Christmas Gift Idea

Heather taught me how to use picmonkey. Ta da! New gift card designs just in time for your last minute gift giving!!! Drum roll.....Buy 3 and get the 4th free!!! $150 for 4 massages! Also, you may just put some money toward a gift for someone. For example, $25 toward any massage or service. You choose. Leaving you with several options for any budget this holiday season. Love, Stacie

Start Some Good

Many of you know that I was asked to be on a founding committee for my midwifery school. We are really excited about our new venture and receiving much support from other midwifery schools and midwives worldwide. Also, there are people locally who are coming out of nowhere to help us with legal, non-profit, and fundraising aid.

Recently, we launched our Start Some Good campaign. We have tirelessly been working on the launching of this campaign. In fact, I spend last weekend in St. George working on this project.

Please take a moment to look at my hard. If your heart feels generous then you can also donate money to the cause. Also, to complete the giving and receiving cycle, you will receive a gift for your donation.

Contact me if you have questions about our school or mayhaps want to become a midwife.

http://startsomegood.com/Venture/the_community_school_of_midwifery/Campaigns/Show/where_is_your_community_midwife

http://www.thecommunitymidwife.com/

October Raw Food Experiment

At Banana Island I made a promise to myself and to the group that I would eat 80/10/10 for all of October. 80% of my calories coming from simple carbohydrates, 10% of my calories coming from protein and 10% of my calories coming from fats. This is more simple than it sounds. Basically I ate a huge smoothie for breakfast, fruit for lunch, and greens for dinner and more fruit if I was still hungry.

All of October (with the exception of one day and 3 carrots dipped in hummus) I ate a low fat raw vegan diet. Every meal was intentional. If I was eating with people who were eating differently than I was eating, it was a real struggle. There were several benefits to this way of eating: my digestion was awesome. My stomach and bowels were mostly empty therefore I could feel what good digestion feels like. I never had gas. Food digested fairly quickly. I felt lighter. Also, you have to eat a lot of food to get 1500-2000 calories of raw low-fat food. Low-fat meaning that I wasn't pouring oils, avocados  and nuts on everything. Shopping is a breeze! You simply walk into the produce section and you're done!

Starting November 1st I introduced cooked foods back into my diet. My digestion has been very sluggish and I broke out with a big zit on my cheek. Also, I haven't slept well and I have been very thirsty. Needless to say, I think I am going to stay on 80/10/10 the majority of the time. I will eat a few cooked meals a month.

This is a very controversial way to eat. People get harassed about it because you aren't eating any grains, beans, or animal products. On top of that, there is only a limited allowance of raw nuts, seeds, and oils. It is truly a unique way to eat, but it feels phenomenal. Oh, I forgot to mention this, but there were 2 or more Olympians that were at Banana Island the week before I was there (one was a gold medalist for sprinting). Most people who eat this way are VERY athletic. I am not, but I am interested in being more healthy. Watch this awesome video. Note that the man who runs these retreats and is doing all the pull-ups is 60 years old and around 38 seconds is my crush lifting an enormous rock :)

Seattle Part 2

After Banana Island, I went to a fruit luck at a beautiful park in Seattle (which is a pot luck, but just fruit). There, I tried kiwi berries, durian, and jackfruit.  I went with some people from Banana Island and some people from Seattle. It was weird to hang out with my new friends outside of Banana Island. We met up Zhanna at the park. The last time I saw Zhanna was 3 years ago when she came to Utah to visit me. We worked and lived together in Colorado and have stayed good friends.

Zhanna had to work on Monday. During the day Karen and explored Seattle. We rode the Ferris wheel, went back to Pike's Market, went shopping, and attempted a trip to the museum, but it was closed. In the evening Zhanna, her roommate Adriana, Karen and I all went out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. I ordered a salad and fresh squeezed orange juice. Then we went to Barnes and Nobles, while there, I bought the book 80/10/10 by Douglas Grahm- which is the very book I should have read in preparation for banana island! Zhanna had to drop her cousin off at the airport and so Karen, Adriana and I went back home and had a karaoke party. Little did Karen and I know, Adriana happens to have a number one hit in 3 DIFFERENT countries. Eeks. We were pretty shy after she was belting out some Whitney Houston classics..

On our last day in Seattle, we met up with Amy again whose house we stayed at before Banana Island. She was hosting Janna, a girl who went to Banana Island. Janna is from Australia and is touring the US. The four of us went to a raw food restaurant and then to the airport. The last day there was the only day it rained. Apparently September and August is the dry season in Seattle. We were so lucky to see the rain, but only for a few hours :)

What I loved most about Seattle is probably the beauty. There were mtns, lakes, the ocean, forests, and flowers. It wasn't as artsy as I was expecting it to be. I would go back in heart beat, but only during dry season :)

So Seattle...

I was going to wait to post until I got my before and after pictures from the retreat people, but they haven't emailed them yet. There it is, I went to Seattle for a health retreat and I stayed a couple of extra days to visit my dear friend, Zhanna.

The health retreat: What? Who? When? Where? How? etc!?!

Karen, my massage therapist friend that I work with, invited me to go to a health retreat. I said no. Then I couldn't get it out of my head. So I changed my mind and said yes. It was an overnight decision- I just knew I wanted to go. We got a 2 for 1 retreat special and found plane tickets for super cheap. It seems like things work out PERFECTLY when they are meant to be. So many things worked out perfectly.

We got off the plane around midnight and hired to a cab to take us to Amy's house. Amy went to the retreat too. We didn't know her, she simply offered us her home and a ride to the retreat without knowing us. We slept in her children's beds. It was so generous of her. Also, the cab driver was from Georgia (not the state, the republic which is where Lika (high school exchange student/sister-friend) is from.

Then Amy's family and Karen and I went Pike's Place Market Sunday morning. Karen and I were in heaven.   We were eating fresh fruit in large quantities, looking at beautiful flowers, trip to the gum wall, and people watching. It was a beautiful day. After the market, Amy dropped her family off and we left for Sedro Woolley, WA for Banana Island.

Before I begin, let me just state that I did no prior research about the retreat before going. Also, I ate meat, wheat, and probably soda pop the week prior. I did in no way cleanse or prepare for Banana Island. I just went. When we arrived I immediately felt out of place. Little did I know, I was hanging out with hard core health-granola-hippie-athletic folks. Also, if you have ever seen Wanderlust with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd imagine that :) We were greeted at the door by some guy with a pony tail who was hugging me close by my love handles. Seriously, he was talking to me like an inch from my face. Later, I learned that this guy was the one running the retreat. He was everyone's role model and I didn't even know who he was... Everyone was wearing hippy clothes and had six packs so basically I wanted to leave shortly after arriving because I felt out of place. By the time we left I hated saying good-bye. It was hugs and laughter.

We stayed in a cabin that was off the grid. The property was huge and had horses, plums, blackberry bushes, trails, a stream, and a beautiful husky dog. Days were pretty much the same. We ate breakfast at 8 a.m., went for a hike from 9-11, ate lunch from 12-1, had a discussion training out in the sunshine from 2-4, ate dinner 5-6, and then philosophy discussion from 7-9. And of course free time in all of the gaps. They encouraged plenty of sleep. Everything was voluntary and at your own level. Thank goodness because let's face it, I can't do pull ups from gymnast rings like some of the others let alone pull myself up...A lot of honesty there, you can't fake that :)

I had many laughs and made many friends. We were all age levels youngest was 20, oldest was in his 70s. People came from all over the world Hungry, Australia, France, India (although the French and Indian men live in the states now).  Everyone was really free with their bodies and thinking. (like on on our first hike to the water hole some people decided to go skinny dipping. And it was common to talk about and show emotions. Many tears, much laughter). It seemed like everything was possible. Nothing was too outrageous. It was an incredible environment. We all supported each other and love each other. The healing that happened that week is astronomical. Thank you Banana Island!

Board Member!?!

As I was basking in the sun on a grassy hill overlooking Pike Place market and the ocean, I got a phone call inviting me to be a board member for The Community School of Midwifery. (What was I doing in Seattle? details later) For those of you who don't know, I have been going to this school for the past year working toward my CPM license. Certified Professional Midwife. I was and am totally elated. I accepted immediately. I am still not quite sure what this means, but I am quite excited about it. I went to my first official board meeting on Friday. It was exciting. It's seems more real now that I am going to be a midwife than ever before. I am a student midwife, but never refer to myself like that. However, I am making more of conscious effort to own my new title :) Here are some pictures to enjoy:

View of the city

The famous gum wall

                                                      The spot where I added my gum

                                                          Beautiful Dahlias at the market

Tribute to Heather

Once, in a heated tone, Heather told me not to underestimate her. I have kept this advice close. Heather is my elder by 3 years. When we were younger she was “in charge.” She was a self declared president, vice president, secretary, cashier, detective, librarian etc. We often played games she invented and she was the leader. I was her devoted playmate and follower. Somewhere in the midst of our growing up, I became my own and occasionally even led her. Helping Heather have a natural birth was one of the rare and special times that I was able to lead and assist Heather in her own story.

Heather was quite reserved about her choice to have Claire (her 4^th baby) un-medicated. She had great experiences with her previous births. But little sister Stacie is a huge empowered birth advocate and wouldn’t stop talking about birth options, showing video clips, and encouraging Heather to go natural. *empowered birth: women choosing how they want to give birth and being supported by care providers- not necessarily natural birth.

I wasn’t sure what Heather would choose to do, but I knew that I was going to support her and slightly push for a natural birth J She did go past her estimated due date and was feeling more than ready. So Mother’s Day 2011 she got induced. I got to the hospital to find Heather smiling and relaxing on the bed. Her very nice and experienced nurse was ever so accommodating. She supported Heather to have intermittent monitoring and pretty well left the laboring up to us with little interference. Brandon was there. He had a nervous excited energy. He didn’t know what to expect as their previous kids were born with Heather lying in bed with an epidural. It’s always entertaining to observe husbands while mom is laboring.

I came in and took charge. I felt more confident than ever before. I started with some essential oils on acupressure points to encourage regular contractions. The effect was almost immediate. Heather and I went walking around the halls of the hospital. We circled a few times then came back around for some monitoring then walked some more etc. I remember walking near this area of big windows with natural light, chairs, and waiting room toys. Heather asked if we could stop here and rest through her next contraction. We had to stop and she had about 2 or 3 contractions in this beautiful sacred space. I knew right away that we must hurry back to the hospital room because she was entering into transition, but I didn’t want to alarm her so I kept this to myself.

On the walk back we stopped several times. Heather would lean on me while I was leaning on the wall. After holding her for several minutes, several different times I said a specific prayer asking for angels to hold me up while I held Heather up. As I kept calm, I noted Heather’s poise. She was totally calm. She visualized her way through several rainbow mediation techniques. She’s a natural mediator, but she doesn’t know it J There was a specific contraction when we both knew that there would be no more walking. While in the hallway, the thought crossed my mind that Heather could have this baby in here and now, but she didn’t. I helped her into the room and onto the bed then basically ran to get the nurse.

It seemed like minutes. The doctor came and Heather pushed. While pushing Heather would go back in these awesome birth warrior trances. She was so concentrated. My voice was her grounding tool. I told her to relax her forehead and her pelvic floor and to breathe. She obeyed. I don’t know that her eyes were open until her beautiful Claire was out of her body. Claire’s shoulder got stuck and this can be quite painful but Heather handled it perfectly. When Claire came out we were all so surprised. Heather birthed an almost 10 lb baby! Claire was huge. Claire brought with her a special joy.

Since her arrival, Claire has always been joyful and beautiful. I feel like Claire is an expert telepath. She is great at communicating. She is the light of everyone’s life. I can’t put into words how much I love Claire.

This birth was one of the most cherished births that I’ve attended. There is a special bond and trust between sisters. Heather was so vulnerable and put so much trust and faith in her body. She totally opened up to me in a way that has never before happened. She owned her body and this birth. Thank you Heather for sharing this day with me and for teaching me once again to never underestimate you!

The love and experiences we share are eternal. The link of sharing birth experiences with women is unmatched by any other joy in my life. Thank you to all of the wonderful women who invite me to support them in their beautiful birth experiences. 

Family Tree Haunted?

 The Travel Channel came to little Santaquin (my home town) to get the run down on Santaquin's most famous establishment, The Family Tree. Here is the link to some clips and pictures.

My home town Santaquin (Utah) has quite a history. I just learned a few new pieces of the rich history tonight at The Family Tree. I went there and got a whole tour and all of the details. Our waitress was very accommodating. It did help that I went with another Santaquin native and she knew the waitress :)

So here's the 411: The land that The Family Tree sits on is cursed Indian land. Bad juju already. On top of that, the building used to be a bar with illegal activities going on in the basement such as gambling and who knows what else. Bad juju again. Apparently the main haunter is a man called Henry who loved the bar and wants it to be a bar again.

Several of the workers have had weird experiences there. One waitress recently quit because a vacuum turned on on it's own without being plugged in. My waitress has heard several voices and some of them say her name. She's also seen a girl and an old man. Chairs have been tipped over randomly and her hair has been pulled.  

Because I had a connection, I got to take a tour of the restaurant. It was creepy to say the least. When our waitress opened the latch to the basement, I had an overwhelming feeling in the pit of my stomach. During the tour, we all got cold chills at exactly the same time. I never saw any ghosts, but I felt things for sure. 

I am more interested in the Native American curse than the bar and Henry. But it seems that this Henry fellow is all the talk. Come to Santaquin to eat a scone at the one and only HAUNTED Family Tree. They are giving tours for $20. If you like a good scare, you'll like it.

Internet Bashing

I saw this photo on pinterest yesterday. This is the caption They all weigh 150lbs. It's not just about weight, do you know your BMI? I was pretty amazed because I don't equate health with a number.  A number doesn't tell me how my organs are functioning, if my joints are flexible, what's my blood pressure, how strong is my immune system etc. But that's for another controversy. What attracted me to this photo was the number of comments. So I started reading them. The first or second comment was from a girl, Jayne. She said something like "150 is huge. I would kill myself if I weighed that much. Just go vegan and you won't be fat." Again this is roughly quoting her. People started knocking her down and tearing apart her comments. And... she would comment again. NEVER backing down. She was a fighter. So I check it today and there is no Jayne. What happened to Jayne the relentless fighter? Then I kept reading the comments. And I would have deleted myself too.

It comes down to a few things for me: How can I speak my truth without tearing people down? I don't have to feel threatened by someone else's opinions. I don't even have to defend my own opinion. That is EGO.  The differences in people are exciting. Celebrate diversity. Also, (and more importantly) remember that we are one. I cannot see another without seeing myself reflected back. Instead of finding things to separate myself from others, focus on the things that unite us. Deepak Chopra says, "today I will bond with others knowing the Other is myself in disguise."

Here is the link to the picture. If you want, waste some time reading all of the comments hating on Jayne.

Happy Birthday To ME!!!

I am 27 today. Late 20's. Whoa!! I can accept it. Here's some life lessons, from yours truly. Warning this is probably going to be a long post.

I feel like a woman. It sounds weird.  But I've really embraced my spirituality, sexuality, personality, and all other "alities."  I've learned to not only accept myself but EMBRACE myself. People are so harsh on themselves. Learning to silence (or at least turn down) my inner critic has been key to self exploration. I've been able to do so many things because I've learned to not be afraid of myself, if that makes sense.

Learning to quiet the chatter in my head has introduced a whole new aspect of my life, spirituality. I've tapped into the spirit and my intuition. Originally, I had to learn to stay present to get through an hour of massage. It was so hard at first. I remember focusing on the time,the massage, or the conversation, but now I hardly talk to people and the hour goes by so fast. My hands know just where to go and I don't get in their way. Staying present during massage allowed me to bring that practice to other areas of my life. This has lead me to meditation. And meditation has changed my life. I meditate everyday (with the rare exception that I wake up late-I don't have to wake up very often). I love reading spirituality books- I'm pretty up on that scene :)  It's so nice to hear and read positive words that open my mind to new ideas and concepts. I've found the more I search, the less I know, but it's quite calming.

Talking about sexuality now...oooh taboo. Really though, I remember the days (not too long ago) when I couldn't even say the word 'sex' out loud. I would say "sess." I remember freezing when a make-out scene came on the t.v. if I was watching it with someone else. Not that this is bad, because it's not. I just feel comfortable now. And maybe that's because I talk about vaginas in midwifery class. or Maybe it's because I tell couples to have sex and both orgasm to induce labor. I don't know. I can't pin the time or event, but suddenly I am really comfortable with being a woman, having a body, and talking about it. Ladies, I've recently purchased a Diva Cup and am thrilled with it. And if you ever get the chance to go see The Vagina Monologues, do.

Leatha, a friend of mine who is Indian was raised very traditionally (Hindu). She was taught how to be sensual AND modest. This concept is mind blowing. I didn't know you could marry the two. Women are naturally sensual and there's nothing to be ashamed of and to combine that with modesty is an incredible combination. Let's teach this to our daughters. Please!

In addition to feeling comfortable with who I am sexually, I have been able to feel freer with my personality. It's okay if I want to wear red lip stick and/or flashy earrings. And it's okay if I think something irreverent is funny. And it's okay if I want to paint and listen to sappy music. I'm not afraid to do the things that scared me before. I've had so much fun finding my authentic self. I am more honest with people. I can ask for what I want. Communication is so much more efficient. I've had a great time working with and attracting the right clientele. Lately, I've been so blessed to work with people who appreciate my work and that makes my job so easy! I accredit this to being more authentic.

So to sum up all of this non-sense: I am really proud to be me. And I'm not trying to beat my own drum.  I  never imagined my life being how it is now and being okay with it. When I was 22 I thought women my age were flawed if they were single and that is insane. I have a fantastic and super fulfilling life and career. I have learned so many lesson and I don't think I could have learned these lessons any other route.  I am freaking 27 and single and oozing satisfaction. Happy Birthday to me.

Massage Apprenticeship Opportunity

Years ago, I apprenticed to get my massage license. It was one of those cosmic moments where the stars aligned and I was intuitive enough to be in the right place at the right time. Massage therapy has totally changed my life to the core and I am so grateful. I have met the most interesting people and had opportunities I couldn't have dreamed of having. 

Since apprenticing, I have always wanted to give back and apprentice some students of my own. The time has come when I have acquired enough hours as a therapist to begin teaching students. I am excited to be in a position to teach. I can apprentice two at a time, which is ideal for teaching. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a massage therapist please refer them my way.

An apprenticeship program is a fraction of the cost of Utah College of Massage Therapy, it's a one-on-one learning environment, and apprentices can work while learning. In fact, I quit my 9-5 when I was an apprentice because I was making more money massaging half day than I was working all day. 

The perfect candidate for an apprenticeship program would be committed to putting in 15 hours a week to learning and working, is interested in health and wellness, and is self motivated. I got my massage therapist license in one year. There is now an extended option of two years, but honestly it's worth it to get it done in a year. 

I have a slew on information and resources to share. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Truly, massage is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and it's an opportunity to serve someone everyday. It's rare to make a living doing something that you love and that everyone else loves too. 

Fooled

I played an April Fool's Day joke on my dad. This story may not be that funny if you don't know him, but maybe it will... :)

My mom gave everyone a bag of Easter candy for conference watching. My dad ate all of his allotted candy and was begging me for my candy. I gave him some chocolate eggs and also a carefully sculpted piece of putty (thank you Heather) that looked like a chocolate egg. I had to leave the room because I was laughing so hard. So, no, I didn't see him eat it. We heard nothing. We were expecting some sort of reaction. But he played it cool. Heather went in and asked him how his eggs were. He said, "what you think I didn't know." Um, obviously not, because we found the piece of putty in the garbage can with chocolate teeth marks in it. I have rarely laughed so hard.

Increasing Gratitude

Lately, I have felt a genuine increase of gratitude in my life. Usually, I have to force myself into gratitude. This feeling, however, is totally organic. And to think, during winter? WHaaa!?! I have started doing a few things that I feel are major contributors: The Artist's Way, midwifery school, and new make-up.

The Artist's Way is a book. This book was recommended to me by a client. This client works at a university in NYC as the director of the whole arts program. So, no big deal. :) She said this book changed her life and led her career path. I found it whilst thrifting. Thank you, thrift stores. Anyway, this book is a 12 week program. Essentially, every morning I wake up and write 3 pages of nonsense. The goal is to clear all of the chatter out of my head. Also, every week I spend time with my self/inner artist. We draw, take walks, go to museums etc. The most important thing is that you are by yourself. You are trying to get to know yourself better and nourish the relationship of you and your inner artist. Also, I read a chapter a week and follow any written homework exercises (which I hardly do the exercises). This book is for everyone. I can see the changes in myself and am astonished that something so simple can be so profound. Recommending it to every person alive. Something profound the author points out is that in order to access your creator you need to be creative. So true. Amen.

Next, midwifery school is incredible. I go to school every week with awesome women. Age ranges between 24-71. We solve all of life's issues with empowered birth lessons. Birth can effect the world, the community, and an individual all at the same time. Ina May Gaskin, midwife pioneer, says that a midwife is as essential to a community as a farmer. And I totally agree. More and more women are standing up for themselves and taking charge of their bodies. Watch out world! We are transforming at an alarming rate and I am so proud to be apart of it. I am getting more and more passionate about people feeling supported, trusted, and intuitive. We all shine brighter if we feel validated. Midwifery school has done this for me. Not to mention, I have a whole new community. I love these women and our lessons are beautiful.

On a vane level, I really love Sunset Bronze. It makes me feel like I have a pretty suntan. Love in a jar for $16. I was hesitant because it has an orange/red tint and I am already orange enough, but it is lovely.

Gratitude is everything. However, if it's not genuine then it feels like nothing. I have been there several times. You look around and say 'okay I have a job, house, food, and family/friends. Why am I not grateful?'. If gratitude is not genuine for you right now, wait. Soon you will be swept away with it. Mine came about from a book, a new community, and a bronzer. Life's little blessings sometimes have the most profound shifts. Thank you anyone who read this and bless you.