Eating healthier

As the mother of a rescue dog, I started thinking about eating animal products. I've been a vegetarian for four years and find myself moving more and more towards a total vegan diet. There are many reasons to eat a plant-based diet and to be honest, mine is mainly health. But I also like the fact that I am not eating any animal - none. If I would rescue a dog, why would I eat a dead chicken, pig or cow? This is a personal decision and I'm not trying to "push" a type of diet on anyone, but if you have thought about eating healthier for any reason and moving towards a more plant-based diet, even just every once in a while, check out this fun website with my product review.

http://veganssavetheworld.com/2015/02/product-review-healthy-surprise/

Down and out....

I made a promise to myself that I would blog more in the New Year. There are so many positive things happening in our world and too often, all we hear are the bad things. But like many good intentions, I kept putting it off and putting it off. I didn't even have a good excuse because I was off my feet - quite literally - with foot surgery. It was a bit of a drag being on crutches through the holidays, but I knew my foot would be stronger in the end and there were so many more things much more serious than that. I would get better!

For someone as independent as I am, depending on others was difficult at times. Making it possible was the love and support of my friends and family who provided meals, rides and most of all, just support. Two of the most important people in my life, my husband and my "baby" were amazing. I truly couldn't have done it without them helping me from everything from getting dressed, getting around, making meals and taking care of the house. Top kudos to Paul and Cole - good, good guys! I love you so much.

Where would we be without our family and friends?

One of the joys of my work as a journalist is meeting truly inspirational people like Susan Evans. She took her cancer journey and turned it into a fundraiser to help cancer research. With her book - "Don't Write the Obituary" she also helps to inspire others. Very cool!

Want to read about her? Check out:
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/08/05/In-remission-for-ovarian-cancer-woman-writes-book-with-her-doctor/stories/201408050004

Take What You Need

I take yoga at a wonderful, little independently owned yoga studio called "Totally Yoga."

When I was there the other day, I noticed a sign like the above and some of the slips were already missing. I looked at it and fell in love with the idea. Then, as I looked at the remaining selections, I thought, "Well, I have lots of love, I have passion, I am healthy, my family is healthy.....I have an amazing life." 

That sign did two things- struck me as a great idea to put up in places I know others will be that may need a little something and made me focus on the positive instead of a few things in my life that kind of had me down. What do you need? Or do you have enough and give to someone else? 

Saying good-bye to a good woman

Myself, Sloop (Terry) and the beautiful Barbara

I haven't blogged in a while because life gets in the way -which it should never do when it comes to celebrating good things in life. Today, I am compelled to write about a beautiful lady who left us way too soon. Barbara was the wife and long-time love of a wonderful artist, Terry McCoy, aka Sloop Jones. We didn't have a lot of time with Barbara, but she was just someone you instantly loved and she served as the "woman behind the man" for Sloop's business. (I have written about Sloop in the past and encourage you to check out his amazing clothes www.sloopjones.com)
Barbara passed in July and today is her memorial service at one of the places that Paul and I love - the east end of St. John USVI. We are so sad we can't be there, but are there in spirit and wearing our Sloop today. I raise a glass of champagne to a woman that brightened the lives of many in so many different ways. Thank you, dear Barbara.

 

http://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2014/05/22/Forget-the-cookie-table-This-Pittsburgh-couple-is-having-a-bacon-table/stories/201405150444

Such a fun couple and what a fun idea. Even a vegetarian like me thinks it is awesome.

Our daughter, Eliza, has been dating a wonderful, young man for well over a year now and we love Pat. Yesterday, on Mother's Day, my husband and I walked with Eliza and Pat and his family in the Race for the Cure. We honored Pat's mom, Mary, a survivor and every other survivor. We also honored those who have lost their lives to cancer.

The weather cooperated and it was an amazing event. To see over 20,000 people walking in one long line, all for a common cause was wonderful. There were children of all ages, folks of all sizes and even dogs including two white standard poodles died pink. What great fun, but for a serious cause.

It was the first time that we met Pat's family and it was instant love. No suprise since Pat is such a fantastic young man.

What a spectacular Mother's Day - being with people we love, celebrating wonderful survivors and fighting for a cure for cancer.

Sometimes you just want to Do Something....do something good, do something that makes a difference, do....well, something. But you may not have a lot of time or money to do it.

That doesn't mean you can't still Do Something!

I recently saw the Facebook page for an organization called just that - Do Something. It offers suggestions for simple acts that can brighten others' day. While it is geared for youth (of which I am clearly not), the ideas and suggestions can be used by anyone.

When I saw their suggestion to make Valentine's Day cards for seniors then have them delivered through Meals on Wheels volunteers, I contacted a friend who makes lunches for Meals on Wheels and she agreed to put them in the bags. Then my 24-year-old daughter, Eliza, and I made some Valentines! It was great fun and for a great cause.

My niece, a grade school teacher, decided to get her students involved and they made more for another Meals on Wheels site.

It doesn't always have to be a lot - a little can even turn into a lot! Do Something!

Just a quick post with a great quote... “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
Buddha

What happiness will you share today?

Could you do this?

My husband and I have been involved with the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy Challenge for years now. Veteran hikers ourselves - we have done the whole challenge four times - we signed up for the Homestead Challenge this year. The Homestead is only 18 miles - as opposed to the 35.1 mile full challenge.

For the first time, I called it quits after about 12 miles. The heat this year was too much for me and I found myself getting chilled and goosebumps, despite the 90 degree day. Paul, I am happy to say, finished.

And so did some other great folks -
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-north/group-of-teachers-coaches-take-hiking-challenge-694137/

Getting outdoors and on the trail for the Challenge always puts us in contact with other wonderful - if maybe a bit crazy - folks. What is your Challenge?

Painting Happiness!

When we decided to go say "Good-bye" to one of our favorite spots in the world - Maho Bay on St. John, USVI, we also decided to visit Sloop Jones.

Sloop is from Pittsburgh, like us, and had relocated to the island 20 some odd years ago. A photographer by education, Sloop started painting amazing clothing.

Truth-be-told, when we first saw a Sloop sign four years ago, I was a bit nervous. We were on the far east side of the island (rather sparse) and the sign said, "Wearable art." Having no interest in a tatoo, I thought perhaps we should stay away. Paul laughed and encouraged me to enter behind the gate. What we found was a world of beautiful clothing!

This visit, we decided to take advantage of Sloop's new workshops where he teaches folks to paint their own shirts. Great fun. This time, Paul was nervous - a chemist, he claims he doesn't have a creative bone in his body. Ha! He painted an amazing shirt and we had so much fun.

If you ever get to St. John, take advantage of one of Sloop's workshops. In the meantime, visit his website http://www.sloopjones.com.

Sloop chose a photo of us to be in his ad. What an honor!

"We need toys for the children," were the words I heard in response to my question on how I could help a homeless mission.

Toys? For the children? Wow, I had never thought about homeless children needing toys. Shame on me.

Called to the cause, I enlisted my friends and family to help me collect toys and two of my friends answered in a big way. Marilyn, a second-grade teacher, enlisted the children of the elementary school my own children had attended. Another friend-teacher had the students of the Interact Rotary Club at the high school collect.

In the past two years, our efforts have garnered over 450 toys for the children. Last night, I participated in "Christmas in the Streets" and helped handout food, clothing and gifts to over 100 homeless members of the community in Pittsburgh. How humbling to be part of this important ministry.

The gratitude of these folks touched my heart and I was the receipient of numerous hugs. It was my honor to work with the ministry and serve these people.

We have so many blessings in our life - let's share the blessings.

Pay it forward

My family on vacation....as you can see, I have much to be thankful for! Like many families, the Gansters gathered on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the day and well, give thanks. My sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ann and Dave Alchier, were the hosts for the day and at the end of the meal, while we were still seated, handed an envelope to each of us. Inside was a $10 bill and instructions...we were to take the money and do something good with it before Christmas, then at Christmas, we will have to report back and tell everyone else what we did. What a totally awesome idea! Right away, we started speculating on what that $10 could/would do. Like last year, I am involved in collecting toys for "Christmas in the Streets," a program that gives toys to homeless families. Right away, my husband, son, aunt and I decided we would add to the toy drive. Kenton, my 21-year-old, and I bought footballs, a much requested gift item for the drive, using that money. My other son, Cole, 18, donated the money to Beadforlife, an organization that I volunteer with that helps rise women in Uganda out of poverty. Cole is also a volunteer with the group. Eliza, 23, donated the money for my niece's toy drive as the two of them negotiated storeslate Thanksgiving night, buying many of those toys. I can't wait until Christmas to see what others have done with their money. Isn't this a great way to be thankful?

Giving back to your neighborhood

Good things....Some of us have a lot of Good Things. The Dees certainly feel like they do. So when it comes to celebrating their Good Times, these Good People want to spread the joy by asking their friends to donate to a good cause...North Hills Community Outreach. Because Cheryl and Paul Dee love their neighborhood, they want to support the non-profit who gives so much to the area. Instead of gifts, they have asked for donations. It is a great idea and one worth sharing so others can support their own favorite non-profits. And that will create more Good Times!

Read more about the Dees.

Where does time go?

Twenty-three years ago, my first child was born - Eliza Lillian Ganster.

After 38 hours of labor, I was delighted to see my little one for more reasons than one, but like many new moms, I wasn't sure how I would feel once the baby had arrived. I shouldn't have worried.

As soon as I saw that tiny baby with her dark curls and light-grey eyes, the world was hers. Over the years, it hasn't always been easy and at times, downright difficult. But today she is an amazing young woman. So, happy birthday little one.

I love you so.

Who shall I carry for you?

Good things, good people and good times all rolled into one... Who shall I carry for you? Cancer. It may be your mother. It may be your uncle. It may be you. At some point, Cancer touches everyone’s life. In 2004, my brother, Jack, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Eight years later, he is healthy. Because of his fight with cancer, Jack founded the non-profit organization, Survivor’s Outdoor Experience (SOE) to assist other survivors. SOE provides cancer survivors with informational and recreational programming to enhance their lives. With that thought in mind, Paul and I will be once again be taking on the 34- mile one-day Rachel Carson Trails Challenge on June 23rd. There are so many fund raisers these days, but yet I wanted to honor my brother and others who have faced a battle with cancer (or any life-threatening illness or battle) while raising funds for SOE. This year, Paul and I will dedicate one mile of the Challenge for your loved one – it can be someone you lost to cancer, someone fighting cancer, someone you wish to honor for any battle. For that mile, we will “carry” them with us, pray for them, think of them and use their strength as inspiration for our challenge that day. If you wish for us to “carry” your loved one, it would be our honor. Please let me know the name of the person you wish for us to carry. If you wish to make a donation to SOE, that would be great, but I am only hoping to honor all survivors, whether or not they are still with us. (Jack’s belief is that a person becomes a survivor the moment they are diagnosed). Please let me know if you wish for us to carry your loved one. If you wish to make a donation to SOE or for more information, visit http://www.survivorsoutdoorexperience.org/hiking-for-a-reason. Thank you so much! With love, Kathleen (Who couldn’t do this without the support and love of my husband and hiking partner, Paul.)

Good things...last year, my daughter Eliza Lillian graduated from Duquesne University. Here she is with my mom, Lillian "Dolly." I love this photo and love that they had this moment together. Good times...with Mother's Day just around the corner, I feel like the luckiest woman alive. I have three amazing children, two wonderful step-daughters and both of my mothers (Dolly and Marion) in my life. We almost lost Marion mom last summer, so this Mother's Day is especially important. We celebrate all of these "Mom" things on Sunday. Good people...to all the mothers out there. Not only biological mothers, but those who have stepped to the plate and helped out as teachers, coaches, scout leaders, good aunts, big sisters, neighbors, and a million more other roles. Happy Mother's Day!

Be inspired...

Good things...it's easy to forget how good life is somedays. We complain about minor things that can seem pretty big. But we can't forget the good things...if you forget, Emmanuel Kelly will remind you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W86jlvrG54o

Good people...Emmanuel Kelly reminded me that a bit of a weight gain or stalling on a story isn't that big of a deal. As we approach our most Holy of Days, let's imagine all the people leaving for today...imagine there's no countries...imagine being as brave as Emmanuel....

Good times...loving life as much as Emmanuel, having a smile as big as his.

You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...thank you, Emmanuel Kelly.

"Never judge a book by its cover"

Good things...anyone who knows me, knows I hate cold weather. The winter this year in Western Pa. was unbelievable. I'm so thankful that we don't usually have to worry about natural disasters here. As I watch the flowers opening up, the turkeys strutting by and the trees starting to bud, I feel my energy renewed.

Good people...a friend shared this link with me of a young man who appeared in Britian's Got Talent and it moved me to tears. It is a story of talent, weight and most of all, friendship. Watch it, but have your hankies handy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsNlcr4frs4

Good times...enjoy spring in your neck of the woods and remember, in the words of wonderful, 16-year-old Charlotte (Jonathan's singing partner in above-mentioned link), "Never judge a book by its cover."

Setting a goal...

Good things...I started training today for the Rachel Carson Trails Challenge. The Challenge is a 35-mile-in-one-day hike. Whew. Can't believe I am going to do it again. That's my goal - what is yours? Read more about this Challenge.

Good people...my brother Jack is the creator of Survivor's Outdoor Experience and he posted this moving link. Watch it and tell me how you appreciate life.

Good times...I train and hike with my husband, Paul Sauers. We always have a great time and encourage each other on during the tough times. They are amazing times.