Shine The Light On Kids - Educate, Empower, Change

Please go to www.pattyjames.com for updates!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:44:12 -0700

This web site is going away very soon, but we are still transferring data-all the videos to be exact!

A brand new web site...tomorrow!

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:44:14 -0700

Hi all:

When you go to www.shinethelightonkids.org after today, you will see it has a new home with www.pattyjames.com

There are many reasons for this. One web site is less expensive to maintain than two and with a non-profit, every dollar we can save is more for program development. It's also easier for me to maintain. My world, as you all know, is health. Yes, one is a non-profit and one is not, but in essence they both deal with the same thing and as anyone knows who knows me, every dime I have went into Shine The Light this year and after I catch up financially I will continue to donate to STL and our kids health.

There is one blog page with two sections depending on if I am posting for STL pr Patty James.

You'll see...I love it and hope you do to!

This is what I mean...don't hold on so tight.

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:28:38 -0700

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/health/research/13alzheimer.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

The above is a link to an article that came out this morning in the New York Times about a group of scientist who, in 2003, decided to share all their research about Alzheimer's with each other. The results have been astounding in that since all data was available immediately to the collaborative groups, great strides on finding the biological markers of Alzheimer's have been made.

Now to our small, but I feel, important Shine The Light On America's Kids project. The videos have been available from the beginning to anyone who wants to watch them and glean whatever information they deemed pertinent. When the data comes out from Sonoma State it will be available to anyone as well. If the goal is truly kid's health, then putting this information 'out there' is important and simply the right thing to do, individual wants and needs aside.

Why wouldn't I/we do that? Ego and grasping. It's mine, it's mine. I did I! I am the only one who deserves the attention from the project!

Grasping and holding on too tight is something I believe most of us have done in our lives. I know I have, but it doesn't feel good in my gut and can make/has made me feel selfish. I'm not there anymore. Whether it be business or personal relationships, I choose to just loosen up and trust. If you're feeling like you're holding on too tight, let it go. I'm speaking of how I look at things and works for me of course, your personal story might be different.

I also truly believe that there is a reason why everything happens; that has been my experience. Know that if you let go and trust, all will be fine. 'Fine' might not be what you wanted or expected, but in my heart based on my recent journey, not only for Shine The Light, but my journey of the last three years of my life, fine is just fine.

If this little Shine The Light study of ours helps just one child, it has been worth it. When we truly believe in what we're doing and the goodness of our own hearts, we have success in the most important of ways. Helping others is what feels good and right in everyone's souls. That I believe.

Visiting friends, Gearing Up, Smith Publicity and Coyotes

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:21:34 -0700

Well, I'll start with coyotes...There is a large pack that hang out in the vineyard I'm told. Jan says the pack has about 20 coyotes in it, some this year's babies, almost teenagers now. She told that yesterday morning she and Annie (their sweet doggie) went for a walk at about 6:00 a.m. and she saw them peaking out at her under the vines not far away. I asked her if she knew that a pack like that could kill Annie in a heartbeat (not to mention she could be in trouble herself) and she really hadn't thought about it. I have been warned many times as I traveled west to be careful...no walking at dawn or dusk and I have taken that advice to heart. Last night I had coyote dreams mostly involving them going after Wilma..she thinks she's so tough. I really like coyotes and don't mean to speak ill of them, but I am careful...

It's been so much fun catching up with old friends! All the questions and comments and hugs have been wonderful! It's only been a few days so I have a a lot more friends to meet with....

Mostly I have been gearing up for so many things. Erin from Smith publicity loved my latest article on kids lunches entitled, What's For Lunch? and it will start making the rounds soon. She is pitching to Bay Area and national media, so we'll all see what the next 2 weeks has in store! Could be fun and really great exposure for Shine The Light. I have been asked to write for Examiner (more on that soon) and my area is kids fitness. Granted I am not a personal trainer, but I can easily tie in fitness and nutrition and for that matter a couple of the questions from Shine The Light dealt with exercise. I'll let you know when my first article is 'live.' Lots more announcements on collaborations soon.....

I have appointments with many business people locally in the next week. I am looking for a home for STL (at no cost!), local donors and collaborators. I will announce them as they happen. I have a networking meeting this Wednesday night and Thursday evening I have a Commonwealth Club meeting. As most of you know I am co-chair of the Health and Medicine Committee and will attend a wonderful event this Thursday. To save money- because I don't have any :) - I will drive to Larkspur and take the ferry over and walk to the Commonwealth Club. Saves a $6.00 bridge fare and $28.00 in parking fees. I plan to go to many of these. It was very kind of the chair Dr. William Grant to allow me to keep my title this whole year while I haven't been here to help. Besides learning a great deal, it's great for networking with some incredible people.

I was in contact with Dr. Herring at Sonoma State today and let her know that I will be getting her more written surveys very soon (remember to help!) and also asked her if a student might be interested in helping with the PowerPoint presentation. I want a great one ready soon so I can start presenting the facts of the trip. I can hardly wait to get in front of people and tell them about these amazing kids. Spreading facts, educating and asking for collaborators and help.

There is so much more, but I run at a high ampage (is that a word?) so enough for one day

I know, I know...

Sun, 8 Aug 2010 16:10:18 -0700

Am I excited to be home or what? Yes, more photos of my new 'neighborhood.'

Patch drinking out of the pond.

Wilma loves (!!) the pond. I predict she'll be swimming soon.

Madrones, Oaks, Vineyards and Apple Trees....I must be home...

Wilma going after a field mouse ...or rat....

I do lunges and then do high-kicks down the road. Then arm twirls...I like fitting in exercise everywhere...

Mt. St. Helena in the background. Apples and grapes in the foreground....

Tomorrow I turn in my Kids Lunch article (or whatever they decide to call it) and then begin on a long list of more to do......By Friday I will have several paying jobs to replenish my money I spent on Shine The Light (how's that for positive thinking?!), will be getting ready for media stuff the next week and so much more. My very big focus is getting more written surveys filled out. They can be downloaded on this web site. PLEASE HELP! We need more Asian descent kids, more Hispanic kids and simply just more kids and parents. If you each did 10 (your own kids, your relatives, friends, work, etc.) we will have mush better data. Thanks!!!!!

Last night..and today's Farmer's Market in Sebastopol

Sun, 8 Aug 2010 08:29:03 -0700

The Vine Hill House and O'Connell Vineyards, where I'm living, owned by my friends Dan and Jan O'Connell hosts weddings very weekend throughout the spring and summer. If you saw this place you would understand why; it's gorgeous!

So last night from my RV in the vineyard I could hear voices and clapping (the wedding ceremony), then a murmmer of voices and then louder voices, laughing and clapping (dinner and toasts) and then music. I sat writing in my RV (such a good girl) listening to Lionel Richie sing 'My love, just thinkin' about you baby blows my mind....' must have been the bride and grooms song, then The Jackson Five, then....well, at that point I decided to join Dan and Jan as they asked me to come and have some fun. I put on some clean jeans :) and my new sweater I bought in Maine and wandered up dancing through the vineyard to 'She's a Brick House.' Jan was exhausted as it was their daughter Lily's birthday on Thursday, then there was a wedding on Friday, so she stayed in their home last night. Dan handed me a glass of their fantastic Pinto Noir when he saw me. He stays in the background as at this point most of his work is done and the caterers and all the rest of the staff are keeping everything going. He gave me a tour and chatted about all the details that go into an event like this-whew!

We stood by the DJ and watched people dance and danced ourselves standing by the DJ. It was really fun-I love to dance! We also chatted about events that we would like to do together. I can hardly wait to tell you all about them. You'll be here, I'm sure!!!

Now, it's time to take a shower and get ready to go to the Farmer's Market. Kathryn is bringing me my car and bike this morning. It's only 3 1/2 miles into town, so an easy bike ride for me.

If I take some great photos at the Farmer's Market, I will post them here later, so check back...

I'm back! It was wonderful to see old friends today! I love Farmer's Markets, don't you?

O.K. this isn't produce, but look how beautiful they are!

Grandpa and Grandson. The little boy was incredible on the drums-all kinds of drums. Impressive!

I bought kale, radicchio, summer squash, some Japanese peppers, peaches, and a orange pepper. I also bought some local red snapper. I'll have a wonderful dinner tonight! The doggies also got a treat-some raw bones.

I returned home from the market, walked fast with Patch and Wilma through the vineyard, and now lunch and some work. Perfect day!

I'm Home!

Sat, 7 Aug 2010 19:45:10 -0700

I yelled out to Patch and Wilma; We're Home! as we crossed the border back into California yesterday morning. I drove past my old friend, Mt. Shasta and took in all the sites.

Later in the afternoon I arrived at Kathryn's house in Santa Rosa and we drank champagne and ate sushi to celebrate. We chit-chatted about many things. She had her bed all ready for me, but as you can guess, I slept in the RV. I am simply comfortable there.

This morning we made a great breakfast and then did quite a few hours of work before I headed out to my home town of Sebastopol. A couple businesses were gone, I'm sad to say, but there were also some new businesses or old businesses with new paint on the buildings-good to see. I pulled into my friend's Dan and Jane O'Connell's place and Dan came right out to say hello. It was great to see him again and catch up. Jan came out a bit later and she and I chatted for a long time. We plan to do some really fun events here at O'Connell Vineyards and the Vine Hill House. They had a wedding here yesterday and another one as we speak. I hear lots of laughing and clapping in the background. How wonderful!

I had my choice of several sites, but I chose this one. I just open the door and Patch and Wilma are safe to run around the vineyard or orchard or visit with Annie, Jan and Dan's doggie.

Pinot Noir Grapes

In the orchard-it's a dog's life! My goodness, these two just finished quite the adventure!

A beautiful certified organic orchard with many types of apples. I have already eaten two Gravenstein's. So good!

Jan brought me flowers as soon as I arrived. I set them on my table next to a bowl of just-picked apples and a partially finished painting. I'll finish it one day-most likely this winter.

Tomorrow I will head into the Farmer's Market with Nancy and Kathryn. I'm sure I'll see people I know. I will also finish my article I was asked to write on Kid's Lunches, then Monday the job search is on-big time! I have several little things lined up so far, but need many more. I'm sure it will all be fine. Right now I am so thankful to have a gorgeous place to park my RV, myself and my two furry friends while I write my books, work and develop programs for kids. I am also really looking forward to lots of visiting/networking with old and new friends!

More soon!

Medford, Oregon Kids...last interviews..

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 21:24:57 -0700

Today was tough for me. I started to get weepy this morning knowing this adventure chatting with our nation's kids was coming to an end and then my sister Margaret reminded me that today should be a happy day and not a sad day. She reminded me that a week after I left my income disappeared and if I would have turned around (like most sane people would have done) and not had done this journey/project, then that would have been when tears of sadness would have been appropriate. She's right. I kept thinking about that as I interviewed the first, second, third and fourth kids today, but by the time I got to poor Sunny, I was having a hard time holding it together. You'll see when the videos are on the web site in about a week.

I know this is just the beginning. This chapter is about complete, but then the next chapter will begin. Sonoma State University will finish the data by the end of September. Between now and then I am going to be such a pain getting more written surveys done. We need more Hispanic kids and many more kids of Asian descent. After September, then program development begins. That's so exciting. I envision so many collaborations with people all over the country. It's going to be wonderful and together we can help so many kids and their adults!

Beginning on August 16th for 2 weeks, Erin from Smith Publicity starts doing her thing! TV, radio, print, and whatever else she can arrange for me. My book, More Vegetables, Please! gets me in the door, but as you all know I waste little time segueing into Shine The Light.

I have a book to write about this project (or two!) and jobs to obtain to help me pay my bills; anything do to with food/nutrition/writing, etc. This last point is vital. Basically I have my new life to begin. I am getting pretty good at reinventing myself and each time I do I have a greater understanding of what is important to me. Soon I will post a summary of my trip and touch on the highlights.

For tonight, here are the Oregon kids and their bright, shiny faces....

Sunny is 10 years old and was the last interview. When asked what is the weirdest food he has ever eaten he said mango with ranch dressing!

Charley is 9 years old. He gets cranky is if doesn't eat right...:)

Ember 12 years old is confident and well spoken.

Macey is 12 and had a couple of very insightful remarks...

Janey is 14 years old and likes to dance!

More soon!

Ashland Grower's Market

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 13:29:39 -0700

This morning I went to the Ashland Grower's Market-why they don't call it a Farmer's Market I have no idea, but anyway....

I have spoken many times about my sister's farm, but actually it is has been my sister's farm, her daughter Susan and Susan's husband Ken's farm. Recently Margaret decided that the farm is legally just Ken and Susan's, so from now on I will refer to the farm as their farm. My sister Margaret lives on the farm however. This morning was another market day and Susan was selling their olive oil, garlic and eggs. They also take orders for their own chicken and turkeys.

Here's Susan....by the way, Susan just obtained her master's degree and Ken has his degree from Stanford. They are both really smart farmers!

Susan Lynn

Susan did a lovely job with their booth. It was very artistic and she had people lined up...

Many of the farmers trade with other farmers for various products. Someone took some olive oil and we took peppers and basil for tonight's veggie lasagna.

My daughters Olivia and Kathryn and my grandaughter Brealyn are coming here today! I haven't seen them in 8 months!!!!!! They are coming to see Grandma, but I'm here too. I can hardly wait.

Make important things interesting...

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 21:55:46 -0700

I am always in my head too much and sometimes more than others, like now. There are most likely a lot of reasons for this. I suppose watching my Mom age and her health decline is some of the cause for pause and reflection. My sisters and I and all of our own children have learned a great deal from my Mom; what to do (which is most of what we've learned!) but also what not to do. This has been interesting for me to think about. Our lives can affect others in so many ways. If we are kind and caring, that affects many people, but if we are not, that can also affect others in that they may vow never to be like that. Both can be powerful affect-makers, for lack of a better phrase. I would prefer kindness as I'm sure you would too. Still, it's food for thought.

My last kid's interviews are this Thursday before I head out for California on Friday morning. I'm looking forward to it, but am a bit sad this journey is about to come to an end. It has truly been incredible. This next phase of Shine The Light On Kids (remember we are dropping the 'America's' as the health programs can be used for kids in other countries as well) is going to be wonderful. Programs to be developed, collaborations to be made, and so much more. I'm truly excited about it!

On a personal note, my life is about to begin anew yet again. So many aspects of my personal life are up in the air, yet my vision is firmly grounded. In most ways, I am more sure of myself than I have ever been. My heart tells me I am on my path, and I will follow that path wherever it takes me.

Our kids health is vitally important, and we must make important things interesting. Even before I left on this journey I knew there were all sorts of statistics available on kids health, but they were black and white; uninteresting. I watch the kid's videos over and over. The kids themselves have made the information real, now we owe it to them to make the programs interesting and available in a format as open and honest as they have been. We will do this.

I keep working on a summary of the journey and all my new and old friends and the amazing kids I have met. I don't write much at a time because I end up such a blubbery mess....