The 9 Timeless Secrets to Be Happy

Check out this great video!

Cant We All Just Get Along?

"These very words have gone through my head since I was a little girl.
Hopefully the shift that is taking place is leading us all in that
direction. Thanks for the article." Earthywoman

Can't we all just get along?
August 28, Chicago Infidelity Examiner
Julie Troob
How breathtaking is this sky? And its gorgeous sunset? Look at the perfect simplicity of this humble road! And the beautiful mountains... Why isn't society as peaceful as the rest of nature? What is wrong with our society? What is wrong with our relationships? Why can't we all just get along? What is wrong with us? Here is my basic theory about relationship issues and what we can do about it.

We are all full of fear. We are all trying to survive. We think that the next person is going to pull the rug from under us, or we always perceive that others are treating us wrongly. How can this be? It is true that there are many harsh critics, and much injustice. We all have basic instincts and most of us do not know how to regulate them without reacting from fear.

How do we get rid of the fear? Soul searching, therapy, meditation, experience, eventually, I believe we will rid ourselves of fear, after many more generations. I think we are on an evolutionary path toward morality. It is a slow one, but happening, if we do not kill ourselves before we can reach that place.

We need to forgive and forget. We are going to be wronged. We need to forgive, let it go, and then get close to people who will not do this to us, or give second and third chances when warranted. Letting it go, however, does not mean being walked on, it just means not hurting the other person back. Two wrongs do not make a right. We can more easily forgive by remembering who the enemy is....

IGNORANCE is the enemy, the enemy is IGNORANCE. So, in this case we try to lower ignorance, which creates fear, by teaching morality and things like the Law of Attraction to others. However, many people do not want to listen, or do not care at all. In fact, many people, including me, must reap the effects of our actions karmically in order to learn. In my book, with respect to all beliefs, I feel strongly about the nature of Karma and reincarnation. This makes everything equal.

So, why can't we all get along? Ha. One day we will, my friends. In the meantime, look at your part, work on yourself, as I do as well, and try to remember, it takes ignorance and fear to hurt another. Like so many great heroes have said in so many words, Love your neighbor and live a life of Charity.

Peace,

Julie

Concert in a Cave

The Natural Gait was a place of music, laughter and great story telling at the "Seventh Annual Haybarn Rendezvous" held last week-end. There was something a little different this year as Switchback held a "Concert in a Cave" on Friday. Everyone had so much fun and wanted more. Nobody wants to wait till next year so The Natural Gait is holding another "Concert in a Cave" on Saturday October 17th.

Get your tickets early as the seating is limited. Call Call 877-776-2208 for more information and tickets.

Visit The Natural Gait or TNG Happenings to find out more about our upcoming Events

Free T.J. Casey Concert at The Natural Gait

Singer/songwriter, composer, storyteller and entertainer T.J. Casey will be performing at The Natural Gait on Sept. 6th, 2009. This concert will be free to the public.

Spending two thirds of his life so far in a saddle, working with cattle and horses on ranches across the West, gives T. J. Casey and his words and music an authenticity impossible to manufacture . . . they are truly “of the land. “

Being onstage as an entertainer nationwide across the last three decades gives T. J. Casey and his words, music, and presentation a polish and presence impossible to manufacture . . . they are truly “for the audience.”

Read what others have to say.

The commitment of TJ to the preservation of the root of music was evidenced both in his conversation and in his performance.

He is a traditionalist who feels and projects his obligation to pass on the essence of music to those who come after him.To him the music is not solely about the performance but more importantly about carrying the messages of life from generation to generation.

I would recommend T.J. Casey and any of his musical endeavors to all of you who may be seeking a pure talent, filled with a genuine desire to contribute to the preservation of music in its purest forms.

Willis C. Pracht - Tumbleweed Festival - Garden City, Kansas

Enjoy our indoor arena, cabins, bunkhouse rooms and our lodge at The Natural Gait. The best nature resort in the midwest!
Call The Natural Gait 877-776-2208 for more information

How Self-Aware Are You?

By Alice Landry
August 4, 2:10 PM

Self-awareness is the capability to look deeply into your own mind, body, heart, and soul and discover the underlying beliefs, values, and moral standards that influence the way you think, feel, and behave.

The only constant in life is change, and being able to adapt to the dynamic waves of life is an attribute of self-aware people. Those who resist may continue self-destructive patterns and fail to realize blessings in disguise, lessons they should have learned, or windows to new adventures.
With the desire and intention to increase self-awareness, you present yourself with the opportunity to consciously evolve and improve as an individual.

Review the following ways to become more self-aware:
• Actively listen to those who support and love you
• Develop a conscience
• Forgive yourself and others for past mistakes
• Release the need to control outcomes
• Intend for the highest and best path to unfold before you
• Keep your focus in the here and now
• Live your life from a love/Spirit-centered approach
• Look ahead to understand the potential consequences of your actions
• See the best in everyone, including yourself
• Learn to be more conscious of your thoughts and choose positive ones
• Keep your feelings in check and determine the source of negative emotions
• Avoid thinking in extremes (i.e. all or nothing)
• Release drama and choose peace
• Be responsible and empower yourself by owning your mistakes and achievements
• Be teachable and allow yourself to receive insights and epiphanies
• Know that there is always room for improvement and change is a necessary part of life

Gaining insight into yourself and why you make the choices you make can be scary - like looking in a pool of water and seeing the reflection but knowing there are secrets, fears, and murkiness that lie below.

The benefits of enhanced self-awareness include the ability to make healthier and purposeful choices, to improve the relationships with yourself and loved ones, and to reduce the negative effect of life stressors.

Affirmations: I increase self-awareness every day as I consciously monitor my thoughts, feelings, and actions. I live life from a place of love. I gain insight, learn from my mistakes, and move on. I am teachable and willing to see all sides of a situation. I am responsible for me.

Haybarn Rendezvous at The Natural Gait with Switchback

August 22nd and 23rd from noon to noon. Get your tickets now this is going to sell out fast! Switchback, Dave Moore, Sawtooth Bluegrass Band and many more.

Invasion of the Badlands

On vacation in the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, I witnessed another invasion of beautiful ecosystems. Angry for several days and feeling helpless to do anything about the Yellow Sweet Clover marching over the landscape, I told my wife, Donna that I had to do something to alert people to this takeover of these beautiful landscapes. After several nights, I thought about how over the past 60 years I have been aware of invasive species and have seen the list grow and grow and grow.

What is our place on this planet? Does our labeling of plants as negative aliens and as invaders invite more negative thoughts? What good has become of our waging war on these alien species? Shouting and preaching that this just isn’t right nor nature’s way and getting all fired up and angry at one of God’s creations just didn’t seem to fit well with me anymore. I’m tired of generating negative feelings inside of me. This thought made me start to question the overall picture of man and nature and our relationship to plants, each other and our interaction with all species of our world.

Here are some of my questions that I ponder often:
· Were any species created out of negative thoughts?
· Were any plants or animals meant to remain in one area? If so, why do they do so well when introduced into different areas?
· What is the long-term succession of these so-called invasives or alien species? I mean over thousands of years?
· Can we live with these aliens and make peace or will we always wage war on them?
· Does the attack on the “invasive species” ultimately do any good?
· Are we supposed to sit back and do nothing?
· Can we make any peace with this rapidly changing world of the intermingling of species?
· Is this really a natural event and man truly is a part of nature but thinks that he isn’t because of his ability to choose and reason?
· Is it logical to think that man isn’t a part of nature or is this just another arrogant thought that puts us as the ultimate animal separated from all nature and we stand alone still fighting and compartmentalizing all species.
· Is there a kinder, more positive and cooperative way of dealing with what we perceive as invasive species?
· Does prejudice produce more prejudice?
·
If we are just holographic pieces of the “Great Spirit”, then we are included in this great magnificent process that created the universe and all within it. Are we not programmed to keep creating something different?
·
Does any one thing deserve to be eradicated or is that part of the plan?
·
Are the invasives just signals to us that we need to change our ways and they are just messengers sacrificing their lives for a cause yet unknown to us?
Some of the species that I have come into contact with and waged war over the years are:
· Japanese Honey Suckle
· Kudzu
· Multi-flora Rose
· Crown Vetch
· Yellow Sweet Clover
· Garlic Mustard
These are just a minute number of species that I have allowed to cause stress and negative energy in me. I think that now after decades of fighting, I am ready to accept that these aliens are just part of the cosmic progression to a different place on earth and the universe that is neither good nor bad.
What do you think?

Tired of struggling over this issue,
Howard Bright President Ion Exchange, Inc.
www.ionXchange.com

TNG Visit to Hay Creek Ranch

Donna and I are on vacation now to take a break from The Natural Gait and Ion Exchange, our two businesses. We drove to the Black Hills in South Dakota.

After spending the night in Mitchell SD, where we narrowly escaped baseball size hail and 70 mph winds, we drove through the Badlands, now covered with Sweet Clover, a terrible invasive plant. The Badlands are still beautiful and hopefully they will find a way to eradicate the Sweet Clover. We headed west out of Wall Drug and into Rapid City where we stocked up on supplies. Donna, who loves to cook, pretty much bought out the grocery store.

Our destination was in a remote location between Deadwood and Nemo in the Black Hills. Following directions, we finally arrived at Hay Creek Ranch, a facility very similar to The Natural Gait. Doug met us immediately and greeted us. Helping us with his tractor to clean out our horse trailer and show us our cabin, he is a very nice and friendly person. We decided to stay here at Hay Creek Ranch primarily because of the positive and vibrant conversation with his friendly wife, Jody, via phone several weeks before we left home. We had made several other contacts and we knew by intuition that this would be the best place to stay. We were right!

Doug has bent over backwards to help us and make us feel comfortable. After starting the Hay Creek Ranch four years ago, Doug and Jody are able to measure their success by a very unique method as illustrated on youtube….

You will find the cabins clean, comfortable, well furnished and cozy. There are five cabins with varying occupancies. Many choices of horse stalls are available. With miles of horse trails and Doug’s willingness and pleasure to show you many of the hidden ones, it is a real treat to be with real people away from home.

Visit Hay Creek Ranch and let Doug and Jody take care of the rest.

Live Blog - Doc Hammill's Driving Workshop at TNG

Hey , this is so neat there is a "live blog" going on at The Natural Gait. Doc Hammill is at The Natural Gait doing a horse driving clinic/workshop. Check it out here http://dochammill.blogspot.com .

Omelets Anyone?

We ran across this article on a fun way to make omelets. I have actually done this before with my grandkids when we camp. All ages enjoy this treat. The Natural Gait

By Angela Carson (Bookerc1)June 08, 2009
This summer, my husband's Aunt Marlene and Uncle Jim introduced us to an entirely new way of making omelets! It is perfect for a camp-out or a quick meal at home, and best of all, each person gets to customize their own omelet to include all their favorite fillings. This is a great way to use some of that summer garden bounty!

Each summer, our family vacations at a little cottage at Lake Okoboji in northwestern Iowa. The fun part is that we never know what other family members will be there at the same time! Staying at the cottage is a step back in time: no television, no computers, and no alarm clocks allowed on the shared outdoor sleeping porch. This year, we shared the cottage with my husband's aunt and uncle, so we took turns planning meals together. One night, they taught us this simple and fun method of making omelets, which they learned while camping. They told us that they watched, intrigued, as several families gathered for a meal at a nearby campsite. Each family brought a few omelet ingredients to contribute. As our own omelet-making adventure was not planned in advance, we just used whatever we had in the refrigerator at the cottage!
First, assemble all your favorite omelet fillings. Summer is the perfect time for omelets, as the garden offers an ever-changing selection of fresh fillings! You can include anything you like, but here is a brief list of some of our favorites:
Potential Ingredients
1 to 3 eggs for each person
1 to 2 tablespoons milk per person
spinach
onion, chopped (either raw or sautéed in butter; I enjoy yellow, red, or green onions in mine!)
garlic
sausage (browned)
ham
bacon (cooked)
mushrooms (I love button mushrooms sautéed with butter and garlic)
broccoli (steamed or microwaved until crisp-tender)
cauliflower (steamed or microwaved until crisp-tender)
chopped tomatoes
salsa
shredded cheese
peppers, either sweet or hot, diced
fresh herbs: thyme, basil, or chives are great
any leftover cooked meat or vegetable in the fridge! Be creative!
Equipment Needed:
Large pot of boiling water, plus heat source
4 to 6 wooden clothespins (one for each bag)
Heavy plastic zipper-type freezer bags, one per person
Bowls or plates to hold ingredients
Here are the basic instructions:
Put a tall pot of water on the stove (or campfire) and bring it to a boil.
Label a heavy zippered freezer bag for each person in your group, somewhere near the top. We used a permanent marker for this. Fold the top of the freezer bag down, forming a cuff on the outside.
Crack 2-3 eggs into your bag, depending on how big an omelet you want. If your kids are rookie egg crackers, you might prefer to let them crack each one into a bowl first, so you can pick out the shell pieces. (Alternately, for easy packing for a camping trip, combine your eggs and milk at home, and pour however much each person wants into their bag. You may also substitute cholesterol-free egg substitute, or reduce the number of egg yolks, for a low-fat alternative.)
Add about 1 tablespoon of milk for every 2 eggs, slightly more for 3 eggs. We just kind of "sloshed" some in from the jug, but you can measure if you are a perfectionist!
Add as much or as little of each filling ingredient as you wish! We set each filling out in a bowl, and just went down the line buffet-style.
Squeeze out as much excess air as possible, and zip the bag shut.
Use wooden clothespins to clip several bags around the inside perimeter of the pan. You can fit 4-6 bags at one time inside most big pots. Make sure that there is enough water to keep the omelet mostly submerged. If you have too much air in your bag, it will float above the surface!
Boil them for 7 to 9 minutes, until the omelet looks firmly set. A three-egg omelet, or one with lots of cheese and fillings, will take longer to cook through than a small omelet, or one with few fillings.
Carefully remove the bags from the boiling water. Unzip the bag, and let the omelet slide gently out onto your plate.
Salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!



At the end of the week, as we wrote in the cottage journal about our vacation, our boys both mentioned making Omelets-in-a-Bag as a big highlight of their trip! And there weren't even any messy egg-encrusted pans to deal with later!

Trout Fishing Tips, Tricks & Techniques

The trout are really hitting right here on our farm in NE Iowa on the Yellow River. Some gentlemen just this week filled their limit each day while staying at the Ion Inn. We’ve just made some improvements to our little secluded campsites right on the river. Here’s an article that I found on trout fishing techniques. Come on over to The Natural Gait and give it a try.
Trout Fishing Tips, Tricks, & Techniques to Help You Catch More Trout
By Trevor Kugler
Over the past 25 years, spent trout fishing from coast to coast, I've learned some valuable tips, tricks, and techniques that have resulted in many trout being caught. In this article I will reveal some of these tips, tricks, and techniques so that you can implement them into your trout fishing repertoire. I know that you will find them every bit as valuable as I do.
The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to trout fishing is that the more time that you can spend on the water, the better. Nothing will help your trout catching abilities like practicing your craft. Everyone says that patience is integral to fishing (and they're right), but practice is every bit as valuable as patience to being a successful fisherman. The bottom line is that the more time you can spend on the water, the better your angling skills will become, and the more fish you will catch.
Let's start with your fishing line. When fishing for trout a great trick is to use fishing line that's as light as possible. I personally prefer four pound test monofilament, and six pound test is passable in most trout fishing situations. I like to spool my reel with Stren clear blue monofilament so that the line is visible to me, yet undetectable to the trout. The bottom line is that trout live in cool, clear water and spook easily, so the lighter your line, the more bites you will get.
The next trout fishing trick is to use small fishing hooks. A great technique is to use gang hooks, which are two small hooks tied in tandem. These hooks allow you to present bait (especially worms) in a totally natural manner. This makes a HUGE difference in the number of bites that you receive. The "gang hook" trout fishing technique is deadly once mastered.
If you truly want to catch more trout one of the best tips I have is to make sure that you're on the water at the most opportune times. What do I mean by this? There are certain times of the day, week, and month that trout are more active than others. You can figure out when the best times for trout fishing are by paying attention to the weather and moon, and planning your fishing trips accordingly. This is easily one of the easiest trout fishing tips to implement into your fishing repertoire. Once you know the simple rules, you can start making sure that you are on the water fishing when the trout are the most active.
These trout fishing tips, tricks, and techniques will help you catch more trout as soon as they are learned and practiced, so I suggest you get out there and start putting one or all of them into action. You won't be disappointed, I promise you. Remember, the more time that you can spend on the water fishing for trout the better.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and Internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler

Recreational Trails Program Up For Reauthorization

America’s Horse, May 11, 2009 – The American Horse Council, of which the American Quarter Horse Association is a member organization, is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. If Congress does not take action this year, this program could no longer be available to recreational riders.
The Recreational Trails Program provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last reauthorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; however, this law is about to expire. The RTP will have to be reauthorized in the next national surface transportation program bill if it is to continue.
Since its inception, the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail-related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails.
Although each state manages its own program, 30 percent of RTP funds must be spent on nonmotorized projects like equestrian trails, 30 percent on motorized and 40 percent on multiuse projects.
In the coming months, Congress is expected to begin work on the next five-year highway bill. The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users, is requesting that Congress not only reauthorize the RTP but also increase funding for the program to $555 million to be spent during the five years of the bill.
“AQHA has been successful in grassroots lobbying, and we once again need the help of our members to ensure that our trails stay funded and functional for equestrian activities,” said Don Treadway Jr., AQHA Executive Vice President.
The AHC urges recreational riders to contact their members of Congress to voice support for this program.
Join The Natural Gait in our Three Day Benefit June 12th thru 14th for Restoration and Reconstruction of the Native American Prairie and Equestrian Trails. Click HERE to learn more.

Contact information for your representatives and senators can be found at http://www.house.gov/ and http://www.senate.gov/.

Mother Nature Doesn't Ask For Much

Just like any other mom, she wants safe, healthy places for her young to survive and thrive.You can lend a hand to Mother Nature this weekend by making your backyard wildlife-friendly Just provide the things that animals need most - food, water, shelter and places to raisetheir families.http://www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/certify.cfm?campaignid=WH09FMDX

Join over 115,000 folks who have already created havens for wildlife in their yards through National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program . You’ll not only be helping Mother Nature, you’ll also receive great benefits (see right)!Plus, when you certify your backyard , your $20 application fee allows NWF to continue its important conservation andeducation work on behalf of imperiled wildlife and wild places across the country.Please certify today!Sincerely,David MizejewskiNWF Naturalist, Media Spokesperson, AuthorP.S. Need one more reason to certify? Your certification also makes you eligible to purchase the “wildly” popular Certified Wildlife Habitat™ yard sign that shows your commitment to safeguarding America's wildlife. Get started now!

Madison Midwest Horse Fair and The Natural Gait

A toe tapping experience at the Madison Midwest Horse Fair with Pat Meade singing was enjoyed by the huge crowd gathering around The Natural Gait booth. Check out on YouTube: http://www.mail2web.com/cgi-bin/redir.asp?lid=0&newsite=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_CZskkSAfA

DB

Come Stay at The Natural Gait

Just got back from a busy weekend at the annual Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin. What a show – lots of people, beautiful horses, new products, learning opportunities. The energy always really flows at that show. It’s always great to see old friends and make new ones at that event. Here’s a little short video clip of our good friend Pat Meade who performs at our booth and brings back that old western nostalgia with his songs. This is a one with a little different twist that the little kids love (and us big kids too). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Kg67ENO5M&feature=channel_pageThanks everyone for stopping by and supporting us. Many of you have already taken advantage of the raffle discounts – but if you haven’t yet, remember to call in by May 1 to make your reservation – dates are filling up fast. Don’t forget our trails are now open and we look forward to your stay with us.
Donna & Howard Bright

Is Nature Deficit Disorder Real?

By Tobin Hack, Plenty magazine

Is there concrete evidence for the health benefits of childhood nature play? Some parents, particularly those who live in an urban setting, worry that they don’t get their kids outside often enough. Outdoor play has been linked to better health, but what specifically are the benefits? The $500 million No Child Left Inside Act (H.R. 3036, sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes and Sen. Jack Reed) was passed by the House in September 2008 and might actually be up for Senate scrutiny in early 2009 if all goes well. In anticipation, the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) coalition has already drafted an open letter to the President-elect, urging him to throw his weight behind the bill. According to a government press release, “The legislation would improve existing environmental education programs by providing states with resources to train teachers, develop research-based programs and create environmental literacy plans to ensure that students understand the role of the environment as a natural resource.” In other words, it would get kids outside and instill in them a bit of awe and respect for the natural world. But the real authority when it comes to nature play and outdoor education is Richard Louv—Audubon Medal winner, author of 2005 bestseller Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, and founder of the Children & Nature Network. Having literally written the book on the importance of nature play, Louv had this to say about its psychological and physical health benefits: “Children benefit greatly from unstructured play, particularly make-believe play. And kids are far more creative in natural play spaces than on the typical flat playground, whether it’s made of concrete or turf. They are far more likely to invent their own games in natural places. And in schools that have outdoor classrooms kids tend to do better across the board from social studies to standardized testing.
The state of Iowa has initiated the "Iowa Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights" to come up with ideas on getting children outdoors into nature. Many other states are following suite. We at The Natural Gait where nature abounds are looking at ways to encourage families to come to The Natural Gait and take nature hikes on our trails. Enjoy the many birds that live there along with the abundance of other wildlife.

3 Keys To Everything...

I’ve been thinking a LOT about this since the first time I watched it, especially with all the talk these days of “bailouts” and rescue plans.
Yeah right. You and I both know the only REAL solution is the one you give yourself…
3 Keys To Everything... http://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA
And, quite honestly, I’m feeling very excited for you to see this too. Because it’s all about something powerful that could change everything about how you live your life.
I’ve been implementing the suggestions here for a while now,and even taking just the smallest steps makes very BIG results.
As a matter of fact, when I think how my whole frame of reference has changed, I feel so thankful. Honestly, it is like night and day. And what’s more, I can say without any hesitation that I love my life now.
No more sitting around with my fingers crossed, just hoping for the best.
I live abundantly every single day. And you can too.
This is the Ultimate Solution... http://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA
But not so long ago, things were very different for me. My life was ruled by whatever happened around me. Maybe you fall into that trap too.
For example if the news is full of gloom and doom, you absorb that as your reality, and it negatively impacts how you think about almost everything.
Even worse, it can happen when you share your goals and dreams with those near and dear to you--and their “well meaning” comments leave you feeling like you must have been crazy to think you could do it.
Do you ever feel like that?
If you do, I have some really good news for you.
You see, today you can start implementing three powerful but simple steps that will positively impact your life.
In fact, if you listen closely to this guy, you’ll soon be blazing past every stubborn obstacle in your path. It’s surprisingly easy once you finally “get it”.
Listen To This Guy... http://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA
I can say this with absolute certainty because I’ve experienced an exciting shift in my thinking, and so have others I’ve shared this with. It totally impacts your life in the most positive way.
And once you find that “sweet spot” in HOW you think, it’s with you all the time.
When you watch this, you might even want to take a few notes so you don’t miss a thing.I promise you’ll feel the difference as soon as you start doing this.
To your massive prosperity,
Donna
P.S. Don’t for one second think this is too easy and it won’t work for you. Nothing could be further from the truth! This is powerful in it’s simplicity, as you will soon see.
Watch The Video Nowhttp://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA

Costa Rica Earthquakes

While on vacation in Costa Rica, Donna and I experienced 4 tremors as we felt the house wobble and another time in the swimming pool. Nearby earthquakes echoed their strength as we felt their vibes. Some people that don't live in California or in an area stricken by earthquakes believe that they might die in the first earthquake that they experience in a seismically-active country like Costa Rica. Of course that terrible tragedies have occurred in any country where the forces of nature are extremely active, but tourists must realize that even in regions like these, natural occurrences rarely turn out to be catastrophes.Costa Rica is a natural bridge between North and South America. The natural forces that created it are still at work, especially since the country is geologically speaking, only three million years old (very young for geological standards). The frequent earthquakes are caused by the collision and movement of the two main tectonic plates around Costa Rica: the Cocos plate (Pacific) and the Atlantic plate. Seismic waves are caused when the friction between plates can't accumulate further and must be released. Small-scale tremors and earthquakes are common and extremely harmless, but srong earthquakes occur less often. -- Howard Bright, PresidentIon Exchange, Inc.http://www.ionxchange.com 800-291-2143
“Helping you create your own natural beauty”
View our “New” Bird and Butterfly Attractor Station http://www.ionxchange.com/bird_and_butterfly_attractor_sta.htm

Lloyd Vann named Costa Rica Strong Man of 2009

As an employee of Ion Exchange, Inc. where my wages were doubled every week, I was still depressed. My employers were going to give me one last chance to come around. In desperation, they sent me to the jungle of Costa Rica where I became a real man and now I'm pumped and ready to go with both feet on the ground. I’m Lloyd Vann, nominated as Costa Rica’s Strong Man of the Year 2009. Take a look! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1eJprNUew

Mr Toucan

Howard & I watch the Toucans outside the house we’re renting in Costa Rica every day. They are very beautiful and inquisitive birds. The sunsets here everyday are incredible. Check out our videos we took yesterday, we need say no more – just watch & listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HlZau0igzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg9OPg9Ilx0

Donna Bright

A Poem by Howard Bright
Mr. Toucan
See the Toucan. I wonder does he even know how beautiful he is? Does he care? Is it important to him? How does he stay so clean and always dressed for the occasion?
Not to worry you, Mr. Toucan,
I just wanted you to know that you made my day!



Howard Bright Ion Exchange and The Natural Gait