#316 – From Chopin and Beyond – Part 2

I never turn down an offer of a free book, especially one that came with an opportunity to offer a giveaway to two lucky readers.

In From Chopin and Beyond – Part 1, I talked a bit about the many loves that permeate this book. I didn’t mention that I almost quit reading the book at one point. The teacher in me had an objection to an event that occurred while Byron Janis was a student in Texas. Fortunately, I was able to move beyond this section to finish the book.

Below, are four questions that Byron Janis graciously took time to answer:

1.  Have you ever ventured into non-classical music?
   Byron Janis: Most definitely. I’ve written songs, many in the popular idiom, all my life. I’ve also written a musical based on Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame which is currently in development and wrote songs with lyricist George David Weiss.
2. How is the live performance experience different from doing a recorded session?
   Byron Janis: For me, much easier. That is why in my last 2 recordings for EMI, one just re-released of the Chopin Collection, I insisted on having an audience at the recording session to make it more like a live performance.
3. You have achieved a great deal, despite living with psoriatic arthritis (PA). What would you have done differently if you didn’t have PA?
   Byron Janis: It’s hard to say but certainly I would have kept performing many more years. However, I probably would not have composed as much as I have.
4. I’m a big believer in the heart-mind-body connection and write about it on my blogs. What advice would you give to someone who is not ready to accept this powerful force that lies within each of us?
   Byron Janis: To realize the heart-mind-body connection can be such a powerful asset in every area of your life. If not to accept, then to try to keep an open mind – as we should do with all things in life – to say “maybe” rather than “no.” All the medical people, and there have been many, in my life, have told me I would never be able to play the piano again – I proved them wrong.

Why would you want to read From Chopin and Beyond?

1. This is a fascinating look into the life of a man who has worked hard to accomplish a great deal.
2. It is full of lessons, including learning to accept the help that comes your way.
3. It’s about learning to tune in to that inner voice.
4. It’s about living a full life with a chronic illness.
5. Byron Janis’ life story provides much-needed inspiration, illuminating what is possible. Plus, it’s a great stress undresser because as you read this book, you immerse yourself in something positive and uplifting. That changes your chemistry – for the better!

To enter the giveaway for one of two copies of From Chopin and Beyond:

1. Please tell us who or what inspires you.
2. For an extra entry, please tweet the following: I just entered a #book #giveaway for a copy of From Chopin and Beyond, from @AuntieStress - http://wp.me/p1OifR-1ku
3. Entries must be submitted by midnight P.D.T., Saturday, August 4th, 2012.
4. This offer is open to anyone with a Canadian or U.S. mailing address.
5. The winning names will be drawn from a hat. The winners will be notified by email, plus their names will be announced on this post and on Twitter.

#315 – A Wooden Spoon and a Baby Car Seat

Image courtesy of Motion Design.

We were on an Auntie Date, but before the pièce de résistance (a visit to the pet store to see all manner of creatures – finned, furred and feathered), I needed to make a stop at the mall.

My niece, who was two years old at the time, was safely strapped into her car seat. She was so safe in that seat that no amount of pushing on that red eject button would release her from its clutches.

The entire Auntie Date was almost aborted had it not been for the fortuitous meeting of my friend—a friend whose hands were not ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortunately, with the purchase of a wooden spoon, the day was saved. By using the blunt end of the wooden spoon, I was able to apply enough pressure to the button to release the seat belt.

Future Auntie Dates always included the wooden spoon.

#314 – Quell Those Cravings

The doctor suggested that my husband try going gluten-free. To to make shopping and cooking easier, I decided to join him.

The biggest surprise to me has been a drastic reduction in cravings. I have a sweet tooth, well to be truthful, more than one!

Since embarking on this plan, those cravings have waned. Ice-cream has even iced over—an unheard of phenomenon in this house!  I’ve also heard that a gluten-free diet can help reduce inflammation. Have you had any positive experiences with that?

For your perusal, here is a link to an article that someone sent to me about wheat.

#313 – Sorry, but I’m Washing My Hair

With this handy little tool, you may be trotting out that excuse more frequently.

When your fingers don’t work as well as you’d like, it can be hard to give yourself one of those vigorous scalp massages—the ones that help to get the blood flowing. Those little picks help to stimulate your scalp as you lather in your shampoo.

I have two of these scalp massagers. One for my swim bag and the other at home.

Have you tried one?