a space for nothing, originally uploaded by realityphotography.

My sister Tracey’s much anticipated MRI results show  NO NEW GROWTH in the area where once was an hatefully aggressive brain tumor.

We are elated.

Also knowingly guarded.
With this cancer (Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4) being the most dangerous and fast growing, it is with great appreciation for the powers that be and a strict diet & lifestyle that we cherish this gift of life.
Tracey…you are __________________________________!
Rockstar, Superhero, my hero…(fill in the blank here…too many to even attempt typing.)

You don’t have to fight to get rid of a disease. Just the simple process of letting go of negative thoughts will allow your natural state of health to emerge within you. And your body will heal itself.
Quoted from: The Secret

“Whatever the mind…can conceive it can achieve.”
W. Clement Stone

“Ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable.”
R. Buckminster Fuller

ask the higher powers
for whatever you wish for…all things are possible
when you believe.

a great moment
between mother and daughter
spying only a glimpse of what they share.

tracey and vivian, originally uploaded by realityphotography.

5- 3- 2008

A message from Tracey:

“Although this image appears very serious -
I am feeling better & happier than ever.
I am Healing and Living.

I would like to share with you a couple affirmations I read daily.”

To Live means to move our lives toward our own unique experience

of LOVE, JOY & PEACE.

Rock’On!

Laughter attracts joy, releases negativity, and leads to miraculous cures.

“and most importantly…don’t forget to think with your heart!”

Love, Tracey

Have some fun!

Tracey and her mother Donna on an endorphin stroll.

By: Melissa Walker

Do you ever wonder why you feel better after a long run, a roll in the hay or a good laugh? It’s not just because you’ve relieved exersize guilt, had a wham-bam orgasm or heard an absolute knee-slapper. That elated feeling, which can last up to 12 hours for some people, has a scientific explanation. It comes from a release of endorphins.

“Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced in the brain that reduce pain,” says Alan Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. “They have also been known to induce euphoria.” Drugs such as morphine, heroine and cocaine are classic endorphin-releasing entities, according to Dr. Hirsch. But luckily for us, there are less addictive ways of experiencing such sweet rhapsody.

Eat a Chili Pepper
Some say eating hot peppers is an addiction. The rush you get after holding one on your tongue is likely due to your body’s protective response. “Chewing a hot pepper can release endorphins centrally and on the tongue,” says Dr. Hirsch. Why? To reduce pain, of course.
Endorphin factor: 1 to 3, depending on how hot you can stand ‘em.

Think Positive Thoughts
“When people take a placebo and they believe something’s helpful, it often works,” says Joel Fuhrman, MD, family physician and author of Eat to Live. That’s a direct result of the power of positive thinking, which can release endorphins that may actually ease pain even if a medication is physically ineffective.
Endorphin factor: 2. Hey, that’s an instant feel-good moment just by the power of perspective.

Work Out
People who jog regularly often talk about a “runner’s high,” which is a release of endorphins that happens when they hit a certain point in their workout. Dr. Fuhrman notes that the science of endorphins-from-exercise is controversial, and that some medical professionals believe the positive feeling you get when you meet a physical challenge, rather than the exertion itself, is what stimulates the endorphin release. But whatever the cause, exercise has been proven to enhance mood. Dr. Fuhrman recommends prolonged activities such as cross-country skiing, swimming, tennis or a long cardio workout for the best effects.
Endorphin factor: 2 to 4. It’s all about intensity and duration.

Have an Orgasm
“I personally think that having an orgasm is a great way to get a rush of endorphins,” says Dr. Fuhrman. “You may have to run for an hour to get a runner’s high, depending on your body. Sex is less effort.” (And, ahem, much more fun.)
Endorphin factor: 5 — even if it’s a quickie.

Get Moved
We’re not talking about packing up and renting a U-Haul. Dr. Fuhrman says that viewing beautiful art, watching a touching dramatic scene or even listening to an inspiring piece of music can produce endorphins. “A person who gets pleasure in life, from whatever source, will keep endorphins at a healthy level,” he says.
Endorphin factor: 2, unless you’re overwhelmed with emotion (think swooning, tear-filled eyes and a quickened heartbeat); that counts for 3.

Undergo Acupuncture
“Putting needles into the body is a release,” says Dr. Fuhrman, “and it may trigger endorphin production.” Also, acupuncture patients benefit from a placebo effect — they believe that the process is working, so it really does, says Dr. Fuhrman. Talk about the brain’s power.

Endorphin factor: 3. People who practice acupuncture tend to be positive thinkers, which adds to the effects.

Chow Chocolate
We knew that the cocoa bean had an addictive quality. “The food closest to a drug is chocolate,” says Dr. Hirsch. “It actually has an impact on your brain that triggers an endorphin release.” But there’s no need to wolf down three bars in one sitting; a bite or two will cause the same response.
Endorphin factor: 1 — but such a sweet one!

Be Afraid
Ever hear friends say they like being scared? Whether you’re watching a horror movie with your hand over your eyes or feeling a rush of wind in your hair as you plummet down a steep incline on a roller coaster, fear causes endorphin release. Why do you think extreme sports are so popular? No one wants to get hurt; it’s just fun (in a twisted kind of way) to cheat death. “The thrill of a high-speed ride induces a positive mood state that can leave you giddy,” says Dr. Hirsch. And Freddy Krueger can do it for you too. Who knew he was such a heartthrob?
Endorphin factor: 3 to 5, depending on the personal fear factor.

Worship the Sun
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have found that ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger endorphin production, which may be why some bathing beauties are reluctant to give up their tanning time, even given the dangers of skin cancer. A few minutes of exposure is enough to harm your skin, so doctors recommend sunscreen at all times. But with the placebo effect working for you, just knowing it’s sunny outside can boost your endorphin production — and your mood.
Endorphin factor: 2, because you know you’re protecting your skin (and you’re happy it’s warm).

Have a Giggle Fit
Whether it’s a quick joke that tickles your funny bone or a long, hilarious romantic comedy, having a laugh produces endorphins that will increase your immune function and make you more resistant to disease, according to Dr. Fuhrman.
Endorphin factor: 2 to 3. Ever hear the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine”?

Being on a strict diet often comes with little variety in foods and taste.

One way to spice things up is with this yummy Cilantro Pesto.

This recipe can be used as a Pesto, Sauce or Condiment.

What you will need:

A Blender or Food Processor with Pulse option

2 Cups Packed Organic Cilantro ( large stems removed )

1/2 Cup Organic blanched/roasted/unsalted Almonds

1/4 Cup Organic Red or White Onion

2 Teaspoons Organic Garlic chopped

1/2 Cup Organic Olive Oil

2 Pinches Sea Salt

Want it Spicy?

Just Add ONE of the three Peppers listed below:

1 Whole Organic Poblano Pepper seeded and chopped

1 Whole Organic Jalapeno Pepper seeded and chopped

1/2 Teaspoon Organic Serrano Pepper seeded and chopped

______________________________________

In a food processor or blender pulse the Cilantro, Almonds,

Onion, Garlic, Peppers & Salt then slowly add the Olive Oil.

(we used 1/4 Cup more Olive Oil for a smoother consistency)

Tracey uses this pesto as a spread on her veggie burritos as well

as occasionally on her veggie sandwiches.

Others use it as a sauce on pasta sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

Try it as a side with chips and salsa!

Peace & Love!

Green Tea, originally uploaded by realityphotography.

Green Tea makes cancer cells self-destruct!

People who drink about 4 cups of green tea per day seem to get less types of cancer.
Now we may know why…in recent test-tube studies a compound called EGCG ( a powerful antioxidant found in tea) inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow.
Without this enzyme the cancer cells couldn’t grow big enough to divide/multiply and self-destructed.
It would take about 4 cups of green tea a day to get the blood levels of EGCG that inhibited cancer in the study.

Black Teas contain EGCG but much lower concentrations.

Cheers!