The Basket Lady

Basket lady was on a roll to “git ‘er done” recently but alas, with all the planning and hoping, the things to get done list only got longer.

I decided to take a mini mind break, closing my eyes, I imagined lying in a hammock listening to the birds sing while a warm breeze lightly rocked me to sleep.

Yoga teacher, Sandee Conley, during class reminds us that all we need do is just “Be.”

It’s so easy to forget about just being because the seemingly hectic pace of life beguiles us into believing that the “to do” list needs to get done, when in fact, it’s just a list.

Heaven forbid, and people scoff at the notion that they won’t always be around but if you weren’t, what would happen to your to do list?

The very best gift that you can give to yourself is you. Be yourself. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Now, just in the nick of holiday gift giving time, treat that special someone to a Body Works basket filled with soothing oils.

The Little Book of Kitchen Cures for Everyday Ailments such as dry, scaly and cracked skin, has some sage advice for you.

When the skin becomes severely dry, deep surface cracks develop that let bacteria in, possibly leading to skin infections.

Fortunately, there are several easy, common-sense remedies available to relieve dry skin before it becomes serious.

*Make it quick. Don’t linger in the bath or shower. Be stingy with soap. Stay away from deodorant soaps.

*Beautify with bath oil. Be careful when you get out of the bathtub, oil makes the surface of the tub slippery.

*Try the “soak-grease” method. If you don’t like bathing in bath oil, take a two-step approach.

After soaking in water for at least 10 minutes, dry off, but don’t rub your skin with towels, washcloths, or rough-textured clothing.

Don’t air-dry either, but pat or blot with a soft towel until your skin is slightly damp. Then apply a good moisturizer-a thin layer of lotion, oil, or petroleum jelly. The “grease” will seal the moisture in to keep your skin looking healthy.

*Eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition will strengthen your skin from within.

Thank you for a job well-done and for a kindness shown to the following angels in training Mike Belskis; Mike, Stanley’s Furniture; Pam, Tony and Scott, Rumford Post Office; Kathy, River Valley Grill; Lily, Barrieau canine; Beverly Boyle; Ellen Snow, Donna Landry and the What Not Shop; River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition staff; Rumford, Hannaford Pharmacy Department staff; Jennifer F. Kreckel; Zoe Carey canine.

Kindness not only counts but it adds up. Show someone a kindness today.

We miss you everyday, Dot Sanchas! Until then, smile and live in the present.