Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung here in Lil Rhody.  The wisteria on my porch is starting to emit the most amazing smell as it promises to produce the most beautiful flowers.  It is so encouraging after the cold dark winter that had us running for cover into the deepest depths of our comforters.  Just like my porch, Blessed Beginnings is starting to come from under the shell and quiet depths of winter.  There has been so much change going on in our shop.  The sadness of losing our estheticians is slowly melting away and being replaced with the joy of welcoming Erica Shea CD(DONA).  Erica is, among many other things, an incredible maternity and infant photographer.  In order to celebrate Mother's Day and formally introduce you all to Erica, we have decided to have a giveaway!!!  This giveaway will take place on our facebook page so feel free to stop by there for the official details.  We are offering a one hour Swedish or Prenatal Massage AND a one hour Family Photo Session, a package valued at $160 for just $85 with a submission on our facebook page of why you or someone you love should win this package.  The story that receives the most "likes" by April 22nd will receive this package for free!!!!

Tomayto…Tomahto

Dream Board, Treasure Map, Vision Board, Goal Board, Creativity Collage, Prayer Boards, Vision Map, Goal Map, or Visual Explorer are all different names for the same way to visually define, clarify and focus our goals, desires, and dreams for the future. A vision board is a collage of images that represent what you want in your life. Much like the picture of the smiling 120lb yoga instructor that we all hope to be that is duct taped to our refrigerators as a constant reminder of our goal weight and ability…no? Just me? Oh well, anyway. Much like that, a vision board can serve as a reminder of our goals and our heart desires, without the guilt. These boards are usually arranged in a way that evokes positivity, creativity, passion, excitement, clarity and hope that spur on our minds to continue toward that desire and continually be open to opportunities that align us with our goals. The idea behind this exercise is to tap into the law of attraction on a visual level. The law of attraction states that we attract into our lives anything that we give attention to, regardless whether it be positive or negative. We’ve all seen this happen, usually with our best friend (or sister) who has the darndest time finding Mr. Right. We’ve all heard her complain time and time again about how she doesn’t want a guy who is car-less, jobless, useless, and lives with mom, yet those are the exact men she attracts and accepts into her life. Her mind and thoughts are focusing on CAR-LESS. JOBLESS, USELESS, & LIVES WITH MOM. Instead, if her mantra was I am ready to find a man who has his own car, a great and well situated career, has meaning and purpose in his life, and owns his own home, the chances of her settling for anything opposing that continual thought are much less likely. When we have put our mind and energy into creating something that intimately means something to us and we can have it before our very eyes as a reminder (should we choose), it can act as an energizing reminder of our end goals which will help us to take small steps to achieve those goals. If I truly desired to be a 120lb yoga instructor, I would be willing to give up chocolate and maybe even attend the free yoga classes my friend has gifted me. Although, the picture confronts me and some part of me desires some part of it, chocolate is a very important part of my existence, but maybe my true desire is to be healthy and fit and taking some free yoga classes wouldn’t kill me in obtaining that goal.

Every time I look at one of my vision boards I am reminded of the excitement and hope I had during it’s creation and I see potential, progress and completed results, even if I have forgotten about why I chose a particular picture or even THAT I had chosen a particular picture. Why have I decided to blog about vision boards? Well, the first Full Moon of Spring is on it’s way (April 18^th) and as a way to celebrate all that potential, we are hosting a Vision Board Workshop. See our website for details. I hope to see you there!

A Community in Turmoil Leads to a Heart Full of Prayer

If you are not aware of the recent events in our small town, maybe ignorance is truly bliss. I will not use this blog to describe the gruesome murder of a young local child or even go into my intense feelings about his murderer being released early for good behavior. Should you desire to know more details just search Jason Foreman. This news has gone national and will be easy to find. The intent of this blog is actually to bring attention to the pain, heartache, anger and fear that has taken over our little community. Even on days that it is not the topic on the news, at school pick-up or at the supermarket, it’s still there. So many people feel personally affected by this situation and it is being expressed in a myriad of ways. Some feel the need to let others know and to educate people on the circumstances in am attempt to try to change the pending outcome. Others feel the need to protect the victims, themselves, and their community and get angry. And still others have been overwhelmed with sadness or fear. I have to admit that I have been ebbing and flowing through each and every one of these emotions and maybe even some I couldn’t describe. The problem I face is the desire to do or change the outcome without the physical or mental capability. I have been racking my brain for a way to help and realized that the one thing that has been helping me to cope has been praying. Prayer has given me an outlet to express my fears, concerns, sadness, frustration and confusion to the author of all history…God. I have prayed for the Foreman family, my family, the legal process, the community and even the murderer. It is the only thing that has allowed my brain to rest. Leaving it all in the hands of God himself, is proving itself necessary. Shortly, after the town was notified, the earthquake/tsunami occurred in Japan and a whole new wave of confusion, anguish and sense of helplessness was felt. In response to it all and recognizing that each one of us is also dealing with hard stuff in our daily lives, we have decided to host a prayer circle on Wednesday April 6 at 6PM at Blessed Beginnings. For more information, see our website http://www.blessedbeginningsri.com/. All are welcome. If you can’t come but have a prayer request please email it blessedbeginningsri@hotmail.com or leave us a message 401 782-3559 and it will be included.

Proud to be an American

Although this video specifically depicts the lives of army families, I believe it would be fair to assume that any family associated with any division of the Armed Forces can relate to this video.

Thank you.

God Bless America

I was given an amazing honor today. I was given the opportunity to volunteer at an FRG event in North Kingstown. I was able to do my little part by volunteering to massage the wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of some of the United States finest. Associated with the United States Army, the United States Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard communities, a Family Readiness Group (FRG) is an organization of family members, volunteers, soldiers and civilian employees associated with a particular unit. They are established to provide activities and support to enhance the flow of information, increase the resiliency of unit soldiers and their families, provide practical tools for adjusting to military deployments and separations, and enhance well-being. Ideally, all Army units, both active and reserve, sponsor FRGs as an avenue of mutual support and assistance, and as a network of communications among the family members, the chain of command, chain of concern, and community resources. If you know someone who is related to one of our brave Army personnel that is not part of one of these groups, let them know to ask about them. Today was a “Spa Day” so there were not very many men present for very long. I was able to witness a group of women and children share a relaxing day together despite the fact that the soldiers they love were deployed this past January. It was obvious that not only are our soldiers strong and selfless, but so are their families. In order to continue to support our military, in the month of April we will start putting together some care packages for our deployed men and women overseas. There are no words that can accurately portray my appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for my freedom and I am just as thankful for their families holding it all together and carrying on while they are away. God Bless America.

Ina May

Recently, I got back from an amazing weekend in New Jersey. Yes, that’s right New Jersey, who would have thought. Now there are very few people who have ever walked the face of the Earth (besides Jesus) that I really follow. I’m not really up on the who’s who of the Hollywood crowd , politics or the sports community, but there are a few people I would like to meet. Ina May Gaskin is one of the Top Ten on my list.  The name Ina May Gaskin may mean little to nothing to you if you haven’t read any of her books: Spiritual Midwifery, Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth or her newest, Birth Matters. Yet, I can guarantee that if you have ever had a child (especially if your child was delivered by a midwife in the past 20 years) Ina May has been very influential in the lives of those assisting you throughout your birth experience. Ina May has intrigued, educated, and entertained millions of people with her wit, intellect and matter-of-fact outlook on childbirth. She has been a true pioneer for natural birth and women’s rights regarding childbirth. She has shown us how to remove fear, shame, and ultimately pain from the natural normal act of birth. In New Jersey, I was given the opportunity to sit in on two separate lectures given by Ina May. 

In addition to her books, Ina May has begun a quilt named the Safe Motherhood Quilt.  This quilt is made up of individual squares, each created for a woman who has died of pregnancy-related causes in the U.S. since 1982. Some interesting facts regarding maternal mortality:         
          1. The United States ranks behind at least 40 other nations in maternal mortality rates.
          2. The Centers for Disease Control estimated in 1998 that the US maternal death rate is actually 1.3 to three times that reported in vital statistics records.
          3. Reporting of maternal deaths in the United States is done via an honor system. There are no statutes providing for penalties for misreporting or failing to report maternal deaths.
Thanks to Ina May’s spirit of change, the voices of hundreds of women who lost their lives in childbirth right here in the United States will be heard. To see some of the quilt squares visit
http://www.rememberthemothers.net/quilt/thumbnails.php?album=4.

Doulas, Doulas, and More Doulas

Last night, Doulas of Rhode Island hosted a Meet the Doula Night.  This is a couple of hours that all the members of DoRI (Doulas of Rhode Island) get together and host a meet and greet to any families or individuals who are interested in meeting or interviewing doulas.  The night was kicked off with an amazing short movie about the benefits of birth and postpartum doulas.  You can peek a look at the trailer on the DoRI website.  Needless to say, with my heart as attached to assisting families through the birth process as it is, it was impossible to hold back a tear or two.  The movie was followed by all the doulas standing together and introducing themselves and announcing what type of doula they are.  This gave our guests a face to go with the name that was listed on their handouts.  Afterwards, all were welcome to partake in some snacks and beverages and the interviewing, educating, and question answering commenced. To say the turn out was impressive would be an understatement.  A great time was had by all.  I highly encourage anyone who may be interested in having a doula as a birth or postpartum option to keep an eye out for our next Meet the Doula Night.  You will not be disappointed. 

Meet The Doula Night

The dictionary defines DOULA as "A woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth."  For any family who has actually had the opportunity to experience childbirth with a doula, it can mean so much more.  In 1993, according to Klaus, Kendall & Klaus, laboring with a trained birth doula resulted in:

• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

With a success rate like that, it's amazing that doulas only attend about 1% of all births in the United States.  As if that isn't enough, there are also POSTPARTUM doulas.  According to Debra Pascali-Bonaro, some of the benefits of having a postpartum doula assist the family are:

Increases success of breastfeeding

Facilitates parent-infant bonding

Decreases incidence of postpartum depression

Encourages appropriate well-baby and mother care

Increases parents' confidence in their parenting skills

If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about doulas in Rhode Island.  Come to Meet the Doula Night hosted by DoRI (Doulas of Rhode Island) on:

Monday, February 28, 2010
Rochambeau Library
708 Hope St. Providence
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm


Be sure to RSVP here.  Hope to see you there.

Perfectly Pineapple

Yes, pineapples.  Pineapples will help us to continue with the theme of welcoming you to our blog and Abby to our ranks.  In some cultures, the pineapple is associated with the notion of welcome.  According to Beverly Pack (via mindspring.com), "to the Carib, the pineapple symbolized hospitality, and the Spaniards soon learned they were welcome if a pineapple was placed by the entrance to a village. This symbolism spread to Europe, then to Colonial North America, where it became the custom to carve the shape of a pineapple into the columns at the entrance of a plantation.  During early Colonial days in the United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful centerpiece of the festive meal, especially when visitors joined them in celebration. This symbolized the utmost in welcome and hospitality to the visitor, and the fruit would be served as a special desert after the meal. Often when the visitor spent the night, he was given the bedroom which had the pineapples carved on the bedposts or headboard--even if the bedroom belonged to the head of the household. The pineapple has been a universal symbol of hospitality and welcome for many centuries all over the world."  So, in honor of the pineapple, and hence the spirit of welcome, we've attached a link to a great craft project for you and the kiddos thanks to Squidoo.com. Click here to find details on how to make a Pineapple Magnet with Felt.  Don't forget to become our friend on Facebook and click the "like" button under the status with the welcome mat.  This will ensure your participation in our drawing for a free February Facial with Abby Armitage.

Welcome

Velkommen.  Bienvenue.  Willkommen.  Cead mile failte.  Benvenuto.  Bienvenido.  Welcome. 

No matter the language, the word for welcome exudes an air of peace and camaraderie.  One definition of the word says "receive with pleasure and hospitality into one's company or home".  And THAT my friends is exactly what we would like to do.  We would like to welcome you to our blog.  What better way to kick off a new blog than to welcome a new member to our team?  That's right, Abby Armitage has joined our ranks.  Before coming to us, Abby attended Empire Beauty School of Warwick, RI.  She currently holds a Rhode Island license in Esthetics.  Abby understands how hard it can be to care for yourself when you have a family to care for and how little time you have to pamper yourself.  This understanding is what motivates Abby to provide top quality skin care services to all of her clients.  Let's all give Abby a warm heartfelt welcome.  What better way to welcome a new member to our team than to give something away?  Become our friend on Facebook by clicking the "LIKE" button, Kim McNiece will then ask you to friend us.   Upon accepting the invitation, leave a welcoming comment on our page for Abby.  Each person who does so will be entered to win a free fabulous February Facial with Abby!  The drawing will take place on Thursday February 10th so don't delay.  We will Facebook message the winner as soon as they are chosen so they can make the most of this welcome gift. And don't forget to tell your family and friends about us, so we can welcome them into the Blessed Beginnings family as well.~ Be Blessed.