[CHANGES] Three Things

[Sandra Ahten]

Hello,  This newsletter contains three things:

 

A. Info on "Changes" Diet Support Group

B. Tip for the Day

C. All about my art (including an invitation to my reception for my show at Springer Cultural Center next Friday)

 

(A)

It's been a hectic summer and it's time to settle into our fall routine. Settle into a routine!? That sounds almost like a dream in this chaotic, always busy, always changing time in which we live. 

 

And when in the hardest time to diet? It is when we are out of our routine. We do fine when in dealing with lunch during the weekday. We do great at breakfast. I hear that all the time. It's the special occasions, it's the weekend, it's when the kids are starting school, it's when visitors come to town or the kitchen is being remodeled. It's our life.

 

You can't start eating healthy when things settle down. You have to start now - in the middle of it all. It is always going to be something. That doesn't mean you have to do anything drastic. You don't have to get geared up for the "big diet" that is going to take off the weight and keep it off for ever. You have to deal with your choices regarding your diet that you are making today.

 

I am determined to re-claim the word "diet." We are all on a diet. Everyone makes choices about what they will or will not eat. That is what a diet is. If you have a lifetime of unhealthy choices, depriving yourself, dieting, and then putting the weight back on -- then you need to give yourself a gift and join my Changes support group. If you are just eating like there is no tomorrow -- then you need to give yourself a gift and join my Changes group. If you are currently following a food plan and think that you benefit from additional support - weekly, caring, personal support - then you need to give yourself a gift and join my Changes group.

 

I have about four opening in each of the groups. They take place Tuesday or Saturday morning or Tuesday at 5:30pm. You can check out my website for the details (under classes).

http://www.spiritofsandra.com/index.php

 

 

(B)

My tip for the day:

 

If you are having a hard time ending your day. A hard time "closing down the kitchen" and you find yourself wanting to eat up until bed time - you are not alone. If you are getting up out of bed to eat - you are not alone. When our bodies are tired they are calling for energy. What is energy? Calories. Our bodies are confused as we push them past their limits and deprive them of needed rest and try to refuel with too much sugar.  

 

Try an affirmation. Say these sentences several times a day. Write it in a journal or notebook a few times a day. "Satisfied, I enjoy ending my day with stretching and breathing." 

 

Say it out loud. Have someone say it to you in the second person. or if that just feels too silly - say it to yourself in the second person. "Yes Sandra - You are satisfied. You do enjoy ending your day with stretching and breathing." I know affirmations feel hokey when you do them. But when the positive voice replaces the nagging voice calling you back for more ice cream; When you don't wake up in the middle of the night with heartburn, When you don't wake up in the morning with regret  -- you'll feel a little less hokey.

 

Take care. I hope to hear from you soon.

 

Sandra

 

 

 

 

 

(C) All about my Art:

 

 

WHERE TO SEE MY ART

 

**** Springer Culture Center Art Exhibition Series presents: "Valance": The artwork of Sandra Ahten, Kim Curtis, and Andy Ducett. 

 

Artist Reception: Friday September 24, 6-8pm. Music by Groove Yard 6-7pm. Artist Talk at 7pm. The show will be displayed through October 17.

http://www.spiritofsandra.com/sandra_body.php?page=show_specific&showID=14

 

***** "Fabrications" -- Two of my paintings are in this show at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago. October 8 - November 11

http://womanmade.org/show.html?type=group&gallery=fabrications2004&pic=1 

***** Art Hoo-Ha. Mark your calendars. Artist of east Urbana will be hosting open studios the first weekend in December. 

 

MAKE A POSTCARD FOR PEACE

 

Postcards for Peace is a grassroots project to raise support for the Urbana Independent Media Center (IMC) and is co-sponsored by the local AWARE (Anti-War, Anti-Racism Group). The postcards will be auctioned off at a fabulously fun event in November.  I am opening my studio and providing all supplies for an afternoon of postcard artmaking on Saturday, October 2 from 2-4pm. RSVP. For more details on the afternoon of artmaking or making postcards on your own to submit see my website and click on "News by Sandra." 

http://www.spiritofsandra.com/index.php

 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

 

****I am accepting a few more commissions for delivery before Christmas. I love painting either children or adults and will also lovingly render your motorcycle, your dog, your house, or your dog house. 

 

**** "The Gift of Painting" -- I am packaging all the supplies needed to get started in oil painting together with five lessons for $220. Classes will begin in January. Supplies will be gift wrapped to be placed under the tree. 

http://www.spiritofsandra.com/sandra_body.php?page=classes_specific&classID=4



 

CLASSES

 

As I am now painting more and teaching less, you need to contact me if you are interested in classes. I am teaching my self designed class "Art with Intention" on Thursdays. Late afternoon and evening hours are available. Check out my website if you are interested in drawing, painting, or bringing a project of your own to fruitation.

http://www.spiritofsandra.com/sandra_body.php?page=classes_specific&classID=8 

 

 

CONTACT REGARDING ANY OF THE ABOVE: See info on my webpage or contact me by phone 217-367-6345 or spiritofsandra at hotmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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