People We Meet

12/07.07 – I had the pleasure of meeting reporter , Paul Sullivan, from the Geneva SUN.

Yes, he was out to interview me about Mind-Body -Spirit – and how this practice grew.  He was also there to find out about ME – my background, what motivates, met and what is important to me.  Wow. Not what I expected from a reporter.

He is not your average reporter. I found myself wanting to learn more about him, and his journey, than sharing my own.  He has a varied, spontaneous, and interesting background himself.

If you haven’t checked out the SUN, please do.  My office manager, Martha, said:  “His articles are informative, positive, and truly offer a sense of the person he interviews”.  Could there be a greater compliment?

People come into our lives for a reason - at the time that they do.  As for me, this was more than just an interview.  He’s someone we should all get to know. 

Music / DVD’s for Relaxation

From my friend, Andy Mitran at www.mitran.com.com

Dear Friends.

Al and I are pleased and excited to announce the release of two new albums.  The titles are part of a series we are calling Liquid Crystal Gallery or LCG. This series provided a way for us to expand our art form and release our music in 5.1 surround sound on DVD. We love working in this format. In addition, we have enlisted the extraordinary photographic, video and music talents of our good friend Arthur Durkee. Through compelling photography, slowly moving over time, Arthur¹s images create an art gallery on your video screen. When the music and video are combined the results are stunning. In creating this dynamic new art form we found a unique way to express ourselves artistically.
We have found that seeing this product is the best way to get a sense or what it really is. So go to our new website at http://www.lcgallery.tv to see and hear previews of the new DVDs. The streaming video is in RealPlayer and Windows Media formats. We also have downloadable samples for your video iPod. 

The first title in the series is called “A Day in the Natural World”. This title is the series premier. Shot in some of the most beautiful places in this country, Natural World features over two hours of beautiful music and nature photography that follows a day cycle, sunrise through nighttime. All the LCG titles play endlessly on your DVD player or computer so the peaceful environment lasts until you turn it off.
 

The second DVD is called “Japanese Gardens”. Photography from beautiful Japanese gardens and wonderful ambient music creates a powerful visual meditation. Calming and peaceful, this DVD brings beauty and peace to your home or office.
   

LCG DVDs are a great gift for anyone you feel needs a peaceful refuge from a hectic life. These DVDs are currently being played in doctors and therapists waiting rooms. “A Day in the Natural World”  is currently being broadcast to patients in their rooms at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge Illinois. In addition to a beautiful, peaceful environment we believe that they reduce stress and provide a sense of well being.

These titles sell for $20.00. You can download an order form from our web site and send it in or just call 773-604-5200 to order them directly. There¹s still time to receive them for the holidays. Your support is greatly appreciated and directly helps us to bring you more music and video. We hope that you have a beautiful and peaceful new year. Thank you for your support.Be well.
Andy and Al
   

People we meet

Jackie’s Magic – please visit the website:  http://home.comcast.net/~magic_show/

My husband, Mark, and I do magic and illusions.  Yes, it’s a strange combination for a psychologist and an attorney. However, the field of magic is a small and very close community.  When a friend is in need, we all rally to help.

Jim and his wife lost their daughter, Jackie, in a car acccident.  You will read, on the website, that her trunk was loaded with food for a fundraiser/food pantry she was active in.  Jim and his wife, in her honor, continued this tradition.  Now, we have many friends that that gather every fall, in Jackie’s honor, to raise food to several food pantries.

Jim and his wife, family, extended family, are kind, considerate, appreciative people. . . their gratitude is apparent and friendship/family most important.

 Donations can be made at any time in Jackie’s memory . . . by the way, she was a young lady/daughter we would all be proud of !  Service to others was a part of her.

BOOKS

My friend and “chosen sister”, Mary Brodien, is a published author.  Please visit her website:  www.3Epress.com

Mary has written several books:  Mentoring Heroes -  a book about women who mentor and have been mentored – and Praying the Rosary - a divine book about how to pray the rosary and what it all means.  Her son and artist,  Joe Cannela, illustrated original drawings for this book.  In fact, to describe them as “drawings” or “illustrations” does them a huge disservice.  Truly, they are works of art.

I was raised Catholic – and married Lutheran.  While I , like so many others, was force fed an organized religion and are questioning formalized religion and faith in general, Mary has a firm and guiding faith in her Catholic beliefs.  Her books are worthy of exploring.  Even I, completely ignorant of the Rosary (hey, this is the girl that pretended to know the Hail Mary during my first confession!), found her most recent book to be comforting, informative, and the artwork absolutely amazing. 

Mary, has been a strong mentor, friend, and guide to many.  She is unselfish in her sharing of information and expertise, always generous with her time and knowledge.

As for her son, Joe, the artist – - a brilliant, creative, and grounded young man – - more than a graphic designer, more than an advertsiting artist, his gift is truly unique.  I encourage you to contact him should you have any interest or specific need for a cherished piece of art. 

Lawyer Link

11/30/07 – I accompanied my  husband to the opening of a new business – LawyerLink.  LawyerLink provides staffing services for lawyers – at least that’s where the services begin! 

The Founder, President, and CEO is Jennifer Bertoglio, Esq.  This dynamic young woman has built a fabulous business catering to the needs of lawyers, law firms, and corporations.  Located in the Sears Tower, the space is professional, classy, and functional.  No detail is left unattended.

 Make no mistake – this business was not “handed” to her.  Jennifer persisted in pursuing a dream and doing all of the hard work that goes with making it happen.  With the support of her husband, family and friends, this dream was launched.

I was especially impressed that Jennifer is active with several women’s business and marketing groups.  Her marketing individual is a dynamic female with her own marketing services.  Her caterer – also a female entrepreneur – who’s catering was first class – just like LawerLink.

Jennifer’s dedication to working with other female business owners to network and cross-market is truly inspiring. Her staff reflects the same dedication, professionalism and loyalty.

In encourage you to take some time to visit her website:  www.layerlinksolutions.com.  Even if you are not in need of her services, you will appreciate the quality and professionalism of her website as well as the scope of services her business  offers.

Contratulations LawyerLink!

Holiday Traditions

Last Thursday, my husband and a dear friend of ours honored our yearly Christmas Tradition – a trip to Kringle Market at the Daley Center Plaza.

Our friend, so dear, has become my “adopted mother” and I, her “adopted daughter”. At this busy time of year, rather than gift giving, we decided to establish our own tradition. Rather than gift giving, what we desire is more time together – so this yearly tradition was born.

My mother, Carole, shared with me about her own mother-daughter tradition.  Every holiday season, Carole’s mother would take her to downtown Chicago.  Their destination? Marshall Field’s on State Street for lunch in the Walnut Room under the grand Christmas tree.  Carole shared with me that no matter how busy, no matter how tight the finances, or other obligations, her mother always made time for this mother-daughter adventure.

We visited the Walnut Room last week.  I had not been back for many years.  I learned that Carole had not been back since being there with her mother.  As we gazed upon the tree, the diners, and enjoyed the holiday buzz, the moment Carole and I shared was magical.  For her,  these joy-filled memories of  cherished time spent with her mother fill her heart today.

This year, why not establish your own tradition? Review your current traditions and eliminate those that are no longer fulfilling. . . gifts we give/receive are gone and forgotten.  Memories of traditions with friends and family last a lifetime.

 Carole Miller is a realtor in Geneva.  Check out her website:  carole@classicRealtyHome.com.   Even if you’re not in the market for a home, Carole can keep you informed and updated on the market information and pojections.  At the very least, get to know this wonderful woman!