HBO's Chernobyl

Chernobyl

Mini-series

     While most of the country watched the HBO mini-series "Chernobyl" last May,  we watched finally watched it last month.  I don't usually blog about television but in case any one missed it,  this five episode show is not one to let slip by.  The nuclear disaster, Chernobyl, took place in 1986 in the Soviet Union.  I know I went about my daily business and did not realize at the time what danger was so near to all of Europe.  Un-contained, I am sure the damage would have impacted the entire world eventually.  In addition to the television show there is an accompanying podcast series that gives a great deal of fascinating back ground information.  There were many things that caught my attention during watching and listening.  One thing was that while the show portrays the corruption in the leadership of the Soviet Union at that time, it also shows the deep belief of the common Russian men and women who were willing to sacrifice their lives for the safety of the larger community.  I was very impressed with their commitment to society at large.  Follow the links above in the title to find the mini-series and the podcast and enjoy the trailer that follows.  I highly recommend taking time to watch and listen to this production.

Trailer

Pigs In Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver

Pigs In Heaven

by

Barbara Kingsolver

Barbara Kingsolver is one of my go to authors.  I have read several of her books and have aspirations to read all she has written.  This pm, on my way to work, I finished listening to the sequel to her novel "The Bean Trees" which continues the story of Taylor and Turtle and is called "Pigs In Heaven".  Turtle is Taylor's adopted daughter whom was abandoned and left in Taylor's car three years prior to the start of the novel "Pigs In Heaven".   Turtle is also Native American.  "Pigs In Heaven" explores Cherokee history and current issues that Native American tribes deal with.  It also is an example of how opposing groups of people and can come together, discuss and compromise to reach a solution to heart wrenching conflicts.  It is an excellent novel and I highly recommend it.  Please click on the book title and authors name above to follow the links to more information and enjoy the video that follows.  

Lemon

     As a grade school age child I attended 4H summer camp.  I developed a relationship with the camp nurse.   I would knock on her office door and complain of a sore throat and she would give me lemon candy.  After I grew to adulthood,  I purchased products for my home containing lemon such as in my dish soap, furniture polish and floor cleaner.  Therefore, upon joining Young Living this summer, lemon essential oil was a natural for me to add to my life.  People use lemon essential oil for many uses.  Some diffuse it feeling it gives them a mood lift.  Others use it in cleaning or laundry areas of their home because it is believed to have antimicrobial properties.  I add two drops to the water that I drink when I get up for the day.  I put my water in a glass and do not add the oil to water in a plastic bottle due to fear that the strength of the oil will break down the plastic.  While studies continue and not all claims have been proven,  I believe that lemon essential oil has  anti-inflammatory tendancies and that it boosts my immune system.  I also hope to obtain some detox benefits from it for many people believe it assists the liver and lymphatic system in their job of cleansing our systems.  I am not an advocate of oils in place of traditional medical care but I do feel promoting comfort and health by using oils makes sense.  Read more about lemon essential oil by clicking on this LINK and enjoy the video that follows.

Jell-O Girls by Allie Rowbottom

Jell-O Girls

by

Allie Rowbottom

     Although I am not a big memoir fan, I highly recommend this one.  Allie Rowbottom has perfectly captured the conflict between self actualization and the advertising industry.  As a family member who benefited from the Jello dynasty, Allie Rowbottom points out how the expectations painted in the commercials for jello contributed to generations of women which struggled with both emotional trauma and physical illness.  The book is a loving tribute to her mother and challenges all mothers to give their daughters voices that can speak out when confronted with painful events instead of internalizing them.  The book presents no pat answers but raises questions basic to the female experience of growing up in the twentieth century.   I haven't eaten any jello for a long time,  but from now on whenever I do,  I will think of both my mother and my daughter.  If you are up for a thought provoking experience, reach for this book.   Please click on the author's name and book title above to follow the links to more information and enjoy the Jello commercial that follows.