Elizabeth Madrigal 's Comments

Twitter's Dark Side by Elizabeth Madrigal

Nov 7, 2009 | rating: 9.1 | comments: 18

in reply to a comment by Kathryn E.

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 9, 2009, 1:04pm EST

Hi Cousin! Actually, until mid-October I was looking for a job, writing a screenplay (which I will probably never have time to actually finish), and am now working in the development of a new sustainability company the owner will launch in mid-January. My title is staff writer & blogger, and I am really excited about it. Hard to believe I am writing for a living!:)

More Facebook and Denver in the 80s by Janell R.

Oct 17, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 31

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:17pm EST

Janell, these kinds of memories will be priceless when you look back. Actually, the older I get the more detail I seem to recall from my 'early' days. Every woman can relate to this post, which makes it just great.

...blowin' in the wind by Chris Brockman

Aug 15, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 18

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:15pm EST

A treasure chest, Chris. Just lovely imagery and motion.

Proud To Be An American by Richard Frisbie

Oct 9, 2009 | comments: 37

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:13pm EST

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:13pm EST
Thanks, Richard. You said it all. I hope the Obamas survive intact, but seeing what the two of them have already done and how they are such high achievers, I am not too worried. I just wish we deserved them.

Gone Squirrelly for Saturday! by Ruthi C.

Nov 7, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 62

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:11pm EST

Hi Ruthi, must admit I can tune out football even though my family all seems to love it. They know I can't bear to see those men get hurt, as I worry myself sick and project out twenty years. I know it's crazy, but I can't help it. It just seems so brutal even though my men tell me it's fun.

Twitter's Dark Side by Elizabeth Madrigal

Nov 7, 2009 | rating: 9.1 | comments: 18

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 9:58pm EST

Monica C. and Nancy L., just post my picture and they'll not only leave you alone, they'll delete their comments.:)

What Is Happening Today On Gather - Friday June 5, 2009 by Connie C.

Jun 5, 2009 | comments: 67

Elizabeth Madrigal Jun 5, 2009, 4:54pm EDT

Connie, thanks so much for including my article, Oh New York, New York in your spotlight! It was exciting!

In search of tortillas and Northwest Pozole by Elizabeth Madrigal

Apr 5, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 29

Elizabeth Madrigal May 30, 2009, 1:20pm EDT

Thanks so much, Linda B. I did get my local nursery, Tsagawa's, to order both kinds for me and ironically I will be planting them this morning.:)

The Silent Meeting of Souls by Elizabeth Madrigal

May 17, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 18

Elizabeth Madrigal May 18, 2009, 4:15pm EDT

Thank you all so much for your encouragement. I do feel like I am being spiritually led, although it is a little scary on some levels as the world turns... :)

That little boy and his sister... all I gained from them was really indescribable. These chance meetings, if we are lucky enough to experience them, add so much meaning to life.

Summer dreams, winter chill - Thursday writing essentials - summer vacations by Kathryn E.

May 14, 2009 | comments: 34

Elizabeth Madrigal May 15, 2009, 8:28pm EDT

Terrific writing, Kathryn. Glad I stopped by for a quick look, it was really worth it!

Today my son is 21, a photo essay devoted to him, includes family members, too - and my daughter is 18 and one half today! by Kathryn E.

May 1, 2009 | comments: 99

Elizabeth Madrigal May 1, 2009, 12:44pm EDT

So delighted I didn't miss this! Well, cuz, toxemia must run in the family - because I had it too, the second time quite severely like you. I was so sick during that pregnancy that I was humming on the way to the hospital while in labor, so excited to get that baby out! Read several years ago that they think it is because of insufficient calcium absorption in some pregnant women, so I pass that info on.

Now here is where we intertwine again. Today is my daughter's 31st birthday! So we can not only celebrate common ancestors, but descendants' birthdays!

A lovely, darling photo essay, Kathryn, and what a handsome young man. I assume you are like me. See no flaws in him.

One day my husband in frustration over some minor 'rule-breaking' my son had done, (after I defended him) said, "You think he's perfect don't you!" I could not tell a lie, so I just said, "Your point?" Ha ha ha!

Congratulations!

Smelly feet -- what can I do? by Jodie B.

Apr 23, 2009 | rating: 9.7 | comments: 59

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 25, 2009, 11:43am EDT

Oh my dear, I have some solutions for you. 1) First of all NEVER buy anything that has a foamlike interior in the shoe or a polyester material. Buy only real leather (sorry if you are vegetarian) uppers and lowers. 2) Always wear some sort of socks. If you can wear white cotton, that is best, as you can bleach them. If you need to wear something else, like nylons, try to get the more expensive brands and they will not react with your skin bacteria as badly. 3) Alternate your shoes every day and do not wear shoes in which your feet have been sweating until they dry out for a couple of days. 4) Dry them by placing them upside down, propped up and over an air vent from your heating or cooling system. 5) Use cedar shoe form inserts when you are not wearing the shoes and the cedar will help with absorbing the moisture and discouraging bacterial growth. If all else fails: 6) Once a week put a small amount (like a tablespoon) of bleach in a foot bath and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Then rinse and dry them completely.

Horses have a lot of problems with foot fungi and bacteria, so #6 above is something a lot of horse people do, although they increase the proportion of bleach, which I would not recommend. The bleaching works for people too, of course, as your problem is the bacteria on your body after it combines with sweat and the heat generated when your feet are inside shoes. After a few wears, obviously the bacteria increases and feeds off the new sweat.

Natural products help a lot, but truthfully? Some people are just stinkier than others, as your natural body chemistry is probably more acidic. Changes in your diet might help too, cutting down on red meats particularly and increasing the amount of water you drink and the veggies and fruits you eat.

The Culinary Tourist: Down the Garden Path by Lisa Gensheimer

Apr 22, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 56

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 23, 2009, 1:02am EDT

A lovely romantic twist to your article, so let me give you my congratulations on your lovely marriage. These gardens are amazing, but the idea of a 'fall garden' is even more intriguing. I always have good intentions, until it is time to plant it.:)

One day when I learn how to retire, I'll have to get serious about the raised garden thinking.

The Neighborhood: Diary of a Bitch Part 5: The Psychoblabla of Modern Life - The end of an era by Kathryn E.

Apr 17, 2009 | comments: 39

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 17, 2009, 2:19pm EDT

Kathryn, I am pretty sure I know them... think they live up and down the hill from me. Love it and how it makes me relate and think and remember there is a lot of suffering and a lot of living going on around all of us.

Smoking one's life away... are you sure you want to go that way? by Elizabeth Madrigal

Sep 22, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 17

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 17, 2009, 2:08pm EDT

Daniel C., I cannot encourage you enough! I always suggest that you find something that you really, really love to do - and insert it into your life in a way that is meaningful. Just saving the money for cigarettes (about $2200 a year for a one-pack a day habit) ought to help your 'play' budget.

Also, my doctor told me when I quit that the equivalent health risk to smoking a pack or two a day is being 90 pounds overweight. I am sure if you gain a few pounds your friends and family will still love you and when you get way past your five-week danger point, if you can quit smoking you can certainly drop a few pounds.

You did make my point on our support system failing after a couple weeks, so know that's your danger zone. Plan some sort of reward if you make it to six or seven weeks, like new golf clubs or that chain saw you've been hankering to buy. :) Also, think of the example you can set for other people and imagine them saying, "If Daniel C. could quit, I certainly can."

One bit of advice? Even if you slip and smoke one little cigar... start again immediately! Don't let your addiction tell you that there's no point in trying because you've blown it already! It may take a slip or two, but if you have learned how to make it for five weeks before, you've already proven you can do it. Good luck!

Smoking one's life away... are you sure you want to go that way? by Elizabeth Madrigal

Sep 22, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 17

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 17, 2009, 2:00pm EDT

Fantastic on the quitting, Kathryn and Chuck L. Honestly, many people need help with the physical addiction aspect before they can ever hope to deal with the psychological one.

The apartment by Kathryn E.

Apr 16, 2009 | comments: 54

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 16, 2009, 5:45pm EDT

I wonder how many of us linger over these kinds of thoughts... but never actually have the "whatevers" to go there.:) Wonderful. I was actually relieved when I saw "fiction" at the bottom as I was afraid your husband would see it.

Susan Boyles Auditions on Britains Got Talent (twin to American Idol) Repost by Sandy F.

Apr 16, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 5

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 16, 2009, 5:42pm EDT

I recently received this in an email and sent it to all my family members, as my reaction was yours exactly. That woman can sing!
Amazing.

Disability....in the Eye of the Beholder by Kimberly Ripley

Mar 24, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 46

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 16, 2009, 3:46pm EDT

My son-in-law's stepbrother has Down Syndrome and he and I hit it off right away. Why? Because we did not judge each other. He said to me, "Do you sing?" and I said, "Yes." Then he asked me to sing him something, so I asked if he wanted me to sing him Happy Birthday, and he said, "Yes". After I sang, he said, "You remind me of Rosemary Clooney. I sing too. Want to hear?" He then sang the mostly lovely version of the Star Spangled Banner in a beautiful tenor. As an ex-music teacher and retired singer, I have always felt that almost everyone (with the exception of a few people who are legitimately tone deaf) can learn to sing well. Sadly, many children diagnosed with D.S. are overlooked in this area and do not sing. Not only is it sad for them, but for the rest of us. My point here is don't under-estimate your darling Lilly. (And please teach her to sing!)

Smoking one's life away... are you sure you want to go that way? by Elizabeth Madrigal

Sep 22, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 17

Elizabeth Madrigal Apr 15, 2009, 5:10pm EDT

I should probably have noted above that an estimated 10-15% of lung cancers do occur in lifelong non-smokers, and a study released by the American Cancer Society in September of 2008 stated that lung cancer deaths in this non-smoker group are higher among men, African Americans and Asians living in Asia. The good news, however, was the much better survival rates from lung cancer for the non-smokers (in the quote below):Here are a few paragraphs from the ACS's press release of the study:

"To examine the issue, researchers led by Michael J. Thun, M.D. pooled data on lung cancer incidence and death rates among self-reported never-smokers from 13 large cohort studies based in North America, Europe, and Asia that spanned the time period from 1960 to 2004. The pooled data represented hundreds of thousands of individuals (over 630,000 for the incidence data and 1.8 million for the mortality data). The researchers also abstracted data for women from 22 cancer registries in 10 countries in time periods and regions where the smoking prevalence among women was known to be low.

The researchers found that the incidence of lung cancer among lifelong nonsmokers was about equal to that of brain and other nervous system cancers. In terms of mortality, men who reported never smoking had a 1.1% risk of dying from lung cancer before age 85, with the corresponding estimate for women slightly lower at 0.8%. These mortality risks compare to estimates of 22.1% and 11.9% risk of dying from lung cancer for male and female current cigarette smokers, respectively. "

My father had a debilitating heart attack at 39 and he was then diagnosed also with emphysema. Although the doctors told him he needed to quit smoking if he wanted to live, his 3.5 pack a day habit took him almost three years to give up. He was never well again, unfortunately, and lived the remainder of his life as an extremely disabled man, gasping for breath and barely functioning with an extremely damaged heart. It seemed that he went from a vibrant, energetic, incredibly physically fit person to an old man overnight.