The Wisdom of Emily Dickinson

 

 

 

Painting by Elizabeth Barrett

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/elizabethbarrett.html

 

 

 

THE BRAIN -- IS WIDER THAN THE SKY

 

The Brain -- is wider than the Sky --

For -- put them side by side --

The one the other will contain

With ease -- and You -- beside --

 

The Brain is deeper than the sea --

For -- hold them -- Blue to Blue --

The one the other will absorb --

As Sponges -- Buckets -- do --

 

The Brain is just the weight of God --

For -- Heft them -- Pound for Pound --

And they will differ -- if they do --

As Syllable from Sound --

 

I'M NOBODY -- WHO ARE YOU?

 

I'm Nobody! Who are you?

Are you -- Nobody -- too?

Then there's a pair of us!

Don't tell! they'd banish us -- you know!

 

How dreary -- to be -- Somebody!

How public -- like a Frog --

To tell your name -- the livelong June --

To an admiring Bog!

 

A WORD IS DEAD

 

A word is dead

When it is said,

Some say.

I say it just

Begins to live

That day.

 

IN THIS SHORT LIFE

 

In this short Life

That only lasts an hour

How much -- how little -- is

Within our power.

 

I TOOK ONE DRAUGHT OF LIFE

 

I took one Draught of Life --

I'll tell you what I paid --

Precisely an existence --

The market price, they said.

 

They weighed me, Dust by Dust --

They balanced Film with Film,

They handed me my Being's worth --

A single Dram of Heaven!

 

Emily Dickinson

BIO: Born December 10, 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Emily Dickinson was regarded by the people around her as an introverted, reclusive eccentric who wore white clothing and declined to interact with the outside world. After her death on May 15, 1886, scholars, as well as the general public, became more aware of her short, simple, yet emphatic poems, so that today she is viewed as one of America's most important poets.

 

 



What Are You Grateful For?

 

by Dawn Pisturino

 

Like so many people, I get caught up in the stresses and strains of everyday life, wish I could scrap it all, and start all over again. I want a different job, a new husband, more money, increased luxury, a brand new car, a bigger house, a slimmer waist, a younger face. I want to travel to exotic locations,

meet exciting people, try enticing new foods, and lounge on the beach with nary a care in the world.

Maybe, if I hit the lottery or write a bestselling book, this could happen. But until then, how do I keep my perspective and enjoy life?

GRATITUDE

 

The Thanksgiving holiday teaches us to sit back, take a realistic look at our lives, and count our blessings.

 

Do I really want to turn in my well-worn husband for a new model? We're used to each other. We know each other's weaknesses and strengths. We've been to hell and back together and count each other as best friends.

 

Last year, we took some investment savings and paid off our mortgage. As long as we pay the taxes, nobody can take away our house. Do I really want another mortgage? NO! I don't want the stress or the hassle. Being mortgage-free gives me freedom that I didn't have before.

 

Although my job can be very stressful, I make enough money working part-time that I can keep a flexible schedule. My husband and I have learned to live on less. Do I really want to commit myself to a 40 hour a week job? No way! I value my free time. And if I can't afford to vacation on the French Riviera, so what? I'm perfectly happy and content at home with my husband, three cats, and two dogs.

 

I have loving relatives and supportive friends, with the possibility of meeting new people wherever I go. I have a beautiful daughter who's talented, intelligent, and independent. She's been the light of my life. I don't need anything more.  

 

And you know what?  That's okay. I'm grateful for the things I have. And if Fate decides to send me more, well, I'll deal with it whenever it happens.





What are you grateful for?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

Copyright 2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.



 

Red Ribbon Week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RED RIBBON WEEK IS OCTOBER 23-31, 2014

During Red Ribbon Week, schools and organizations all around the country will be celebrating a drug-free lifestyle.

 

Parents, join in by educating your children about the dangers of drug abuse. Need information? Go to http://redribbon.org

 

Red Ribbon Week was started in 1985 by the National Family Partnership (formerly, the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth) to honor DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was tortured and murdered in Mexico in the line of duty.

 

He believed that "one person can make a difference," and sacrificed his life in trying to bring an end to the illegal drug trade.

 

Through its many programs, NFP brings Drug Awareness to the local community about the dangers of drug abuse; reaches out to policy makers on the local, state, and national level about the dangers of the drug trade; and provides free drug prevention literature to those in need of information.

 

Don't Be Left Behind! Join in Now!

 

Dawn Pisturino, RN

Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

 

 







Don't Choose Death

 

 

 

 

As a healthcare worker, I can vouch for the fact that smokers, alcoholics, and drug addicts contribute greatly to my job security.

 

And yet, despite this, I cannot condone these vices because I've seen the results of their prolonged use on the human body.

 

I've watched a number of people die slow, agonizing deaths from substance-related cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

 

Some of these people were over fifty years old; some of them were in their thirties or forties.

 

It may appear that some people are resistant to the effects of smoking, drinking, and using drugs. If so, they must be in the minority.

 

Substance abusers are a drain on the insurance companies, a drain on society, and a drain on themselves. The only people who benefit from their bad habits are the tobacco companies, liquor companies, and illicit drug pushers.

 

While Americans are free to make their own choices, they should be aware that they could be choosing death over life in the choices they make.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Published in The Kingman Daily Miner, September 27, 1994.

Copyright 1994-2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Get Healthy with Turmeric

Have you ever wondered what gives prepared mustard its bright yellow color? The secret is a little-known spice called turmeric.

A relative of the ginger plant, turmeric originated in India thousands of years ago and quickly spread across Asia and the tropics. Originally grown as a fabric dye, it later became popular as a food condiment and cosmetic additive. It is highly revered in India as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck.

Turmeric is widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to season dishes and add color to food. It is a primary ingredient in curry powder.

Traditional Indian folk medicine, called Ayurveda, has employed turmeric in a variety of ways to treat asthma, coughs, anemia, wounds, acne, diabetes, and dental problems. It has been used to stimulate the digestion, boost the immune system, promote fertility, and retard aging.

Western scientific research has confirmed the spice's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is currently being investigated for use as an anti-cancer agent and liver protectant.

This wonderful little spice can be added to just about any food dish. Next time you cook a meal, try it!

Turmeric milk is a delicious and wholesome drink that can be taken at bedtime to promote improved sleep.

Just add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to one cup of milk. Stir well, and bring to a boil. Let it cool and drink. Goat, soy, or rice milk may be substituted for cow's milk.

Turmeric has also been used as an effective tonic to cleanse the skin and add a healthy golden glow to the complexion.

It can be found in the spice section at most grocery stores.

Dawn Pisturino
February 14, 2007
Copyright 2007-2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Visit my website:  http://www.dawnpisturino.org

NOTE: If you're allergic to prepared mustard, you might be allergic to turmeric.