Finding Peace

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by Nicole Beurkens, M.Ed.

As I was wandering around the Minneapolis airport recently, I found a store with a variety of posters, cards, and wall hangings with quotes and sayings on them. As I perused the options, I found one that I had to purchase and bring back to the office. Here is the quote:

Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (Author unknown)

This conceptualization of peace resonates with me in all aspects of my life. As a parent to four children under the age of 9, there are many times when there is noise, trouble, and hard work all at once! Yet, I am still able to be at peace, knowing that this is part of the process of parenting, and that this too shall pass. Parenting is generally far from an easy or trouble-free process, but knowing in my heart that I am doing the right things for my kids allows me to be at peace during the messiest parts of the journey.

In my life as a professional there are also many times of noise, trouble, and hard work. Yet, even in the midst of those times I am able to be at peace knowing that I am doing what I was meant to do, and that everyone involved will grow through the problems we are facing. Feeling confident about my abilities to manage and overcome the obstacles that present themselves allows me to feel at peace amidst the challenges that arise.

Life wouldn't be very interesting if everything was quiet, trouble-free, and effortless. We may wish at times that this were the case! However, there is much growth and triumph to be gained through the more chaotic and difficult times. The problem comes when we are unable to be at peace with the process as we are living through it. When noise, trouble, and hard work fall upon us, how we perceive it and react to it makes all the difference. I find this to be especially the case when these situations come along and we feel ill-prepared or incompetent to face them. These are the times when we fail to grow and develop increased strength and perseverance through the process. The challenge is to learn how to be at peace inside ourselves, even when things around us are far from peaceful.

For parents of children with autism or other disabilities, moments of noise, trouble, and hard work come more frequently. There are inherent challenges that go along with raising a child with developmental disabilities, and these challenges can easily result in a lack of peace both internally and externally. These disabilities tend to rob parents of their sense of competence in raising their children. While parenting other children may seem intuitive and an internally-peaceful process, the challenges of a disability can make even the most self-assured parents feel unsettled.

How do we get to the point where we can appreciate the process and be at peace with it, despite all the noise, trouble, and hard work?

1. It's okay not to have all the answers
Sometimes parents think they should automatically have all the answers to the issues that arise with their children. No one ever has all the answers, and we cannot live believing that we are supposed to – or that someone else does. We cannot allow a lack of definitive answers or solutions make us feel incompetent as parents. The important thing is that we don't give up trying until we find a solution that works.

2. View life with children as a process, not an endpoint
We must be careful to view parenting and the development of our children as an ever-evolving process. If we continually live with the goal of "getting through" the trying times with our kids, we will be perpetually frustrated and disappointed. There will be a constant sense of "we're not there yet," as opposed to expecting that there will always be challenges in one way or another.

3. Stop and take a deep breath
Sometimes when we are facing challenges with our kids, the best thing to do in the troublesome moment is nothing at all. Many parents think that they are supposed to jump up and "do something" when problems arise with their children. Obviously this is the case if a child is going to do something to harm himself or others. However, a lot of the time the problems are not life-or-death, but we act as if they are. Taking a moment to just stop, breath, and think before you rush off to do something allows a sense of peace to prevail in otherwise un-peaceful moments.

4. Seek out supports for building competence as a parent
If we aren't feeling calm in our heart despite the noise, trouble, and hard work of raising children, it is important to access support. If we find that we feel guilty not having all the answers; or we are living with a vision of our problems having an endpoint rather than being a process; or we struggle with allowing ourselves to stop and think amidst the chaos, then it's time to reach out to someone who can help address those areas and develop a feeling of peace as a parent. This can be a family member, friend, or professional, but it must be someone who can provide insight and guidance, and create a plan for achieving peace despite the messiness of life with kids.

As we go about day-to-day life with our children, we should keep in mind that "Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." For our children to thrive, we need to be able to be peaceful in the midst of the challenges of parenthood. We should strive daily for this sense of calm in our heart.

Autism specialist Nicole Beurkens, founder and director of the Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, provides practical information and advice for families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. If you are ready to reduce your stress level, enrich your child's development, and improve your family's quality of life, get your FREE reports now at ==> http://www.horizonsdrc.com/

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8 Surefire Tips To Give Your House Irresistible Curb Appeal Now

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by Korbin Newlyn

Almost everybody realizes what "curb appeal" is and the reason why it is important. This is the first impression that an individual receives as they initially pull up to the house. It only takes a fraction of a second for somebody to 'evaluate your house and determine a number of different things about you even before they set foot onto your property.

One of the most significant ways that you can provide your house with a needed boost and enrich its curb appeal is feeding the lawn and making sure it is well maintained and carefully manicured.

Although it may seem easy enough, sometimes making the back and front lawn to appear beautiful, impeccable and appealing can be a tedious process, particularly if there were some initial problems with the health of the lawn. Listed below is a set of lawn care suggestions and tips that can assist you in cultivating a lawn that draws people to your house, invites them, and provides your curb appeal with a real boost.

1. Find out about the condition of the soil of your lawn. It is easy enough to get the soil tested. Just contact the agricultural extension agent in your city. This basic test will be able to speedily discover the elements of your soil and will indicate all that is missing so that you can correct the problem.

2. Have a scheduled lawn maintenance routine that incorporates fertilizing three to five times per year. Make certain that it is performed on a regular basis and it provides the right kind of food for the grass in the garden lawn. The extension agency can also assist you with information in this matter as it pertains to your local area.

3. When attempting to mow your grass during the heat of summer, make sure that you cut it to the maximum height that your lawn mower permits. This help the grass to dry faster after rainfall and even allows for shade on the ground, which assists in preventing moisture loss. This will help to conserve water, and it will also help the lawns to crowd out the weeds and smother them. During the cool and wet parts of the year, you can setup the lawnmower to cut lower depending on your preferences.

4. Water approximately one and a half inches at least once a week. When you briefly water every day, you encourage your lawn to develop a more shallow type of root system. Watering just once a week helps to develop strong deep roots that have the ability to better withstand hot, dry summer weather.

5. You should aerate at least once or twice each year. It also helps to promote a lawn with a deep root system and helps water and allow food for the lawn to get past the surface and into the roots, where it can do the most good. Aeration can also repair the symptoms of soil compaction, which is a specific problem if you are using a riding lawn mower to help maintain your lawn.

6. Keep your mower blades sharp and well maintained. Dull blades actually tear off the tip of the blades of grass and give it a ragged appearance and cause browning at the ends of the grass. Also, you should mow your lawn in different directions and patterns each time you mow. This helps avoid soil compaction and ruts.

7. Watch for signals of dead areas. These dead patches can be an symptom of a problem with insects or diseases that attack your home and garden lawns. When you notice this, you should not deal with the problem until you are fully aware of the facts. Your local extension agency will be of great assistance in this case also.

8. Handling weed control with the use of good quality herbicides. You can do this individually or look for a fertilizer that also contains elements of weed control.

These basic tips should give you a good starting point from which to enrich the health, vitality and appearance of the lawn that is the welcoming introduction to your home. With prudent lawn care, you will enjoy great curb appeal and you will also be able to use and benefit more fully from your yard.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of home and gardening. If you would like to learn more go to Building Concrete Ponds advice and at Indoor Ponds tips.

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Relieve Stress at Your Workplace with Indoor Fountains

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by Aixa Villa

Business owners and employees alike can appreciate the value of a relaxing atmosphere at work. Workplaces that are sterile, bare and uninviting are much less enjoyable (and efficient) spaces compared to those with a warm and natural atmosphere.


Research supports the theory that indoor fountains can help with employee morale and overall performance. There are several aspects of the indoor fountain that contribute to the positive energy that many attribute to increased productivity.

The first, and most obvious, of these elements is the sound of the water in an indoor fountain. There are several different types of indoor fountains like wall fountains, floor fountains and desk fountains, but they all have the element of water motion. This falling or "trickling" water produces a very subtle sound that creates a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.

Another element of an indoor fountain is the fountain itself. The natural beauty of an indoor fountain can bring a sense of serenity to any workplace. Even if you can't hear the water, an indoor fountain in itself is a moving, three dimensional work of art. There are so many different styles available that you are sure to find one that fits (and enhances) an office décor.

Beyond the relaxing beauty and soothing sound of an indoor fountain, the aspect of a simple, natural presence can be very effective in elevating moods and combating stress. Over stressed workers are more likely to make mistakes, take more sick days and report a lower level of job satisfaction.

So we have determined that having indoor fountains in an office setting can help relive stress, raise energy and cognition, relax a potentially stressed workforce, and bring positive energy to any setting. But, is it practical?

The answer is yes. Indoor fountains are incredibly easy to maintain and come in different styles, sizes, shapes and materials so you can find the right one for your office easily.

For large offices, a floor (or free-standing) fountain might be your best option. These can be placed in the entrance or in a large hallway or any open space that is well traveled or central to where many people work. For smaller offices, a wall fountain may best suit the surroundings. Wall fountains can be hung unobtrusively almost anywhere and come in horizontal and vertical styles.

Though most people agree that the water sounds from an indoor fountain are soothing and relaxing, some are apprehensive that it may be too distracting or that the water may splash. Luckily, there is a very good solution if this becomes a problem. Though most indoor fountains don't run enough water to make a loud noise or splash, an addition of river rocks to the bottom of the fountain will further soften the water flow.

General maintenance typically involves periodically wiping out the fountain, and adding water about as often as you would water a plant as some water will be lost to evaporation. Such a simple, yet profound solution to workplace stress!

To find an indoor fountain that will benefit your workplace, please visit www.earthinspiredproducts.com.

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How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

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By Dane Smith

Several homes, especially centrally located homes, have hardwood flooring. A pristine hardwood floor is beautiful, but to restore one back to its original 60 year old elegance, the floor will need to be refinished.

Refinishing hardwood floors can be a challenging job for the do-it-yourselfer, but with some preparation and research, it can be done without the help of a professional.

Many older homes have gone through fads, and one that became a norm was wall to wall carpeting. If wood floors hide under a carpet, it will have to be removed. After all furniture has been removed, pull up carpeting and its tack strip, making sure to remove nails and staples that will hinder sanding performance later.

Sanding floors during the refinishing process creates a lot of sawdust. Prep the area by taping off doors and cabinets, and opening windows. Covering areas with damp sheets helps trap the sawdust.

After the area around the floor is completely prepped, use a drum sander to sand the floor. They can be rented at most home improvement stores. The purpose of the sanding is to cut the floor and remove the old finish. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as a 20 or 36 grit paper, and move up to 60 and 100 grit. The lighter grit sandpaper is used to remove the scratch marks made by the heavier grit paper.

A drum sander can be daunting on its first use. They are loud and powerful, so wear ear plugs, eye protection, and a dust mask. A common first-timers mistake is gouging the floor, which is a hard problem to fix, and easier to prevent. Start by tilting the sander back before turning it on, and slowly lowering it to the floor. Find a good test area that may be covered by a rug or furniture, and move the machine back and forth, without keeping it in one spot, as doing so can damage the floor in a few seconds. Move the sander in the same direction as the grain of the wood floor. When the machine becomes difficult to maneuver, it's time to move to a lighter grit paper. Edges of the floor can be hard to sand with the large drum sander, so either renting an edge sander, or doing these areas by hand, is recommended.

After the old finish has been removed, and the floors smoothed with the sander, the room must be vacuumed. It's advisable to vacuum and dust the floors, walls, light switches, and every area that can be reached. Let the dust settle, and vacuum again to insure no dust will end up in the new finish. Running a tack cloth (also available at home improvement stores) along the floor after it's been vacuumed is also advisable.

It's now time to apply a stain to the wood, unless the natural color of the wood is preferred. If possible, test the stain on your floor, as color charts may be helpful, but not always accurate depending on the wood of your floor, and how it takes the stain. Apply the stain in a circular motion with cloth rags. Spread the stain as evenly as possible to keep the color consistent.

The final step to refinishing a floor is applying the finish. There are oil and water based finishes. Though oil finishes are less expensive, the water based dry quicker, finish clear, and do not have the solvent odor that oil based finishes contain. Make sure to not shake the finish, as it will create bubbles that will end up on the floor. Slowly stir it, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to plan the final application finishing in a doorway, and after a few coats, the floor refinishing is complete.

Escapeso Austin Texas Real Estate is a small realty company in Austin. Their website has a search of the Austin MLS along with up to date commentary on their blog about Austin real estate.

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Basic Spring Lawn Care for April

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By Fran Phalin

Your lawn has made it through March, so now for the month of April, it would be a wise idea to continue your March lawn care responsibilities in compost, mowing, irrigation, and basic spring lawn care including weeding.

Compost

If you have not applied any compost to your lawn, now would be the perfect time to make an application.

Mowing

You have probably noticed that your lawn has been growing steadily. Continue to mow your lawn, keeping the mower height at an average of three inches. Also, remove only one-third of the entire grass height with each mowing activity. Some additional tips for mowing include keeping your blade sharp by sharpening every four hours of use and retaining your clippings on the lawn. By collecting your clippings, they will decompose quickly and release nitrogen back into the soil.

Irrigation

April showers will prove useful for your lawn and should be a sufficient enough water source.

Basic Lawn Care for April

Seeding/Weed

If you have a thin, weak lawn or bare spots, you should consider seeding your lawn. Certain types of grass will germinate when soil temperatures are between 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

These exact symptoms of a thin lawn or bare spots can also allow weeds to grow. To deal with weeds, you should first identify what kind of weeds you have before deciding on a weed control option. Secondly, determine your weed's unique life cycle and biology and whether or not the control you choose is appropriate. Keep in mind that annual weeds die off and can leave bare soil that is inclined to increased "run-off." Perennial weeds, however, can help in maintaining density and decreasing the "run-off" weed rate, if they are dense enough.

Lawn care specialists recommend the following if you have more weeds than you can handle:

• Mow at a consistent height every time, keeping in mind your species of grass. Mowing higher can help turf shade out weeds.



• Decrease the level of soil compaction around heavily trodden areas and turf next to pavement areas.



• Weed by hand when the soil is somewhat moist.



• Apply compost to improve lawn density if your lawn is thin.

By cultivating your lawn into a healthy. strong turf grass, you will have a lawn strongly resistant of weeds. April is not only a month of welcoming spring, but it is also a very important time to exercise some care for your lawn, especially regarding weed control so that you can enjoy your lush and beautiful lawn in months to come.

Fran Phalin is a homeowner and freelance editor/writer on things that work and is based in Austin, Texas. Fran has worked successfully with the guys at Anteater Pest & Lawn to get her lawn care problems resolved. Anteater Pest & Lawn offers a comprehensive solution for lawn care service. Visit Anteater at www.goanteater.com

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What Lives In My Pond?

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by Derek Rogers

When you have a fish pond, you want it to be full of life and invigorating. Therefore, it is important to understand how to best attract life to your fish pond. There are several factors that you can keep in mind here.
First of all, you want to have your pond in the right area to best promote life.
Secondly, you want to be sure that your pond is clean and healthy so that the instance of life dying is as little as possible.
Thirdly, you want to keep your pond stocked with fish and plants that attract life. Lastly, you must be sure to keep careful note of what is going on in your pond and make any changes in order to promote life in your pond.

First, the right area for your pond will help you promote life. Your pond shouldn't be in the direct sunlight, because then it will get much too hot and things in your pond will die. Also, many plants will not be able to grow correctly if it is in the direct sunlight. On the other hand, you want to be sure that your pond is also not entirely in the shade. The best place to have your pond would be in an area where it can receive sunlight, but also where it can be in shade for some of the day. Be sure that you have your pond in a place that is protected from neighbourhood critters that might eat the fish or munch on the plants. The location of your pond is very important.

Second, the best way to promote life in a pond is to make sure it is created correctly, maintained in a clean way, and is healthy. Be sure that you have followed all of the steps for creating the pond, and that you have the correct materials. You will need a water pump, or some other way to get air into the pond, because otherwise the life that is there will not be sustainable. Take care that you have followed the instructions when creating your pond. Also be sure that you are treating your pond at the correct times and with the correct materials so that the pond can remain healthy. A healthy environment is the best way to produce and maintain life.

Next, be sure that you stock your pond with fish and starter plants that promote life. Choose a couple of varieties of fish that can coexist well together, and be sure that the area is the right size for them. Have some plants, such as Lilly pads, that you can start in your pond. This will help to promote new life and attract life to the area where your pond is.

Last, be sure to pay close attention to your pond. If fish or plants are dying, check to see if the water is the right temperature and that you have treated it correctly for growth. If something does not work, try to make changes before everything in your pond dies. If you take good care of your pond you'll find that it will reward you with a long and exciting life.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For pond life, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of pond supplies.

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Senior home care

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By William886 Jattin886

Most senior home care in the USA offer mental health services, wound care, surgery, bathing and assistance with personnel hygiene are offered. Medicines are given regularly for the desired patients.

Home senior cares in the UK are also very good. In such homes, elderly people get assistance to live independently in their own homes. Services are offered nationwide by employees known as caregivers. The caregivers are made to undergo a criminal background check and are insured. Caretakers give companionship to the elderly, read for them, arrange their appointments, give their medication, assist the elderly to walk, write letters monitor their diets and prepare their meals.

But the thing is, these senior home care centers are expensive; low middle class people can not afford in this places. Good news is, you can locate elderly home care organizations worldwide, in any country, with the help of the internet. You should also do a thorough back ground search on the agency, before you get your elderly parents or relative admitted. I recently came across an article about an American gentleman, who could not afford to pay for home care services for his parents in the USA, due to the high costs involved. With the assistance of the internet he was able to re-locate to India with his aging parents. He was able to rent a 2 bedroom house, employ a full time nurse and a cook for his parents at Pondicherry, a city in South India. He said that he had to incur only one third of the cost in the USA for all the above said facilities.

Some of the aspects to be considered before you admit an elderly person in a home care are: Whether the home care services offered are of good quality, whether the charges are feasible and do they have expert and experienced personnel employed to look after your elderly parents or relatives. How long have these homes offering their services? Do they have a catalogue explaining the various services offered by them? Most important, how do these homes handle emergencies? Are caretakers available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Do the patients have enough privacy?

It is always advisable to do as much research as possible before you decide to use the services of elderly home care shelters. You can always consult a relative, your doctor, or a social service organization like the area agency office on aging for assistance in evaluating your needs. You should also see that you get a good reference of these elderly home caretakers from doctors, hospital discharge planners, family members and community leaders.

We should always be thankful that god has provided us with such loving parents, in our younger days. When our parents become old it is our duty to see that they are well looked after. We can either provide for them ourselves or else put them up in safe hands, by getting them admitted in a senior home care for the elderly.

Senior citizens deserve comfort and they certainly get it in the senior home care centers.

William Jattin is author of this article on Senior Home Care Franchises. Find more information about Senior Home Care here.

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