Juju Thoughts & Organics

I put this “no joke” in quotes because this is what my doctor said to me….last year…at my first mammogram. There I was, post mammogram, freshly 40, wearing wrongly-tied, somewhat revealing hospital robe, metal-tipped mammogram “pasties” taped to my nipples, paging through waiting room magazines and waiting for the doctor to inform me of my results. It was Valentine’s Day too, reminding me that the “What’d you do for Valentines?” response would be a little more interesting this year. Anyway, out walks the doctor, x-ray in hand…wait…it’s…..not just a doctor, but one of our clients! I’m shocked, happy, and grateful all at once, never mind a little embarrassed…but you’ve seen one pair, you’ve seen them all. He tells me that everything’s fine. To which I add, “It’s all those organic products and healthy eating!” His response? “Yep, those parabens… it’s no joke.”

Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, etc. ), synthetic, chemical preservatives, are no laughing matter. Parabens in cosmetics, shampoos, face creams, body lotions and soaps are inexpensive, but toxic way to preserve the shelf life of a product. Be aware and read your label! Some other offenders include: solbrol, nipabenzyl, hexachlorophene, formaldehyde, phenol, phenolic compound, phenonip and phenoxyetol. There is a poisoness maze to navigate out there - but you can do it! I highly suggest getting a copy of Aubrey Hampton’s indispensable guide to natural and synthetic ingredients, “What’s in Your Cosmetics?”

So, this years’ mammogram has come and past, thankfully as uneventful as last years’. I’ve seen the doctor, his wife and babies, at juju many times in between these yearly mammograms…using, experiencing and buying quality organic products. No joke!

Who doesn’t love this logo? This one-eyed cutie has been welcoming me to its doors for the last twenty-five years. I love Goodwill. For a million reasons: a stack of books for a dollar; an unlimited supply of black dresses, trench coats, chipped Mason’s stoneware, clocks, belts, evening gloves, old Levi’s, hats, games, baskets….AND, lately, still-tagged last season’s Target wares and even Free People seasonal goodies. If you’re reading this, you undoubtedly already know the infinite choices, the rare scores and the ever-changing possiblities that characterize the Goodwill.

Back to the logo. I’ve always thought the background was a little green. Goodwill remains the original recycle and re-use outpost. As peoples’ sentiments about buying used clothing and necessities ebb and flow between the shores of ‘hip, vintage and retro-chic finds’ and ‘thrifting is for down-and-out losers’, what is a constant is Goodwill’s mission. Of its 5 stated values, the Goodwill’s Stewardship pledge promises to “honor our heritage by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible.” The other 4 are equally noteworthy: Respect, Ethics, Innovation and Learning. Sounds like good green business practices to me. But let’s remember, Goodwill never claimed to be one. hmmmm.

Like others, I came across calendula late in life. In fact, my first born, Lucie, with her never-ending diaper rash on the cutest behind in the world, inadvertently turned me on to its healing powers. It is “one of the top five healers and skin tonics aiding everything from acne and rosacea to eczema and psoriasis. healing, soothing herb which repairs dry, damaged skin, prevents premature aging, aids in the treatment of bruises, spider veins, boils, sores, burns, wrinkles, swelling, and stretch marks to name a few. also imparts shades of gold and yellow naturally.” As I lathered her behind, with Weleda’s Calendula Baby Cream , I began to notice how great my cracked and aging hands started to look. As Lucie was a winter baby, my mitts were cracked and sore!

Calendula, etymologically speaking (Latin), “by the month” referring to the flowers’ long lasting blooms. Calendula, related to the pot marigold, is an herbaceous plant with yellow-rayed flowers. Look to calendula to help heal your skin! You won’t have to look far. Of course, the calendula should be sourced from an organic, biodynamic and holistic source. Try Suki’s Complexion Brightening Creme which lightens, brightens and really heals all types of stressed, discolored or sun-damaged skin. And for healthy, gorgeous hair, I recommend Sevi Organics Sea Berry Shampoo and Condition, rich in calendula and babussu, olive and lavender oils. Best of all, the smell of this healing flower is beautiful, your skin, hair and nose will thank you!

Yes, the only day on the calendar that you can’t walk backwards…ha ha…I think of this pre-spring riddle throughout the year. Today I thought I’d put forth some recent thougths on “marching forth.” Seems like everyone I met today was consciously making an effort to bring happiness, self-knowledge, positivity and growth into his or her life.

Let’s start with yours truly. I took a much needed day off and urged my 4 year old to play hooky from pre-school. I have been wishing for the past few days to spend a delicious day alone with my daughter - before it’s too late. Not to speak in apocalyptic tones, but really, the past four years have been a blur. So, together we went to my fantastic foot doctor for a holistic podiaic adjustment (god bless this man!). As Franny, said 4 year old, was endlessly questioning the technicians about the accupuncture needles and toe stretchers, I noticed the beautiful woman next to me and the book she was reading, The Gift. She looked up from her book and I realized she was the mommy of one of Franny’s school chums. Bunions, corns and bone spurs aside, we talked only about the book she read and its inspiration and gifts it was bestowing on her - hmmmmmmm. mental note: find used copy of The Gift.

Next we offed to the park with Franny’s favorite pink Hello Kitty Scooter. Wishing we could simply walk to a park in our neighborhood and knowing that unfortunately, our area in the city is park-less, I decided to walk about our neighboring streets. Trash, glass and near-do-wells everywhere! “Up and coming” neighborhood, my foot! Determined not to get down and annoyed - on this - THE day to put the year’s good intentions in motion - March Forth - I threw Franny and the scooter in the Civic and drove to the next-door neighborhood park. Where we met Arden and her two year old twins. Maybe I’ll be like Arden soon and live in a neighborhood with a park - I instantly turned on my law of attraction powers and eyed some over-priced houses for sale. But alas, Arden also lives in a dubious up and coming neighborhood and had to drive to the park too. We were happy to talk and hash out this seemingly common disappointment: buy affordable home in u&c city neighborhood but still can’t walk to anything! Determined once again not to get emotionally bogged down in a situation that is ambivilant at best, I suggested we get a treat at the cafe across from the park (do these neighbors realize how good they have it?)

Settled in with chocolate chip muffin and frothy, yummy latte, I looked at the woman at the table next to ours. Animated, with beautiful skin and red tresses, she poured over a book on Ayurvedic Beauty. She looked up and me and shouted, “juju! I know you from juju!” Yes! I knew her too - she frequents our spa and we recently talked about her idea of studying Holistic Health Counseling in New York. The book she was reading today, she told me, was for a yoga teacher training class she attended. Wow, she was an inspiration in less than 5 sentences! My kind of woman!

I hear Franny downstairs, upset over playdough gone inexplicably dry. As I figure out how to save her day, I’ll draw on all the positive and, though small, delightful gifts that have come forth today - March 4th - to me.