Brownstone Therapeutics

A Nice Thought For the Day

2012-02-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Thought for Today: I allow my inner child to express its wishes and desires. I give my attention, for I love it very much and want to show it my affection." Thanks Doreen Virtue.

Eve's 2011

2012-01-02T09:11:00.001-08:00

Doors Are Opening

2012-01-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Doors Are Opening

2012-01-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Doors are Opening

2012-01-02T08:31:00.001-08:00

Presence

2011-12-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays 2011!

2011-12-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

Mother Mary

Happy Holidays 2011!

2011-12-26T15:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays 2011!

2011-11-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

11/29/11

Dear Friends,
Happy Holidays from Eve Brownstone.

At this time of year, I like to reflect on this past year. 2011? It was full and challenging for a lot of us. The economy continued to tank for those living in the normal world. Pepper spray became a fashion accessory.

My trip to Zucotti Park in NYC and Occupy Wall Street inspired me to get involved in Occupy Chicago. It can’t be business as usual. Remember: “The People united will never be defeated!”

I continue to enjoy working with my clients and am expanding my practice. I want to include returning veterans and open a part-time office in Rogers Park.

I joined the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and will become active on the Southport task force in January. My office address is 3723 N. Southport in Lakeview.

At my office I am offering from now until January 4, 2012 half an hour Stress-Busting sessions. It is a $60 value for $30. These sessions combine bioenergetics, mindfulness exercises and role-playing.

In November, I went back to the University of Illinois at Chicago after 22 years for a wine and cheese event at the Honors College. It was cool to be back and would like to have the opportunity to teach.
I want to teach a class on Expressive Arts Therapies, to that end I am working on a syllabus and curriculum for a twelve-week course.

In honor of my mother Judy Erickson who passed on February 18th 2011 from ALS, I am starting to go into schools to present
“ When Everything Changes”. It is a 45-minute interactive multimedia presentation. It tells the story of how ALS can rob you of your body but not your spirit. I also want to present this at conferences and for other groups.

Mom taught me so much about life and love and hope. She lived her life until she couldn’t anymore and then she left on her terms.

Lots of Love and Light to you all. Eve

A Tribute to Mom

2011-02-24T16:39:00.001-08:00

We just learned that Judy Erickson, one of President Obama's earliest and most ardent supporters, passed away on February 18 after losing a hard-fought battle against ALS.

She began volunteering for President Obama at campaign headquarters shortly after he announced his candidacy. We don't know all that she did for the campaign but here's what we do know:

was a campaign intern,
worked the Iowa caucus,
answered phones in the call center,
responded to correspondence,
worked the convention, and
became a receptionist at campaign headquarters.

Those of you who worked at 233 North Michigan probably saw Judy even if you didn't know her by name. She spent many hours there week in and week out.
After the election and before she became ill, she worked with Organizing for America in the fight for health care reform.
Judy is survived by her loving husband Dennis, her wonderful daughters Eve, Laura (Cliff) and Catherine (Tom), her amazing grand daughters Rose, Anna and Miranda, her stepdaughter Hope and her sister Katherine Livingston (Art).
Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. www.lesturnerals.org. If you choose to make a contribution, please add "OFA" after your name so the family will know your connection to Judy.
If you would like to send a note to the family, here is Dennis' address: 1460 N. Sandburg Terrace #2102, Chicago, IL 60610-1538.
We're sorry to share this sad news but we thought you'd want to know.
Regards,
Kathy Gallo
Susan Gottlieb
Janet Taylor

Debbie Reynolds - Tammy

2011-01-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-22T12:12:00.001-08:00

2010 -There was a lot

I can definitely say there was a lot going on in 2010. For much of it I am grateful.

I am grateful to my friends and family for their love and support. Thanks for the phone calls and emails… liking my facebook posts. All that is so appreciated.

I am thankful to my clients. The individuals, families and groups who have shared with me this year, I offer you a heartfelt thanks to you. Something new, I am working with children again and I like it.

My family has been tested this year with our beloved mom living with ALS. Mom has such a big heart and has taught me more about living well. I love you mom. At the end of the day, the family coming together can help us weather the storms.

In 2010, I left Rogers Park and the Rogers Park BizArts after seven years of commitment, community and fun. I am grateful to all my friends back in the hood.

Friends and Family,

I wish you much love, joy, learning and growth in 2011.

Love

Eve Brownstone

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T14:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

A definition of Thanksgiving I like is being grateful for what is already in my life. The people, the situations-the good, bad and ugly are welcomed. I want my Mom to be well, but I treasure all the good times we've had together since she was diagnosed. I want more clients, but I feel very lucky for being my own boss and liking the folks I already work with. More work is on the way. Having more down time gives me some more time to write, plan and create the life I’ve been envisioning for myself. Also, I have more time with Mom.

What lessons can we learn? What treasures can we see? How can we be kinder to ourselves and be who we are meant to be without waiting anymore?

There is a lot to be grateful for. Thanks to all my friends and family.
Love
Eve

Compassion, Patience and Acceptance

2010-11-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Happy fall!

It is not winter yet. I hope we all have been enjoying the warmer temps. I prepare for the coming cold by reflecting on compassion, patience and acceptance. How can compassion be a force for action and change?Being angry is not working. Seeing other people as fellow humans who may be going through a hard time and not as the enemy may be a healthier way to see others. Accepting people where they are at… this is a work in progress and my true intention. Having patience with myself is also a gift I cherish.

How can I let go of my expectations so that I can enjoy what other people do offer?I think this could be away to enjoy the holidays more. Gifts can come in all different shapes and sizes. Time is a most precious gift to give.

Peace and Love.

Eve

A Voice to Be Reckoned With

2010-09-23T00:21:00.000-07:00

A Voice to Be Reckoned With
By Eve Brownstone

My mom has always had a voice to be reckoned with. As a kid she only had to say my name ”Eve!” and give me a look and I changed my tune.

One early memory of mom involved her going up to my elementary school, Shoesmith, in Hyde Park to try to get an abusive teacher fired with other parents. The parents gathered together with picket signs, marched and let their concerns be known. Those parents got that teacher fired.

In the 1980s, when Reagan was running for a second term, mom and I stood out in the rain attempting to register voters. The pausing drivers many were African Americans on their way to work said, “ It doesn’t matter who we vote for, its not going to change anything.” Mom tried to convince these hard-working and weary Americans that their votes did matter. Reagan got re-elected.

When my little sister was in at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, mom served on the very first Local School Council with Dr. Brazelle and David Orr. Mom felt honored to serve and was an active member. I know I learned from her the importance of getting involved and serving your community.

In January 2009 mom and I traveled together to Washington to see Barack Obama sworn in as our 44th President. We got inspired, tired and cold, but we were together with millions other Americans crying and hoping for change. This experience capped off two years of mom volunteering every week, three times a week answering phones for the Obama Campaign headquarters in Chicago. She also criss-crossed the country knocking on doors and stood in the masses with Obama in Denver as he received the Democratic Nomination. Mom was in her late sixties.

Today at sixty-nine, mom’s voice has been quieted but not silenced by ALS. She uses an Ipad to communicate. Her spirit is all there and her heart speaks through her fingers on the Ipad, or a smile, a gentle touch. Mom can still give me one of her “Eve!” looks though. It still packs a punch. I have to reconsider my actions because my mom still has a voice to be reckoned with.

Dear Rogers Park BizArters

2010-09-20T22:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Rogers Park BizArters, I want to thank you for the past seven years of community and networking fun. It has been a pleasure to coordinate the Rogers Park BizArts every month with Sandi Price and Mike Glasser. Due to family and other obligations, I am giving up my role as a coordinator. September 29 will be my last RP BizArts for a while. I may be back in the spring of 2011 as a participant. Please Sandi, Mike and all, please keep the arts in BizArts. I want to thank Mike Glasser for founding the Rogers Park BizArts and asking me to join in the fun. It has been an interesting seven years. Some of my favorite events include: the Aldermanic Forum at the No Exit in the last election, and the first Rogers Park BizArts Art Show last March. I am grateful to Michael James, Katy Hogan of the Heartland, Neil Lifton and Mary Bao of Duke’s Bar for your long time commitment and generosity to our group. I want to thank our core group of wonderful people who show up every time: CJ, Karen, Laurene, Sharon, Richard, Mark and Emily. Keep referring to each other. To all you new comers and folks who want to check out the group keep coming. The Rogers Park BizArts is a great group of people. I’m going to miss you guys. All the best and lots of love, Eve Brownstone

Art Show Closing August 14

2010-08-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

“What are you left with when everything changes? ”is an interactive art project now showing at the International Art Group’s "Cultures Connecting" and "Where do I Belong" at North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan. This project was created as a response to lots of changes in my life.

What are you left with when everything changes?

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

This is a time of big change. People are losing their jobs, their homes. Because of the stress of it all their health is suffering. It is hard not to fall into a pity party or become a mushy mess.

What is left when everything you know changes? How do you pick yourself off the floor?

Some say you are left with a clean slate. You can start over in any direction you choose. There can be a renewed sense of freedom in that. It can be a great time to let your creative passions drive you on a path your heart most desires.

What if you are trying real hard but you feel like you are just treading water? Know you aren’t alone. These are tough times for everyone, even Goldman Sachs.

This is where faith, persistence and patience comes in.

Talking with my Higher Power has become a regular part of my day. I thank her for everyday and for all the blessings in my life. I thanked God the other day for all the gorgeous cherry and apple blossoms in Lincoln Park and for being able to hold my mother’s hand. I also offer a thanks for all the lessons I’m learning such as: we all experience change differently. There is no one right way. When a family goes through major changes we have to be gentle, loving and respectful of each other.

Everyday, I say, “I am open to all the good in the Universe.” I get real specific with numbers. How many clients I want in my private practice? What kind of clients? Where do I want to be teaching a class? Then I get quiet and visualize clients calling me and coming into my office door, then leave feeling better. I see myself in groups of people who are ready to make changes. Their hearts are more open and their eyes have a sparkle.

I got to believe in myself, get clear about why I’m on the planet. Sometimes, I need to even get out of my own way if I start having doubts. I want to believe that people want to know what I’ve got to share. People will benefit, be enriched and heal from the experience.

Hang in there everybody!

Eve Brownstone
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/

Happy Summer!

2010-07-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Hello from Eve Brownstone and Brownstone Therapeutics

All I can say- it is hot! Hang in there everybody!

Here are five tips for staying cool:

1. Smile, smiling lessens tension

2. Drink iced lemonade on a shady porch. Please pour me some and text me where you are. :)

3. Please, please use sun tan lotion, but not 50spf. Your skin has got to breathe. 30spf will do.

4. Sweat a lot. It is good for us.

5. Water, water, water, water

We’ve had a busy spring and summer here at Brownstone Therapeutics.

We’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful and varied groups.

• Seniors at CJE Senior Life
• A group of dedicated women who are learning how to be EMTs with ICNC
• Junior high school girls at the Regina Dominican Girl School in Wilmette
• Cancer survivors and loved ones at Gilda’s Club of Chicago

The practice is building. Thanks to my clients. We now are able to bill Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (PPO), Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Compsych (EAP).

Community Events

Artists of the Wall-June 17-18
We had a lot of fun with seniors from Lakeshore Health Care and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday and kids and their parents on Sunday. Key to fun was this glow in the dark spongy ball that I found at Walgreen’s for five bucks. Next year-more games!!

International Art Group-Art Show: Where do I belong?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139584762721358&ref=mf

North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N.Sheridan,Chicago, Il.60660, USA

Opening July 16
Closing August 14 5pm-8pm

My subject: What are you left with when everything changes?

Upcoming Events

JUL 24, 25 SAT-SUN CLARK STREET FAIR

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111388505558017&ref=ts

"A Cultural Explosion in Rogers Park". Clark between Morse and Estes. Sat 1-11 pm; Sun 1-10. $5 person; $10 family. Two stages. Music, ethnic foods, vendors, entertainment.

The Rogers Park BizArts continues at the B1E Gallery on
July 28 6902 N. Glenwood

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gallery-B1E/298905960169?ref=search

Finding Your Passion

2010-06-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Finding Your Passion

Responses from Therapist from around the country on the subject of change

2010-05-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

What are you left with when everything changes?
An enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power

A person still has everything because change is constant, and we adapt in order to embrace and accept that change. It would be a boring, and less stimulating and challenging life without change.

What if change involves major losses all at the same time? Divorce, Family of origin estrangement, loss of past friends... Relatives, siblings? That would be traumatic. Perhaps we would look inside to find internal strength, our sense of self, and the resilience and motivation to begin to rebuild not what we have lost, but something new.

Eve, your answer works for me. Maybe for  Victor Frankl...  My clients over the past 40 years find this to be true,  after they recover from the immediate trauma. At least  that's what we look for together.  Great question.

Change, although exciting is usually very scary for people. To delve into the unknown and into a place we aren't as comfortable in can be unnverving. It usually is very hard for people to change because innertia is very hard to overcome and it takes a lot of energy to do.   Given that, when a person does change, they still have skills, memories, results, etc. that still exist and cannot be undone. Those don't change.

Change is constant and nothing remains the same. When we can understand and accept this we can see the potential in any change. Even painful change provides opportunities to experience our strengths, develop deeper relationships, spiritual transformation. Likewise, change can be an opportunity to address fears and lack of connection in our lives. It's not change that is inherently difficult, it's what we do with change. When someone is having a particularly difficult time with any change in life, professional guidance and support can be very helpful.
"What are you left with when everything changes?"   I'm left with thoughts: about what precipitated the change; how will the change effect my life right now and in the foreseeable future; what steps do I need to take to protect myself both physically and emotionally. If I'm patient, time always shows me whether or not any change is beneficial to me, and if the change isn't working out for me, I'm left with more reflections on what needs to be adjusted in my life to eventually get things onto an "even keel."

All change is precipitous by nature, whether it's positive or negative, benign or traumatic. The issue is how resilient the person experiencing the change is. Even people that win the lottery can find the experience at first thrilling and then traumatic. Alternatively, people that have gone through great loss, like that of a parent, can grieve and then suddenly be filled with loving and tender memories that will get them through the grieving period.   Having professional guidance and support will certainly benefit the person, as Ms. Brown McNally suggested. But how does one work with those that find the change traumatic and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? Moreover is there an "outreach" system that can reach patients that don't have the resources available to them (money, accessibility to mental health care, etc.)? Great question Eve.

Depending on the level of change; and, after much anger and angst, one eventually comes to the understanding that there are really some things that can't be controlled .e.g. Loss of a loved one precipitates massive changes in one's life. How this is dealt with can be the beginning of long term personal dysfunction ; or, it can be the catalyst to new beginnings. So, what is one left with ? Humility and the need to start over.

I think that Eve may have answered her own question quite well. Even during the worst of times, we will grieve and we shall heal; but in the final determination if you have "an enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power," then you will probably do OK.   Change is immediate and constant, so the best that we can hope for is that it is mostly for the positive.

Happy Spring from Eve

2010-04-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

From Brownstone Therapeutics
And Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
773-859-1276
brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com

Happy Spring! A lot has been happening with Brownstone Therapeutics and me Eve Brownstone. I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately, networking and getting the word out about Expressive Arts Therapies through presentations. Enjoy the Sun!

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Bullying

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”

I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim” read more here
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/?p=blogs

Working with Performers and Artists?

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she may verbalizes, “ He is ___DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.

My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, “weirdos” and magicians. Read more here

http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/working-with-performers-and-artists.html

For Women with Cancer at Heartwood

Assembling the Allies

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

In every life there are choices. For women with cancer there are still many choices to consider: treatment options, foods, friends when to fight and how to find the strength to keep living. That internal spark that tells us life is good is hard to feel when chemo is kicking your butt.

I will help you assemble a team of internal and external allies to fight cancer. You’ll know you won’t be alone. Through the arts we can find ways to create these allies. It could be a warrior, a wise crone, a medicine woman, a teacher, a good caring parent that comes from within you to care for you. Also clients are encouraged to create or engage with their support system. Friends and loved ones are important for healing. It takes a village to fight cancer. Read more here http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/assembling-allies.html

Conversations with Eve

"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel

Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.

Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article. Read more here.

http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/04/conversations-with-eve-revised.htm

Upcoming Events

April 16
Creating Your Life at the Regina Dominican High School
701 Locust Road Wilmette, IL

April 28
Rogers Park Business Alliance FUNraiser
http://www.rogers-park.com/2010/03/save-the-date.html

May 16
Mitiziut Art Show Opening at the North Lakeside Cultural Center
6219 North Sheridan Road

June 3
Creating Your Life at Gilda’s Club in Chicago
537 North Wells

June 3
Creating Your Life at Robineau CJE

June 19 Creating Your LIfe for
Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC)

Conversations with Eve revised

2010-04-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Conversations with Eve

"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel

Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.

Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.

The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article.

I had the opportunity to get to know the a lot of my neighbors in Rogers Park by interviewing them. For www.rogerspark.com, I interviewed more than fifty Rogers Parkers.

Among various projects, I served as the Project Director of the Rogers Park Personal Oral History Project. In the summer of 2004, we brought teens together with seniors at a nursing home and within the community of Rogers Park here in Chicago. Meaningful relationships were developed and teens learned how to complete oral histories themselves. A video documentary came from this experience called Community Building: One Story at a Time. This project was completed in partnership with the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society.

From 1998-2001, I developed and coordinated The Reminiscence Project. It was an oral history project in the Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville /Edgewater in which 40 senior citizens were interviewed in their homes, local restaurants, hang-outs, senior day programs, nursing homes on the beauty of reminiscing. This endeavor was archived by making a 30-minute video-documentary of the process called "Wise Friend," I was fortunate to have my video camera at Women and Children First Bookstore, when I videotaped legendary oral historian Studs Terkel saying "Ordinary people do extraordinary things." “Wise Friends” opens with Mr.Terkel’s remark. Those words have become my motto. This project was completed in partnership with the Edgewater Historical Society and was shown at their Opening in 2001. This project was also featured in the Chicago Tribune.

As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have worked with folks from eighteen months to 106 years old for twenty years. I believe I have a knack for putting people at ease. I like to be a witness to people realizing they do have something to say and helping them feel safe to say it. It continues to be an honor and privilege to do this work.

I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or (773) 859-1276. Thanks for your time and attention in advance. Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Eve Brownstone, MA. LCPC

Bullying

2010-04-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Bullying

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”

I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim”

Coming from Chicago to Akron, I didn’t know anybody. I didn’t wash my hair everyday or wear fancy clothes. I was coming from Hyde Park and the Chicago Children’s Choir to the bowling capital of the world and the middle of the Bible Belt.

I tried to get out of class as much as possible in seventh grade. I’d tell my teachers I wasn’t feeling well, which would be taken up by bullies who would say, ”Eve is woozy.” The guidance counselor and I got to know each real well.

I hear about kids today killing themselves because of bullying and adults just standing by letting it happen. It doesn’t make me cry anymore. It infuriates me.

Somehow these bullies learn that their behavior is justified or “okay”. They continue to harass the families even after the young person killed himself or herself. I am glad those nine students in Massachusetts are arrested.

It troubles me that these young people felt like they didn’t have an option. The psychopathic bullies won then.

After years of bullying, I could have felt reduced to a nothing, just mush on the floor. I know today, some of my self-doubt comes from the taunting. I guess what helped me was getting involved with choir, performing and lots of therapy. Having a loving family and some close friends also helped. I also used to walk and jog a lot. I remember my walks to Summit Mall on Saturdays. I’d work out my frustration pounding the pavement. I still do.

I believe that if you are still alive things can change and get better. I guess that belief ultimately was what kept me going in Junior High School. My hope kept me moving on.

If I were to have some of those bullies in front of me today I would say:

“ You missed out on knowing a very special person. I didn’t let your taunting and harassment stop me from having the kind of life I want. I truly believe in myself.”

Then I would laugh and beam with all the Devine light inside of me. One by one the bullies would become charming and kind men and they would dance with me. They wouldn’t be able to help themselves.

I don’t want revenge.

I want more hearts to open and more love in this world.

I think young people who use their energy to hurt and bully others are missing the mark on life. They don’t feel loved and can’t love. They need love.

That may sound to mushy. Being vulnerable and compassionate are signs of strength. It is a waste of my time to hold on to my anger and rage. I got a lot out of therapy. I want to use my energy to heal, love and create. I want my anger to move me into action for the better like writing this article.

I wish you peace, action, an ability to laugh out loud, a voice to say ”no” and a loving hand to hold.

Working with Performers and Artists

2010-03-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Working with Performers and Artists

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she verbalizes, “ He is _____DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.

My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, weirdos and magicians.

If a client of mine comes into a session wanting to sleep, eyes down and teary eyed she may be feeling over whelmed by life. If she comes in with a revved up vibe, head up, good eye contact, she may be having a good day and a kick butt attitude. This client is feeling more empowered in her life.

I am present for clients wherever they are at. Sometimes they need comforting or a pep talk. Most of the time clients want to know I am listening. I feel like listening is a skill I’ve learned over time. Not everybody is a good listener. Some people appear to be listening but are just waiting for their time to talk.

Listening to me means being a witness to someone else’s story. When someone shares their story it is a sacred moment. They trust me enough to open up. I’ve heard thousands of precious stories over the past twenty years as a therapist and oral historian. I feel honored again and again.

Communication, respect and safety are keys to developing the therapeutic relationship, which is a place where healing may come.

I encourage my client to make art, sing their heart song, and dance their dance that gets to the heart of things. They are encouraged to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable. Sometimes clients come in just wanting to talk.

I do pay attention to the blabber versus reflection factor. Are clients just recounting their day or reflecting on their life experiences and making meaning for themselves? Do they seem disconnected with themselves? Connected? There is no judgment or right or wrong answer.

If someone comes in jabbering and feeling disconnected, I will encourage them to get quiet for a moment, check inside, to get in touch with what their heart wants in the moment. This may lead to meditation or drawing or maybe even silence. I am okay with silence. Being okay with silence, sitting with doubt or mixed feelings bring good lessons.

I’ve learned over the years to trust the process. I trust my clients will learn skills to empower themselves. I don’t heal anybody. I just help show my clients to learn that all the tools for healing are already within them and they just need to just trust themselves enough to dig and see them.

I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or 773-859-1276.

Conversations with Eve

2010-03-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC. I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.

Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks Volumes”. See attached article.

Among various projects, I served as the Project Director of the Rogers Park Personal Oral History Project. In the summer of 2004, we brought teens together with seniors at a nursing home and within the community of Rogers Park here in Chicago. Meaningful relationships were developed and teens learned how to complete oral histories themselves. A video documentary came from this experience called Community Building: One Story at a Time. This project was completed in partnership with the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society.

From 1998-2001, I developed and coordinated The Reminiscence Project. It was an oral history project in the Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville /Edgewater in which 40 senior citizens were interviewed in their homes, local restaurants, hang-outs, senior day programs, nursing homes on the beauty of reminiscing. This endeavor was archived by making a 30-minute video-documentary of the process called "Wise Friend," I was fortunate to have my video camera at Women and Children First Bookstore, when I videotaped legendary oral historian Studs Terkel saying "Ordinary people do extraordinary things." “Wise Friends” opens with Mr.Terkel’s remark. Those words have become my motto. This project was completed in partnership with the Edgewater Historical Society and was shown at their Opening in 2001. This project was also featured in the Chicago Tribune.

As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have worked with folks from eighteen months to 106 years old for twenty years. I believe I have a knack for putting people at ease. I like to be a witness to people realizing they do have something to say and helping them feel safe to say it. It continues to be an honor and privilege to do this work.

I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or (773) 859-1276. Thanks for your time and attention in advance. Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Eve Brownstone, MA. LCPC

Assembling The Allies

2010-03-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

For Women with Cancer at Heartwood Center

Assembling The Allies

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

In every life there are choices. For women with cancer there are still many choices to consider: treatment options, foods, friends when to fight and how to find the strength to keep living. That internal spark that tells us life is good is hard to feel when chemo is kicking your butt.

I will help you assemble a team of internal and external allies to fight cancer. You’ll know you won’t be alone. Through the arts we can find ways to create these allies. It could be a warrior, a wise crone, a medicine woman, a teacher, a good caring parent that comes from within you to help care for you. Also clients are encouraged to create or engage with their support system. Friends and loved ones are important for healing. It takes a village to fight cancer.

Clients also learn to direct anger where it should be directed not at loved ones or at oneself but at the cancer. I facilitated an anger management support group for six years and know anger is a feeling that can move us into positive action.

It is a battle that is fought everyday with love, friendship, courage, allies, purpose, spirit and medicine.

Eve Brownstone MA, LCPC, is an Expressive Arts Therapist with 20 years experience. Eve will be presenting Creating Your Life to members of Gilda’s Club of Chicago in June. Contact Eve at 773.859.1276 or brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com Check out http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/ for more information.

On A Journey

2010-02-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

On a Journey

By Eve Brownstone

Life is a journey. My life has held lots of bends in the road the last nine years. Nine years ago I left a marriage to embark on a journey into an unknown world. I’ve moved ten times. I’ve met good people and have had interesting times. In Chinese my name is Evo and I’m known as “Chicken” in some parts.

See 30 tips for moving. http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/?p=blogs

But I never really found the right place to settle down. It is something inside of me that is still searching for “home”. I moved again yesterday.

I’ve been on my own. Sure I’ve dated. Thought I was in love a few times. I’ve learned a lot about life, about myself. The lessons have been a gift. I definitely haven’t taken the predictable route. I’m not married with children. I love my three gorgeous and brilliant nieces.

I guess I would describe myself as an artist type. I can be moody, but I’m loving and very loyal to my friends and family. You know who you are.

Most of the time my intention is to have an open heart and give people the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes this generosity has led to heartache. Damn you bastards. Sometimes a girl has got to cuss.

I’m also a therapist and seem to attract clients who are also at a crossroads, people who want to move in more positive directions. I like showing my clients that they have the key inside them to all the doors they wish to pass through.

To remind myself that I hold my own key to my heart, I wear a gold key around my neck. Not everyday, but at times when I need a reminder. I need a little reminder today. I want some comfort and a hand to hold. We all need that at times in our lives.

My higher power has a lap for me to rest on today. I need a good cry. Moving isn’t easy even if you have a great mover named Bart. In a way I feel more free. Nothing is really holding me down. I’m free as a bird and open to all the good in the universe. I could move anywhere and do anything. I have the keys.

The Arts In Rogers Park BizArts

2010-02-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Arts in Rogers Park BizArts

By Eve Brownstone

Recently, a New York Times article described Rogers Park as a “funky” neighborhood. A big reason for that is our thriving arts scene on the Glenwood Avenue Arts District. We have a thriving music scene at Duke’s or The Redline Tape, Morseland, Heartland and soon on The Mayne Stage (formerly Morse Theater). The Jeff awards have recognized our theater companies: Lifeline, The Side Project, BoHo and Theo Ubique. Art galleries abound! All art lovers must visit our exceptional galleries: Greenleaf Art Studio, Rogers Park Art Space and B1E Gallery. Even with the challenging economy, which has forced a couple of galleries to close, there remain great opportunities for local artists.

How can we help make being an artist in Rogers Park more viable?

The Rogers Park Business and Artists Networking Group (RPBizArts) bring together neighbors who want to make a difference in Rogers Park. At our networking events, “Biz Arts” offers business owners, artists and other community members a chance to describe what they are doing, learn what others are up to, and as a result many businesses and artists discover innovative partnership strategies. BizArts continually strives to promote both the business world and the artistic communities. Admittedly, at times it is harder to showcase artists because there are fewer venues where artists can host events.

Our After Hours Biz Arts event on Wednesday, March 31, hosted by Many Peoples Church, 1507 W. Morse Ave, will feature some of our talented visual artists. Up to eight artists from Rogers Park will host, display and talk about their art. BizArts will offer each of the eight artists, who will submit two pieces of their artwork for display, a few minutes to talk about their artwork – their vision, their process, what motivates their work, or whatever else she or he chooses.

This event is free to members and advertisers of the Rogers Park Business Alliance and Rogers Park.com. Otherwise it’s $5 at the door. Call me Eve Brownstone at 773-859-1276 or email me at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com, if you want to be one of our eight presenting artists, by March 1.

Though we will not charge the artist, we will expect the eight to arrange for food and beverage to be served for the 25 – 40 people who attend. So, prepare to participate in this cooperative process, and do your share. This process includes set up, furnishing the food/beverage, and clean up.)

Let’s continue to support the “funky” image (as per New York Times) of our creative neighborhood. Join us on Wednesday March 31 to celebrate our artists.

Request to be on our email list at either:

mike@rogerspark.com or
sprice@rogers-park.com or
friend “Rogers Park BizArts” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=194597544999&ref=ts

Sincerely;

Eve Brownstone
February 10, 2010

Proposal for Schools

2010-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

Proposal Schools

Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/
773-859-1276

Eve Brownstone proposes to provide individual therapy and support groups to students of CPS from pre-k though seniors in High School. These services will be provided on-site at CPS schools.

Play, expressive arts therapist and cognitive behavioral therapy are used to address the needs and goals of my clients.

Some issues to address:
• Self-Esteem
• Bullying
• Depression and Anxiety
• Scape-goating
• Grief from divorce, loss of loved one
• Anger Alternatives-finding healthy and productive ways to express angry feelings
• Identity-Who am I?
• Twins

Some Support Groups offered:

After Divorce

Death of a Loved one

Building Connections

Don’t Get Angry, Laugh

What am I feeling?

*All groups can be designed for any age group. Length of groups can be from one hour to a weekly eight-week group.

New from Brownstone Therapeutics

2010-01-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

One-Hour Presentations
Creating Your Life
Building a Living Legacy or
Connections
2010
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/

Creating Your Life
An Evening of Expressive Arts Therapy

Join Artist/Therapist Eve Brownstone for an evening of art, play, and fun with friends. Art is a great outlet as well as a dynamic way to look at goals, obstacles and next steps

Overview of Expressive Arts Therapy
Experiential
Q & A

****************************

Building a Living Legacy

Oral History is an opportunity and a platform to share life stories and create a legacy for future generations.

Benefits of Reminiscing:
1. Boosts quality of life
2. Leaves a legacy for the future generations by passes on life lessons.
3. Provides a place for positive social interaction through storytelling of both painful and humorous moments of the life journey.
4. Enables older people to achieve a sense of coherence and wholeness.

The Nuts and Bolts
Questions
Tips
Video Hints
Some examples of Oral History Projects
“Building Community/One Story at a Time” video
Q & A

Connections
Exploring relationships through the use of psychodrama

What is Psychodrama?
Psychodrama is a form of group psychotherapy that uses role-play and improvised drama, to encourage participants to express what their issues are and take action, instead of just talking about them.

Some common uses for psychodrama involve:
• Taking care of unfinished business (such as saying goodbye to a loved one who has died)
• Rehearsing a tough situation (such as “coming out” to parents)
• Dealing with relationships and often authority issues.

Outline:
History of Psychodrama
The Nuts and Bolts of Psychodrama
Who benefits??
Some psychodrama warm-ups
Q & A

(773) 859-1276 or brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com More info is at http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/

http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/

A Life Lesson for 2010

2010-01-04T11:30:00.001-08:00

"We suddenly begin to understand that the reason we are here on Earth is not merely to experience security, comfort, pleasure, or even peace of mind but to develop. We are here to consciously evolve, to intentionally do anything & everything we can to unleash all of the extraordinary creative potential within so that the human race's next step can emerge through us." - Andrew Cohen

Some Life Lessons

2009-12-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

How many times do people have to tell you you are amazing before you get it?

There is no peace without forgiveness. Attack thoughts toward others are attacks on ourselves. ~Marianne Williamson

Gratitude Thanks for this writing

2009-11-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

“But how do I feel grateful when I want so many things to be different than they are?” Well, the answer is by wanting to focus on gratitude, by choosing to be grateful. Everything is always a choice when it comes to our focus.

Being grateful, however, is not about pretending to be grateful. It’s not about just saying the words. It is not a mental exercise. You must feel it. And you can feel it even when circumstances may seem grim. To quote Eric Butterworth’s Spiritual Economics, “This is precisely the time to stir up the gift of gratitude! Remember, it is not a reactionary emotion but a causative one.” In other words, by being grateful, you cause or draw to you more experiences to feel grateful about!

Gratitude and appreciation are powerful, high frequency emotions. You don’t have to look outside to your environment for things to be grateful for in order to feel and experience gratitude. You can choose to be grateful, to feel grateful, to experience gratitude. In other words, gratitude is not a response to something external, but a state of Being that you bring to the world. When you do this, amazing things happen."

______________________________

A Few Wise Words

2009-11-25T00:59:00.000-08:00

"An open home, an open heart, here grows a bountiful harvest."
Judy Hand

"There is hope for us all. Well, anyway, if you don't die,you live through it, day in and day out." Mary Beckett

Gorgeous music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU_QR_FTt3E&feature=PlayList&p=D215BC8DB7EDC253&index=0&playnext=1

Many blessing.
Eve

New website

2009-11-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

Check out my new website at http://brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Come visit and say "hi".
Eve

Happy New Year!

2009-09-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

A New Year is dawning 5770.
May we all have a happy and healthy New Year.
L' Shana Tova!

Art Tarot

2009-08-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

Art Tarot Friday August 7th. A celebration of community and Tarot.
7013 Sheridan Rd. $5 at door. 6pm door open.

7013n Studio

2009-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Please join me for an Open Art Studio Wed June 10 at 7013 Studio 7013 N. Sheridan Rd. in Rogers Park. You bring your supplies and lets have some fun.

Have a Good Memorial Day

2009-05-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

With My Family on Memorial Day
Northridge Review, Vol. 4.1 (1986)
Wes Hempel

**This site was awarded a Times Pick by the Los Angeles Times on 5/23/97.**

We sit next to the barbecue, already two grown men
you with a family of your own
and listen to Uncle Frank tell how shrapnel
spread up the back of his legs
He waves a spatula at the smoke and fills his glass
as he talks, white foam spills over the sides
In Dresden the bodies like coals

I think of the only death I ever saw
We lived in a comfortable house then
four rooms behind the railroad tracks
a back porch, a walnut tree
bodies of cars in the yard

First we caught the frog in a potato chip bag
then dropped him into a pot of water
We were boys and your friend Mike said
if the temperature is raised slowly enough
the frog doesn't even notice

When the afternoon is over, you carry Jenny
on your shoulders to the car. Donna pushes
Chris in the stroller. Everyone kisses me goodbye

This is not something we do often. Years creep
in between the days we see each other

Driving home, I think of the voices we listen to
the imperceptible progression
how it starts in the garage with a broken Volkswagen
Dad directing your hand on the wrench
There will always be cars to repair
So you follow him onto the floor of the shop
bend over engines where years of oil
slowly seep into the lines of your skin

At night you drive home to the same neighborhood
where the row of walnut trees, your daughter
in the driveway with a hose, your son lifting
his face from the edge of a bra, and the white head
climbing the sides of your glass
have nothing to do with choices

It is the same life we knew
with nothing but years between
nothing but slowness and gradation

It is not a question of happiness
or repair, the reassembly of a life

We have not returned with killings every night
a child's face ripped from his head
each time we close our eyes
the smoking remains of a man on his knees

We are two boys who yell Jump to a boiling frog
two men who do not know destruction
only this slow comfort, and the summer
gradually rising around us

Home

2009-05-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Home

What makes a home? Is it the brick, cement, metal and wood that create a home? It is what the heart knows, connections between loved ones, the feeling of being held with love and safety. It is the feeling of being seen as good enough and encouraged to go for what you want, even if it involves leaving home to make your dreams come true. As you make your journey into to this unknown adventure, you find that your home is still with you in your heart. It says to you, “We are with you, you are safe and you can do this.” Your sense of home is reflected in the way you say “hello”, help out a friend, and stand up for yourself. Home is also a place you may return to again and again. You are welcomed with open arms.

Introducing 7013 Studio

2009-05-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Going Inside

2009-05-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am going to go on a walk about inside my heart for a few weeks. I will be with other people..present...but I will be listening to my heart more..that is my intention....

Shadow

2009-05-06T20:13:00.001-07:00

7013 Studio Opening Friday May 15

2009-04-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Changes- Got It Going On

2009-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Life is all about learning. Being open to learning new things..opening new doors..sampling..if something doesn't quite fit try something new. These days I'm trying many new things like helping a friend open up an art studio/ gallery and some old wonderful things like making more art and writing more. Everything seems more right in the world. I love to create to be in a zone..it is like taking a short vacation to Bora Bora without the jetlag. Be well and Enjoy the Sun.

Hilda Brownstone

2009-03-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hilda Brownstone 1914-2008 I love you grandma.

West Wind by Mary Oliver

2009-03-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

West Wind

You are young. So you know everything. You leap
into the boat and begin rowing. But listen to me.
Without fanfare, without embarrassment, without
any doubt, I talk directly to your soul. Listen to me.
Lift the oars from the water, let your arms rest, and
your heart, and heart’s little intelligence, and listen to
me. There is life without love. It is not worth a bent
penny, or a scuffed shoe. It is not worth the body of a
dead dog nine days unburied. When you hear, a mile
away and still out of sight, the churn of the water
as it begins to swirl and roil, fretting around the
sharp rocks – when you hear that unmistakable
pounding – when you feel the mist on your mouth
and sense ahead the embattlement, the long falls
plunging and steaming – then row, row for your life
toward it.

~ Mary Oliver ~

(West Wind)

Making a Choice to Help

2009-02-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back, I was walking down a snow covered Granville. I saw a pigeon looking like it was caught on some ice on the side walk. I bent over the poor thing and touched it with my glove. It wasn't stuck but injured. I couldn't just leave it there to die. So I picked it up with both gloves and held the bird gently as I walked two block to the vet office. It's little heart was beating quickly..as I walked along suddenly the bird stopped moving. I think it died in my arms. I got to the vet practically in tears. I lay the pigeon gently on the floor of the office and walked away after letting the office clerk know. I wasn't positive that the bird was dead but it sure felt like it. It hit close to home for me. I remembered holding my dog childhood friend Flower as she was put to sleep eighteen years ago. I remembered standing in Lake Michigan with my Rabbi spreading the ashes of my beloved cat Ezzy three years ago. I was reminded of how animals touch our lives even if just a few seconds. Thoughts of guilt rang through me, maybe I killed it, I thought to myself as I left the vet's office. A friend reminded me later that maybe the bird was already dying and I just gave him/her some comfort. That thought gives me comfort.

Hardest to Love

2009-02-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

Usually the hardest folks to love are the ones most in need of it.

Gift From The Sea

2009-02-16T02:06:00.000-08:00

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too

impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach -- waiting for a gift from the sea.”

From: Gift from the Sea

by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Love Is..

2009-02-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

I want to love you without clutching,
Appreciate you without judging,
Join you without invading,
Invite you without demanding,
Leave you without guilt,
Criticize you without blaming,
And help you without insulting.
If I can have the same from you,
Then we can truly meet and enrich each other.
-- Virginia Satir

You and I... We meet as strangers,
Each carrying a mystery within us.
I cannot say who you are:
I may never know you completely.
But I trust that you are a person
In your own right,
Possessed of a beauty and value
That are the earth's richest treasures.
So I make this promise to you:   I will impose no identities upon you,   But will invite you to become yourself   Without shame or fear.  
I will hold open a space for you in the world   And defend your right to fill it   With an authentic vocation.   For as long as your search takes,   You have my loyalty.  

--- Theodore Roszak

Journey to Obamaland

2009-01-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

The Journey to Obamaland

We met at a church called The Sanctuary. Mom and me joined hundreds of folks going by bus with Congressman Danny Davis. The coordinators of this trip rented 10 buses for us to make the twelve hour trip. Before it was over twelve hours stretched to twenty because of getting lost, stopping for a picture for Newsweek, Bus Ten breaking down. Bus Ten was featured on the news. We drove by caravan so our bus had to wait until bus ten was free to go as well. What made it for me, this never ending trip, was that I was going through this with amazing people.

We came from all over Chicago and as far away as Kalamazoo Michigan. We were brown, black, white, red and yellow. There were teachers with big hearts, an editor from Street Wise, ministers with prayers and encouragement. “We can do this with the Lord’s help,” they prayed. There older women like my mother who had been working for the campaign, praying and hoping for Obama to be President. My mom had volunteered for the Obama campaign for the past two years. Our family is proud of her. There were other families of women traveling together- women bringing their daughters or granddaughter. Everybody was saying ”I was not going to miss this.”

My mom and I started praying to Jesus and Alla to cover all of our bases to ensure a safe journey. We did make it to the Inauguration safely but it wasn’t always a certainty. In Pennsylvania, we passed a burnt out truck…the cab of the truck had burst into flames. We reached our hotel around 9pm. We all breathed a sigh of relief, then cheered the bus drivers.

The next day we left our hotel at 5am for Washington DC. (We were staying at a beautiful resort hotel called the Herrington Standard right on the Chesapeake Bay. Gorgeous.)

Try to imagine two million+ people conversing on the Capital. Our bus went in circles and didn’t drop us off until after 8am. I think to have a good spot we needed to be there at on the Capital Mall by 5am.

In reality though just being there in the area was a good spot. The feeling of unity was incredible.

Off the bus mom and I walked into a Starbucks, we met students from NY, a man from Seattle whose son had worked for Obama on his campaign. We shared our stories-what brought us there. The kind man gave my mom and I two tickets to the Blue Gate. I gave him a rainbow cookie to thank him. We headed out in search of the Blue Gate. We found the Silver Gate and the Yellow Gates right away. We kept walking. Mom and I probably walked ten miles that day.. We found the Blue Gate at the opposite side of the Capital.

The Blue Gate was a daunting experience…there were probably 5,000 people ahead of us…waiting in line for hours…everybody was happy to be there..nice even..folks came from Texas…New Mexico, Pennsylvania, DC…and everywhere else….

Mom and I realized that we weren’t going to get in the Blue Gate. Shortly after we left the Blue Gate, the gate was closed…thousands of us couldn’t get in…but mom and I were okay..we accepted the fact that we couldn’t get in and thought about the best next best way to experience this big moment for Obama and our country. We found some high steps that looked out over the Mall. We couldn’t see anything..but we could hear Aretha Franklin Sing. Mom was tired we found a spot to sit in the Sun. It was around 30 degrees but sunny. In the sun we met a man from Dublin.

Behind us catching some rays and hearing what they could were several hundred people, keeping warm and their spirits up together.

Mom suggested to me, ”Why don’t you climb a tree?” We saw twenty-something students resting on near by branches. I am forty-one and couldn’t see myself climbing. Mom and I found ourselves near a fence on the outside of the parameter of The Mall with thousand of other Americans. A nice couple who were listening to radios on headsets were kind of enough to give us the play by play..”now Nancy Pelosi is speaking..Bush came on stage…people are booing…” and cheering when our 43rd President left the Capital.

Everybody breathed a collective sigh of relief. Amen.

Mom and I started walking again..we wanted to hear the inauguration speech. We wanted to hear it ourselves. We were also cold and tired by this point. We had been outside for four hours. Mom and I sat down on a bench to rest away from the crowds. To our left about 50 yards away was a small group of people standing around another older African American man.

We were curious, so mom and I joined this small group. The older black man(George) was holding a small radio. These small group of Americans listened to Barack’s Inauguration Address on this small purple portable radio that George held in his cold hands. People around the circle wept..I wept. We all were glued to every word and grateful to George. George’s wife wanted to walk on a head and she asked her husband to move on with her. George told his wife that he was going to stay with us with his people until Barack’s speech was over.(His wife did stay until the end of the speech.) Her husband trembled with emotion. These moment with George and this small group of folks were very meaningful to me. We didn’t know each other..but we were cheering, weeping together..feeling so proud of being Americans together. Thank you George wherever you are.

With warm hearts, we walked on..we were ready to find the bus…we walked to the drop-off point. There was no bus..

The Bus…….luckily we had the bus driver’s card. He told us he couldn’t pick us up and we would have to walk to him. By that point mom and I were exhausted. It was about 2:30pm. We had to hustle with achy feet and bones to the new drop off point. We thought the bus driver might leave us by 3pm..we couldn’t be sure what he would do…As we approached the spot where he told us to meet him..he was pulling out…I lumbered across the street and stood infront of the bus to make him stop. He stopped and mom and I got on the bus. The only way folks from our bus knew to come to the new pick up point is if they called the bus driver. There were no coordinators on the bus at this point. We decided as a group to try to call the remaining people not on the bus to let them know where we were and where we could pick them up. Within a few more hours everyone was accounted for. I am very proud of the women that took charge on the bus to find everyone. We were empowered by that day and out of necessity.

Mom and I stayed back at the hotel that night..watching the Balls on TV. The Obamas made it to Ten balls before 1am I heard. We have such a cool President and First Lady.

The next day on the way back to Chicago, Mom and I and the wonderful women sitting close by to us reflected on the experience. We were glad that we went we acknowledged that parts of it were hard-the bus, the cold, not being able to see-but we all had our moments that made it worthwhile. We were all glad that we have a new President. We Did It!!!

Going to Washington DC

2009-01-18T12:05:00.001-08:00

I'm off to Washington for the Inauguration. I will be one of the screaming ...happy masses. I 'll be on the bus with my mom and Danny Davis and maybe some peach cubbler from Edna's Restaurant.
Peace,
Eve

Okay

2009-01-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Okay
Things are okay...not really..but presently in this present moment infront of my eyes...no it is cold out side..and why am I not living in Maui..I love Chicago..bbrrrr
Stay Warm!

A New Day

2009-01-05T03:54:00.000-08:00

I set the alarm today for 5am..exercised and now I am writing a little bit. I set an intention nd now I'm following through with it. I know my day is going to be better than yesterday because of it.

I an open for new experiences on and off the page...

If Severin can find me on Facebook..a friend from Israel..now living in Switzerland that I knew when I was eighteen..anything is possible.
Amen.......

A New Year- An Intention

2008-12-31T18:05:00.000-08:00

I am setting the intention for myself to write more in the new year. I feel more peaceful inside when I do write. It is the same with exercise. I want to set small goals for myself..Write at least fifteen minutes 3 times per week to start..look at my novel again..more than look figure out how to get it ready to be published..that is a big goal but I am capable of making it happen with faith, hope and small consistent moves.

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

Eve at 19

2008-12-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

Anything is Possible

2008-11-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

Anything is possible.
Tomorrow the sky could be purple.
Tonight the sun could shine.
We could love each other and Mother Earth.

Lets all do something different..something we have always wanted to....I'm getting my drivers license again on Wednesday. I had it along time ago and let it expire. I've been working towards this off and on since July... I'm going for it...rmrmrmrmrmrmrmmr.

Mary Jo Doyle Remembered

2008-11-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Mary Jo Doyle

By Eve Brownstone

“Whoosey…. Whoosey… whatsey… whatsey”….Mary Jo Doyle would say to explain anything that was not easily explainable…. like herself.

You were a dance partner, a friend, a mentor and a community leader….

Thank you for letting me know you…through your beaming smile there was more to you…

You would go out on Christmas Eve to hand out historical society membership information.

You had the kind of sweet heart that would take in your niece and six month old daughter…not for a couple of days but for a year and a half…

People talk these days about everybody is replaceable…. There is no one who can fill your shoes…you drove the bus and commanded the wheel especially at the historical society… You had the vision…the passion the guts the will to get things done…not everybody agreed with you all the time…I didn’t agree with you all the time…but I was astounded by your heart and commitment to our community of Rogers Park/West Ridge.

From your bed at Lakeshore, you were still editing the newsletter, organizing a party for your family and making sure Mervin had a ride to the Founders Day picnic.

You dreamed of making it to Catalina…you planned to go…it became your hope of getting better.

I knew you were having a good day when you were bossy, up making lists….trying to keep track of all your visitors..phone calls…meds taken...keeping something under control..even if you couldn’t control what was happening with your body…

I was there with you when things were not so good…when you talked about the cancer being back…the pain...hospice…you were happy to go home..

When I would leave you at Lakeshore I would touch my fist to yours as a sign of respect. You would smile when we did this. You would let me know you were still fighting the cancer.

The last time I saw you were in bed at home. Your hand could no longer make a fist but was out stretched as if in acceptance of what was happening. You looked peaceful and loved ones were close by taking good care of you.

I remember the music playing in your room, angelic choir music.

Standing at your bedside, I had a clear image of you…in one of your colorful outfits…on a large dance floor filled with your loved ones: your husband, John, your parents, your brother and sister and many others who love you and have been waiting for you. In this vision, you are beaming with so much love and vitality. I was filled with tears not of sorrow but of joy, knowing you would be dancing very soon with so much love surrounding you.

Bless you Mary Jo…

Love

2008-10-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

I know what love feels like now..a real love with no expectations. It just exists and adds to the splendor of life...

Growing UP

2008-10-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

To let go of that person I was twenty+ some years ago is a challenge sometimes.
I got some help from an old friend who knew me when I was twenty years old. Oh, my gosh. He hadn't changed much..still nice and fun spirit..
I noticed I had changed..I did find myself more solid....I'd say to my twenty year old self "you are growing up kiddo in a good way...you are making some better choices for yourself...life hurts less than when I was twenty-twenty-one...I'm taking care of you Evie."

Eve is on Therapy Finder

2008-10-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

http://therapist.psychologytoday.com/59663
Check this out....on Psychology Today's Therapist Finder.com.
Eve

A Guardian Angel

2008-10-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

A gift from a friend from the Internet. Thanks Mary.

The Pink Dress
There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park.
Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad.
Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by.
She never tried to speak. She never said a word.
Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.
The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see i the little girl would still be there.

Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes. Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place fo young children to play alone.
As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress.
It was grotesquely shaped. I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her. Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.

As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more clearly.
She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form.
I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk.
I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, 'Hello.'
The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a 'Hi ' after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back.
We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty.
I asked the girl why she was so sad.

The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, 'Because, I'm different.'
I immediately said, 'That you are,' and smiled.
The little girl acted even sadder and said, 'I know.'
'Little girl,' I said, 'you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent.'
She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said,
'Really?'
'Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all th people walking by.'
She nodded her head yes, and smiled.
With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her Wings to spread, then she said 'I am.'
'I'm your Guardian Angel,' with a twinkle in her eye.
I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.
She said, 'For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done'.
I got to my feet and said, ' Wait, why did no one stop to help an Angel?'
She looked at me, smiled, and said, 'You're the only one that could see me,' and then she was gone.
And with that, my life was changed dramatically.
So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.

New Office Hours for Brownstone Therapeutics

2008-10-03T03:37:00.000-07:00

Has the economy got you stressed out? Or the weather given you the blues?
Those Cubs urgggha? Call Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC, CP for Individual
Therapy at 773-859-1276.

Eve Brownstone is offering Individual Therapy at Ki Essentials at 7007 N.
Sheridan Rd. on Wednesdays from 9am-11am and in Evanston on Saturdays from 1pm-3pm at the Heartwood Center 1599 Maple Ave.

Eve Brownstone is an Expressive Arts Therapist with eighteen years
experience assisting clients in developing strategies to cope with life’s
challenges.

What is Expressive Arts Therapies?
Expressive Arts Therapies move people into the world of the heart. People
get out of their heads and into their bodies. Some people can't or choose
not to speak right away about their experiences but find it easier to
paint, dance, enact or sing out their stories. Someone can find her voice
again through the arts. She can learn that she has an inner power that
won't leave her.

The feelings of grief, anger, pain, fear and joy are the tunnel through
which we must pass to get to the other side: to self-awareness,
understanding and wholeness.
For more information call 773-859-1276 or check out
www.brownstonetherapeutics.com.

Eve Brownstone,MA, LCPC, CP
Director of Brownstone Therapeutics
Expressive Arts Therapist
Oral Historian and Writer
773-859-1276

From George Carlin

2008-09-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

You had to love George Carlin, agree with his point of view or politics or
not he was a Great thinker and observer of the world as it is. ? ? ?
A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read
too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to
life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but
have trouble crossing t he street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered
outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better
things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the
atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more
computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but
we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window
and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to
just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because t hey are not
going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the
precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
that take our breath away.

Home Is

2008-09-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Home Is
Home is where the story begins.
Home is where feelings are shared.
Home is where you get be goofy.
Home is where you can eat cheetos in bed.
Home is where everybody knows you..knows that you snore and doesn't care.
Home is where everybody knows you... knows that you cry during Hallmark commercials and doesn't care.
Home is where you can come in sopping wet from swimming in the lake and a warm fuzzy towel is waiting for you.....geez what a good day.....:)

Home At Last

2008-09-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

A three year old can come up with many adventures. When I was three, with the help of my favorite preschool teacher, Mrs. Arnold, I wrote my first story about a baby bird’s first solo flight. There was squawking from the baby bird, but once in flight she discovered she could fly and not hit the ground. Today, I feel some similar feelings about writing now at the lovely young age of 40. I wasn’t sure if I could write a novel, I felt a gentle push, then a harder kick in the pants by my characters. Edward Forester and Liz Levine told me they wanted to be in the world, outside of my head. (Even though my head is a cool place to hang.) I visualized these childhood sweethearts at a writer’s retreat twelve years ago. Three years ago, I said to Ed and Liz and myself, “I am going to try to write your story.” I took weeks off from work and wrote everyday by the ocean. The writing just flowed out of me. (I have been a therapist for eighteen years and an oral historian for nine.) The character Liz is a therapist and world renowned for her knowledge of sex and relationships. I put a lot of my ideas about relationships into this book. It became an act of love to write and to finish a good draft. I am glad I’m going for it and leaping from the branch and learning to soar as a writer. You can check out some of my writing on www.rogerspark.com and http://brownstonetherapeutics.com/. Best,
Eve Brownstone

Shedding

2008-09-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Shedding
Shedding my scales
Shedding nasty bits
Shedding my doubts
Shedding fears
Shedding inches of projections

Into the Tunnel

2008-09-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Listen…to you... get quiet..you will find a path in..into the soft chambers ..into the long wooden hall ways…look for the lit candlight of your heart ..

The hallway is cold and dark along a portion... you will go alone..you will find friends along the way..but know that their path may go differently from yours.

I Can Be

2008-09-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

I can be a cowgirl..
I can be a mermaid
I can be a dragon
I can be a warrior
I can be a girl
I can be a wise sage
I can be a child..
I can be a woman..
I can be myself...
All of it and more is inside
Don't be afraid of what you find

One Step

2008-09-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

One step at a time.
One breathe at a time.
Time After Time. Thanks Cyndi.

This is just putting one foot in front of the other and making a go of it...
having faith...in the unknown....not being bitter.

Being grateful.

Saying Yes to Life!!!!

Not behaving as I should... as expected...

Feeling free for it...feeling more myself..

Patterns

2008-09-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Exploring patterns
very nice...that works for me
sort of sucks... to much suffering..
How to change???
Small moves Evie...

Expectations

2008-09-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

Expect nothing and prepare for everything...easier said than done..

Finding My Own Rock

2008-08-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

There are two men digging their foundations into the Earth for new homes. They both want to make strong homes. The first digs down enough to hit sand and his house collapes in a storm. The second man digs deep enough to hit rock and his house is able to withstand any storm.

In my life I've looked to other people to be my rock..without digging deep enough to find my own rock.

I can't do that anymore..I got to keep digging and building my own solid foundation. I know I got it in me.

Home has alot to do with truth

2008-08-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

When I speak my truth I feel at home.
When I say what is right for me I am building my foundation.
When I trust myself enough to believe what I say and that it is good for me
I am making it last...hurricane proof

Interesting Things- Emotions

2008-08-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Interesting things are emotions.
One can feel numb, sad, mad and joyful all at the same time. That was me today. I'm glad I can feel.

Taking Action

2008-08-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

The journey to find yourself begins with one step.

Sun In My Hair

2008-08-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Sun In My Hair

Dancing under the blue sky the wind tickles my ears
The Sun in my hair
I spin and spin and fall laughing in the grass
Dont care about anything...
no past nor tomorrow.

Sun you play a fun game of tag ...you are it baby..

Yes!!!

I Rate

2008-08-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Inside me...I-rate...getting to feel I matter...
Welcomed...wanted...loved.....

not so alone when alone

not looking for someone else to make me happy

Learning to water my own garden....

Love

2008-07-31T04:05:00.000-07:00

God brings us nothing but angels.
We can not experience the light in our lives without some darkness....

Look for the love behind the shadow.

Experience the lesson as it unfolds.

Trust the process...breathe....one more time....

Own Self Be Truth

2008-07-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Eagles rise.
Bears roam the dark forest.
Big fish shed their scales.
Lions growl with fierce courage.

What are we to do?

Speak the truth to ourselves.

Metamorphisis

2008-07-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

Metamorphisis

Change is a foot
The beginning has begun.
The light is spreading from end to end.
The darkness is embraced.

On the journey love is the compass
Trust in the compass.....

Stream of Life

2008-07-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Stream of Life by Rabindranath Tagore
The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.
It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultous waves of leaves and flowers.
It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth and of death, in ebb and flow.
I feel my limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life.
And my pride s from the life-throb of ages dancing in my blood this moment.

Saturday

2008-07-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Something is brewing..something is bubbling..perculating at Metropolis Cafe..under my fingers..the keys and my thoughts are moving out on to the page..it is a joy not to have writers block..to get out of my own way and let the words hit the page..no judgement..no anaylsis..just cause I am here writing..showing up to the page..letting myself be.

Mitziut

2008-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Meeting with the congregation Mitziut tonight was a return to the beach and community that I lost touch with. The sky turned a shade of pink, purple, lavender..the shimmering light filled our eyes with warmth and protection as we prayed. The topic was transitions..being in a transition myself sure hit the spot. There seemed to be six couples moving into serious transition such as moving to another state..getting married..quitting jobs..feeling good about it..
Mitziut will not be the same again. I wonder if I will return..I most likely will..I liked the service at the beach..I felt G-d's presence.

Another Day

2008-06-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Another Day Happened
Another sunrise
Another wonderful bowl of watermelon
Another sweet hug
Some new laughs in a convertible
Getting ready for an art show
Trusting the moment
Enjoying the grace of it

Greetings

2008-06-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Eve

I begin a busy week at CJE putting together an art show and exhibit...It is gratifying to be working towards something and to be working with a group of good people on it. Way to go team..it is not just me who is excited about the tree of life..I like it better that way... peace...

Believe

2008-06-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Believe

Believe in Dragons
Believe in Fairies

Believe in yourself

Believe....believe....believe

What is new?

2008-06-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

Brownstone Therapeutics spent Father's Day Weekend at Artists of the Wall. This year's theme was "Winds of Change" We worked with seventy children making art that changed with the wind...such as magical spirals, musical instruments, lots of painting. Paper plates are a great invention. I bought six hundred plates and used at least three hundred.

What is next?
At CJE Senior Life at Weinberg in Deerfield, I'm going to be putting up a show and a performance with residents on the theme of the Tree of Life. Lots of creative folks are making their own versions. Pictures to follow.

I am starting on a new book about all my moving adventures....related to finding home...
Have a good day

What a Day!

2008-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

This was the last day of Shavuous. We remember when we received the Ten Comandments from G-d. Yes We were not ready for all 613...sometimes we are not quite ready for our blessings. Maybe we can't handle getting exactly what we want...take a leap of faith and know that you are worthy to receive exactly what your heart has been wanting since you were twelve or 22...Love..Love

Love

2008-06-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

I went to see Sex and The City for the Second Time..Carrie had some growing up to do..to learn to see the reality and not demand the fantasy..I am looking for the reality in relationships and I am seeing some of it. Best of luck to all of us.

Hello

2008-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody from Eve.
Hope everyone is enjoying the good weather. I sa out on the patio at work today and got some sun with clients. I consider it a good day, when things feel relaxed and easy..life doesn't have to be difficult. There are enough difficult time...bring on the fun.
Peace.
Eve

Its been a while

2008-04-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile. Alot has happened. I started a full-time job doing want I like to be doing expressive arts and oral history. I am involved with a good guy. Lots of new things. My birthday is tomorrow to boot. Life is pretty good.

Trust the process....

My Birth Bag

2008-01-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken 15 years ago in Concord MA..that's me in my birthing bag...got to find that thing...

Oral History Article

2008-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

January Giving Birth to Your Truth

2008-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Journey continues with another Gving Birth to Your Truth

Bring your dreams and positve intentions for yourselves as we move into this new year. Giving Birth to Your Truth is a good place to start creating a new you that feels more satisifying and more authentic.

Tuesday, January 29 at 7:00 PM
1227 W. Jarvis
10.00 per person

Who should come
We welcome anyone who is ready to let go of something and ready to take a leap into a new beginning.

Why
This is an interactive, entertaining, transforming and fun event. When do adults get permission to be their playful and be their creative selves...this is the time..this is the moment for you to shine...

How to find the organizer(s)
"I will be the one with the beaming smile and curly hair. My name is Eve and I welcome you to my office."
--Eve Brownstone (Empowerment Specialist)

New Videos Featured on rp.com

2008-01-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

Check out the new videos from Brownstone Therapeutics on youtube.com and rogerspark.com.

Links to youtube.com videos
Gallery B1E
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Se9I1sJBDY8

Quest Network Services
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z6vlnTjUcKo

Fischer Software
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JBJce_2K5oo

What a day!

2008-01-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Thursday Jan 3, I spent the day at Camp Obama. I made many calls to Iowans for the Iowa Caucas..I encouraged people to go out and vote for Obama. I was glad to do it. All the hard work of so many people paid off with the win for Obama in Iowa. At the party to follow the return there was an energy and excitement and some tears of joy..it felt like a new beginning for our country. At the party there were many politicians, at one point..there was a group picture...whites, black, hispanics..people of all colors were smiling...I thought that this is what the Obama camapign is about...people coming together from all walks of life...and having hope that things can and are getting better. Bless you Obama.

Wow..thats Cold!!

2008-01-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

It was incredible..yesterday Jan 1 2008, became an official Polar Bear at North Ave Beach in Chicago..The air was about 22 and the water was around 30..the crowd was buzzed..kids were jumping ...young couples were diving in..wow.. I went into the water with a friend who was in the Coast Guard another life time ago......It was in and out...but there was sharp ice. Burr cold....But we did it, by golly!!! Lets me know I can do more things I may think impossible to do...
Charge!!!!!