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
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Compassion, Patience and Acceptance
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
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
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A Voice to Be Reckoned With
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.
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.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Dear Rogers Park BizArters
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
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Art Show Closing August 14
“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/
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/
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Happy Summer!
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
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
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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