Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Irrelevant Phrases

Remove from your lexicon phrases like “one of these days,” “If the weather holds,” or  ”new year’s resolution.”
It is early March and no-one talks anymore about their new year's resolutions. Have they been achieved? Only a few exceptional individuals have, for the majority it was ephemeral wishful thinking that vanished as fast as the beautiful fireworks in Lake Las Vegas
Desires fail to cristalize due to a lack of strategy and conviction.
Back in 1985 at the release part of my first book, Country of Dwarfs some friends and acquaintances told me:  ”One of these days I am going to write a book about my life too.”
27 years and two more books later, that "one day" has not come yet for those who spoke and sadly some have even passed away
When I relocated to Germany, I invited everyone to visit me and someone gave me the lamest excuse I have ever heard. “If the weather holds I’ll be there to see you.”
Seasons came and went and the forecast was never good enough for her during my time in Europe.
Those and many other useless phrases people easily utter may be gone, but not forgotten and we better not talk about something we are not ready to do. Any successful enterprise requires true will and commitment. It is not necessary to wait for a new year to start a project we envision. Talk about your goal when you already have a written plan in place that you are currently working on and ask your circle of people for advice and opinion if necessary.
If talk is cheap, dumb excuses are even more and that “one day” surely will never come if you don’t start working on what you truly want now. The day to start the completion of your dreams is today.
Time waits for no-one, no, not even you and it is time you eliminate the aforementioned phrases from your vocabulary once and for all
Take your planner, calendar, and agenda to start writing a detailed plan of action for what you always wanted and act!
Author Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay

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Monday, March 5, 2012

Tip of the Week

Life is a chain of moment of enjoyment, not only about survival.
Every day, every hour, every minute is special and you don't know if it will be your last
Leave hate and resentment in the past, they are a waste of your precious time on Earth. Start living yuor life to the fullest Now!
Author Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay

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Saturday, March 3, 2012

Water Dwelling

Is water a possible habitat for people? Our planet’s surface consists of 67% sea and 33% land, with the immense majority of us living inland. How does the aquatic minority live?
In Tahiti and some other South Pacific Islands people immerse in the lukewarm ocean to eat, drink, and share
Water waiters and cooks are available when necessary
A nap in the sea is similar, but very different than a water bed
Within this small minority differences exist, as in the ground life.
Floating restaurants are common in the Philippines where cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes are a yearly occurrence

After the storm is time to eat and fried bananas with sugar, washed with beer makes a good lunch
The human species are not specifically designed to dwell in the water, but we are capable to adapt to any circumstance. Many of the ancient cultures have documented floods from the beginning of time and humankind has survived.
Human ingenuity has no limits and this example is proof that we can always start again to rebuild our lives
In a planet with so much H2O on its surface and atmosphere any disturbance makes the vital liquid re-accommodate. Major events like earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and tsunamis always leave a sequence of casualties and those living in coastal areas are the most vulnerable.
Regardless our geographical position, no-one is exempt from calamities and we have to do a better job to prepare for possible disasters. It is not a matter of if, but when it will happen again. Even in the safest areas a fire, riot, or “act of God” may occur and an emergency kit at hand will be our best friend. A backpack full and ready to go with a flashlight, lighter, Swiss Army knife, travel size toiletries, battery operated radio, medicines,  jeans, sturdy, comfortable shoes, weatherproof jacket, gloves, hat, water, first aid kit, and a few cans and candy are the minimum requirements for anyone to survive a disaster while we find a suitable situation to settle again. Kits may be customized to individual needs and skills, but it never hurts to have one ready.
Five years ago, an electrical fire destroyed part of the apartment complex where I used to live. When the alarm system went off, I was able to safely get out with my most meaningful belongings, my cat, and back pack emergency kit in less than three minutes. It certainly was not fun to forfeit my insured property, but having my documents, photos, and planner saved in a USB port, along with my lap top, cell phone, and back pack made my return to normalcy much easier than if I was caught off guard.
December 21st, 2012 Marks the end of the Mayan Calendar. A prophetic day also appointed by the Hopi Native Americans, and the I Ching Oracle in China
The scientific truth is that a rare galactic and planetary alignment will occur on the date of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
Every 26,000 years our sun completes a long cycle, when it gets situated in the middle of our galaxy, the Milky Way and the planets in our system align. It also coincides with the completion of the rotation of the Earth's axle, which is not even, it wobbles and produces the phenomenon known as precession
All these events combined have made many people from every corner of the world to come up with different possible scenarios for our planet on that fateful date. Proximity to the gamma and UV sun rays would have a terrible effect on people, animals, and plants, or a change of the Earth’s polarity would certainly bring a disaster  of Biblical proportions. Who will survive a global catastrophe ? Those who are taking precautions NOW have a much better opportunity to live once everything is settled again, than those who live their lives like a candle in the wind.
Whether or not doomsday comes to Earth this December is up to individual interpretation, but if it does the best approach is to look with good eyes a new beginning. Because if the world as we know it drastically changes life will go on and the show must go on even in a water world
The positive outlook of the Mayan philosophy is that the predicted day will kick off the new era of enlightenment for humanity when the return of their Gods is expected. My personal advice is to be not only prepared materially, but spiritually if our time comes up. Tell your loved ones how much you care for them and spend time together. Complete your projects and fulfill your life.
The Maya were the masters of time, they view it in a circular manner with events that will re-occur versus our linear approach. They produced the most accurate calendar ever made by any civilization and were so advanced that predicted their own demise.
We are only nine months away to find out the truth. Will the end of days come this year? Only time will tell, but time, as the Maya knew too well is running out!
Author Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Animal Affinity

Besides pets, most people can relate to an animal close to our behavior.
I relate to the wolf, a charismatic, feared, misunderstood, and legendary figure
I never feared them, I fed them and they became my company and protectors in one of my most exotic treks. My 1990 winter exploration of the great North Germany area 50 Miles East of Flensburg, close to the border with Denmark
Geography and culture is very often what makes people closer to certain species.
In Thailand elephants and persons have a very close relationship
In Puerto Rico many have affinity with giant butterflies
In Grand Rapids, my friend Anthony Eskew is known as the Bird Man of Michigan
Dinosaurs maybe extinct, but artists go to great lengths to portrait them in ice sculptures which thousands visit in Sweden
In Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico my niece, Estrella Navarro Holm closely study and photographs the hump whales diving next to them
In Australia, my friend and colleague Gisele Sedlmeyer has documented the life and habitat of the elusive Peruvian Condor in her three book series; Talon
In Tanzania, this woman reads and records the life of her close orangutan friends
Our resemblance to animals starts at an early age
The likeness continues through our younger years
They continue to be an intrinsic part of our lives as young adults, as the elks are for this couple in Armenia
Life without animals would be impossible for humans, we rely on them for cargo, transportation, sustenance, company…you name it. Preference for a particular specie is as varied as humans are and many of us have animal nicknames.
I am called "Phoenix," for my many near death experiences and always bouncing back to life.
The mythical phoenix bird comes from the ancient Egyptian culture where we are told actually existed in the old days. It consumed itself by fire every 500 years and rose renewed from its ashes. Just like the dodo bird in the Mauritius island it became extinct for over hunting and abuse from the common predator of the animal kingdom, men.
My magical and nickname is Phoenix, but I am not constantly thinking in death and rebirth. I have an affinity with the wolf because, just like them…
The "lonely wolf" is capable to survive long periods of time in isolation and knows how to lick her wounds by herself
A wolf also functions well in "the pack" and can be friendly and sociable with those who are not intimidated by its presence
 Yes, If I had to chose an animal to reincarnate I would be a wolf. What about you ? You may not have a pet or nickname, but you may have an animal affinity or likeness to relate to. So what would that be? Fell free to comment if you want.
My name is Ingrid, my middle name Ivanna, my nickname Phoenix, but I identify myself as Wolf and you can call me the way you wish; because either way I will always be Quintessentially Yours!
Author Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay 

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Author Ingrid Holm-Garibay News: Freiburg The Eco City

Author Ingrid Holm-Garibay News: Freiburg The Eco City: On a day like to day, but in 1989 and while touring Southern Germany I spent a weekend in Freiburg. Located at the South West corner of the...

Freiburg The Eco City

On a day like to day, but in 1989 and while touring Southern Germany I spent a weekend in Freiburg.
Located at the South West corner of the country almost bordering France, Freiburg is known for being the world’s most ecological city. Vehicular traffic is closed downtown, people walk, ride bicycles, or use the electric trolley transportation. Plenty of flora and fauna are combined with the old Classic German Architecture on cobblestone streets which make it a pleasure to behold. A bearable winter, delicious typical Bavarian food, impeccable maintenance, and friendly folks make Freiburg, the Eco City one of the best places to live in our planet.

 Freiburg is the perfect example that it is possible to live in harmony with our environment and with the modern world technological advances. A model that is definitely okay to copy for the world and a place I highly recommend you to visit.
Author Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Stress Buster

Every day or as often as you can…
Search for knowledge, read more, sit on your front porch, balcony or main window, and admire the view without paying attention to your needs for a while.
And then… Continue with all the activities in your schedule.  We all need a break, specially those who live a fast lifestyle with a tight planner full of daily events and commitments.
You will feel refreshed and re-energized. Try it, it works for me
Author Ingrid I. Holm-Garibay

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