Me, from A to Z

manekiAnnemaneki

They'll probably come up with a perfectly good reason why some of us feel the need to put something on the net. There's the creative part of it, though I must admit that gets hampered quite a bit by the technical side of it all, especially in the beginning. And then there's the need to share information. Being a teacher that one's a built in trait of mine. I love teaching - and I think you have to, otherwise too many people suffer for it! The trick is to ooze enthusiasm and hope it's catching.

I like to think of life as a never ending class. Each year I try and learn at least one new craft or hobby, and the bathroom is usually cluttered with books (but then - so's the rest of the house). I'll try and keep you posted on this site of anything I find worth sharing!

For those psychiatrists in the bud amongst you, here's an alphabetical run down of my (current) interests. And a couple of links to them.

A
Ayurveda ? I might just take up a course on the subject: Every day Ayurveda

B
We've got a couple fluttering in the garden at night: Bats!
Even though I'm fond of black and white Dracula movies, I still think you've got to have read the book (by Bram Stoker)!

If you appreciate the finer Belgian beers, you could join a local beer club, like De Schuimkragen
Contrary to what you might think, it's all to do with 'tasting', not 'downing'!

I think their Trappist Special in October is an event not to be missed ;)

C
Cats, of course! Couldn't live without them!
I collect humorous cat books, but for the artistic ones Lesley Ann Ivory gets my vote.

Cooking ? probably my favorite pastime! Again a great way to be creative - which carries its own reward as I'm a bit of a foodie.
I try not to miss Ainsley on TV and I'd stay home for an episode of 'Chef'.

I took a sushi course! If you want to have a go: Roll your own!

Corsica ? You've got to have been there.
Next best thing is to get yourself a cd by 'I Muvrini' or 'Diana di l'Alba'...
Why not plan your next holiday there?

D
To get rid of post New Year Stress I visited Dublin for a couple of days. I can heartily recommend it! So here's a couple of Links to the Liffey:
Find out where to stay thanks to the AA
Get a bargain flight with Ryanair
And find out what's on - in Temple Bar with Time Out
Be sure to visit the Guinness Hop Store: though musea are not usually my cup of tea ;-), this one understandably went down a whole lot easier + you can see all of Dublin from the 7th floor! I'll be back!

E
At the European Academy for Complementary Health Care I taught both Philosophy and Folk remedies for a couple of years. Two subjects which are dear to my heart. I like new ideas, new experiences and these classes are always a two way affair, a healthy exchange of thoughts and practices. It's the same with patients, really. Often a sounding board is all you need to help you see clear.

Eating out ? I can be bribed!

I love sending E-cards!

E-Card of the Day
View E-Card

F
Flea markets ? no week end's complete without one (or more, preferably!)- check out the belgian scene or go to the 'Agenda' item on my Flemish page!
Fantasy worlds and books.. I'm a Trekkie, fond of Tolkien, Clive Barker, Tim Powers,....

G
Garden ? I think I wouldn't last in the city without one (just knowing it's there is enough, most of the time) Meet the experts and create a wildlife garden.

H
I've been brewing herb teas since I was able to. It's amazing what you can do with plants if you know which is which. You'll find Henriette's Herbal Homepage a bit of a gold mine...

I
Internet ? I might be addicted.... But if you're just starting out, here's a good BBC guide

J
Jokes! Here's a whole page! I collect them, send them by e-mail and love to hear new ones!

K
Check your Knowledge of reality

L
Life? Love it! I think the trick is to find that spot of calm contentment inside of yourself, see the wonder in little things and appreciate the miracle of it all.

Languages hold a fascination for me. I'm Flemish, but I can manage French, English and German, I had 3 years of Spanish and afterwards got thoroughly frustrated, because that kept seeping through when I tried Italian and Portugese. ...Does Html count?


In a hurry?
Go to A
Go to Z

M
Milk? Hate the stuff. I'm a strong advocate of breast feeding, and after that nothing seems quite good enough, does it?

N
Nature ? well, I sort of hover between extremes on that one. I firmly believe that the closer to the nature of things I get/stay, the better - on the other hand we do live in an exciting world and I'd hate to miss out on some of the mod cons. I'm a city person. I love the hustle and bustle, the people, the shops and I'd probably be miserable living somewhere in the country. I do enjoy an outing if there's some purpose to it (like searching for herbs or mushrooms), but generally I prefer a good brisk walk from one end of the city to the other in search of a bargain. A couple of years ago I took a 3 week tour around Sri Lanka. The people, nature and wild life there made their mark. I've always been fascinated by anything Indian - as those of you who've visited my practice will know - and one day I'll be sure to go there. Meanwhile, my nephew, Wim, has magically captured some of its natural beauty on stunning photographs.

You'll be very surprised to find out what's in your NAME!

O
There's no growth without crisis, but if you're ever down in the dumps, read Og Mandino's God Memorandum

P
Philosophy on the Internet is an impressive collection by Peter Suber
Poems can often give your right brain hemisphere a stir. One of my favorites is Footprints in the Sand.

Q ? responsible for some of the best Star Trek episodes, I find.

R
Reading, researching - not a day goes past !
I'm one of those people who like rain! and R&R.

S
Singing does seem to relieve most of my tensions (don't know about the neighbors' nerves)
Sage is probably my favorite herb! I'll give you my recipe for eel, if you like!
Solinti is the name I gave my practice, I find everything about the Sun fascinating!

T
Travel ? Yes, please. I think it's great if you can prepare for each holiday by learning at least some of the local customs and rudiments of the language
Things get even better if you get the chance to stay with locals.

U
I'm an undertaker's daughter. Not that you'd notice off hand, but if you've been around coffins and corpses as a child, you develop a special brand of humor and peculiar interests. There's a skeleton in my hallway...

V
Valerian is another favorite of mine. The smell of valerian root has been described as 'sweaty socks', but some people do manage to brew valerian tea to overcome sleeping problems or nerves. It is however, perfect in root form if you want a birthday present for your cat.
Try putting a teaspoonful in an old sock (appropriate, isn't it?), roll it up and put it in the second sock: your cat'll go wild over this present!
Make sure to make hubby's favorite dinner that day ;-)

W
Witches galore...

Wood is one of my favorite materials. My dad is principal of the local Wood turners' Guild, so I probably go the sawdust in my veins from him!

X
I love Xenu for finding broken links on my sites.

Y
Do you know what to do with your yams? Or, for that matter with all those little known vegetables available nowadays? Find some recipes!

Z
Zen for Cats is a great book, and it inspired Kevin Palivec for a series of cute dragon graphics



My home page: Home! Natural health tips: Solinti!