The Refresh Orlando Heirs

Scrapbooking can be an expensive hobby. From patterned paper, accents, embellishments, and cardstock, it all adds up. I’ve been scrapbooking for about 7 years and at first, I went to all the fancy specialty scrapbook stores, where things are more expensive. Over the past several years though, I have found some great ways to save cash.

The most obvious way to save money is to find a place to shop that sells discount scrapbooking supplies. I have found that website stores actually have lower prices then a lot of stores since they have less overhead (costs). The only downside to shopping online is having to wait for your items, but if you don’t need them that day, it’s a great way to save some money.

Another way to save money is by using 12×12 papers. You get more for the money then buying 8 1/2×11. It also goes a long way. Also, get a wide variety of cardstock colors. You always use cardstock on a layout. Sometimes, that’s all I use on a layout. This way, you don’t use and therefore you don’t need to buy patterned paper. This cuts down costs a lot.

A way to save more is by cutting down on the embellishments. The real focus of pages is supposed to be the pictures anyway. You won’t have to spend money on little doodads and you’ll save time too by not having to make something special. If you just can’t go without using embellishments, buy general embellishment materials that can be used on several different layouts instead of buying embellishments for one specific page. For example, get fibers in a package that has several different colors. Tags are another good embellishment that will go on any layout.

Scrapbooking doesn’t have to be expensive. Remember that the whole purpose of scrapbooks is the photos and the memories, not how much money you spent!

I have been scrapbooking for over 7 years now. I have made several scrapbooks for different clients. I enjoyed doing that been I am more focused on getting my work published on websites and magazines. I have been on 2 different design teams, the most recent being for ScrapbookPal.com, They carry

Fiskars,
Dotto and more.

Many of us install server-side (ASP, CGI or PHP) scripts on our
web sites, and many of this scripts store data on the server.
However, poorly designed scripts can experience performance
problems and sometimes even data corruption on busy (and not so
busy) web sites.

If you’re not a programmer, why should this matter to you?

Answer: Even if you’re just installing and using server-side
scripts, you’ll want to make sure that the scripts that you
choose don’t randomly break or corrupt your data.

First, some examples of the types of scripts which store data on
web servers include:

(Of course, many scripts in each of these (and other) categories
are well-designed, and run perfectly well even on very busy web
sites).

1. Follow-up autoresponders typically store the list of
subscribers to the autoresponder, as well where in the sequence
of messages, each subscriber is. Examples of autoresponder
scripts: http://www.scriptcavern.com/scr_email_auto.php

2. Classified ad scripts store (at least) a list of all the
classified ads placed by visitors. Examples of this type of
script: http://www.scriptcavern.com/scr_classified.php

3. Free for all links scripts store a list of all links posted
by visitors. See some example scripts listed at:
http://www.scriptcavern.com/scr_ffa.php

4. Top site scripts usually store a list of the members of the
top site as well as information about the number of “votes” that
each has received. For examples of this type of script, see
http://www.scriptcavern.com/scr_topsite.php

So what kind of scripts have problems? And what sort of problems
am I talking about?

Well the principle problems all relate to what happens when bits
of data from multiple users needs to be stored on updated at the
same time. Some scripts handle these situations well, but others
don’t…

DATA CORRUPTION

Here’s a common data corruption problem that can occur with many
scripts:

1. When some bit of data needs to be updated, a copy of the
server-side script starts running, and then starts updating it.

2. If another user comes along and does an update before the
first copy of the script has finished, a second copy of the
script starts running at the same time.

3. There are a number of ways things can now go wrong, for
example:

(a) What if the first copy of the script reads in the data, then
the second copy reads the same data, then the first copy updates
the data, then the second copy updates the data? Answer: any
changes made by the first copy of the script can get lost.

(b) What if the first and second copy of scripts are both adding
multiple bits of new data to the store at the same time? For
example, imagine each needs to store the headline, description
and the name of the person posting a classified ad. Well, what
can happen (with some scripts) is the two classified ads can get
intermingled, so you might get (for example) HEADLINE-1,
DESCRIPTION-1, HEADLINE-2, PERSON-1, DESCRIPTION-2, PERSON-2. Or
worse yet, you might get bits of each part of each classified
ad, mixed with the bits of the other. This type of thing is
usually really bad news, as your data may consequently becoming
unusable from that point on.

Does this sound too unlikely a problem to worry about? Don’t
bank on it… even if it happens only 1 time in 1,000, or 1 in
10,000, eventually it will happen: You need a solution.

So the real question is: is it possible for programmers to
create scripts without these kinds of problems? Fortunately the
answer is yes, and there are a number of ways that programmers
can address it:

1. They can store each bit of data in a separate file. This
isn’t necessarily a total solution by itself (in particular, a
script which just does this could still have problems if
multiple copies of a script update the same file at the same
time), but it does make data corruption less likely, and if
corruption does occur, at least it won’t corrupt the entire data
store in one go.

2. They can use file-locking. This means that if one copy of a
script is working with a file, another copy of the script is
prevented from working on that file, until the first copy has
finished. File-locking works if done correctly, but programming
it into a script needs to be done very carefully and precisely,
for every single possible case… even a tiny bug or omission
can allow the possibility of data-corruption in through the
backdoor!

3. They can use a database (such as MySQL) to store the data.
Provided the data is properly structured in the database, the
database handles the locking automatically. And, as the
programmer doesn’t have to write their own special locking
routines, the possibility of bugs and omissions are much reduced.

PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

Of course, avoiding having your data corrupted should be the
paramount consideration in choosing a script, but is there
anything else we need to be concerned about?

Answer: Performance

Of course, all webmasters are aiming to build busy high traffic
web sites… but will your scripts be able to handle the load?

Go back and re-read the paragraph on file-locking. Now think
about what would happen if all the classified ads on your
classified page were stored in a single file (or all the links
on your top site, or all the subscribers to your autoresponder,
etc.).

What would happen?

Answer: Because each update can only be performed after the
previous update has been completely finished, your site may be
slow, or even unable to handle all your users’ requests.

So what’s the solution?

There’s two options that programmers can use:

1. They can use lots of small files and file-lock each
individually (for example, one per classified, one per top site
listing, etc.). Of course, this needs to be handled very
carefully…

2. They can use a database (like MySQL), as databases allow any
one individual record (”row”) to be updated, even when another
is also being updated.

IN CONCLUSION

Now, let’s summarise:

1. Scripts that store data in files need to use file-locking to
avoid data-corruption, and they also need to break the data into
separately updateable chunks to avoid performance problems on
busy web sites.

2. Scripts that store data in databases (like MySQL), provided
of course that they have been properly coded, are usually less
likely to suffer from data-corruption or performance problems.

And one additional point:

3. Even the best script is not immune to hard-disk hardware
failures, your web host being struck by lightning, and all the
other snafus that can happen. So, do take regular back-ups of
any data that you can’t afford to lose!

In short, even if you’re not a script programmer, you need to be
aware of data storage issues. In future, when considering a
script for your web site, don’t be afraid to ask some hard
questions about how it stores data and how well it handles
multiple users.

This article is Copyright (C) 2005, Answers 2000 Limited.

About the Author: This article was written by Sunil Tanna of
Answers 2000. For a directory of ASP, CGI, PHP and Remotely
hosted scripts, please visit http://www.scriptcavern.com - and
for scripts written by Answers 2000 please visit
http://www.scriptrocket.com
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In the eyes of a teenage girl cellular phones are the best invention since boys. My daughter has had a cell phone for awhile now but it wasy a prepaid one. That was getting too costly considering she ran through minutes at an astounding rate. The day she received her unlimited flip phone she was estatic. I don’t think she would have been any happier if she had been presented with a brand new car.

She giggled and squealed with excitement. The pink face plate with kittens on it absolutely delighted her. I calculated her enthusiasm to be a bit ridiculous but cell phones seem to have an almost intoxicating effect on young girls. After plenty of gushing gratitude, my joyful daughter seemed to float on various ring tones the rest of the day. In record time all of her friends had the new phone number and the dialing sequence began - and it hasn’t stopped since.

These cellular providers certainly have it made. Do you have any idea how many adolescent and teenage girls there are in the world - not to mention the other various cell phone users out there? Just like teen girls, cell phones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You find them everywhere - in shirt pockets, on belt loops, in cars, at the mall, etc.

Time certainly does bring about change. It almost seems like yesterday when my oldest son came home with a marvelous little contraption called a pager. Hmmm…wonder whatever happened to those. It seems technology is moving faster or maybe I’m just getting slower. I just got used to my VCR when out came the DVD. I still haven’t figured out all the features of the digital camera yet. Of course when I can’t figure out how to work my new gadgets I do what most parents do, I just ask the kids. It seems they’re born with built in knowledge of the tech gen.

Oh and my daughter? She’s up to her ears in text messages and voice mail but it’s all good - at least until the bill arrives.

Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and columnist for the print publication Moon Shadows Magazine. She is also the author of “Aftertaste: A Collection of Poems” and “The Choosing.” Her work has been published extensively both online and in print. For more information visit her website at http://darlenezagata.tripod.com or contact Darlene at darzagata@yahoo.com

According to the research firm Frost & Sullivan, the estimated size of the North American used test and measurement equipment market was $446.4 million in 2004 and is estimated to grow to $654.5 million by 2011. For over 50 years, companies and governments have procured used test and measurement instruments in order to realize a number of benefits including the need to:

- reduce equipment acquisition costs,
- replace discontinued testing instruments,
- circumvent lengthy new product delivery times, and
- conform to legacy standards and specifications.

Although there are many considerations when purchasing used test and measurement instruments, the quality of the instrument and reliability of the vendor should be at the top of the list. Used test equipment vendors deploy a number of bywords that represent the equipment they sell, including “refurbished”, “remarketed”, “reconditioned”, “rebuilt” and, the obvious, “used”. These marketing adjectives typically imply various quality processes and buyers of used test equipment should execute their due diligence prior to purchasing.

“Used” or “Remarketed” equipment often describes products sold with an “as-is” supposition. You might purchase used equipment from an end-user organization or auction company that is selling surplus assets. Products sold as “used” should be priced at the lower scale of the market spectrum and it is not uncommon for quality issues to arise with “used” equipment. It is likely that the instruments have not been tested and have an uncertain history. It is only prudent to purchase “Used” equipment if you have the in-house repair and calibration facilities/expertise and are able to procure the item at a cost low enough that the added expense of repair and calibration remains to be a positive, economical outcome.

“Refurbished and Reconditioned” are akin and are the most common presentment of used equipment from equipment dealers. Refurbished equipment is fully tested and calibrated to NIST standards to assure that they meet the original manufacturers’ specifications. Refurbished equipment should come with all standard accessories and operating manuals. Malfunctioning internal components will have been replaced or repaired and the product will have been cosmetically cared for including painting and the replacing of face plates, button and knobs. Refurbished equipment is typically sold with a 30-90 day parts/labor warranty and is priced in the middle to high-end of the market spectrum.

Finally, some vendors advertised “Rebuilt” test equipment. Many instrument options are field-installable and can be built-to-order according to the customer’s requirements. Some products can even be converted from one generation or version to the next by adding various components. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing rebuilt equipment and, in fact, if you can not find the exact product configuration you are sourcing, you should ask qualified vendors about the possibility adding those options. As with used and refurbished equipment, always exercise caution in choosing a vendor. Assure that the vendor is qualified or uses a qualified electronics laboratory to repair, calibrate and rebuild the products you seek.

Purchasing used, refurbished or rebuilt electronic test equipment is a great way for organizations to save 30-70% on their asset acquisition costs. Warranties and guarantees from used test equipment vendors are formidable. In select product groups, the original equipment manufacturers offer extended warranties in partnership with the vendors that are the selling those products.

Exercise caution and perform due diligence on your vendors. It is most effective to first identify a qualified used equipment vendor and begin a supplier relationship, as opposed to sourcing each instrument you need individually. If your qualified vendor does not have what you are looking for in inventory, it is likely that they will be able to locate it within 24 hours. By first identifying and working with a select few vendors, you will assure consistent quality and economical pricing with every used test equipment purchase.

Bob Preville is the CEO of GlobalTestSupply.com, a distributor DC Power Supplies, Digital Multimeters and other electronic test equipment.

Its just a matter of time before you experience a hard drive problem. Are you prepared to loose your data? If your hard drive crashed right now do you have an action plan to follow?

Most people only think of backing up their data after they experience a problem. Don’t set yourself up for a data loss disaster.

Your data integrity action plan should consist of the following:

1) How often you will back up your data

2) What data you will back up

3) What back up procedure you will use

How often you back up your data can only be determined by how important you feel it is. Answer this question “If my hard drive crashed right now, I would be alright if I had the data from at least (time) ago”.

Of course you would want everything but if you could have the data from 1 month, or 6 months ago would that be sufficient? Whatever time is sufficient mark it on your calendar both a hard copy and set up a meeting on your PC to remind you.

You change your smoke detector batteries when you turn your clock back and when you turn it ahead right? Well back up your data then too.

If you don’t change your clocks then pick some holidays or special dates that happen close to the timeframe you want to back up your data so you won’t forget.

What data you back up depends on how you use your PC. Some of the key directories, if you are using Windows, are the My Documents, Favorites and Desktop directories.

Remember if you are using multiple profiles on your PC then the three directories above can be different for each profile and each one would need to be backed up.

You will also want to include your email data. Don’t forget to write down the email accounts you have. You should also write down any username and passwords so they are not lost. You should look at every directory to see if it has information that you would need.

Make a list of all the software programs you are using. If you have the physical CDs put them all together in a safe location.

Don’t forget the CDs for your peripherals like your scanner, digital camera, PDA etc… Collecting these CDs may remind you of additional data that you need to back up.

If you are running software that you installed from downloaded files, burn them to a CD-R and add it to your collection. If you use a CD-R or DVD-R you can update it as you download and install new applications.

What procedure you use to back up your data can be determined by the amount of data you want to back up. Your data might fit onto a CD or DVD in which case you just need to burn it and you’re done.

If it spans multiple DVDs then you might want to consider getting a second hard drive to copy your data onto. If you are not comfortable with adding a second internal hard drive or you are using a laptop then you can purchase an external hard drive to back up your data.

The information you have on your hard drive could disappear in a flash. If you don’t want to spend up to $3,000 to have a data recovery company retrieve what information they can from your hard drive, then take a few minutes right now and create your back up action plan.

If you ever have a data emergency your action plan will be your insurance policy. If you adhere to it, your valuable data will adhere to you!

About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.wifi-buyers-guide.com

New Orleans was terribly hit by Hurricane Katrina in September 2005, resulting in an unprecdented loss of property and lives. But despite the damage, the people of the Crescent City rallied and pushed ahead with the annual Mardi Gras tradition — complete with great food, jazz music, flowing drink, funky jewelry, and all the bright accoutrements that help make the event an enjoyable one.

In the olden days, people had Mardi Gras balls where they dressed in their finest. Masks were also the order of the day and revelers would try to guess the identity of the person behind the mask, making the balls all the more titillating. To this day, many items of jewelry showcase many attractive mask designs. One would find earrings, bracelets, pins, and pendants that feature the face of a harlequin or the faces of comedy and tragedy side by side.

Green, purple, and gold are the theme colors for Mardi Gras. These colors have become traditional ever since they were chosen as the official colors by King Rex, the king of the carnival. This title is held annually by a man chosen by a group called the Mystick Crewe of Comus, and the most elaborate and lavish float during parades naturally is that of the king’s.

But there’s no question that the most popular types of jewelry are the ones made of beads. The greater the number of beads and the larger the size, the better they are. Mardi Gras is not a time for understatement or discreet jewelry. Layers and layers of bead necklaces adorn many of the necks of the people gathered in the streets during Mardi Gras, and many of others are given away to both friends and strangers alike in the spirit of fun and participation. In fact, in the days and weeks before the carnival is held, people can be seen busy buying beads in large amounts and creating bead jewelry to wear or give away at the event.

However, not all Mardi Gras jewelry is costume jewelry. Fine jewelers have a slew of offerings for those who have a taste for something more elegant and classy. Pearl jewelry enjoys brisk sales during the season, perhaps because they resemble the beads that are in abundance during Mardi Gras. And of course, pearl jewelry can be worn all year round and with almost any kind of attire since they are easy to dress up or down to.

Hurricane Katrina failed to drown the spirit of the people of New Orleans and they showed this during Mardi Gras with their elaborate parades and parties. Adorned in colorful and flashy jewelry while partying in the streets, enjoying Creole and Cajun cuisine, singing and dancing to jazz music, and drinking the nights away, they showed that life doesn’t only go on, but that it should be lived to the fullest.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com. Also includes informative articles, comparison shopping, rare book excerpts, & link directory.

To say that Identity Theft has reached epidemic proportions in
the UK doesn’t appear to be any exaggeration on the facts which
are commonly bandied about… even by totally responsible
organisations.

If, as I read, 80% of Councils have reported problems… and 25%
of people have been directly, or indirectly affected… then
taking basic steps for your own safety should be an automatic
procedure nowadays. With the advent of separate paper
collections by many councils, it is easy for those who wish to
obtain information to rummage through the bins or boxes, to look
for personal details.

A shredder, I would say, is a basic necessity… and you can get
a perfectly adequate electric strip-cut model which does up to 5
sheets of paper at a time [with paper container
incorporated] for less than £10 if you shop around. I
purchased mine from Morrisons supermarket and have had it for
around two [fingers crossed] trouble free years.

If you don’t possess a shredder, then at least tear off all
names and addresses from your envelopes and destroy all letters,
etcetera, which have your details on. I would burn, or shred and
dispose of in two separate rubbish collections, all old credit,
debit, or shop cards.

As well as these basic steps you will have, hopefully, found
many useful tips and further information on the Identity Theft
page at http://www.best-uk-electrical-appliances.com where you
perhaps obtained this extra information.

If you have a computer with any personal details on it, I can do
no better than refer you to the helpful article below… please
read and consider VERY CAREFULLY the all information included.
Computers soon become out of date, or become less efficient due
to many different problems. Consider what is stored on your
computer… there are bound to be passwords for something or
other, there are names and addresses, and perhaps personal
details - even banking details - which could help a potential
identity fraudster obtain access to your financial records,
credit cards, or even to steal your identity.

Identity Thieves Find Treasure In Your Trash

- by Jim Edwards

(c) Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
http://www.thenetreporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Imagine this scenario…

After serving you well for three to five years, your old
computer earns a well-deserved retirement.

You transfer all your old files to your new computer, delete
them from the hard drive, and pack the old computer off to the
trash heap, sell it, or give it away.

Sounds innocent enough until you stop to consider that you may
have just given away your social security number, all your
passwords, your credit card numbers, bank statements, financial
records, and every other bit of sensitive data you ever
maintained on that computer.

With computers getting cheaper by the day, many folks now find
themselves replacing old machines with newer, faster models.

But understand one thing: just hitting the delete button to get
rid of sensitive files basically rates the same as putting a
bank statement in your trash can without shredding it - anybody
can reach in and pull it out.

In fact, with inexpensive over-the-counter data recovery
software (the kind you can buy to recover files you delete
accidentally), virtually anybody can fire up your old hard drive
and start pulling off data even though you “deleted” it.

This creates a veritable field day for identity thieves who comb
through junk yards for old computers and attend computer shows
buying up used hard drives by the dozens.

Whether selling it, giving it away, or tossing it on the junk
heap, when it’s time to replace your computer with a newer
model, you basically have three options for permanently wiping
out your data.

First Option:

Many computers come with recovery disks that will completely
format the hard drive and return it to its original
“factory-fresh” state. Using this approach makes a great option
when you plan to give away or sell the computer.

Second Option:

Use a software program designed to erase your hard drive, or at
least totally destroy your deleted files.

You can find one fr^e at www.active-disk-wiper.com that claims
to completely erase your deleted files without affecting Windows
or your other programs.

Third Option:

In keeping with the times, the third option requires a
disclaimer.

Only attempt this with safety glasses, a flak jacket, and under
close professional, adult supervision.

Unplug your computer and let it cool off.

Take off the cover and remove the hard drive.

Bash the hard drive with a hammer until it looks like a pancake!

That should render it completely resistant to any would-be
identity thief armed with even the latest data recovery
software.

Physical destruction of the hard drive rates about as secure as
you can get in protecting your deleted files from prying eyes.

But before you take drastic action on the computer, remember
that your “trash” may just represent a dream come true for
someone who can’t afford a new one.

Try to find a child, a student, or a struggling parent who could
really use your old computer and would consider it a real
blessing.

Finding the right new home for it could well change someone
else’s life forever.

— Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist
(http://www.TheNetReporter.com) and is the author of several
best-selling ebooks, information products and software programs.
Jim also publishes the *World-Famous* www.IGottaTellYou.com
Multi-Media Newsletter!

© Guaranteed Response Marketing, LLC P.O. Box 878 Lightfoot, VA
23188 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

This email is never sent without permission.

___________________________________________
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Just
as we used to have remember to be vigilant with our physical
property… locking doors and windows, putting anything we value
out of sight, cancelling deliveries when on holiday, using
security lights… plus many more day to day precautions are
automatic necessities. But NOW we ALSO have to consider
our intellectual property and even our unique being.

Whatever you have created on your computer is uniquely yours,
don’t leave it open to abuse or theft any more than you should
leave about your credit/debit cards, household bills, or any
other important documents which hold your personal details.

Just two more mentions… be extremely careful when answering
your home telephone, there are those who can, and will, ask you,
deviously, to confirm your name and/or address… and from that
they can find out all your private details, and manage to steal
your identity.

Sorry, three more… don’t ever fall for the lottery win or
other scam which requires you to send money or details to get
your ‘winnings’… finally, if you are selling any big value
item [like a car] don’t believe that a bankers draft is
necessarily safe and don’t fall for the scam where you accept a
signed payment which is larger than the required amount, and you
are expected to give back the overpayment in cash. You will have
lost the item you were selling, plus the cash… and the cheque
or bankers draft will be worthless.

Take care out there!

Copy and paste the following web address to your browser to
check out the full page where some of this information [plus
lots more] is available online…
http://www.best-uk-electrical-appliances.com/IdentityTheftandCred
itReports.html

For the past several years I have struggled with getting (and staying) fit. Ok I admit it, the struggle has been longer than just a few years. As a kid, instead of playing nicely with the girls, I fought with the neighborhood boys. I attempted to join their fun and received new scars weekly in bloody games of soccer. I was always the last one picked to play on the kickball team and, as the catcher of my 5th grade softball team, I pummeled the pitcher in the head with a fast ball. Uncoordinated in team sports, I succeeded only at baton twirling which was fun but I barely broke a sweat. After failures in group sports I thought I’d try running so, a few years ago I attempted to train for a half marathon. I ended up limping home in tears and thought I’d never exercise again. (I couldn’t even MOVE after that, much less exercise!)

Over the years I’ve used walking as a way of getting out of the house, of ‘warming up’ for more vigorous exercise and just to hang out with friends. This year, walking has turned into much more for me. Walking allows me to integrate mind, body, and spirit in a way that I’ve not experienced before. Athletes speak of being “in the zone.” I see that I too am an athlete and that walking can be vigorous and can provide my body with the movement it craves. Walking has allowed me to reclaim fitness goals that I had given up on. I think I’ve finally found something that I can be good at and stick with long term!

“Movement in the body brings movement in the mind. It is a natural alchemy. So many of us seek this kind of movement in our lives, a fusion of being and doing.”— Carolyn Scott Kortge from her book, The Spirited Walker

These days, our lives are set at an incredibly frantic pace. We have so much on our plates that we fear we’ll never get everything done, and we wonder when we’ll find time to do those things that bring us pleasure. Even when the world seems to be spinning out of control, walking can restore our sense of inner peace. Time seems to expand, giving us a chance to slow down, to relax, to appreciate ourselves and our lives.

Even when we are ‘just going out for a walk’, we are hardly ever just walking. We carry our mind around with us when we walk, so we are usually absorbed in our own thoughts. I have come to see that the sole work of walking has turned into soul work. I have even nicknamed some of my walks with particularly insightful friends ‘walk and talks’ where we process life together and use walking as a metaphor for moving forward in life.

And then there’s walking alone which frees us up for some internal dialogue. I’ve learned to turn off the cell phone, take off the headphones and stop drowning out the natural world. When I allow myself to hear my own thoughts and resolve any internal conflicts, I am at peace in the sanctuary of my mind. Moving meditation, or spiritual walking is a wonderful way of grounding ourselves in our own presence.

“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. If one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right.” Soren Kierkegaard

Even if our job is wonderful, our family is healthy and our future seems bright, we can lose touch with the deepest part of ourself unless we slow down enough to breathe deeply, to still our thoughts and to observe the natural world with a sense of wonder. Walking with awareness provides us with an opportunity to connect with the surrounding nature and our “inner nature”. Then we are able to tend to the trinity that we are made up of - mind, body and spirit. In creating a balance among all three, we enhance the quality of all areas of our life.

Use a long walk or hike to come home to yourself. If you don’t go within you’ll go without!

So often we walk hurriedly, rushing from place to place in a state of mindless detachment. Spiritual walking is a form of meditation in motion. Pick a route that will allow you to practice mindfulness by fully engaging your senses. Feel the hard pavement or soft grass beneath your feet, drink in the aroma of the honeysuckle as you pass by and make a mental note of what flowers are in bloom. Notice the feel of the wind against your face. The rhythm of walking helps us to quiet our minds and from time to time we may receive inspiration or gain insight into some troubled area of our lives.

Plan a walking retreat.

You can use walking as a sort of mini-retreat. I’m not talking about going away for a week or even a weekend, unless you want to, of course. I’m suggesting that you set aside a few hours, or even a full day for an exploration on foot - far from the demands of work, home, and family.

First, choose a date on your calendar and mark it as your “retreat day.” You want this day to be yours, for your personal walking adventure. Next, identify a place that you want to explore on foot. If you enjoy being out in nature, call your local parks and recreation department to request maps of your area. If you love looking at homes and gardens (one of my favorite kinds of walks), think of a neighborhood that you’d like to see up close. You want to spend your time walking, not driving so try to choose a location that’s not too far from home. If you never have to get in your car, that’s even better.

The hour-long neighborhood walk that I take ends in a long slope that leads to the street that I live on. I listen to my body tell me, “we can’t do this, we’ll never make it home.” I hear my own inner demons loud and clear and then I bid them farewell using positive self-talk. As I approach the top of the hill I recount what a wonderful walk it was and how strong I am becoming. I’m glad it’s over, yet I’m already looking forward to the next outing!

I am grateful for spiritual walking. For me, it is a new route to wellbeing, a merger of muscle and mind. Infusing my exercise routine with spirituality has turned a good walk into a God walk!

Diana Kennedy is the author of Living from Spirit website and email newsletter. She leads the 9:30am church service at Unity of Tallahassee where she is Ministerial Assistant. Diana is a licensed massage therapist working at All About You! Massage. To contact her, call 850-878-2130, visit http://www.dianakennedy.com, or email living_from_spirit@yahoo.com.