Frankincense

Frankincense Essential Oil

      When I ordered my Premium Starter Kit from Young Living (what will soon be twelve months ago) it contained twelve essential oils.  One of the oils was the precious liquid Frankincense.  I have used it very sparingly and still will soon have to replenish my supply.  On an evening that I want to diffuse something soothing I diffuse what is affectionately referred to in FB YL groups as "Frank".   Known by most of us as one of the oils in the Christmas Story that was bought to the manger by the Three Wise Men,  I wish I could allow all readers of this blog to experience the aroma of Frankincense.  It has been used medicinally for thousands of years.  Some of the conditions  that some people claim to find it helpful for are depression, cancer, respiratory infections, inflammation, and to stimulate immunity.  Most people find it increases their spiritual awareness, promotes meditation for them, improves their attitude and uplifts their spirits.   Whatever a person's opinion  of any other claims, I don't think anyone would argue the fact that Frankincense smells amazing.  You can obtain your high quality Frankincense Essential Oil HERE.  

Icebound by Dr. Jerri Nielsen

Icebound

by

Dr. Jerri Nielsen

A friend gave me this book and I finished reading it this afternoon.  It is memoir by a doctor from Ohio who spends a year in Antartica as the physician at a research station.  After the year progresses past the point of anyone being able to travel in or out till the season changes, she finds a lump in her breast.  She treats herself for several months before being airlifted out as soon as the weather had changed enough to allow a rescue attempt.  Memoirs are not my normal genre but this one was really good.  It held my attention and kept me turning the pages.  The story takes place over 1998/1999 when Dr Nielsen is in her forties.  She passed away in 2009.  It is a book about surviving - surviving divorce,  surviving loss, surviving cancer, and surviving extreme environmental conditions.  It is a book that is also a love story - love for family,  love for friends, and love for life.  There was a movie made about her experience.   Click on the links above (all four of them) to follow the links to more information and enjoy the three videos that follow.  

The third video can be viewed at this LINK. 

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

White Fragility

by

Robin Diangelo

Yesterday morning on my way to work I finished listening to the audio book White Fragility.  It is a book targeted at an audience of white progressives.  Some of the points the author makes I was aware of because I interact rather frequently with white people who are very defensive when anything related to race is brought up.  But some perspectives that the author brought up were totally new to me.  Since listening to this book, I am now aware of the importance of listening more and sharing my opinion less when it comes to race.  There is an abundance of extremely articulate information that is well presented in books and movies that can deepen my understanding.  Please follow the links by clicking on the author's name and book title above. And click on the links that follow for information on other material available to deepen our understanding about race.  Finally enjoy the videos that are posted at the end of this blog.  

I have read these books and recommend them:

The New Jim Crow

Between The World and Me

I have watched these films and recommend them:

Loving

The Free State of Jones

13th

The Imitation of Life

My "to read" list includes:

Just Mercy

Me and White Supremacy 

There are many more books and movies that have been available for a long time.  To remain ignorant about the issue of race is not an acceptable choice.  It is a life long journey to continue to learn about racism and not something that we learned in school and then know all we need to know.