The Gift of a
Home-Cooked Meal
My friend, Ashwini, and I love foreign films and independent films. When either one of us has a yen to see a flick, we check in with the other to see if we can go together. We keep it simple: we don't plan ahead and we go close by. Living in the moment simple works best for us. The other morning, Ashwini called me and said she had prepared a few dishes and wanted me to sample them, at lunchtime if I was free. Naturally, I made myself available and came around a few hours later. She served wild Alaskan salmon (marinated), stir-fried Chinese mustard greens with garlic and slivered almonds, beetroot salad, steamed asparagus with seaweed Gomasio (an organic sesame salt) and tea.
Ashwini shared some of her views with me/us today..."It's about wholeness, portions, antioxidants, protein, omega3 fatty acids, a presentation. Japanese art of color to paint a beautiful, appealing palette/plate. Personally, I like to have crunchy, softness, and texture represented in my meals."
"You need one portion of greens per day. That works better than any vitamin pill. It's important to use the ingredients that we enjoy. I choose my happiness. For me, life is like a pot, you choose your ingredients that make you happy and then think of someone with whom you can share your homemade food. When I decide to bring lunch to my friend, for instance, I even bring the utensils, the serving dishes, even tea. Then we sit down and enjoy a good meal! People appreciate someone's time more than how much you spend (on a something). Remember, health is wealth! I like the French style of cooking where simplicity is key. I also enjoy watching the Food Network "challenges" program."
"I've found that preparing food is an opportunity to bring life's experiences to the moment. I say, get rid of all processed foods, no tins, no boxes, no pasta, meat or cold cuts! Enjoy fruits and veggies... it'll give you much more than the typical American diet. Key: make sure you only have the freshest of ingredients. Don't let your food go stale."
Recommended website:
Whole Foods Market Nutrition website
Photo: Meal lovingly prepared and presented by Ashwini for a friend |
Quotation of the Month
"Come, Sing a Song with Me" (verse 1)
Come, sing a song with me, come, sing a song with me, come sing a song with me, that I might know your mind.
And I'll bring you hope when hope is hard to find, and I'll bring a song of love and a rose in the wintertime.
Words by Carolyn McDade
Source: Singing the Living Tradition, Unitarian Universalist Association.
Photo: Rose bouquet at Ashwini's home.
|
Indigo-Rainbow-Crystal
Children Magic
 Drawings by Artist: Delphine, 8.
|
 Animal of the Month
Great Blue Heron
Keyword: Aggressive self-determination and self-reliance.
This past December, I saw a majestic Great Blue Heron fly across my backyard, navigate past some trees, and land on a neighbor's rooftop! I was stunned! In busy old Hackensack... a heron! A "fish out of water" it seemed. According to Ted Andrews' Animal-Speak, the heron is a lone hunter. He states:
When it feeds, it stands in the water, reflecting a connection to the earth -- while implying the exploration of other dimensions on the earth (water element). It is important for anyone with a heron totem to explore various activities and dimensions of earth life. On the surface, this may seem a form of dabbling, but those with heron totems are wonderfully successful at being the traditional "jack of all trades."
This ability enables them to follow their own path. Most people will never be able to live the way heron people do. It is not a structured way, and does not seem to have a stability and security to it. It is, though, just a matter of perspective. There is security in heron medicine, for it gives the ability to do a variety of tasks. If one way doesn't work, then another will. This heron people seem to inherently know.
Photo: sketch of a great blue heron by Verena
|
Verena's Shared Worlds
 
Photo 1: Kate Spontak (MKS Consulting), Carmel-Ann Mania (Chiropractor) and Verena at NJAWBO meeting, Paramus, NJ
Photo 2: Shailja Rastogi & Verena, Hindu Samaj Temple, Mahwah, NJ
Photo 3: Verena, Dr. Joel Harmon (FDU), Linda Schmidt (Exec. Coach) ISE, Madison, NJ
Photo 4: Aparna Mulchanadani (Two by Two) and Verena in Mahwah. NJ
|
|
 NEWS FLASH! Verena, a newly minted XPR Advisor and Integrity Coach, will continue to offer Empowering Now LLC's Introductory Teleclasses related
to their cutting edge Course entitled "The Path of XPR... Nature's Path
to Let the Integrity of a Higher Power Bloom in You."
Free Introductory XPR Teleclass Schedule for January (TeleBridge)
"What WIll it Take for Your Voice to be Heard?" on Jan. 19 (Tues.) from 1-2 pm EST (Verena Visser Aibel co-facilitating)
We will address such questions as the following:
Would you like for the important people in your life to really hear you and to recognize your uniqueness?
Would you like to be done with that paralyzing fear around picking up the phone, or writing that next email which is required to sell your services?
Would you like to feel so confident about your communication that you have no fears about getting exactly what you want, and have no issues with wanting everything you have?
Is the "dread" of the current economic situation affecting your ability to speak your truth?
"Wisdom REALLY at Work" on January 20 (Wed.) from 2-3 pm EST
Would you like to hear about a radi cal approach to corporate wellness? Are you interested in getting to the core issues regarding the holistic sustainability of human resources? Would you like to work in a place where there is flawless team communication?
What is missing? Integrity is! In that it is the quality of that which is entire, only integrity can complete the puzzle. Filling in the gap, emPOwering NOW LLC has a radical offer, via a program assisting leaders and visionaries to embody such quality naturally through a "hands on" decoding of mysticism, which renders practical the relationship of numbers, letters and sounds. Once mastering such synergy, the gradual attainment of 100% (integrity) is quantifiable and accountable, thereby providing a matter-of-fact ROI.
"How Can XPR Mystery School Assist You?" on
January 26 (Tuesday) from 8-9 pm EST (Verena Visser Aibel co-facilitating)
In
the East and the West, an ancient legend speaks of a 3rd key to be
revealed at the shift of the age, a key powerful enough to unlock the
mystery and to g ive the universal mind a safe way to die! Yet what was
the third key and when will it be found? Awaited with great
anticipation, that key was prophesied. to open a path so intuitively
sound that it would permit not only for a few highly evolved
individuals to get to the 'other side,' but also for the collective.
Come and walk in with us: join us on the Path of XPR for an
introduction where to discover the third key!
"The BIG Question" on Janu ary 28 (Thursday) from 8 - 9pm EST
If
you are an Executive (and body/matter or results oriented), would you
like to be a little more of a Dreamer, and add serenity to your success
in both life and career?
If
you are a Dreamer (and soul or feelings oriented), would you like to be
a little more of an Executive, and be so entire that you would have no
qualms selling your coaching, holistic or artistic services?
********************************************************************
Fee: Complimentary
For more information or to register: call Verena at 201-487-6910 EST or email her directly at Verena@VibrantCoach.com and Specify preferred teleclass, date, and time. Once you have registered we will email you the bridgeline information.
Top Photo: Verena and Delphine at Solstice Celebration at friend's home.
Middle Photo: Meric Ozgur (Schindler Elevator), Verena Visser Aibel,Dr. Kent Fairfield FDU/ISE - ISE meeting.
Photos of Dondersteen: Asleep; Awake
|
Vibrant Visions International's Calendar of Events & Top Picks
Scroll down to see Verena's Top Picks from our VIBRANT VISIONS INTERNATIONAL ONLINE CALENDAR which is updated daily*. NOTE: All events are
subject to change. Please call and confirm event details prior to
traveling. Contact us if you receive conflicting dates or data. Thanks!
*Go to the Vibrant Visions International LLC website and click on "Calendar of Events" and scroll through our calendar. Contact information and registration information is also listed per event. Calendar listings also includes events hosted by professional associations such as the New Jersey Professional Coaches Association (NJPCA), New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO), Institute for Sustainable Enterprise (ISE), etc. Please also check their websites for latest details.
Newsletters are now archived: Check them out via "Newsletter Archive" on our new website.
Appointments: Please feel free to make your private coaching appointments with Verena directly via our Online Appointment Scheduler. Please note that Verena's Vibrant Visions International LLC offerings are in Purple. Additional listings are in red.
Photo: Verena Visser Aibel at Fairleigh Dickinson Univ-Florham Park Campus, Madison, NJ.
*********************************************************************
Transitioning to Green Networking Event
January 20, 2010 (Wed.) 6:00 - 8:30 pm EST
Location: Hyatt Regency, 3 Speedwell ave Morristown NJ.
For more information contact Jeana Wirtenberg: jwirtenberg@transitioningtogreen.com or go to http://transitioningtogreen.com
*******************************************************************
New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's "Heart Smarts for Women" presented by St. Joseph's Health Care System (Dinner Meeting)
January 21, 2010 (Thurs.) 5:45 - 9:00 pm EST
Location: Holiday Inn of Hasbrouck Heights
283 Route 17 South, Hasbrouck Hts, NJ 07604
(201) 288-8580
Do you know your risk factors for heart disease and Stroke? Join us and learn about the risk factors for heart disease in Women, the strategies for reducing risk, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack in a woman and the unique ways that heart disease in women is both diagnosed and treated...Learn about the Metabolic Syndrome and the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Cost: $40.00 - Members
$45.00 - Non-members
For further information and reservations, contact Stephanie Mace at dinner@njawbobergen.org or call the Bergen Chapter Hotline at 201-444-8773, ext. 3.
*********************************************************************
"How to Listen So Teens Will Talk" with guest speaker, Fern Weis, CEC, Owner, Your Family Matters, LLC
January 21, 2010 (Thursday) 7:00 - 8:00 pm EST at Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470(973) 694-4272 or on
February 2, 2010 (Tuesday) 7:00 - 8:00 pm EST at Franklin Lakes Public Library, 470 De Korte Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1914; (201) 891-2224
Learn the skills to go from silence to sharing and conflict to calm. For more information contact: YOUR FAMILY MATTERS, LLC; 201-747-9642; fgweis@gmail.com; www.familymatterscoach.com
Photo: Verena Visser Aibel with Dr. Kent Fairfield's "Managing Self & Others" business course at Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, NJ. Verena held an interactive class on "Strengths, Passion & Awareness."
*******************************************************************
New Jersey Professional Coaches Association's (NJPCA)'s "Proven Techniques To Get & Retain Clients" - An Interactive Workshop
With Featured Speaker Marc Weiner
January 27, 2010 (Wednesday) 6 - 9 pm EST
Location: Residence Inn by Marriott, Saddle River, 7 Boroline Rd. , Saddle River, NJ 07458; 201-934-4144
Getting motivated and interesting clients is the lifeblood of your coaching practice. If you were able to identify, attract and get 10%, 20%, 30% or more clients in a short period of time - imagine how great that would make you feel! You will come away from this highly interactive program with specific and proven techniques and tools that you can use right away to get more clients, retain the ones you have and also expand the services you provide to your existing clients. You will understand how to spend less time chasing unqualified suspects and devote your time and energy to attracting truly qualified clients - clients that are a delight to have as a part of your coaching practice. For info on Marc Weiner: www.empowermentassociates.com.
Fee: $25 Members; $30 Non-members; $19 for Virtual Participants
Price includes sandwiches and salads - Limited Seating Available.To register, go to NJPCA website.
Please
Note : Attending this presentation also satisfies 1.5 Continuing
Coaching Education Units (CCEUs) in the area of Business Development
Photo: Verena Visser Aibel (Vibrant Visions International) and Kenny Moore (Kenny the Monk)at NJPCA meeting
**********************************************************************
"Birthing the Elephant" Author, Bruce Freeman, speaker at the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's Network at Noon
February 2, 2010 (Tuesday) 12:00 - 2:00 pm EST
Location: Rudy's Restaurant, 107 Anderson St., Hackensack NJ 07601 www.rudys-restaurant.com; 201-489-4831
Members: $17.00; Non-Members: $22.00 - CASH ONLY
For further information and reservations, contact email Verena Aibel at lunch@njawbobergen.org or call the Chapter Hotline at 201-444-8773, Ext. 5.
*******************************************************************
"The Crystal Shift: Transforming Yourself Through Stone Energy" at the Higher Awareness Monthly Meeting
February 2, 2010 (Tuesday) 7:30 - 9:30 pm EST (reg. meeting)
February 6, 2010 (Saturday) from 1:00 - 4:00 pm EST (workshop)
Meeting Fee: $10; Workshop Fee: $45.00
Crystals as transmitters, receivers, and amplifiers of electromagnetic energy are the perfect guides to a ssist us in the transition from fear to love, anger to hope, and war to peace. At the workshop:
· Learn how to utilize crystal tools to increase concentration while expanding your thought processes.
· Explore the crystal kingdom as a bridge to communicate with the angelic and celestial beings answering our prayers for peace and abundance.
Location: Masonic Temple, 39 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07980. Information: Call Bill at 973-627-8012 or go to the AHA website.
Photo: Icicles in Martins Creek, PA.
**********************************************************************
February Soul Dancer Workshops presented by Anne Wennhold, Shamanic Practitioner:
February 6, 2010 (Saturday) Beaded Pouch
February 20, 2010 (Saturday) Smudging Feather
Location: Leonia, NJ.
Time: 9:45 am - 5:00 pm EST
Fee: $55 per workshop or $100 for both is paid by 1/29/10. Includes all materials. Bring brown bag lunch.
To register contact Anne Wenhold; 201-947-9295, wennhold@aol.com.
**********************************************************************
New
Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's "Girls' Night Out" (Verena Visser Aibel speaks about Venus/Valentine and "Top Ten Benefits of Self-Love") (Dinner Meeting)
February 10, 2010.) 5:45 - 9:00 pm EST
Location: Courtyard by Marriott Montvale, 100 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ 07645; 201-391-7700
Celebrate Valentine's Day by taking time out to take care of YOU!
Join us for a "hands on" evening of fresh flower arranging fun. Shake off the winter blahs and create a unique flower arrangement and vibrant attitude to brighten up your home or office.
Bergen Chapter member, Rima Hamade of Exclusively Staged LLC will demonstrate how fun and easy it is to create your own fresh floral arrangement - to gift YOURSELF for the Valentine's Day! Verena Visser Aibel, Vibrant Visions International LLC, will share some Venus/Valentine Day secrets and offer you her thought-provoking "Top Ten Benefits of Self-Love"
Cost: $40.00 - Members
$45.00 - Non-members
For
further information and reservations, contact Stephanie Mace at
dinner@njawbobergen.org or call the Bergen Chapter Hotline at
201-444-8773, ext. 3.
Photo: Karen Cavacco (personal manager manager)-Patricia Preztunik (BrightStar Healthcare)-unidentifed guest-Diane McGuire (Wealth Mgmt. Group/Met Life)-Verena Visser Aibel (Vibrant Visions International) NJAWBO dinner
**********************************************************************
"Giving
Voice to Values: the 'How' of Business Ethics" with Mary Gentile,
Ph.D., Director, "Giving Voices to Values"-Institute for Sustainable
Enterprise/CHRMS Breakfast Seminar
February 19, 2010 (Friday) 7:30 - 9:30 am EST
Location: Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Mansion Bldg 1, Hartman Lounge, 285 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940
Information: Call ISE/CHRMS at 973-443-8577.
Register: www.fdu.edu/forms/chrmsregister.html or email your rsvp to pniewski@fdu.edu
Fee: $40 ($25 non profit organization members).
*******************************************************************
Transitioning to Green Forum
February 23, 2009 (Tuesday) 9 am - 5 pm EST
Location: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Lenfell Hall, 285 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940
Accelerate your transition to a green career. Attend a highly interactive, unique,one-day event with subject matter experts in sustainability and green jobs. Let experts help you explore your interests in industries, functional areas and show you how to chart your new green career. For information about the Transitioning to Green Forum, please contact Jeana Wirtenberg, jwirtenberg@transitioningtogreen.com
*******************************************************************
New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's (NJAWBO) Bergen Chapter Breakfast Networking
February 25, 2010 (Thursday): Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Location: Panera's Bakery Cafe, 165 Route 4 West (in Kohl's Shopping Center), Paramus , NJ
Fee: Members: $10.00; Non-Members: $15.00 - CASH ONLY
For reservations and information, call the Bergen Chapter hotline at 201-444-8773, ext. 4 or e-mail Joanne Clark at jcwills@optonline.net or check out New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners-Bergen Chapter.
*********************************************************************
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
