Heartbeat Connection Magazine June 2013 Edition

ConnectionConnection

POETRY Collection

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"Why do I love" You, Sir?by Emily Dickinson

"Why do I love" You, Sir?Because—The Wind does not require the GrassTo answer—Wherefore when He passShe cannot keep Her place.

Because He knows—andDo not You—And We know not—Enough for UsThe Wisdom it be so—

The Lightning—never asked an EyeWherefore it shut—when He was by—Because He knows it cannot speak—And reasons not contained——Of Talk—There be—preferred by Daintier Folk—

The Sunrise—Sire—compelleth Me—Because He's Sunrise—and I see—Therefore—Then—I love Thee—

Artist Suzanne Ervin www.semyart.com

239-777-9556

Book a Session Request a Portrait Request a Scene & Flowers Request an Animal ** Advertisement

POETRY Collection

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@SUSIELOADER

Susie is a photographer and posts a photo a day/photo challenge on instagram. She is a Happy, Loved, Ex Londonite living a simple northern life. She owns a sweet scoodle dog and is a new paleo chick. http://instagram.com/susieloader

HEARTBEAT CONNECTION JUNE 2013 1

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Mission: Sharing the Art of Living with Heart.

Create * Conceive * Connect

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Letter from the EditorNews and Celebrations

Heart of FashionDress to Impress this Summer, Fiammisday.com

Simply Delightful

Out and About Cooper Landing, Alaska

Ask a Question How Do I Get Ready for Bikini Time?

Outdoor Entertaining How Do I Have a Chic Party?

Music Therapy

Something Stinks!Children's Fiction/Adventure

Recipe CornerEasy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Storing Fruits & VegetablesAmazing NatureThe Power of Instinct

Tech TipsBring Summer Fun Inside with Your Tech and My Summer Apps

Featured FoundationChristopher Reeve's Foundation

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Artist Suzanne Ervin www.semyart.com

239-777-9556

Book a Session Request a Portrait Request a Scene & Flowers Request an Animal* Advertisement

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Giveaway: Somthing Stinks! by Gail Hedrick is this month's exciting giveaway! Visit our blog or Giveaway page to enter online!

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Learn more about the many benefits ofMusic Therapy

HEARTBEAT CONNECTION JUNE 20132

Are some companies making a difference in the world? At Heartbeat Connection Magazine we discover the answer. Online, we share exclusive company reviews. Be sure to visit us at www.heartbeatmag.com.

RESOURCESSend us an email at [email protected]

Advertise with Us!Heartbeatmag.comManaging Editor NICOLE FLOTHEPhotographer MELINDA NAGY OTEROPhotographer JENNY PLOCINSKIArt Director SUZANNE ERVINEditor CHERYL FLOTHECover - Martine ValcourtPhotographer- The Valcourt's

CONNECT www.TWITTER.com/Heartbeat_magFACEBOOK HEARTBEAT CONNECTIONfacebook.com/heartbeatconnection

Letter from the Editor

I feel that Summer officially begins mid-June. The kids finished school and the holidays start. My kids and husband are on an awesome trip to Alaska for two weeks for their first summer vacation. It's been very quiet at home and I've missed them. I've been able to do a thorough cleaning of the house and read a few great books! One thing I'm happy about is that I sorted all of Elizabeth's clothes and gave them to my friend Beth's daughter. Now to sort down more toys and boxes from the garage. They say that once you clear out space, more exciting things come your way!

This month's giveaway is Something Stinks!, by Gail Hedrick. Please make sure to visit the Giveaway section on our website for more details.

Next month is our 30th Issue! I feel a celebration coming, not sure what it will be but I'm beginning to plan! If you'd like to be a contributor or are interested in advertising, visit our website or send us an email at [email protected]!

With love, Nicole Flothe Managing Editor

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This month's cover is my friend Lucienne Valcourt's daughter Martine Valcourt. She recently graduated from High School and I wanted to celebrate her success by having her on the cover of The Heartbeat Magazine! She is full of joy and happiness and I've really enjoyed seeing her grow into a beautiful woman! Read more about Martine in the Simply delightful story on page 9.

Lee Heyward - Style with LeeShelly Aristizabal - You Asked & We AnsweredBeth Gatrell - Tech Tip of the Week Cheryl Flothe - Out & About, Recipe CornerCheryl Flothe- Amazing Nature

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all.Emily Dickinson

Dress to Impress this Summer


by Lee Heyward

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StylewithLee.com

The Children's Fashion Blog Outfit and Kids Style

I like this outfit with neutral colors that is all HANDMADE IN ITALY. The beautiful blouse by ANG un bebè and these wonderful harem jeans by CAFFELATTEACOLAZIONE (two brands that we love so much, right mom?).Here it is...I WISH YOU A WONDERFUL DAY!!- Fiammisday.com

One thing that is hard to tolerate is the summer heat. However, it’s easier than you think to beat the heat and stay in style.

There’s nothing worse than leaving the house thinking you look good and arriving to work a sweaty mess! Sweat happens. There’s just no way around it. But you don’t have to sacrifice style or looking good when temperatures outside rise. Here are a few tips to remember as you dress to impress this summer.

Plan Ahead

Commute to work wearing a cute tee (ladies) or polo (men). Swap it out in the lobby bathroom for your favorite work shirt. It makes a cab or subway ride with no air conditioning much more pleasant knowing you won’t have to wear a smelly shirt for the rest of the day.

Leave it at the Office

A jacket is key to combatting frigid air-conditioned offices. But it’s the last thing you want to wear on your way to work. Ladies, keep a few neutral cardigans or jackets in your office to ensure you are warm and stylish.

Men, choose a lightweight sport coat in a linen or tropical wool and leave it hanging on your office door or in your car for your commute to work.

You Are Always at Work

As company picnics and outdoor events pop up, remember that you are always at work. Choose your wardrobe carefully. If shorts are appropriate, keep them at a tasteful length and always go for a more dressed up shorts look. Ladies, choose a cute blouse instead of a skimpy tank. Men, skip the graphic tee and opt for a cotton polo.

Skip the Flip Flops

Flip flops are the official shoe of summer, but not at work. Showing too much foot at work is unprofessional. Plus, the annoying flip flop sound will drive your co-workers crazy. Not to mention it makes you pretty easy to keep tabs on!


Our cover girl this month is Martine Valcourt! She is a recent graduate of Palmetto Ridge High School and will be going to University of Florida for college. I have been friends with her mom for seven years and have seen what a simply delightful woman Martine has grown up to be. This summer she will be working with her mother at Amazon Pediatrics as her mother is a Pediatrician. Martine has two siblings, a younger brother and an older sister. They are all sweet kids and it's so nice to see their smiling faces. Have you ever met someone and their smile lights up the room? That is what Martine has, an electric smile.

Congratulations to Martine for being a captain on her dance team, Prom Queen, graduating high school, and so many moreaccomplishments. I also love her dedication to her faith and God. She will definitely make her mark in the world and I'm excited to see what her future holds!

by Nicole Flothe


by Cheryl Flothe

Cooper Landing, AK has been our base camp for 30 years and our permanent home for the last thirteen. We moved from a four bedroom, three bath home to our weekend cabin in 2000---quite a change in home space, but we have a million dollar view of Kenai Lake and love being near the wild spaces and all the adventure the area has to offer.

Our town is nestled on private land in a glacial valley in the Chugach National Forest between the Chugach and Kenai Mountain Ranges. It borders eleven miles of highway running along the emerald green Kenai Lake and Kenai River from Mile 44 of the Sterling Highway to the Russian River Ferry crossing at Mile 55. As our town is fairly remote, we often locate our landmarks by mileage rather than addresses. The earliest inhabitants were the Dena'ina Athabascans who depended on the rich salmon harvest for their food supply. You can see an actual living site and learn some of their history at the K'Beq' Interpretive Site at Mile 52.6 of the Sterling Highway. In the late 1800’s, gold miners lived in and worked the area. Nearby is the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge which includes part of the Kenai River and Skilak Lake, as well as many hiking and fishing opportunities. There was no road to Cooper Landing until the early 1950’s---people used the lake and river for transportation before then. Ever since the road came, the area has become more popular by settlers and visitors.

Groceries, take-out foods, souvenirs, and camping

supplies are available at The Cooper Landing Grocery Store, there are some B&B’s, lodges, restaurants, gas stations, a hair salon or two, a post office, and even a few coffee stands. We buy most of our groceries and supplies in either Seward or Soldotna, though, as they are plentiful and less expensive there.

Kenai Lake is beautiful in the fall.

Our cabin on the lake during the winter.

Cooper Landing continues along 11 miles of the Sterling Highway.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge.


Local facilities we are proud of are our Community Club House; Community Library; the Cooper Landing Senior Housing, http://cooperlandingseniors.com/, just across the lake from our cabin; and the Cooper Landing Historical Society Museum at Mi. 48.7.

During the winters this sleepy little town of 500 residents is a quiet place to enjoy winter sports, sitting by the wood stove, and whatever projects you were too busy for in the summer and fall.

View of the Kenai River from the lodge. Cooper Landing Community Library

Cooper Landing Community Center

Cooper Landing Museum

With summer’s arrival and into the fall, Cooper Landing and the surrounding area becomes a destination for thousands who enjoy excellent fishing, hiking, rafting, kayaking, camping, and wildlife viewing. For a change of pace, there’s a horse ranch that offers local and bush trail rides, as well as wagon and sleigh rides. They also have cabins for rent.

*Snowshoeing*Cross country skiing*Fishing

*World class Fishing*Hiking*Horse Riding

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge.


Health & WellnessQ: How do I get ready for bikini time?

choice. The good news is, this has motivated me to discipline myself to keep my body in "beach- ready" shape all year long!

I have always believed in weight management over dieting. I know there are exceptions to every rule, however, if you simply burn more calories than you take in daily, you should be OK. Exercise on a regular basis and eat healthy foods in smaller portions is a good idea.

Sometimes being practical seems almost like mission impossible. The serving portion size at most restaurants are enough to feed 2 or 3 people. And I was shocked to learn that some of my favorite restaurant salads have more calories than a Big Mac! When we do eat at home it takes a lot of planning to prepare a home-cooked healthy meal when everyone is on the go with sports and activities. For many families on a budget, it takes tons of will power to choose nutrition over simply filling up a tummy at the $2 drive thru window!

There will be times when we need to shed some extra pounds, it is important to do this in a safe and healthy manner. For more information visit www.healthylivingconcierge.com

by Shelly Aristizabal of Healthy Living Concierge How do I have a chic party?

With 4th of July just around the corner a lot of party ideas are being shared online. Get ready to celebrate in style with these helpful party ideas for your next celebration. I love visiting websites like www.pier1.com, www.walmart.com, and www.target.com to get tips for party planning. You can find ideas for decor and party games, plus entertaining tips. From sending the invitations to cleaning up afterward, you get to research all that's needed to make your party a hit. They have a tab on Pier1 imports website called Learn how and what I liked about that page was they give you photos and ideas of meals to make for your party.

Here is a quick list of how to have a chic party...1. Make sure your yard is clean and in order.2. Get some fresh flowers and display them randomly.3. Create chic seating in your backyard.4. Find some great music to listen to while entertaining5. Have a variety of food; not everyone likes green beans.6. Make a list of games you'd like to play.7. Use a color palette to coordinate your party.8. Pick a great plate design as your inspiration9. Create a treat table; everybody loves treats!

GIVEAWAYSomethingStinks!**by Gail Hedrick

Visit the Heartbeat Mag Blog to Enter

by Nicole Flothe

*Children's Fiction *Adventure *Mystery *Conflict *Problem Solving

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Like it or not, it's bikini time! Summer is here - are you ready? I am not fond of this activity - but since I live in Naples and have 4 children that seem to prefer water activities over most anything else, I really don't have a

Another great site for inspiration and ideas is Pinterest.com. I've created my Parties board and post all the things I love. Enjoy!

http://pinterest.com/nicoleflothe/parties/


by Nicole Flothe

My nephew Austin has been on the road to recovery at the Seattle Children's hospital. Music therapists routinely come and visit him. His face sure lights up when they come in the room and sing to him or play their instruments and he tries to sing along.

I found a great infographic about the Health benefits of singing. The benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even while sitting.

Your body produces "feel good" hormones called endorphins, that rush around your body when you sing and are linked to our sense of emotional well-being.

When you sing with others you feel more connected.

Several more benefits listed were...*Increases lung capacity, improves posture. *Clears respiratory tubes and sinuses. *Increases mental alertness through greater oxygenation.*Helps lower blood pressure.

"I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning." - Plato

To learn more about Music Therapy there is a great resource online at www.musictherapy.org. Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people's motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings.

http://pinterest.com/nicoleflothe/parties/

Updates on Austin Ervin can be found at www.facebook.com/AustinErvinHealingor www.austinervinhealing.com

Recipe Corner


by Nicole Flothe

It was a pleasure being able to read my cousin/author Gail Hedrick's recently published book. I was captured by the adventure and didn't want to put the book down until the mystery was solved!

Emily Sanders is a typical seventh grader – reluctant to see the summer end, she is dealing with BFF drama with her friend Leanne as she heads back to school in her small Virginia town and discovers that, well, Something Stinks!. When she stops by to see her Uncle Joe and Aunt Sylvie, Emily gets a whiff of something nasty. Her uncle tells her that now and then scores of dead fish clog the river near his apple orchard. He can’t figure out why and the local authorities haven’t taken much interest in helping him. Once school starts Emily joins her school newspaper and begins looking for stories beyond the middle school world of football and bad cafeteria food. The adventure begins as she explores the science of the river and the businesses that line its banks.

Something Stinks! author Gail Hedrick is the newest contributor to Tumblehome Learning‘s collection of science adventures for middle school readers.

“I’ve never thought of myself as a scientist, but I could think of this story and approach it like I was trying to solve a problem. I thought if kids saw the story unfold this way, sort of like a mystery, they may not be as wary of science,” Hedrick observes. "The process of collaborating with Tumblehome enabled me to know that the science part of the story was rock solid and really drove home the fact that science is possible for anybody.”

I enjoyed reading the book as a parent of a middle schooler. It was fun to see the inside perspective on how a middle schooler handles conflict and growing up. The science of water testing was fascinating and something I wouldn't think of doing. So the book became a teaching tool as well.

According to Tumblehome Learning: Hedrick also was glad to put a girl at the center of her story, and to be able to portray her as smart and strong-willed even while she navigates the minefield of adolescent friendships. There’s gossip, intrigue, a new boy in school, dealings with the press and police, and it all makes for a story that can keep adults and adolescents turning pages until the mystery is solved.

I loved the part where Emily had to start thinking about an apology. She says, "Apologies were supposed to come from the heart. Right now, my heart felt squeezed out like a used-up sponge. And definitely not apologetic." Don't you ever feel that way? I know sometimes when I ask the kids to apologize it takes them a while to mumble an apology. They probably feel similar to the way Emily felt.

Something Stinks! is available exclusively through Tumblehome Learning, specially priced at $6.95 for a limited time only.

For more information: www.gailehedrick.com

Updates on Austin Ervin can be found at www.facebook.com/AustinErvinHealingor www.austinervinhealing.com

Recipe Corner

EASY STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALADI first tasted this sweet and salty treat at a company picnic and had to have the recipe! It’s a scrumptious rich and cool dessert “salad” that’s a crowd pleaser. I’m not sure why they call it “pretzel salad,” as it’s more of a dessert, but it can be also used as a side during a meal. Makes a great potluck or picnic dish, just keep it cool until ready to serve.

STORING FRUITS & VEGETABLESDo you ever wonder if that avocado should be in the fridge, or how you can get your apples to last longer?

If you search via Pinterest.com with the keywords storing fruit there is a ton of great resources! Avocadoes don't have to be refrigerated until they are ripe or they are open. I learned that if I want to keep the crispness of my apples than I should store them in my fridge. I also read to put them in a plastic bag so that their natural gases don't effect your other produce. Go on to www.pinterest.com and explore for more great tips!


by Cheryl Flothe

Ingredients:2 cups crushed pretzels 1-8 oz. container frozen whipped topping ¾ cups butter, melted 2-3 oz. packages strawberry Jello 3 tablespoons white sugar 2 cups boiling water1-8 oz. package cream cheese, softened 2-10 oz. packages frozen strawberries1 cup white sugar

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F2. Stir together crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar; mix well and press mixture into bottom of 9”x13” baking dish.3. Bake 8-10 minutes until set. Set aside to cool.4. In large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and 1 cup sugar. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture onto cooled crust.5. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in still frozen strawberries and allow to set briefly. When mixture is about the consistency of egg whites, pour and spread over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set.

Note: Be sure to spread the cream cheese layer to completely cover the pretzel crust so the crust doesn’t become soggy from the jello layer.

Visit us online and enjoy our Recipes!

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by Cheryl Flothe

What is instinct? Nature or nurture? Innate or learned? These are questions most of us ask at one time or another. All creatures, including humans, have some built-in instincts so we unconsciously “know” what to do to survive. Of course, humans and some mammals such as apes and elephants have learned a lot to improve their survival. In humans and other mammals, the most obvious are the instincts to root for mother’s milk and to find a mate. These are a matter of survival---of each animal and its species.

Dogs, bears, and other furry animals Baby sea turtles head for the sea after they hatch.shake off water to maintain their body (Photos from Wikipedia)temperatures.

Birds have interesting instinctive courtship behaviors. This year we saw loons doing more dives, wing spreading, and flapping than we’ve ever seen before. We soon realized they were courting!

A male loon approached a pair of loons... The two males started to face off...

The stare-down continued... Then one of the males left with the female. (Photos from Flothe Collection)

Creative Appsby Nicole Flothe

Since it's summer and my kids are off from school, I found this great app called Coin Flip. We can flip the coin to help us choose our next activity. I also found several flip games that the kids enjoy. Lastly, I always look for new photo apps and skitch, photojus, shapely, and olloclip are just a few great ones!

My Summer apps:

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summer fun in the comfort of your home. Wii’s Summer Sports gives you the opportunity to participate in many summer events set in a paradise island. Play Station lets you join an Olympic team with their fun game. Just Dance and Zumba are available on most game consoles and get you moving to great summer sounds. If you’re looking for some summer fun without video games, check out sites like Spoonful where they have lots of coloring pages, fun tabletop games and more. Grandparents.com and Yahoo have more ideas. And if you’d like to download some fun summer Apps, including our own "Into Tomorrow" App, try Athletics Summer Sports. Or even some hidden summer treasure fun. And while you’re online, don’t forget to enter our Cool "Into Tomorrow" Hot Summer Giveaway! Good Luck! … "Into Tomorrow."

Into Tomorrow's Bring Summer fun inside with your Tech...by Beth Gatrell

Whether you want to beat the heat or stay out of the rain, there are lots of fun things you can do to still have Summer fun indoors and at home. Lots of families own video games consoles and there are lots of games for them that will keep you active enjoying


Featured Foundation

To view more information about iPhone apps visit www.heartbeatmag.com, What's on my iPhone.

(Photos from Flothe Collection)

MISSION STATEMENT: The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

The website is a great place for spinal cord injury questions, discussions, advice, ideas, and so much more. They have links to the latest research news, a neurorecovery network, quality of life grants, and a great paralysis resource center.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's roots stretch back to 1982 when the American Paralysis Association was formed by a group of people who refused to accept the prevailing notion that the spinal cord, once injured, could not be repaired. The founders of the American Paralysis Association had an unwavering belief that researchers and neuroscientists, working together, would find a way to connect and regenerate the damaged nerves and cells that result in paralysis. Christopher sought out the organization following his injury in 1995. As Christopher said, "I have always been a crusader for causes I believe in. This time, the cause found me." Christopher shared the American Paralysis Association's belief in a cure and lent his name, passion and drive to the organization that ultimately become known as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

The Legacy - It is humbling to comprehend how one man, who for the last decade of his life was a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic, could change the world. And for that, we were and still are in awe of his heroism.

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Featured Foundation

www.christopherreeve.org

by Nicole Flothe

I remember hearing the news when Christopher Reeve fell off his horse and was paralyzed. I was shocked that he wouldn't be able to walk again and then learned that he started a foundation to help support those that are paralyzed. Since my nephew Austin Ervin had his recent accident, he is using a wheelchair and breathing tube similar to Christopher Reeve's. I have been doing research online and they have so many resources on the foundation's website.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

The website is a great place for spinal cord injury questions, discussions, advice, ideas, and so much more. They have links to the latest research news, a neurorecovery network, quality of life grants, and a great paralysis resource center.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's roots stretch back to 1982 when the American Paralysis Association was formed by a group of people who refused to accept the prevailing notion that the spinal cord, once injured, could not be repaired. The founders of the American Paralysis Association had an unwavering belief that researchers and neuroscientists, working together, would find a way to connect and regenerate the damaged nerves and cells that result in paralysis. Christopher sought out the organization following his injury in 1995. As Christopher said, "I have always been a crusader for causes I believe in. This time, the cause found me." Christopher shared the American Paralysis Association's belief in a cure and lent his name, passion and drive to the organization that ultimately become known as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

The Legacy - It is humbling to comprehend how one man, who for the last decade of his life was a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic, could change the world. And for that, we were and still are in awe of his heroism.

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Heartbeat Connection Magazine June 2013 Edition