed her, and appreciate all she has become and will one day be. I saw the unfolding of a young woman discovering her own truths and kissed her forehead with deep affection for the hard work of it all. This summer I will spend several weeks overseas working with birthing mothers and new babies. When I was searching for the right clinical placement I came across the opportunity to work in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. The woman who places volunteers explained that they do not need birth workers as much as they need mothers for the hundreds and hundreds of young girls, right around my own daughter’s age, who are used as weapons of war. They are raped by soldiers with AIDS and left with babies, HIV, and fractured families and tribes. Many of the girls will not live, and even fewer of their babies will survive. There are women all over the world who are deprived of everything we think of with regards to being a woman. They are denied education, shunned, neglected, raped, or even sold into slavery. My thoughts about celebrating girlhood and women suddenly felt luxurious. What life do we lead that we have the time to even talk about these ideas of the higher self? I was actually looking at my daughter while this phone conversation occurred. I felt a profound loss for all of the mothers who were denied the opportunity to squeal with delight over the birth of a daughter and for the pure miracle by which my own daughter arrived in my life. As I watched her walking through the house I realized that the best shot we have of women all over the globe coming into their own health may lie with the whole-hearted celebration of the women around us. If we are to get our loving arms across the land, we must first embrace ourselves and our daughters from a place of education and celebration. The potential for global women’s health rises exponentially if we raise girls who know and understand their own womanhood. Girls who embrace their most basic biology and their highest spiritual selves from a holistic perspective. Girls who are so familiar with womanhood that they will recognize it wherever they travel, regardless of the packaging. Girls who create healthy and meaningful friendships and partnerships with the men in their lives. These are girls who will grow to create a world where all women will have the luxury of celebrating each other. I made a commitment to pause and celebrate the women I come into contact with daily: at work, at the market, while cheering on my kids as they play basketball. It doesn’t take more than a glance and a thought and bit of intention. It is a silent and internal act. At a recent meeting with eight other midwives, I caught myself smiling for no apparent reason. I thought to myself, “You must look like a dork with that goofy grin on your face!” and pulled myself upright, straightening out. I realized I had been silently scanning the room and celebrating each woman there unconsciously. I had the yelps of delight from that birth coursing through my head as I looked at each woman there. I relaxed back into the chair and inhaled deeply, let that grin slide back onto my face and cheered for the women I love, the women I work with, and the women I share this earth with.
Jodilyn Owen is a wife, mother, midwife, seasoned doula, and educator who has attended hundreds of births. She specialized in newborn assessment and observation through the Brazelton Institute of Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. Jodilyn has been published in Midwifery Today and the Women’s Wisdom Circle, and has spoken at Bastyr University for Natural Medicine and two Trust Birth Conferences. She will spend this summer working with mothers and babies on the tiny island nation of Vanuatu. Note: If you’re interested in working in the Congo or connecting with organizations that do, go to http://www.ngoabroad.com/

Can't?

2011-04-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

During her pushing stage, the mama was positioned on her hands and knees.

The obstetrician (who personally experienced two cesarean births)

entered the birthing room and immediately said,

"Babies can't come out in that position!"

.
I beg to differ.

They can.

They do.

And they have from the beginning of time.

Earth Day ...

2011-04-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time."
-Motto at the Baltimore Grotto

A perfect day ...

2011-04-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Bethany, Ryan and Azalea!
Happy *birth*day to Azalea's 10 pound 11 ounce baby sister

.who arrived yesterday afternoon into the waiting arms of her strong, determined Mama.

Bethany labored in a birthing tub in her cozy home

surrounded by sunshine, organic food, music and her incredibly loving, supportive husband.
If ever there was a perfect day for that beautiful family and their birth team -
April 21st was it!

Accepting applications for apprentice doula

2011-04-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

My wonderful, hard-working, dependable, fabulous apprentice - Jen Hook (in the photo) - has completed her one year doula apprenticeship and as a result of her amazing dedication, commitment, dependability, expertise, wisdom and LOVE for doula work, she is now my full fledged doula partner! You, being my partner Jen, is a dream come true.

Consequently, the apprentice position is open once again and I am ready to schedule interviews with those of you who are interested in this tremendous opportunity.

The apprenticeship requires a 9-12 month commitment to fully experience a doula's role and responsibility, which includes interviews, birth plan meetings, assisting in the Birth Prep Workshop, attending births, debriefings, postpartum visits, monthly doula meetings, the monthly cesarean support group meetings and more. It involves being on call 24 hours a day and sometimes dropping everything in a moment's notice to take off for a birth that is going fast. You are not required to be on call 24/7 for an entire year. If you need to occasionally go off call for other commitments, that is perfectly acceptable.

We meet at my office in Tacoma on an average of 5-10 hours a week for client consultations, replying to emails, phone calls, filing and office/computer work. We attend hospital, home and birthcenter births in the Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, Puyallup, Bremerton and Olympia areas. Our clients include teens, lesbian couples, mothers desiring a VBAC, military couples giving birth at Madigan, families experiencing a stillbirth, adoptions, single mothers, those giving birth to twins/triplets, scheduled cesarean births and high risk clients.

The apprentice assists with an average of 25 births in a 6-9 month period. With each client their "package" includes the get acquainted meeting, the birth plan meeting, being on call, the birth itself (however long it takes), a labor/birth journal, photography, phone follow-ups and often times, one or more postpartum home visits. On a rare occasion, you would be the 1st person on call if Jen and I are not readily available. There is no financial compensation to the apprentice since this is considered an educational opportunity without having to pay tuition, where you acquire a vast amount of training and experience with a doula who has been practicing for 35 years - having attended over 2000 births and is one of Bates Technical College's original doula trainers.

(Photo of wonderful Jennifer Wildflower - former apprentice - doing the double hip squeeze)

If you are interested and able to fulfill the above requirements, please contact me at birthpreparation@aol.com so that I can send you an application form and schedule your interview.

Here is an enlightening explanation of how a doula sets her fees and why: www.pattiramos.com/doulafees.html

Jen Hook's testimonial:

"Before I sat down to compose this testimony, I went back to read the journal entry I wrote after the first birth I went to with Patti. It is hard to believe that it has only been a year that I have been in this world of birthing with her. What I have learned in that amount of time feels like it should have taken several years.

Early May 2010, I was standing in my kitchen talking with my husband about the opportunity to apprentice with Patti Ramos. She and Jennifer Wildflower had been our doulas for our second baby who was birthed by way of VBAC. My youngest child was only 6 months old and nursing exclusively. I felt there were so many reasons why I should not commit to an apprenticeship at the time, but everything in me was on fire to do so.

It required the help of many…a small doula-supportive village, to learn all the things I wanted and needed to learn from this doula of doulas. I knew I could not pick and choose what I wanted to be a part of, I needed to be fully immersed into the doings of a doula…that meant interviews, birth plan meetings, being on call, Birth Preparation Workshops, births, postpartum calls, postpartum visits, office work, birth journals, and still run my home, raise my family and do so on a lot less sleep…the sacrifice and commitment of many.

Honestly, after walking with Patti into this sacred place, I feel like I have come home. I have reached a different space inside myself that I never knew was there. I feel like the apprenticeship birthed a new and better woman, mother, wife and friend. There is so much more to learn from Patti than just the “how-to” of this holy profession. She holds a depth of wisdom, love and compassion that is pure and amazing. This opportunity is beyond what one would ever get from a traditional birth doula class/workshop. To see how she can connect with another human, gain the trust of others, know from moment to moment what is needed without cue, to be completely present and selfless, professionally conducted and respected by others is quite astounding. The apprenticeship, in short, is an opportunity of a life-time…something that could never be packaged or bought for. It is a supreme honor to serve and work beside a woman of this inspirational worth."

... be out of yourself

2011-04-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful." ~Agnes De Mille .

Perhaps ...

2011-03-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

"The future is called "perhaps," which is the only possible thing to call the future.

And the only important thing is not to allow that to scare you."

~Tennessee Williams

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It's ok to look back ...

2011-02-22T00:24:00.000-08:00

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"It's ok to look back at the past.

Just don't stare at it."

-author unknown

Snowflakes ...

2011-02-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

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"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things,

but just look at what they can do when they stick together."

-Author Unknown

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You are the window ...

2011-02-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

"Better keep yourself clean and bright.

You are the window through which you must see the world."

~ George Bernard Shaw

Photo ©2011 Patti Ramos. All rights reserved.
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Reflection ...

2011-02-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

"The beginning of love

is to let those we love be perfectly themselves,

Not to twist them to fit our own image.

Otherwise,

we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.
~ Thomas Merton

A sea-blue tale ...

2011-02-02T01:27:00.000-08:00

There are no footprints on the sea and no road-signs,
not a single guard-stone or post, and no bends, only paths of light and
dark from which to choose. The choice is always a difficult navigation
and the storm's wingspan immeasurable as the depths and the horizon,
but the sea holds you in its mighty hand,
your life is a sea-blue tale
of love and death.

-Åse-Marie Nesse

Go deeper ...

2011-02-01T04:33:00.000-08:00

Ideas are like fish.

If you want to catch little fish,

you can stay in the shallow water.

But if you want to catch the big fish,

you've got to go deeper.

Down deep, the fish are more powerful and more pure.

They're huge and abstract. And they are very beautiful.

~ David Lynch

One heart at a time ...

2011-01-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

"Love heals the world, one heart at a time."

~ Mr. Prophet

Heart Birthmark

Protecting your sanity ...

2011-01-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.'

I do not agree.

The wounds remain.

In time, the mind, protecting its sanity,

covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens.

But it is never gone."

~ Rose Kennedy
.

.
.

Numb ...

2011-01-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."

Labor pain is purposeful.

Labor pain is productive.

Nothing is wrong.

There is no injury and no illness.

Pain is the Mother's feedback mechanism.

Epidurals numb the pain and therefore, numb the feedback.

Sometimes ... that is the compassionate thing to do.

numb

–adjective

1. deprived of physical sensation or the ability to move: fingers numb with cold

2. manifesting or resembling numbness: a numb sensation.

3. incapable of action or of feeling emotion; enervated; prostrate: numb with grief.

4. lacking in emotion or feeling; indifferent: She was numb to their pleas for mercy.

Epidural pictorial ... www.pattiramos.com/epidural.html

The vital connection ...

2011-01-23T00:37:00.000-08:00

"It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still

differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play

without seeing the vital connection between them."

~ Leo Buscaglia

Isaac and Anaiyah

The most beautiful view ...

2011-01-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

"The most beautiful view is the one I share with you."

~Author Unknown

Julia

Youer than You ...

2011-01-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

“Today you are You, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

~ Dr. Seuss

Vinko

Masterpiece ...

2011-01-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

You are carrying a masterpiece hidden within you,

but you are standing in the way.

Just move aside, then the masterpiece will be revealed.

Everyone is a masterpiece,

because God never gives birth to anything less than that.

Will you carry that masterpiece hidden throughout your life,

not knowing who you are and just try on the surface to become someone?

Drop the idea of becoming someone,

because you are already a masterpiece.

You cannot be improved.

You have only to come to it,

to know it,

to realize it.

God Himself has created you;

you cannot be improved.

~ Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

Lily

Celebration ...

2011-01-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

Life is a celebration and if we attune ourselves spiritually

we can experience meaningful transformation.

The peace within you is a blessing to be shared.

Step joyfully into the future and know

that as you embrace your magnificence

you raise the consciousness of humanity.

Love your divinity and let every moment of every day

be a mystical experience that takes your soul to the next level.

~ Micheal Teal

Nancy, Jen and Charles

Father, child and love ...

2011-01-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

"And everything else will then turn out to be unimportant and inessential except this:

father, child and love.

And then, looking at the simplest things, we will all say,

Could we have not learned this long ago?

Has this not always been embedded in everything that is?"

~ Karol Wojtyla

Charles and Lily

"Failure to progress" ...

2011-01-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

The most common reason for a c-section in the U.S. is failure to progress.
.

Unless the Mother or her baby has a true medical complication,

are we simply failing to be patient?

Laboring women are confronted with the reality of

facing

many

goodbyes

... the pregnancy she so loved

... her familiar self

... her familiar relationship with her partner

... the life she has grown accustomed to

... she may question her capacity to love this new baby

or as much as she loves her first child

Some need more time to

emotionally, spiritually,

psychology and mentally

- dilate -

unlike her uterine contractions,

her personal "rebirth" cannot be induced or forced.

Transition is so much more than 7-10 centimeters ...

She transitions throughout her entire pregnancy, labor, birth and recovery.

We cannot move forward until we understand the origin of our resistance.

She has so much more to "accomplish" than just dilation.

Please be patient with her journey.

~ Patti Ramos

Feeling blue ...

2011-01-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

"One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue

is that he doesn't try to find out why."

~Author Unknown

.My son Scott - 1982 (3 years old)

A beautiful thing ...

2011-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

"Everytime you smile at someone,

it is an action of love,

a gift to that person,

a beautiful thing."

~ Mother Teresa

May you always do for others ...

2011-01-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

1-1-11

As we grow into this new and promising year,

my wish for each and every one of you ...

"Forever Young"

~ written by Bob Dylan and performed by Joan Baez

.
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

Happy New Year!

A privilege to stand so close ...

2011-01-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

"We are made to do this work and it is not easy.

I would say that pain is part of the glory,

or the tremendous mystery of life.

And that if anything,

it's a privilege to stand so close to such an incredible miracle."

~Simone in Klasson

.
.

Her first crown ...

2010-12-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

ti·ar·a
(tē-ār'ə, -âr'ə, -är'ə) n.

An ornamental, often jeweled, crownlike semicircle

worn on the head by women on formal occasions.

Umbilicial Cord

Baby Loss Comfort

2010-12-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Baby Loss Comfort

from Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort

http://www.babylosscomfort.com/index.php

It's hard to know what to say to a grieving parent. Our own fear of loss can render us immobile. And sometimes people feel like they have to think of the "perfect" thing to say. There is no "perfect" thing to say. There is nothing you can say to heal the grief of losing a child. But acknowledging and supporting grief is a way to help healing. Please know that the effort of talking about the baby, the loss, and the sadness will be appreciated, even if it's not "perfect."

Please do not stay away or ignore the loss. Bereaved parents need your loving support. Not speaking about it does not lessen its reality. Bring up the subject, and be prepared for tears. Nothing you say will ever make the bereaved parent sadder than the reality of losing a child. Simply allowing a safe space for them to grieve without denying that grief is all that's required of you. Remember, it is usually the simple things you say or do that mean so much.

.
Some Things NOT to Say:

.
"It was God's will."
"It was meant to be" or "it was for the best."
"Your baby is in a better place now."
"Time heals all wounds."
"I know just how you feel." (Unless you have personally experienced the loss of a baby.)
"It's been ___ amount of time and aren't you over it yet? It's time to get on with your life."
"At least you have other children" or "At least you can have other children."
"Now you will have an angel in heaven."
"It could have been worse..." It could not have been worse. Not to the grieving parent.

Some Things You Can Say (and do)

"Who can I call for you? Let me help gather loving support around you."

"Cry when you need to because I know your tears are helping you grieve."
.

"This child was unique, special and irreplaceable. I know children are not interchangeable and the fact that you can

have other children does not lessen the grief of losing this one."

"Talk to me, share your thoughts, feelings and memories of your baby. I know that you haven't forgotten your baby or your pain just because I'm afraid to mention it."

"When you've decided what you want to do with your baby's clothes, toys and furniture, I'll help you sort through it all. And if you need to cry, I'll bring the tissues."

"Let me take your baby's sibling to the park, read a story or tickle their toes. I know you don't feel like laughing or playing right now."

"I'm going to run errands now—is there anything I can pick up or do for you?

"Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to heal."

"There is no particular way you 'should' feel or things you 'should' do. There are no rules about how grieving should go."

"Don't worry about your baby's brothers and sisters at the funeral—I'll watch them and give them extra love and attention."

"I'll be over to pick up your baby's brother or sister to take them to school, Grandma's house, or to their soccer game—I'll even stay and cheer them on! And I'll listen to their feelings about losing a baby brother or sister. They need to know their world is safe even though yours doesn't feel that way right now."

"I'll help fill out medical forms, walk the dog, pay bills or answer the phone. I understand that it's hard to deal with the mundane details of life right now."

"I know it seems like a long time, but you don't have to 'get over' the loss of your baby on any time table. You'll feel better when you do and I'll still be here."

"Tell me more about your pregnancy and your baby...I'm interested and I'm not tired of hearing the same stories. I know sometimes you need to keep going over those events until they seem real and more tolerable."

"Wasn't it a year ago that you lost your baby? How about we go for a walk or out to lunch. And I'll remember this day next year and the year after."

"How are you doing today? If you don't feel like answering the phone, I'll just leave a message to let you know that I love you and was thinking about you. I'm sure you'll return my call when you feel up to it."

"I've found a list of local support groups in your community, synagogue or church and I'll take you if you'd like to go."

"I understand if you're having a hard time being my friend when I have a new baby and you've lost yours. I love you and I'll be here when you're ready."

"Don't feel guilty because you laughed today."

"I'm here. Call me any time of the day or night. I'll cry with you, I'll listen to you and I'll even laugh with you. I'll always have tissues."

Baby Loss Resources:

http://www.babylosscomfort.com/grief-resources/

Grief Resources:

http://www.babylosscomfort.com/grief-resources/

With loving memories of Karina Nicole

2010-12-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

Precious little Karina Nicole,

three month old daughter of

my dear friends Jamaica and Cyrus,

passed away on December 27th, 2010.

Sending my love and prayers.

The three of you will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

Karina Nicole

Born on September 15, 2010

Now in the arms of her Heavenly Father.

Happy Birthday Lord

2010-12-25T01:18:00.000-08:00

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through. Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, Stew ... made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh." Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away. "But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good." George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ........" George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought. George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered that the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. so he put a new one on. "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either . " He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln . They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway. As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, Please help me." George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease. "Something for pain," George thought. All he had were the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance." The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio. He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area." George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain." George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time. The front door of the office flew open. in burst a young man with a gun. " Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before. "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt." The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now." He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pee shooter away. " George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All wanted was t o buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week ." George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. the road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can." He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out." The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the woun d ed o fficer. "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man. Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran." George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work here?," the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job." The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, Why?" Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything ." "Well, looks like you got one doozy of break there. That ought to solve some of your problems." George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't t hink Marth a would mind. She said it would come in handy some day." The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you." "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need." George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man began to cry again as he handed back the 150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family." The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good." "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after." George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. why?" "Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby." The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor. The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man." George was taken a back by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again." The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned." George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas." George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord." -Author Unknown

I keep this moment by and by

2010-12-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

The lake is frozen over

The trees are white with snow

And all around

Reminders of you

Are everywhere I go

It's late and morning's in no hurry

But sleep won't set me free

I lie awake and try to recall

How your body felt beside me

When silence gets too hard to handle

And the night too long

And this is how I see you

In the snow on Christmas morning

Love and happiness surround you

As you throw your arms up to the sky

I keep this moment by and by

Oh I miss you now, my love

Merry Christmas, merry Christmas,

Merry Christmas, my love

Sense of joy fills the air

And I daydream and I stare

Up at the tree and I see

Your star up there

And this is how I see you

In the snow on Christmas morning

Love and happiness surround you

As you throw your arms up to the sky

I keep this moment by and by

~ Gordon Lightfoot.

One Last Christmas ...

2010-12-17T01:07:00.000-08:00

If you knew this was your last Christmas ...

would you live the remainder of your life any differently?

In memory of little Dax Locke ~

Cherish every moment and each other.

Bittersweet ...

2010-12-16T02:20:00.000-08:00

“Who has never tasted what is bitter does not know what is sweet.”

~German Proverb

Photo ©2010 Patti Ramos. All rights reserved.
.

The Essential Ingredient ... Doula

2010-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Never doubt ...

that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

~ Margaret Mead

An ever-changing piece of art ...

2010-12-15T01:27:00.000-08:00

“The greatest work of art

created first by God and then by man,

is the creation of life.

The whole process is an amazing art in itself.

The fact that it takes two artists,

man and woman,

each bringing their own parts of a pallet

to create a work of art

that not only has a piece of both artists

but is also a living, breathing, ever-changing, piece of art

with an identity of it’s own.”

~ Bethany Jane Andrews Hoey

Open embrace and empty surrender ...

2010-12-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

.
"We know the motion of our true nature

by the open embrace and empty surrender

and acceptance of everything as it is."
-julie sarah powell

A companion to the forgotten ...

2010-12-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

"There are thousands and thousands people suffering.

What is the ultimate purpose of life?

It is to give.

Start giving.

See the joy of giving."

~Narayanan Krishnan

The Starfish

Once upon a time, there was a wise kupuna (elder), who went to the sea to contemplate. One day while walking along the shore, the kupuna looked down the beach, and saw a gracefully dancing human figure. The kupuna wondered out loud, "who would so joyfully greet this day with hula?" and began to walk faster to catch up. Getting closer ...the kupuna saw that the dancer was a keiki (child), who was not dancing at all. The keiki was reaching down to the sand to pick up something, and was gently throwing it into the sea. The kupuna called out to the keiki, "Aloha! What are you doing?" The keiki paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish into the sea." Surprised, the kupuna sputtered, "I guess I should have asked, "Why are you throwing starfish into the sea?" The keiki smiled brightly, pointed upward and, with exquisite simplicity, replied "The sun is up, the tide is going out, if I don't throw them in they will die." "But don't you realize," asked the kupuna, "that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You can't possibly make a difference!" The keiki listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it gently into the sea, just beyond the breaking waves, and exuberantly declared, "It made a difference for that one." In each and every one of us, there is something very special. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a positive difference. If we are fortunate enough to fully accept and acknowledge that gift, we gain the "mana", the power to shape the future. Like the starfish, you have been chosen out of the multitude, to surf upon this cyber-shore and be inspired by a child's wisdom. Become the wise keiki. "The sun is up, the tide is going out. If you don't throw them in, they will die." Return the aloha spirit back into your Sea of Life. Find your starfish. Throw them gently and wisely back into the sea so they may live. Making a difference, you will Live! And we are all The Blessed. Ola! (Live!) Adapted by a kupuna from a story by Author Unknown

When a Woman (Mother) Loves ...

2010-12-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

When a woman loves

She, she loves for real

When a woman loves

She, she, she loves for real

She took me back

After I broke her heart

About a thousand times

She gave her life to me

With no regrets, she followed me

And she, and she,

the girl she raised me

And I'm forever indebted,

I'm forever indebted,

I'm forever indebted to her cause

When a woman loves

She, she, she loves for real

When a woman loves

She, she, she loves for real

She filled my soul

With the very touch of her hand

She really did

And she’s got more,

more faith in me than a beach got sand

And I like to tell ha,

I like to tell ha,

that I’m forever indebted,

that I'm forever indebted

Cause when a woman loves

She, she, she loves for real

Yea, yea

See a woman loves

It would never die no

Even when I’m dead and gone,

I’m gonna love her from the sky

Cause she’s given me something

that no other woman has given me

When I think about you girl

it makes me sink

When, when, when, when

When a woman loves

She loves for real

When a woman loves, loves, loves

I’m tellin you when she loves

She, she loves for real

Yea, yea, yea

When she loves

She loves for real

Life itself ...

2010-11-26T00:38:00.000-08:00

Water has no taste, no color, no odor;

it cannot be defined,

art relished while ever mysterious.

Not necessary to life, but rather life itself.

It fills us with a gratification

that exceeds the delight of the senses.

~ Antoine De Saint-Exupery, Author

Patti's grandson ~ Jack

The eyes of a little baby ...

2010-11-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite,

something that makes one feel aware of God,

one need not go far to find it.

I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal

than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby

when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs

because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."
- Vincent van Gogh

Forgiveness ...

2010-11-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

.

.

Forgiveness is giving up hope ... that the past could be any different.

~ Author Unknown

It's a girl!

2010-11-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world Lyndon Mae!

Born on November 8th at 2:48pm

Weight: 8 lbs. 14 ounces Length: 20.5 inches

CONGRATULATIONS Janelle and Nathan!

Pain ...

2010-11-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year,
but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.
If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
~ Lance Armstrong

Doula Meeting - November 3rd

2010-10-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Jen and Tinneca - Rebozo Training - August Doula Meeting

November 3rd Doula Meeting - Adoption Training for Doulas

Facilitated by Patti Ramos

If you are an aspiring, new or experienced Doula, you are invited to join us on November 3rd at the Puget Sound Birth Connection's monthly doula get-together.

Location: Green Spot Tea House
3318 Bridgeport Way W., #B, University Place, WA 98466 (on the ground floor of the Alicia Condominiums) - park in back - http://www.greenspottea.com

Meeting Agenda: (You are welcome to arrive any time between 5:30-6:30.)

5:30-6:00 - Eat dinner* (optional) / socialize* If you would like to order one of their delicious sandwiches, soup and/or salad, they appreciate your advance order so they can better serve our group.

Their menu is posted here: http://www.greenspottea.com/menu.html (253) 565-2832.The Green Spot closes their tea house to everyone else us but our group on our meeting night and they provide the space free of charge so they do appreciate the food orders. If you prefer to wait and place your order while at the meeting, that is ok too, but they can serve the food more quickly by knowing in advance.

6:00-6:45 - Introductions, updates and birth stories

6:45-8:00 - Main topic: Adoption Training for Doulas

Guest speaker: Courtney Gray, M.S.W., Adoption and Family Services Counselor

Topics:

What is open adoption?

Positive adoption language

Adoption myths and misconceptions

Adoption law

Birth mother grief

Some of the ways a doula's support can be different when assisting with an open adoption

8:15-8:45 - Closure

*Because space is limited, please send Patti an RSVP - birthpreparation@aol.com by no later than November 2nd

After the meeting, several of the doulas meet at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant for happy hour.
2014 Mildred Street West, University Place, WA 98466.

Please remind anyone you talk with who would like to join our group to email Patti Ramos so they can be added to our mailing list. birthpreparation@aol.com

Each of us is pregnant ...

2010-10-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

"Each of us is pregnant with a better version of ourselves.

Each of us is a midwife to a higher possibility for humanity.

The entire universe is primed for a new beginning."

~ Marianne Williamson

Single Umbilical Artery ...

2010-10-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

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Single umbilical artery affects approximately 1 out of 100 live births and is the most common defect of the umbilical cord. A typical umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein. When one artery stops growing or when the primoridial umbilical artery does split, single umbilical artery can occur. One artery is capable of supporting a pregnancy to term, so the disorder does not pose a threat directly to your developing baby. However, there are other birth defects that your child may be more likely to inherit because of the single umbilical artery. Approximately 25% of babies that have single umbilical artery will have other abnormalities. These can include heart defects, gastrointestinal abnormalities, central nervous system complications, urinary tract complications and trisomy 13 or 18. Healthcare providers can diagnose the condition after an ultrasound examination shows one artery that is large with only two vessels visible.

For December/January due dates ... The Birth Preparation Workshop

2010-10-26T02:15:00.000-07:00

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"This is a childbirth education class like no other,

profound in its scope -- it will change you.

A two day soul-scape workshop,

unforgettable, invaluable, informational, deep and hilarious.

Re-experience and remember what it means

to be in love with your partner,

your life

and your coming baby."

-Jennifer Wildflower, Doula

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WHAT WE DO IN THE WORKSHOP:

*Emphasize the significance of your relationship.

*Support the partner’s role, enabling him/her with the skills and knowledge

to enhance the birthing experience and the lasting memories.
*Discuss pain and creative ways to labor - building a new pain coping mindset.

*If you must have a cesarean, learn how to have a more positive experience.

*Establish a new kind of breath awareness – trusting your body’s wisdom.

*Experience a realistic, intense, enlightening, heartfelt labor simulation.

*Become familiar with the terminology and process of labor and birth.
*Enjoy relaxation exercises … massage, aromatherapy, music therapy.
*Address fears, concerns, worries - questions are always welcome.
*Discuss medical procedures, epidurals and options.

*View labor and birth videos, including waterbirth.

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*The emphasis is on birthing a healthy baby,

nurturing your relationship and enjoying

a positive birth experience,

doing whatever it takes to help make that a reality.

To register: www.pattiramos.com/workshopregistration.html
Testimonials: www.pattiramos.com/loveletters.html and
www.pattiramos.com/birthpreparationworkshop.html

The Ice Journey: www.pattiramos.com/icejourney.html

Date: November 20th and 21st

Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm both days

Workshop fee: $285.00 per couple

Location: Tacoma, WA

Instructor: Patti Ramos

The next one day workshop will be held on December 11th.

Cleary-eyed vision ...

2010-10-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

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"A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement.

It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for

what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood."

~Rachel Carson

~ Noah ~

2010-10-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

"A baby is an angel whose wings decrease as her legs increase."

~Author Unknown

The good fortune of others ...

2010-10-15T15:03:00.001-07:00

"One of the sanest, surest, and most generous JOYS of life

comes from being happy over the good fortune of others."

~ Robert A. Heinlein

It's a BOY!

A little word from the fingers of another ...

2010-10-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

"Once I knew only darkness and stillness...

my life was without past or future...

but a little word from the fingers of another

fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness,

and my heart leaped to the rapture of living."

~ Helen Keller

18 weeks

Joy ...

2010-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Joy is not in things, it is in us."

~ Richard Wagner

~ Anaiyah and Jenni ~

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Through birthing a daughter ...

2010-10-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

"Suddenly, through birthing a daughter,

a woman finds herself face to face

not only with an infant, a little girl, a woman-to-be,

but also with her own unresolved conflicts from the past

and her hopes and dreams for the future ...

As though experiencing an earthquake,

mothers of daughters may find their lives shifted,

their deep feelings unearthed,

the balance struck in all relationships once again off kilter."

~Elizabeth Debold

Reach ...

2010-10-08T12:23:00.001-07:00

"Only as high as I reach can I grow,

only as far as I seek can I go,

only as deep as I look can I see,

only as much as I dream can I be."

~ Karen Ravn

Beautiful Dori ~ Breast Cancer SURVIVOR

http://lumpsandlipstick.blogspot.com/

Beautiful Toni Erickson ...

2010-10-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives:

and the people multiplied and grew exceedingly strong.

Exodus 1:20

Haunting moments ...

2010-10-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Of all the haunting moments of motherhood,

few rank with hearing your own words

come out of your daughter's mouth."

~Victoria Secunda

Joy ...

2010-09-29T14:28:00.001-07:00

"The healthiest response to life is joy."

~Deepak Chopra

Mama's Song ...

2010-09-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

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The moment I gave birth to my daughter, I began raising her to fly away.

The answer to my prayer ... that she live a love-filled, joyful life.

♥ Happy Birthday Casey Dee ♥

I love you with all I've got.

Doula Meeting - October 6th

2010-09-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

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If you are an aspiring, new or experienced Doula, you are invited to join us on October 6th at the Puget Sound Birth Connection's monthly doula get-together.

Location: Green Spot Tea House

3318 Bridgeport Way W., #B, University Place, WA 98466 (on the ground floor of the Alicia Condominiums) - park in back - http://www.greenspottea.com/
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Meeting Agenda:
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5:30-6:00 - Eat dinner* (optional) / socialize
*If you would like to order one of their delicious sandwiches, soup and/or salad, they appreciate your advance order so they can better serve our group. Their menu is posted here: http://www.greenspottea.com/menu.html (253) 565-2832
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The Green Spot closes their tea house to everyone else us but our group on our meeting night and they provide the space free of charge so they do appreciate the food orders. If you prefer to wait and place your order while at the meeting, that is ok too, but they can serve the food more quickly by knowing in advance. They stop serving food at 7:00pm.
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6:00-6:45 - Introductions and Updates
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6:45-8:00 - Tips on how to assist the new Mother with optimal breastfeeding initiation

Guest Speaker - Michelle Kinne - Lactation Specialist at St. Joseph Medical Center

http://www.cascadeperinatalservices.com/

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8:00-8:30 - Closure - After the meeting, several of the doulas meet at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant for happy hour.

2014 Mildred Street West, University Place, WA 98466
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Please remind anyone you talk with who would like to join our group to email Patti Ramos so they can be added to our mailing list.
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*Because space is limited, please send Patti an RSVP - no later than October 4th

birthpreparation@aol.com

Beauty ...

2010-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly,

but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

- Maya Angelou

♥'

When I kiss you ...

2010-09-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

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When I kiss you, I can taste your soul.

~Carrie Latet

Compassion ...

2010-09-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

"The dew of compassion is a tear."

~ Lord Byron

Lessons ...

2010-09-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Things We Can Learn From A Dog

~ Author Unknown

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1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
4. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
5. Take naps and stretch before rising.
6. Run, romp and play daily.
7. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
8. Be loyal.
9. Never pretend to be something you're not.
10. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
11. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
12. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
13. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
14. On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
15. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
16. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout....run right back and make friends.
17. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

"Bubbles"

One contraction at a time ...

2010-09-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

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"Take the first step in faith.

You don't have to see the whole staircase,

just take the first step."

~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

♥

FAITH and ENDURANCE

A baby boy arrived this morning!

2010-09-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations new parents ~ Hailey and Brian!

Happy *BIRTH*day sweet little Marley Ray

Born at Lakeside Birthcenter on September 3rd at 6:16 AM

Weight: 7 lbs. 3 ounces

Midwife: Nancy Spencer

Doulas: Patti, Jen and Grandma Pam

I originally met Hailey when she was 10 years old.

At that time, I was her Mother's doula for the births

of Hailey's two younger siblings.

Hailey's Mother is now a Grandmother and today

she had the honor of "catching" her own grandson.

Beautiful!

It's a BOY!

2010-09-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Happy *BIRTH*day Reece ... what a cutie pie ♥

and congratulations to your mom and dad - Jennifer and Scott

Your Mama was SO amazing and strong!

Born on September 2nd, 2010 at 11:43pm

Weight: 7 lbs. 13 ounces

Born at Lakeside Birthcenter

Midwife: Nancy Spencer

Doulas: Patti and Jen

A love letter from a new Father ...

2010-09-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

To you Patti,

who shared the most wonderful experience of our lives ...

It is very hard to believe that two months ago tonight, we shared a miracle in our living room. (by the way, I checked the lease - it says, "No pets, loud music or waterbeds" - no mention of water-births!) Please accept our apologies for the delay in this letter -- as you know only too well, diapers, eating, sleeping, crying, swing, burping, dressing, cuddling and a host of other really neat parent things can be a little time consuming ... Words do not come easy in trying to describe and thank you for what we experienced and what you contributed to the World Premiere of Nathan Andrew. So please allow me to try ...

One of the things which has in some ways occasionally frustrated, but more often than not I have appreciated about Christy--- is her determination. Her definite sense of purpose when she sets her mind to something. For instance, "Gee Honey, we're having a baby. And by the way, I will be delivering in the living room with my midwife and doula ... in a birthing tub ... no drugs, no doctor, no bright lights, no scalpels, no violence, no strangers, no noise - a very healthy, private, safe experience. Okay? Good, glad you agree." That's not exactly how it went (but real close!) She had all the answers to all of the skeptical questions which I (and now so many others have asked). She never wavered - in fact only grew deeper in her convictions. Over the months, and after we participated in and experienced the AMAZING "Ice Journey" workshop, my confidence went from, "No way" to "Okay?" to "It's the only way!" (I was still a little nervous - but that went out the window around 9:00 PM Sunday evening...) We spent the night counting and timing contractions and deciding if this was the real thing or just a dress rehearsal. By 6:30 AM we decided (well, actually our baby decided) that we weren't just practicing. We proceeded to instinctively do what all expectant parents do - yes, that's right - clean the house. A lesser woman would have not cared about the condition of the kitchen - but after all it's not every day that you boil water for delivering a baby instead of for broccoli. There was something so reassuring about being in our own "space" - supported by such capable, professional, caring women and surrounded by all that was familiar and secure. As the hours passed and after you arrived; each of us playing our unique and wonderful roles - it became more and more apparent that this was such a wonderful way to go. So pure, so natural, so right. There were no longer preconceived expectations - only great expectancy to what was at hand. There was never any panic in the room, but somehow a sense of calm arrived when you walked in the front door and it stayed from then on. Much like the sheep must feel when the shepard arrives. As natural as giving birth is, any fears or anxieties that ever appeared for even a moment, seemed to just fade away in your presence. You gave us the freedom to follow the plan we wanted to follow. You helped us push with guidance and you guided without being pushy - and if strangers could ever make new friends feel truly loved and cared about - you did! Thank-you. The birth of our precious child was absolutely, the most incredible experience of our lives. As Nathan "swam" up in to our arms, the depth of my belief in God became infinitely deeper. That such a miracle of creation must, without question, come from a Creator. Thank-you for being a witness to our miracle.

Patti - I originally only knew of you as the lady who was "going to take pictures of the birth." I had no idea you were going to be this incredibly sensitive, calm, extremely caring, wonderful, loving person who just naturally knew what we needed, when we needed it, without US even knowing we needed it! When you arrived, I realized immediately that you were going to be an intimate participant in the debut of our family. I will never be able to describe what emotions you preserved forever on film and the way that you showed them to us just days later. I know that you have saved for us an experience that we can relive today, tomorrow and always. You will always be considered a special part of our family.

Thank-you so much.

We love you!

Paul and Christy

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Married to the people ...

2010-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am the Medicine Man

Conjure up Black Maria from old Siam

Foreseeing, teasing because I can

And I razzle dazzle ghosts

Star-gazing through the outermost

Though a fury tempest toast

Still I can't manage a love for me

I am the Medicine Man, I am the Medicine Man

Walking sands through a foreign country

I'm eagle-winged like a Cherokee banshee

And I razzle dazzle ghosts

Star-gazing through the outermost

Through a fury tempest toast

Still I can't manage a love for me

I am the Medicine Man

The well-mannered enchanter

I'm looking for love,

I want your love

your angelic love

And I razzle dazzle ghosts

Star-gazing through the outermost

Gave a fury tempest toast

Still I can't manage your love for me

The dawn has come

Feeback from expectant parents ...

2010-09-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you Amber and Scott!

08-31-10

Patti,

I can't tell you how thankful I am for you. You have such a gift. This class was so much more than I ever could have imagined. I talked with a number of new moms before signing up and spent lots of energy convincing Scott this would be worth the time and money. I'm sure you could tell, he's a guy's guy, not one to give up a weekend for a birthing class. It was hard enough getting him to the Newborn Class earlier that week. I was worried about whether he'd make it through the weekend. But he's a good man, that loves me and our new child, so I knew I just had to get us both there and it would all be worth it. You covered everything I was hoping for with positioning, relaxation techniques, and a wealth of information about the birthing process. But I think what really made this class so special was the connection you made with each of us in such a short time. You are right, words can't describe it. I really hadn't yet discovered what a wonderful blessing pregnancy is and what a special time for us as a couple. I left feeling more loved and more ready to give love to this precious little girl. I loved the class, your gentle words of advice, and the space you created for such a wonderful renewal of our marriage. Thank you, Patti! ~ Amber

08-31-10

Hi Patti,

I would like to share my class experience with you. It really started Thursday before the class. Amber reminded me that the class she signed us up for was this coming weekend. My summer has been extremely busy, without any free weekends that I could remember. Don't get me wrong, I agreed to this class over a month ago, but was never excited. I was not happy about a whole weekend being spent on something that I was sure I could just read in a book. I remember telling the guys at work about how bad my weekend was going to be, but my preconceived notions couldn't have been further off. Saturday morning, we were the first people to class and I observed a room full of chairs and a tv in the corner. Great, I thought, we're going to watch some old, out of date videos while somebody narrates. That was the last negative moment I had for the entire weekend. It was great to see people that were in the same place we were. The class setup was geat - very laid back and full of great discussion. We learned some techniques that helped with pain, baby positioning, and mother comfort. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that through all that has been going on, that this class reminded me how much I love my wife. I haven't stared into her eyes like that in years. I remember laying there thinking how blessed I am to have such an amazing wife. I loved the focus on the relationships, even though if I knew that this class was going to be that way, I dont think I would have come. I am so glad we did. The Ice Journey started off kind of like a game for me. Until we came back into the class room (after the trust walk) where it got real. It was well planned out with the different stages of child birth, pain with the ice, music, and some great acting. I was on an emotional roller coaster with my anxiety level through the roof one minute to calm and focused the next. We left the class and went to dinner both still trying to take everything all in. After a good night sleep we were excited to see what Sunday had in store. The morning was full of great conversation, review and much need medical information. It was great to hear the cesarean stories of Jennifer and Gavin. The mothers' Ice Journey was amazing to watch and participate in. In the end, the class was exactly what i needed to boost my confidence, that we can do this. I feel empowered with the knowledge to help make this birthing experience what we want it to be. Everything we have learned is helping us rethink our birth plan. We have a whole list of questions for our doctor. You're an amazing woman to make people like us feel so loved. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to be in your class, I would recommend it to anybody. I'm now ready to be our little girl's dad. ~ Scott

More testimonials:

www.pattiramos.com/loveletters.html

To register for the Birth Preparation Workshop:

www.pattiramos.com/workshopregistration.html

Baby survival skill ...

2010-08-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

The basic tool for baby survival, the sucking reflex ensures an infant is

nourished until his voluntary sucking skills are developed at around two months.

Jewels ...

2010-08-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

"The most precious jewels are not made of stone, but of flesh."

~Robert Ludlum

The breath before the kiss ...

2010-08-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

~ Glitter In The Air ~
Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?

Close your eyes and trust it,

just trust it

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?

Have you ever looked fear in the face

And said I just don't care?

It's only half past the point of no return

The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn

The thunder before lightning, the breath before the phrase

Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?

Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you're not alone

Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?

Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?

It's only half past the point of oblivion

The hourglass on the table, the walk before the run

The breath before the kiss and the fear before the flames

Have you ever felt this way?

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

There you are, sitting in the garden

Clutching my coffee, calling me sugar

You called me sugar

Have you ever wished for an endless night?

Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight

Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself

Will it ever get better than tonight?

Tonight

A dog's nose ...

2010-08-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

"A dog's nose is something for us to wonder at.

It is perfectly remarkable and reminds us

there is a world out there that we can never know.

At least not as human beings."

~ Roger Caras

Serenity, courage and wisdom ...

2010-08-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change,

the courage to change the one I can,

and the wisdom to know it's me."

~ Author Unknown

Velamentous Insertion of the Umbilical Cord ...

2010-08-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

"There are only two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle."

~ Albert Einstein

The baby that this placenta / sac / cord supported ~ was born HEALTHY!

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Velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord ~
Normally, the veins of the baby run from the middle of the placenta via the umbilical cord to the baby. Velamentous insertion means that the veins, unprotected by Wharton's jelly, traverse the membranes before they come together into the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord inserts on the placental mass in about 99% of cases. The insertion site may vary from the center of the fetal surface to the border of the placenta. The term velamentous insertion is used to describe the condition in which the umbilical cord inserts on the chorioamniotic membranes rather than on the placental mass. Therefore, a variable segment of the umbilical vessels runs between the amnion and the chorion, losing the protection of the Wharton's jelly.

The incidence of this condition is about 1.1% in singleton pregnancies and 8.7% in twin gestations. In twin pregnancies it is higher in monochorionic placentation or when the placentas are fused than when the placentas are non-fused. The incidence of velamentous insertion is even higher in early pregnancy; in spontaneous abortions it has been estimated to be 33% between the 9^th and 12^th weeks and 26% between the 13^th and 16^th weeks.

The most significant clinical problem arising from a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord is vasa previa, a dangerous condition in which the velamentous umbilical vessels traverse the fetal membranes in the lower uterine segment below the presenting part. In 6% of singleton pregnancies with a velamentous insertion, vasa previa is a coexisting condition. These unprotected vessels may rupture at any time during pregnancy, causing fetal exsanguination and death. Although spontaneous rupture has been reported before labor and with or without intact membranes, this accident occurs most often during amniotomy.
Reference: www.vasaprevia.org
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Your heart ...

2010-08-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart

go walking around outside your body."

~ Elizabeth Stone

Emergence ... (graphic birth photos)

2010-08-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

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"Birth is not an emergency. It is simply an emergence."

~ Jeannine Parvati Baker

"Crowning"

Everything is accounted for ... the baby's skull bones overlap

allowing his/her head to change its' size and shape

to the size and shape of the Mother's pelvis and birth canal.

For the optimal fit, the baby's head usually delivers

in this position - face towards the Mother's back.

Then the baby's head turns (without assistance)

to line up with his shoulders.

Vernix on the baby's nose - a sterile, luscious, creamy,

protective lanoline-like substance that protects the baby's

skin while submerged in water all those months.

Sliding through the Mother's birth canal gives the

baby's chest the opportunity to be compressed

which aids in the expulsion of fluids from the

baby's mouth, helping to clear the airway.

The baby's top shoulder is easing its' way

out from under the Mother's pubic bone.

Now, the bottom shoulder ...

The skull bones back in place - so amazing!

Feels soooo good to stretch!

9 lbs. 6 oz. boy

21 inch umbilical cord containing one vein and two arteries

surrounded by a protective jelly-like substance

An indescribably beautiful (and my favorite) color!

The squishy placenta has no bones.

My midwife friend says "It slides out like a bar of soap."

The "Tree of Life"

Fetal side of the placenta

Maternal side of the placent and the amntiotic "veil" (membrane)

5 minutes old

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~ PERFECTION ~

Please no copying, reproduction or transfer without permission from Patti Ramos.

A wave of liquid love ...

2010-08-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

"How lovely it is to be reborn as a wave of liquid love

dancing upon the surface of your golden heart."

~ 'Sri Gawn Tu Fahr

Life is a mosaic ...

2010-08-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

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“LIFE is a mosaic of pleasure and pain.

Grief is an interval between two moments of joy.

Peace is the interlude between two wars.

You have no rose without a thorn;

the diligent picker will avoid the pricks and gather the flower.

There is no bee without the sting;

cleverness consists in gathering the honey nevertheless.”

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba