Awakening Joy for Seniors by Jeff Wessman

Happiness is not for the lucky few—it’s a choice anyone can make. In his groundbreaking first book, written with Shoshana Alexander, Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness (A Bantam Books Hardcover). James Baraz, cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and renowned meditation teacher for more than 30 years, reveals his 10-step program, based on the curriculum of his popular “Awakening Joy” course, for how we can reorient our minds away from dissatisfaction and distraction and toward the contentment and delight that is abundantly available in our everyday lives.

The seven factors of awakening (bojjhaṅga)

• Mindfulness (sati)
• Investigation (dhamma-vicaya)
• Energy (vīriya)
• Rapture (pīti)
• Tranquility (passaddhi)
• Concentration (samādhi)
• Equanimity (upekkhā)
• 
  
• Visit the following site for details:

https://www.audible.com/pd/Awakening-Joy-Audiobook/B004GEHV4E

Personal Note: If you attended last Wednesday Talk and you want to continue the Series, please let Galen know. If you were not able to attend, but like the summary in this posting, let me know also. I will relay your desire to Activity,  Have A GREAT Weekend everyone and looking forward for today's Excursion at Pier 1.

    

Poker Games and New Activity Room Here at THD

Last week THD activity started Texas Hold "em Poker💚. It is the simplest way of playing poker. Playing the game reminded me of my younger years, when I played Pai Gow Poker at the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Ca every month from 2005 to 2015.  

 So what is Pai Gow Poker, here's what Wikipedia says:  

Pai gow poker (also called double-hand poker) is a version of pai gow that is played with playing cards, instead of traditional pai gow's Chinese dominoes. The game of pai gow poker was created in 1985 in the United States by Sam Torosian, owner of the Bell Card Club.

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus a single joker. It is played on a table set for six players, plus the dealer. Each player attempts to defeat the banker (who may be the casino dealer, one of the other players at the table, or a player acting in tandem with the dealer as co-bankers).

Winning condition

The object of pai gow poker is to create a five-card poker hand and a two-card poker hand from seven cards that beat both of the bank's hands. The five-card hand's rank must exceed that of the two-card hand, and it is for this reason that the two-card hand is often called the "small", "minor", "low" or "2nd highest" hand whereas the five-card hand is "high" or "big." The two-card hand is also physically placed in front of the five-card hand, leading to the respective terms "front" (or "top") hand and "back" (or "bottom") hand.

https://www.888poker.com/magazine/strategy/pai-gow-poker

I suggested to THD Activityi Personnels ( Cidney and Teresa) that we should play weekly alternating Texas Hold Em, Pai Gao, Black Jack and Gin Rummy or Hearts in our newly furnished Game Room at the Lobby.  Cidney and Teresa said they will evaluate and study on  the feasibility of my suggestion.   

Meanwhile, The New Activity Room is now fully furnished withe 4 round tables and 8 chairs to match. I love the modern ( black and white) look of the furnishings. The Chair cushion may need a little pad to ease the burden of sitting for a few hours playing card games or doing handicraft/art work. Here are photos yesterday that I took with Patty, Peggy and Hisako of the new furnishings of the Room.

 

One long Side Table by the Side of the Fireplace complement the balance and beauty of the Room used to be called the FirePlace Lounge.  

💚https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Poker

My Unfinished Novel- The Intellectual Migrants- An Update

The other day, I had meal time conversation with the son of a co-resident. Her son is visiting from abroad and is a published writer and novelist.  We talked about my writing and blogging activities. The conversation reminded me of my unfinished semi-autobiographical novel that is still in draft form, because all my writing energy is concentrated on my daily blogs. I am curious if he is willing to finish it and he will be my co-author. Maybe just a foolish wish, but if your are reading this and know of someone who wants to be my co-author, it will make my dream come true as a published novelist. If the novel makes some money. I will sign a contract that I will only received 25% and he/she will received 75% of the sales.  Just Dreaming!!!   

 Meanwhile here's a repost of the Plot and story line of my unfinished novel. Comments, anyone?   I have some of the subplots in draft form and more details from the secondary Characters of My Unfinished Novel. 

My Unpublished Novel- The Intellectual Migrants 

 

In 2002 after my retirement from FDA, I drafted a semi-autobiographical novel. I have the summary/outline and chapters all drafted, but today it is still an outline draft and I have no energy or inspiration to finish it. Currently, all my writing energies are concentrated in my blogs. 

After Dodie's ( my oldest son) novel, The Cloyne Court was published released at Amazon  https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/7576060-cloyne-court, I felt no desire in finishing this novel. The unexpected thing was that the hero of Dodie's novel was Derek, also the name of the main character in my draft. Dodie does not know of my draft story. A very unexpected coincidence, I may say.

The other main character in my draft was named Martina. Martina and Derek were married for over 62 years and have 2 adults children - Donato and Daniela. There is a 3rd major character in my novel, the villain named Dante. The full fictitious names of the three main characters are Derek Belleza Katigbak, Martina Nieva Jalandoni and Dante Sarmiento Reyes.  

Several minor characters are in my draft named Isabel, Manuel, Austin, Rowena, Renato and Martha ( all semi-fictional).  The names are some of Derek and Martina's friends during their over 62 years of married life and residence in Chicago, Illinois, Kansas City, Missouri, Silver Spring, MD, Modesto and Pinole, CA. 

The first scene in the novel was on the Airplane, on United Airlines from the US to Stockholm, Sweden. Derek was on his way to receive his Nobel Prize Award. Derek is the first Filipino-American to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Dr. Derek research on the botanical extracts from a rare plant in the Philippines that lead to the development of a pill that retards the aging process was the main reason he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.  During his flight flash backs and reveries of his life from childhood in the Philippines until his retirement in the US dominated his memory. This is the main theme of the novel.

The draft of my novel has plenty of scenes of sexual nature- hetero, homo and bisexuality as well as group sex. All these scenes are fictional indeed, but in my mind if I want this novel to be a best seller it has to have plenty of sex of all kinds. 

The novel also discuss Filipino culture and traditions and the adjustment of Filipino immigrants to life in the US.  It describes the life of  Derek as a Graduate Student in US, his marriage and courtship of Martina and finally Derek and Martina involvement with the Filipino-American Communities in the Tristate Area of MD_VA -DC, California, Missouri and in the Philippines.    

The last two chapters outline the life of Derek and Martina's two adult and accomplished children,-Donato and Daniela . Donato became a lawyer specializing in cyber crime and a published writer; Daniela became a famous painter and later became the first Filipino-American to be a Presidential Appointee. 

The location of the novel are in the Philippines, Illinois, California, Missouri, Washington DC and Maryland. Other locations are in Southern Spain, London, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Cancun, London and Rome. 

There  is a chapter on Chateau Du Mer in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines.  I was hoping I could write a novel that is not only that entertaining but also educational. I was also planning the novel to be a little bit trashy and incorporate the 7 common sexual fantasies, so it will sell and perhaps become a popular novel.   

The Novel ends when Derek woke up from his reveries when the plane landed in Sweden. Derek could hear the audience thunderous applause as he receives his Award as he walks out of the airplane. 

The draft of this novel had been in my possession for over two decades now. Again, I do not have the energy, inspiration and determination to finish it. So like Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, The Intellectual Migrants will be my Unfinished Story.   

Meanwhile enjoy these two photos the artistic creation of Mariano(Anoy) Catague in the Philippines- A Painter and Sculpture. Anoy is a distant relative whose ancestry originated from Antique Province, Philippines. Anoy is now a resident of Davao City.

For Mariano Catague artistic accomplishments, read his Face Book Page. 

 

" ALIGN "

acrylic on canvas

4' X 4'

Anoy Catague

2022

The Beauty of Aging in Our Culture

 I was reading an article recently published in the East Bay Times on the Beauty of Aging.  I identified with the sentiment of the article that I am reposting excerpts from the article. It was written by Charles Blow dated June 21, 2024. Here some excerpts that I enjoyed very much. 

1. No one really tells us how we are supposed to age, how much fighting against it and how much acceptance of it is the right balance. 

2. There is after all, a beauty of aging. And aging is about more than how we look and feel our bodies. It is also about how the world around us plows ahead and pulls us along. 

3. I have no intention of raging against my aging. I intend to embrace it, to embrace the muscles aches and the crow's feet as a price of growing wisdom and grace. 

4. Lastly, Aging, as I see it, is a gift, and I will receive it with gratitude. 

Here are two more quotes on the beauty of Aging; 

Lastly here's an activity here in THD that I plan on attending- Jeff Wessmann- Joy of Awakening for Seniors, Wednesday, June 26, 7-8PM at the Cinema. 

 

        

The Greeter's Role and Space Allocation for Activities Here at THD

WITH A LOT OF NEW RESIDENTS MOVING IN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS, it is imperative that they should be welcome and made feel right at home with the help of the THD Greeter's Program. 

I believe that the Greeter's most important duty is to inform the new resident to complete the Vital of Life Packet that will include the resident health information and will help the 911 providers in case of emergency. This Packet should be included in the New Resident Brochure. It should be posted in the Refrigerator of each apartment for easy accessibility in case of a 911 emergency. 

 The general  role of the Greeter is as follows:

• 
  Greeters’ role is to simply help the new resident adjust to their new life at THD. Be a point of contact for them should they need help with dining, transportation, activities, or navigating the THD property. 
• Invite them to a lunch/dinner.
• Invite them to THD social events or excursions.
• Introduce them to other residents and hopefully new friendships develop organically.

 

Overall, the role of the greeter is just being friendly, welcoming, and supportive!

I have been a Greeter twice during the last 4 months. I enjoyed this activity very much. I was the Greeter of Jay Pollack and John and Carol Larimore. If you want to know If I was an excellent Greeter feel free to ask Jay, John or Carol. 

Meanwhile allow me to mention again my earlier postings in how each person/resident here at THD could contribute to the sense of community and belonging in our community. 

  

 https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/05/building-sense-of-community-here-at-thd_24.html

Meanwhile, I heard thru the grape vine ( there is no official announcement or e-mail), that the Fireside Lounge will be converted into an ACTIVITY ROOM. If this is true, this is one of the best furniture rearrangement and space allocation that THD management has done this past year.  THD need a space for Activities like Wine Tasting, Arts and Crafts and other activities that are well attended.

To me Activity is one of the most important factor in enhancing the well-being of its Senior Citizens by promoting sense of community and belonging here at THD. My Kudos and Congratulations, to the Person (s) who initiated on this Room Conversion Rearrangement and Space Allocation here at THD.

I also heard that an interior decorator has been hired to update the old antiquated look of the Churchill's Pub. This is also a much welcome change. Keep up with Good Work THD Management and Activities Personnels.      

Lastly, The other day, I had the chilled cucumber soup that I enjoyed very much. Kudos to Agustin and his Kitchen Crew. 

Newton's Dining Area is almost filled to Capacity During Dinner Time at 5PM. Is there room for Expansion? 

THD is Now Advertising as a Pet-Friendly Community

My Two Pets( Batman & Robin) enjoying Their Catio and Fresh Air. Both are eagerly watching for the squirrels and humming birds in the neighborhood. My Catio is one of the primary reasons why I chose THD as my new downsizing home.

THD recent advertising appears to be getting positive results based on the expected number of new residents moving this Month and the next 2 months. Last week it advertised as a community for active seniors based on its fitness and exercise program. 

"Staying active is crucial for seniors. Our state-of-the-art fitness center, serene yoga studio, year-round heated pool, and guided walks keep you healthy and engaged. Plus, our partnership with Senior Reach Fitness offers tailored classes just for you. Discover the benefits of fitness and join our vibrant community today! "

This week it is advertising it as a pet friendly senior community as follows:

"Pets bring unconditional love, companionship, and numerous health benefits to our lives. At The Heritage Downtown, we proudly support pet companionship with our pet-friendly environment. From emotional support and physical health benefits to mental stimulation and routine, pets enhance the lives of our residents in so many ways.

Our community offers pet-friendly apartments, on-site pet amenities, and access to pet care services, ensuring that both residents and their furry friends can thrive. We also organize pet-friendly social activities, creating opportunities for residents and their pets to build friendships and share joy.

As far as I know, there are two other residents with 2 black cats as pets. Small dogs are the most popular pets. I believe there are at least six residents with small dogs. I know of other 2 residents with bigger dogs with very sweet personality, JoJo and Willy. Some of the smaller dogs are always barking if left alone by their owners for a couple of hours. Other small pets are well-behave, but most of the pets are under control by their owners and are not allowed inside the Dining room.

Here's my previous posting on cats and dogs as pets:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/11/are-you-dog-or-cat-lover.html

Meanwhile, Jenny informed me yesterday that the next apartment to me ( F104) that had been vacant for several months will now have a new occupant soon. I am looking forward to meet my new neighbor. Have A Great and HOT Weekend everyone. Keep cool and stay in the Shade!

Lunch at FOB Kitchen- A Gastronomic Delight

THD Lunch Excursion, FOB Kitchen, Oakland, CA June 20, 2024 ( Temescal District)💥 

The Bar and Front Desk of FOB Kitchen Restaurant and Bar featuring the Flag of the Philippines

Yesterday lunch excursion at FOB Kitchen in the Oakland Temescal District💥 ( 52nd/Telegraph) was indeed a gastronomic success. There were 9 THD residents💚who attended and chaperon by Teresa Nudo(THD Activity) with Joseph Woo, our van Driver. We ordered family style at my suggestion.  I ordered chicken adobo, garlic fried rice, Shanghai lumpia( 2) and Vegetable lumpia( 2), lechon kawali, pansit sotanghon( 2), mushrooms and tofu siarciado  For dessert we have Turon( with jackfruit) with ube( purple) ice cream and Mango rice Cake. 

I ordered an extra pancit and lumpia (egg rolls) that I was able to bring after lunch to the Front Desk.  I hope Emma, Deanna. Cydney, Galen  and Barbara and others were able to taste/sample what we residents 💚brought for them.   

This lunch had been planned since last month with Galen💘. For personal reasons Galen was not able to attend and Teresa took over her hosting duties. Based on comments from the lunch excursionist residents, everyone enjoyed the lunch very much. Most of them thank me for organizing the event.  

In general the main dishes were great, however what was outstanding was the Food Presentation and the Dessert. Here are some photos I took during this lunch excursion.

         

One of the Dessert I enjoyed very much is the Rice Cake with slice Fresh Mangoes

Here are some photos taken By Teresa:

💚The 9 residents who attended the Lunch Excursion were as follows:

Debby Baldwin, Carol Bradas, Susan Bramson, Carle Hirahara,  Steve Kam, David Katague(Me), Phyllis Morical, Jay Pollack, and Peggy Yamada.  

💥Located in North Oakland, Temescal is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Temescal is a favored area with an intense art scene, perfect for singles and motivated young professionals. Prized for its hipster-like vibe and free-spirited atmosphere, the residents in Temescal can be found at one of the many chic coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, or hip breweries. Full of distinct charm and character, this neighborhood is home to various homeowners with culturally diverse backgrounds. With a low crime rate and a high safety rating, Temescal is a fantastic place to settle down no matter where you come from. Plus, known as a welcoming and family-friendly neighborhood, the school system is highly rated, and there are many parks and playgrounds for raising your own family.

💘https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-filipino-lunch-excursion-plan-for-june.html

My Snake Plants- An Indoor Air Purifier

Two Varieties of My Snake Plant in My Living Room Here at THD 

Dracaena trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the familyAsparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names. Until 2017, it was known under the synonym Sansevieria trifasciata. This plant is often kept as a houseplant due to its non-demanding maintenance; they can survive with very little water and sun.

NASA has classified Sansevieria, now called Dracaena, as an air purifier due to its ability to remove toxic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.

This plant uses the acid metabolism of the Crassulaceae to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, enabling it to resist drought.

The microscopic pores on its leaves, called stomata, open only at night to limit water loss through transpiration in the heat of the sun. Unlike other plants, Sansevieria produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night, making it an excellent indoor air purifier while we sleep.

Snake plant medicinal benefits include removing indoor air pollutants (such as formaldehyde and benzene) and helping to filter out impurities such as xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, and ammonia. The snake plant can remove up to 87% of these harmful toxins at night. It can also reduce the level of nitrate ions.

Snake Plant in MY Computer Room- Second Bedroom and Guest Room with the Spider Plant

A Variegated  Dracena Indoor Plant in MY Bedroom- similar to the Snake Plant( Calathea). 

My Snake Plant Outside in My PATIO AND CATIO here at THD

How to make a sansevieria flower bloom: Its fragrance reaches the whole house

Sansevieria (snake plant) care instructions:

-Watering:

Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.

During the winter, water only a few times a month, no more.

-Lighting

Place the plant near a well-lit window to promote healthy, vibrant green leaves.

-Racing

Do not cut the ends of the leaves.

Remove any dry leaves to prevent disease.

-Fertilising

Apply fertiliser to flowering plants monthly in late spring and summer.

This will encourage the plant to flower in late summer, producing vanilla-scented flowers.

Lastly, the Lucky Bamboo Plant that Jenny gave me the other day is now at home with my other indoor plants and displayed beautifully along my cacti terrarium. Thank you, Jenny once Again for your gift. 

 

House Plants Symbolism for your Information!

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/04/popular-and-easy-to-grow-house-plants.html

Above are the two garden plaques I was able to move to THD from my former residence in Fair Oaks 

From My FaceBook Page This Morning- Aging

AGING....

1. You grow old, they told me, you are no longer you, you become distant, sad and lonely.

I didn't answer...I don't get old, I get wise.

2. I stopped being what others like me to become, but what I like to be.

I stopped seeking the acceptance of others and accepted myself. I have left behind the lying mirrors that deceive mercilessly. - No, I'm not getting old.

3. I just become more selective with places, people, customs and ideologies. I have let go of attachments, unnecessary pain, toxic people, sick souls and rotten hearts... bitterness and unhappiness are not for me, I release them for my health. I'm ditching party nights for learning and embracing insomnia. I stopped living stories and started writing them, I threw aside the imposed stereotypes. I no longer carry eyeshadow in my bag, now I have a book that beautifies my mind. I exchanged wine glasses for coffee cups, forgot to idealize life and started living it. No, I'm not getting old.

4. I carry freshness in my soul, innocence in my heart, and it discovers me daily. I have in my hands the tenderness of a cocoon that, when opened, will spread its wings to other places unreachable for those who seek only the frivolity of the material. I have that charming smile on my face when I observe the simplicity of nature. I carry in my ears the chirping of the birds that delight me and accompany the walk. - No, I'm not getting old.

5. I become selective, betting my time on the intangible, rewriting the story I've been told, rediscovering worlds, saving those old books I've forgotten half open. I'm becoming more cautious, I've stopped the outbursts that teach me nothing, I'm learning to talk about transcendent things, I'm learning to cultivate knowledge, plant ideals and falsify my destiny.

- No, I'm not getting old.

6. I begin to live who I really am.~

Finally I am invited you all to join us at the Lunch Excursion at FOB Kitchen in Oakland this Thursday, June 20. Please sign in in the Lobby, Seating is Limited.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-filipino-lunch-excursion-plan-for-june.html

Father's Day Photos and Escapade

Dinah visited me yesterday on Fathers Day. She gave me a Cacti-Succulent Garden ( see photos above) that I am very please to add to my collection. After Brunch, she drove me to Seafood City in Concord. I purchased mangoes and Pinoy Dishes ( Pork Blood Stew- Dinuguan and Kare-kare- Pigs Hocks and Ox tails in Peanut Sauce from Ima's Kitchen. There was a 10 minute wait to get service at Ima's since there were about ten customers ahead of me, but the food was worth the wait. 

Speaking of Filipino Food, Galen has finalized THD Lunch Excursion to FOB Restaurant in the Oakland Temescal District for June 20( See Brochure Above).    Here's my previous posting on this Michelin rated restaurant in the East Bay. https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-filipino-lunch-excursion-plan-for-june.html

After the sumptuous brunch, Dinah and I had a leisurely drive to Concord and also in the Walnut Creek suburbs on our way to and from Seafood City and Ima's Restaurant at my request. We did not take the Freeway. The leisurely drive is an activity that I always treasure because it meant I got out of my Gilded Cage for fresh air. 

Here are some photos during our brunch: Martha, Carmen and Teresa also took some photos during the Brunch at Newtons. I am hoping they will share it with me soon.

Red and Yellow Mangoes, I purchased at SeaFood City in Concord. They were $1.29 each.

 

The last three photos were from the THD Page Book Page( 6/16/24) with the following Description

Happy Father’s Day! Our Residents & Families are celebrating with a fabulous Brunch in our onsite restaurant & patio!