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Friendship is sooo strange...
we find ourselves telling each other
the deepest details of our lives..
things we don't even share with the families who raised us.
But what is a friend?
a confidant?
a lover?
a shoulder to cry on?
an ear to listen?
a heart to feel?
oh no doubt
a friend is all of these things and more.
No matter where we met,
no matter how long we've been together...
I'll call you a friend.
A word so small,
yet so large in feeling,
a word filled with emotion,
a word
overflowing with care and love you know?
Truly great things come in small packages.
Once the package of friendship has been opened,
it can never be closed. It is a constant
book always waiting to be read and enjoyed
filled with endless chapters.
We may have our disagreements...
we may have our disappointments...
we may argue...
we may concern one another...
friendship is a unique bond
that lasts through everything
A part of each of us goes into our friendships...
our humor...
our experiences...
our tears.
Friendships are foundations...
necessary for life...
and love.
Even though I don't speak to you all everyday...
or even as often
as I would like to...
You have all crossed my path of life in one way or
another...
some of you I've only bumped into...
some i've never even met!
some have walked awhile with me...
and some of you will continue
to walk with me... but
DON'T EVER THINK FOR A SECOND
that since we aren't in constant
contact...
that I don't think of you all...
because if it wasn't
for coming across all of YOU...
who knows?
I would be a completely
different person
Tags: Think for a second swalk1955
 Hi ladies,
Although I find my brain is affected in that I forget things and words and stuff, I do sometimes have flashes of inspiration. Here's todays!
The menopause has hit me, its symptoms all too clear
Lucidity and logic are far away I fear
The flushes and the night sweats leave my skin so hot
Thinning hair and droopy boobs are now all that I’ve got
Anxiety has taken hold and panic stalks my brain
I’m wondering if normality will ever come again
Flabby stomach, heavy thighs; the weight it just piles on
When I look down I wonder where my pubic hair has gone
Other Half wonders why right now great sex is off the bill
If I ever get through this will he be with me still?
Aching joints and tearful moods make me such a moo
All I ever scream at him is “It’s alright for you!â€
Anti-perspirant doesn’t work; there’s still a nasty smell
Menstruation please come back is what I want to yell
Light outside the tunnel is what I want to see
Dedicated to all ladies going through this and suffering!  Menopause Symptoms Menopause symptoms affect almost 70% of women and often begin long before menopause actually sets in. Peri-menopause signals the onset of this transitional period and lasts for a variable period of time. Although most menopausal symptoms, will improve on their own within 2 to 5 years of onset there are a number of things that may help you deal with them. For some women changes in lifestyle, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and caffeine, managing stress, quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet may be enough. Menopause is experienced differently by every woman. While a friend may make the transition smoothly, you may face multiple physical and psychological symptoms. The commonly experienced symptoms of menopause are: Menstrual irregularities: The earliest symptom of per menopause is a change in your menstrual pattern, resulting from an uneven rise and fall in the levels of your reproductive hormones. Menstrual cycles that were previously very predictable may either lengthen or shorten, occurring every 2–3 weeks. Cycles where ovulation fails to occur gradually become more frequent. The amount of blood loss may also change, varying from scant to heavy. Periods may become longer and heavier as ovulation becomes increasing irregular and infrequent. Fertility also reduces as pregnancy can occur only when ovulation takes place. Hot flushes: Hot flushes are a frequent symptom and are reported by almost 75% of women, beginning up to 2 years before menopause and continuing for several years thereafter in about 10%. Described as an intense feeling of heat generally spreading from your face, neck and chest, a hot flush usually lasts several minutes. The exact cause of this phenomenon is largely unknown, though it is believed to be triggered by changes in the temperature controlling part of the brain. Sweating and palpitations may also occur alongside hot flushes, and night sweats may result when flushes occur during sleep. In severe cases, this symptom is known to disrupt work, sleep and quality of life. Sleep disturbance: Women entering menopause commonly need to grapple with distressing sleep disturbances, mostly owing to symptoms like night sweats. Many women find it difficult to fall or stay asleep, but this may also be an outcome of an underlying anxiety or a primary sleep disorder. Lack of sleep may result in fatigue, irritability, poorer short-term memory and concentration issues. Vaginal symptoms: Both vaginal and bladder symptoms occur commonly and are often quite distressing, but unfortunately many women are too embarrassed to discuss these issues with their doctors. Vaginal dryness, discomfort and itching may be troublesome in per menopause. Declining levels of oestrogen induce changes in the vagina, causing it to become thinner and atrophic. Atrophic changes are observed in about 30% of women during the early post-menopausal phase. Symptoms attributable to vaginal atrophy, however, may be seen several years after your final period too. The diminishing levels of the hormone oestrogen trigger vaginal dryness along with a loss in tissue elasticity. Sexual drive wanes as a result of the ensuing discomfort during sex or dyspareunia, together with declining libido in premenopausal and menopausal women Urinary symptoms: You may become more susceptible to frequent urinary infections during menopause and in the years following it. Urination may become more frequent. Changes in the urinary tract with a loss in muscle tone also make menopausal women susceptible to incontinence or an involuntary passage of urine during activities which increase the pressure on the bladder, like exercise, coughing, laughing or lifting heavy weights. Mood changes: It is unclear what exactly triggers mood swings in the premenopausal period. Depression, irritability, anxiety and nervousness induced by hormonal changes may be worsened by other distressing symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep and fatigue. Other major upheavals occurring during this period of a woman’s life such as coping with teenaged children and work related stress may all contribute to this. Joint pains: Early morning pain and stiffness of the hands, knees, hips, shoulders and lower back have been reported by premenopausal women. Although falling oestrogen levels are believed to be responsible for this symptom, the precise cause remains unclear. Joint Pain During the Menopause Menopause is a natural aging process that occurs when a woman stops ovulating and stops having her monthly menstrual cycles. This usually happens between 45 and 55 years of age. There are fluctuations in the levels of the sex hormones – oestrogens and progesterone. Common symptoms are changes in the menstruation pattern, hot flashes, mood changes, sweating and urinary problems. Muscular weakness and joint pains are also seen in some women. Why is there joint pain during menopause? More women than men of their age, especially those over 55 years, have osteoarthritis – inflammation of the joints. The fact that men and women are affected differently points towards the role played by sex hormones. It is also seen that women in postmenopausal age often complain of joint pains. Joint pain, during and after menopause, could occur due to falling levels of oestrogen in the body. The actual correlation between oestrogen and joint pain is not clearly understood, but oestrogen is known to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. So depletion of oestrogen during menopause makes women more sensitive to pain. How can you control the falling levels of oestrogen? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Synthetic oestrogen may be used to supplement the low levels in the body. But HRT cannot be used as the first line of treatment for menopausal joint pain. Certain studies have shown that use of postmenopausal oestrogen may lead to a more severe condition of osteoarthritis. This treatment must be used with care as 10% of the women who resort to HRT experience side effects like fluid retention, headaches, swollen breasts, vaginal discharge and weight gain. What are the other treatment options for joint pain during menopause? Non-Pharmacological Interventions: - Weight loss
- Exercise
- Mechanical aids
- Transcutaneous nerve stimulation – This is a treatment used to lower perception of pain and helps in control of chronic or acute pain.
- Local massage
- Acupuncture
- Pain management counseling
- Assistive devices
- Knee sleeves
- Physical therapy
Pharmacological Treatment: - Pain killers
- Topical pain relievers
- Intra-articular steroid injections
- Nutraceuticals – a combination of nutrition and pharmaceutical components like glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, which have medicinal effects on health
Physical changes: Declining levels of the hormone oestrogen at menopause results in thinning of the skin and a reduction in its elasticity. Your skin may feel either more dry or oily than normal, with an alteration in its tone and the appearance of fine lines. Many menopausal women report a sensation akin to ants crawling over the skin, called ‘formicatin.’ Thinning of scalp hair may also be evident, with an increase in facial hair. Weight gain at menopause is believed to result from a natural slowing of your body’s metabolism, and this is also associated with aging and a change in lifestyle. Falling oestrogen levels along with rising levels of the androgen hormone at menopause are also responsible for the redistribution of body fat from the hips and thighs to the abdomen, the so-called middle-age spread. Reduction in oestrogen also places menopausal women at risk of health conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Bone loss is most marked 5 to 10 years after menopause, resulting in fragile bones which may fracture easily. Unfavourable changes may also be noted in your blood cholesterol levels, with a rise in the ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and a fall in HDL (or ‘good’ cholesterol). These biochemical 
Menopause defined. Simply put, menopause can be defined as the end of regular menstruation. Yet dealing with it is rarely simple. While some may sail through this time of their lives, others can suffer severely from menopausal symptoms. Most women go through menopause in their 40s or 50s, however, some women may experience it earlier or later in life. While each woman may experience menopause differently, it can generally be explained in three phases. Moving through menopause: the phases. Just as every woman's body is unique, each woman's menopausal experience is highly personal. How long each phase lasts varies from woman to woman. 
Natural versus surgical menopause. Natural menopause. Natural menopause occurs when your body stops producing estrogen. It is the lowering of estrogen levels that causes menopausal symptoms and raises your osteoporosis risk. Surgical menopause. Surgical menopause is the result of the removal of the ovaries. In most cases, this is also associated with the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).This immediate loss of estrogen following surgery can trigger sudden and severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. 
Understanding Your Symptoms Why it’s tough to keep your cool. The balancing act. Your reproductive cycle is based on a delicate balance of two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate your menstrual cycle and prepare your body for pregnancy. As you mature, your ovaries naturally change the levels of these hormones they produce. When menopause occurs, it is the decrease in estrogen that causes menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. - Hot flashes. These occur when low estrogen levels trick your brain into thinking your body is too warm – even though it’s not. Your face and neck feel hot and may look red and flushed. You may even perspire considerably.
- Night sweats. Night sweats can wake you up, disturb your sleep patterns and deprive you of a good night’s rest.
- Vaginal dryness. The decreased levels of estrogen in your body can also cause the walls of your vagina to thin. These changes can create vaginal discomfort including dryness, itching, burning and discomfort during sex.
How long will menopause last? Every woman experiences the stages of menopause differently and for different lengths of time. For some women, symptoms may last for many years. But there are ways you can ease the symptoms. It is important for you to pay attention to how you are feeling and talk to your healthcare professional about it. Together, you can create a treatment plan that is right for you Treatment Options Find your comfort zone. While there’s no way to avoid menopause, there are things you can do to reduce the impact symptoms have on your feeling of well being and your daily routine. These include: - Lifestyle Changes. Simple steps such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and trying natural stress reducers like yoga or meditation can help you feel better and benefit your health overall. Before starting a new exercise program, talk with your healthcare professional about what types of exercise may be best for you.
- Alternative Therapies. While not clinically proven, nutritional supplements such as black cohosh may have a small effect on helping to ease menopausal symptoms.
- Prescr i ption Therapies. Hormone therapy (HT) supplements the body’s low estrogen and progesterone levels. The estrogen in HT helps to relieve moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. As it does not take much estrogen to help women manage their symptoms, it may not be necessary to raise hormone levels to what they were before menopause.
Easing the symptoms. HT is one of the most effective options to help manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Below is an overview of the forms of HT currently available: - Oral hormone therapies. HT has been available in pill form for decades. These medications are taken at the same time daily and are extremely effective when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms. It is important that you take your pills as directed to experience steady relief from menopausal symptoms. There are different types of estrogens and progestins used in different oral HTs. ANGELIQ® tablets (drospirenone/estradiol) contains estradiol and the unique progestin drsp.® Ask your healthcare professional what this may mean for you.
- Patch therapies. Patch or transdermal HT delivers hormones directly into the bloodstream through the skin. Medication is delivered evenly and continuously for efficient dosing and no spiking. Some patches are designed to last an entire week.
- Hormone gels and vaginal creams. Hormone gels are applied topically to the skin and sometimes can help relieve menopausal symptoms. HT creams contain small amounts of estrogen and progestin and are applied directly to the vagina to help relieve vaginal soreness, dryness and itching. Unlike other forms of HT, vaginal creams do not relieve hot flashes or night sweats.
- Vaginal inserts. Vaginal inserts are small rings that release estrogen. They are placed into the vagina and need to be replaced every three months.
With so many forms of HT available, you may want to talk to your healthcare professional about these options to determine which one may be right for you. 
Healthy Lifestyle Changes Positive steps for a healthier you. As you move through menopause and beyond, monitoring your health and taking care of yourself can play a significant role in how you feel and your well being. - Schedule an annual checkup. Take advantage of this opportunity to talk to your healthcare professional about the changes you’re experiencing and your overall health. Routine checks such as an annual Pap smear can help detect potential cancers. The sooner problems are detected, the sooner they may be treated.
If you’re taking hormone therapy (HT), use these visits to review your treatment plan and ask any questions about HT and any medications you may be taking.
- Get a mammogram. As you age, your risk for breast cancer rises. A mammography (mammogram) is the most common screening method for detecting abnormalities in the breast. A mammogram is a low-intensity X-ray that can find more than 90% of breast cancers.
It is recommended that women between the ages of 40 and 49 have a mammogram every one or two years. After age 50, it’s recommended to schedule one annually.
- Get a bone mineral density (BMD) test. During menopause, women begin to lose more bone than what is replaced, resulting in an increased risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point that they become fragile and break easily. A BMD test assesses your risk of developing osteoporosis, and is an accurate indicator of your bone health.
Consider lifestyle changes. Additionally, the following lifestyle tips can make a big difference in how you feel. - Create balance. Emotional health during this time requires making a conscious effort to balance the obligations of work and caring for others with the need to look after yourself. It’s important to take time for yourself, talk with friends, do the activities you enjoy, and maintain a healthy sense of humor.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise may help with mood swings, weight gain and general health. For healthy bones, aim to do weight-bearing forms of exercise such as walking, jogging or dancing three times a week.
- Eat a healthy diet. Make a point of choosing foods that are low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in calcium. Reach for healthy alternatives such as fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, soy foods and fat-free dairy foods.
- Stay intimate. Along with menopause, you may enjoy a new sense of sexual freedom – no more periods! However, with this new freedom, you may also experience a new set of challenges.
Lower levels of estrogen in your body can cause your genital area to become drier and thinner, possibly making sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Lack of sleep can further add to a decreased level of sexual desire. While ANGELIQ® tablets (drospirenone/estradiol) can help alleviate vaginal dryness, talking with your partner about each other’s needs and expectations can also go a long way.
Remember, just because you have gone through menopause and no longer need to worry about birth control doesn’t mean you are not still at risk for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV (AIDS). Condoms are still a reliable way to protect yourself.may be right for you. 
 Is coping with menopause harder in rural areas? (Eddie Seal/Bloomberg News)Menopause — a time of hot flashes, poor sleep and mood shifts — can be a difficult time for any woman. But women who live in rural areas may suffer more, a new study shows. The menopausal experience varies widely among women. It’s estimated that about 75 percent of women experience hot flashes, ranging from mild to severe. But many women report debilitating symptoms that interfere with family life, relationships and work. The impact of menopause often depends on where a woman is in her life. A woman who works in a relaxed office with other middle-aged women may be less troubled by menopausal symptoms than a woman who is caring for an elderly parent and can’t afford the heart-pounding, sweaty distraction of a hot flash. Living in a rural environment can add extra pressures to coping with menopause
Tags: Menopausal women everywhere swalk1955
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Nature
Posted On 04/01/2011 01:36:25
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I sit and often stare at the birds and at the trees.
And I cannot understand how people can't believe.
That there's a Greater Power who created all these things,
And it's in the beauty of the earth we just have to see.
Did you ever sit and listen to the wind blow through the trees?
And watch the leaves so gently blowing in the breeze.
Have you ever listened to the crickets singing loud and singing free?
Or watched a kitten playing as happy as can be?
Did you ever look at things and just wonder why?
Have you ever counted all the stars way up in the sky?
Or watched the bunnies as they hop and jump so very high?
Our Heavenly Father made them and He didn't even sigh.
Have you listened to the water run gently down a brook?
Or waded in the water, for a closer look?
Have you ever caught a fish on a mighty hook?
Then gently placed it back into the babbling brook?
When you can't see the Savior and you get so very low;
Just look at all of nature and you will come to know
That Jesus keeps the earth and all the things that grow,
He loves us even more than that. Don't ever let him go.
Tags: Nature swalk1955
 Little John And The Bird
Deep inside of the forest, the creatures felt despair The sound of gunshots echoed throughout the morning air The time was hunting season, all the animals were forlorn Accept for one young tiger, as his little heart was torn! The men that held the boom machine were getting really near Yet little John the tiger, had not the time to fear He watched his Mama weeks ago when hunting for her pray She lay inside a pool so red, these words he heard her say! “Dear Lord please watch my little John, make his spirit strong Please be there to comfort him, and may his days be long Although I’m dying needlessly to make someone’s attire They know not what just what they do.†Her breath then does expire! The ground did shake the birds awake, a scurrying of wings A flocking of the fearful kind, a sound of shrills do spring Upon the floor the feathers fell, no chorus had these birds Yet still John lay in wait alone, no roar from him was heard! A little breeze of tiny wings landed by John’s side This baby bird with eyes of tears, then onto John she flied “Please don’t eat me Master John, my Mamma I can’t find.†Upon the ground some feathers lay, John roared at humankind! She spread her wings to cover eyes, something was then amiss She felt much fear as John drew near, upon her head he kissed A man approaches with his gun, with pound signs in his eyes A trophy for him so he thought! the little bird then sighs! John leapt to save this tiny bird, his roar was ever bold He killed the gunman with one swipe, his temper now gone cold He lifted her onto his back, then told her not to fear As in his heart this bird now lay, he then shed one small tear! Inside of the deep forest, where darkness once did live Two friends hearts shine so brightly, now both do now forgive There Mama's watched them with much joy, from way up high above As now deep inside this forest, two friends do share much love!
Tags: Little John And The Bird swalk1955
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Miracle
Posted On 04/01/2011 01:24:49
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Whilst I was slowly passing a playground one day I noticed with amusement little children having play A little girl was sitting on a bench so awkwardly And then I saw upon her back, this slight deformity! Her eyes had not much sparkle, many passed her by I turned to leave silently then she began to cry These words I heard her saying, muffled by her tears “Please kind lady can you stay, come sit and join me here! I know that I am different, with errors on my back But deep inside I’m like most kids yet company I lack Could you tell me honestly why God made me this way If you answer with your heart, then I will go away!†I sat and thought a moment, and then began to pray “Please dear Lord help me, to give her truth today.†Then these words left my lips "You are made with love Your beauty shines from within, just like a tiny Dove!†She smiled and said “Thank you, now I am going to go You are very special, and the good Lord loves you so I was sent here for you, to see if your heart sings.†And then her hump upon her back, unfolded into wings! She flew right up to Heaven with wings so strong with worth Her errors were not any, but different here on Earth No wonder no-one saw her, this Angel was just mine My miracle from above has made my heart now SHINE!
Tags: Miracle swalk1955
Through walks of life they’re there for thee Their wings unseen but they’re still there Forsaking not as they answer prayers! They tiptoe gently through our lives To intervene our darkest skies A friendly smile, a face you know If you look closely you’ll see them glow! They come to you in different forms Your mentors from the day you’re born They leave a trail for you to follow To protect you from the pain and sorrow! They walk amongst us constantly With pride, and give their love for free! Warmth and beauty, they each send And I cherish you all, my special Friends!
Tags: They walk amongst us look and see swalk1955
With my curtains pulled back on this early new morn Soaking natures beauty with a stretch and a yawn The squirrels then scurry to collect different goods As the birds overhead gather tiny pieces of wood! All the birds join together making a wonderful sound Like a musical film where sweet music was found Not fearing of the coldness nor what garments to wear Our dear Lord supplies them with his love and his care! So many wondrous creatures entertaining me for free Most days I get bored yet there’s so much to see No credit cards needed to watch the birds in their flight How precious this gift is, our beautiful SIGHT! The squirrels in the garden hiding nuts in the soil Then they make use of litter even small pieces of foil Taking leaves in their mouths in between a brief rest Then recycle things together to make their Kittens a nest! With no worries of money or with what others think Just grateful for their platter and the water they drink The Earth’s like a chain store with fuel made for free So lets praise the almighty for the gifts we all see!
Tags: Natures Beauty swalk1955
The Angel met up with the butterfly She flapped her wings and then gave a sigh Noticing the beautiful colours around Spurting from the earth’s moist ground The butterfly said “There’s so many faces Beautiful colours from different races Yellow’s, brown’s, pink’s, black’s and white’s They belong together and yet they fight!†The Angel replied “Some people are blind As they don’t see the rainbow of humankind Mother nature thought it would entice Then added colour to make them look nice.†The butterfly said “If only they could see All of these wonderful colours are for free And maybe in time they’ll mingle all together Then all of the colours will be as one forever.†The Angel replied, “It’s such a waste By making them different like food which we taste God gave them choice then Satan stepped in To tell them their different then wars did begin.†The butterfly said, “As a caterpillar I was green Not many liked the colour which they seen But cocooned my heart changed my very form It was only then a beautiful butterfly was born.†The butterfly shrugged and the Angel just glowed Then they both realised the love they both showed Letting their colours of difference stay bright Together they flapped their wings, then bid each goodnight 
Tags: The Angel And The Butterfly swalk1955
Feeling so lonely, in need of some smiles I discovered a ladder which reached up many miles Much higher than any rocket could soar I climbed higher and higher until it reached never more! With a gate up ahead that was made of pure gold Then this picturesque valley unto me does unfold The sign on the gate reads “Enter at risk, Be warned before you leave as the cost is one kiss!†I opened the latch with my heart beating wild And I felt so much joy like an excited young child A feeling of magic as I got nearer your home As I knew any moment I wouldn’t feel alone! There you sat in your garden on a log for a bench As soon as I seen thee my heart starts to wrench You’re a picture so radiant, on my knees I do cry I run to your arms and then beg “Please let me die!†Then I awaken, yet somehow feel content Albeit a dream, but into the Heavens I spent! My face all wet through from this beautiful dream Saturated pillow,and yet my soul feels so clean! I unclasped my fist, as it was curled up real tight And there in my palm was a red mark, so bright! A single red kiss was the shape of this mark All shining brightly, like a candle in the dark! Aghast from amazement, “This wasn’t no DREAM! A kiss to leave Heaven, from my Father!†I scream, It wasn’t my time yet! What a feeling of true bliss So etched onto my heart is, one BEAUTIFUL KISS! 
Tags: The Single, Beautiful Kiss swalk1955
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