One of the things I will do better in this decade is provide vital oxygen to my body. My friend, Madeline Goldstein, a dancer, gave me breathing lessons a couple months ago. My 71 year old mother is dying from lung and brain cancer. It’s a tough way to go. I vowed to learn to breathe after seeing my mom labor and be filled with anguish to do such a “simple” thing. Madeline gently helped me to see that I didn’t even involve my diaphragm in the process and that is to be the origin of the breath. Huh? Did you learn that growing up? I sure didn’t. Dang! We’re really missing it if we don’t pass on how to breathe to the next generation.
After I had gotten out of an abusive relationship that lasted 20 years, I took a life changing course from Life Skills in Aurora Colorado. One of the first lessons we had was becoming aware of signs of stress in our body and the body of our perpetrator. Most of us stop breathing deeply when under stress and resort to short, ineffective breaths. I did become aware of this pattern in my own body and for a bit changed it. But here I am, 11 years later, and I’m back to the drawing board. ARG!
I saw on someone’s blog the idea of this better breathing exercise. I’m calling it a 4 x 4 but on Twitter calling it #4×4bb because 4×4 brings up a lot of truck talk. Not helpful here.
The idea is to take a Breathing Break 4 times a day. In each break, which we all have time for:
1) Inhale for a count of 10
2) Hold breath for a count of 10
3) Exhale slowly for a count of 10
4) Let the group that will form know where you are in your daily commitment 1:4, 2:4 and so on by Tweeting #4×4bb and following the group with a TweetDeck column
It’s a simple thing really. The idea was cemented in a conversation with Tina Norlander, co-owner of Norlander’s Original Sauces. I’m honored to be working with Tina and her husband, Michael (@NorlandersFoods), to help spread the word about their yummy gluten free Teriyaki and Mesquite concentrates.
I talked about the need for Tina to get more oxygen to minimize her headaches and help improve her overall health. Her health challenges make many things a challenge. Then I remembered this wise exercise someone shared on her blog. Forgive me for not remembering who you are. Let me know if you read this and it’s you. I know I do better with an accountability buddy so I asked Tina if she wanted to report our progress and encourage each other throughout the day using Twitter. My novice Twitter user friend said yes. When I got back on Twitter she had done her exercises all day and was done with all 4 sets of 4. I’m not usually a slacker so I thought I better get started and let Tina know she isn’t alone.
So, I’m asking you to join us in this simple quest to make our bodies a little happier all day by providing it with more oxygen. I realize this is such a small thing to do for so many of my ultra healthy friends, but many of us will benefit greatly from this small step to better health.
To Us! To Small Steps to Better Health!
(Imagine the sound of clinking wine glasses – red wine of course, because that too is healthy!)
I’m part of the panel for this Twitter Party Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 pm ET.
I promise fun but no expertise from me!
Good thing General Mills will be fielding questions too!
Please ask at least one question I can answer so I know I have at least one friend out there!!
From website of Organizers Jennifer Buteau and Ruth Smith http://www.foodallergybuzz.com/
The Gluten Free in the New Year Party is this Thursday, January 14, 7:00 to 8:00 pm Eastern time. Click here for details and to RSVP, it’s sponsored by General Mills.
topics including how to find great gluten free foods, new and exciting gluten free recipes and products, and how living gluten free is easier than ever!
Expert panelists from General Mills
as well as gluten-free bloggers Sandra Robins and Dee Valdez.
Be sure to also check out www.liveglutenfreely.com, a new resource that provides consumers 24/7 access to information about the full line of General Mills’ gluten-free products and kitchen-tested gluten-free recipes.
For those of you who enjoy the thrill of competition, here are some of the great goodies that will be given away! They’re of the gift pack/basket variety and each includes a number of different items. They sound lovely!
Progresso “Prize Pack”
Betty Crocker “Simple Joys” Fruit Flavored Snacks Packs
Betty Crocker “Sweet Treats” Dessert Mixes Packs
Remember to include #glutenfreely in your tweets during the party so we can hear/see you what you have to say! See you there!
For tips on how to attend a Twitter party, take a look at this other post, Twitter Party Tips
Twas the night before a New Year, and all through the house
There were still signs of Christmas shared by my daughter, me and my spouse
The garland still hung on the banister with care
With hopes that friend’s laughter would soon fill the air
Our teen was still nestled all snug in her bed
With invitations for photo shoots dancing in her head
I’m mama but no kerchief and my hubby wears no cap
And there rarely is time for any kind of nap
In 2009 I created a clatter
Trying to fix several things I thought were the matter
No food for the weary if they needed gluten free
I wish someone else had done something, but it seems up to me
The launch of the food bank was postponed by the snow
But a week later friend and the media in numbers did show
Boxes and bags of gluten free food did appear
With food companies sending cases, my eyes filled with tears
GF Food Bank Shelves Overflowing After 3 Days of Donations
Hungry gluten free families did show, so lively and quick
With you, my dear friends, and your hearts like St. Nick
More rapid than eagles other requests they came
To build gluten free food banks around the country the same
In New York City! And San Diego! And Atlanta Georgia, too!
And Connecticut! And Columbus Ohio, it’s true!
Take the best of ourselves, and build a team off the wall!
And make a difference in the lives of the best, the least, of all!
And for 10 months this year, with no wild hurricanes in the sky
My creative hubby, Harrison, shared his talents, he’s quite a guy
With a monthly mystery called Centerra Search, the time each month flew
The game was good for local business, good for me and good for you
Each month eyes would twinkle, and we’d hear laughter near the roof
And see adults play like children, solving Harrison’s tricky spoof
As I’d be tallying up the teams, and be turning around
In would come the first team, sliding to the table with a bound
All year our daughter dressed in costume, from her head to her foot
Different looks for each event, and she got back to reading books
She cared for my mom in Denver, a tough job to do
Possible only because Kaitlyn graduated a year early from school
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn’s eyes how they twinkle! And her dimples how merry!
When she finds young people to hang with who don’t drink and get scary
She’s wise beyond her years, has a kitty named Beau
And is driving like a pro even in Colorado’s ice and snow
She models in Charity Fashion Shows and struts the catwalk like a pro
I often wonder if someday, her name, everyone will know
She keeps her clothes on, and her body she will never starve
But her authentic self is retained, even if finding paid jobs is a bit hard
My son Tyson James is in China to teach
And learn about things quickly coming within his reach
He’s been invited to places that few ever go
And they see him spiritually, in ways we may never know
His kids are much younger than he would have thought
Ages 10 to 14 is what he planned for, 3 to 5 is what he got
He’s never liked little one’s with “their germs and runny noses”
But his affection’s grown, especially for a 5 year old with a mind like Ty’s, that never closes
My daughter, Jessica, still works in Cherry Creek at Cucina Calor
As server, hostess and bartender and has regulars galore
Her boyfriend, Pete, is out of school working at a big accounting firm
That was purchased by a bigger fish, the negative changes make his stomach churn
Jess went back to school this year, after two years at DU
She’s be an elementary school teacher, for the brightest kids, like her, when she was in school
Her inspiration was Shadi Letson, a genius I credit with Jessy success
She inspired generations of girls to stay smart and always be their best
Harrison’s son David, lives in California, for several years
Works full time and school part time, with shoulder surgery bringing a few tears
Not much time to play music, an unfortunate truth
But growing into an adult while shedding his carefree youth
Big plans for 2010, a year filled with movement
A continuation of a year with focus on self-improvement
Tackling big things like paperwork and organization
And building routines that support my growth and will produce elation
I’m most thankful this year for the friends I’ve made
On Twitter and thru blogs and from the companies from which I’m paid
It moves me to tears, how blessed I can be
By being my jumbly ADHD self and making a difference others can feel and see
Gratitude
The deep felt gratitude I have for the individuals, corporations and media who attended the launch of the Nation’s First Gluten Free Food Bank can’t really be expressed with words I can type. They seem so flat and impersonal. Those who attended know how much more powerful an experience is with me when it’s live and in person. When we are all in one place together it’s electrifying!
In an effort to tell the complete story and not leave any of our generous corporate or individual donors out, I will write my recap Friday. I am also more likely to have photos by then.
Growth – 11% of Food Baskets Gluten Free Today
It’s important to note that 5 gluten free food baskets were given away today at Loveland’s House of Neighborly Service out of 53 baskets that were prepared, almost 11%. New gluten free food arrived from individuals, the local Safeway store and from a gluten free manufacturer. I stopped by to drop off gluten free bread and saw how overwhelmed the staff and volunteers were so I came back, 45 minutes before closing time, just to help them sort all the new gluten free donations. It was humbling and exhilarating all at once. 
1st Gluten Free (GF) Food Bank Opens & Wind Powered Denver Company, Raquelita’s Tortillas, Challenges GF Corp to Give
“There is a great need to develop a systematic approach to establishing Gluten Free Food Banks across the nation,” says Dee Valdez, who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 17 years ago. About 15 years ago, Valdez remembers talking to a mother with a sick 7 year old who had Celiac Disease. The exasperated mom said she had to choose between feeding her whole family or just feeding her sick daughter the very expensive gluten free food she could find. The distraught mother said, referring to her Celiac daughter, “She’s just going to have to live with diarrhea.“
“I was devastated by her reality,” says Valdez, “so I gathered as much gluten free food as I could and left it on her doorstep. Unfortunately, my reality didn’t allow me to help parents like her again, until now.”
_________________________________________________
Bread is plentiful in food banks across the county.
Gluten free bread is not.
_________________________________________________
Loveland’s House of Neighborly Service will be the test site for the new program Valdez is designing to be implemented in communities across the country. There are scattered efforts to gather gluten free food for the holidays or offer a monthly gift card to help offset the extra expense of a gluten free diet. “What I see that is missing is a systematic approach to feeding gluten free families in need,” say Valdez. “If someone has Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance, they can become very ill in the short and long term if they eat gluten containing food because that is all they have.” Bread is plentiful in food banks across the country. Gluten free bread is not. Valdez, or Gluten Free Dee, as she is called, intends to change that.
Denver’s Raquelita’s Tortillas has set up a corporate giving program where 1% of the sales of their new Gluten Free Flatbread, Sandwich Petals, will be donated each month to a gluten free food bank. Sandwich Petals creator, Rich Schneider, will challenge other corporations to do the same during the Ribbon Cutting at the new Gluten Free Food Bank.
In addition to the flatbread, other gluten free food donations are now being accepted at House of Neighborly Service, 565 N. Cleveland, Loveland, CO 80537. It is asked that the food be identified as gluten free when dropped off or shipped. Anyone available to deliver their gluten free food Tuesday, December 15, between 4 – 6 pm can be part of an exclusive group dedicating the new gluten free section of the existing food bank with a Ribbon Cutting, Press Conference and Festivities.
“We are excited to be able to provide an option for people with gluten sensitivities who are financially struggling, especially considering the cost of a gluten free diet,” says Erin Becerra House of Neighborly Service (HNS) Food Program Manager.
HNS provides food baskets for an average of more than 500 Loveland/Berthoud area households each month. The mission of the food program is to provide wholesome food to nourish people who are food-insecure.
_________________________________________________
Although only about 1% of the U.S. population
has Celiac disease…
12% of U.S. households want to eliminate
or reduce their gluten intake.
_________________________________________________
Although only about 1% of the U.S. population has Celiac disease, new gluten free food manufacturer General Mills says its research shows about 12% of U.S. households want to eliminate or reduce their gluten intake. July 2, 2009 WSJ.com article For General Mills, Wheat-Free Items Are Tricky to Make, Cheap to Market
“I honestly don’t know how many additional people will come in for help knowing that we now have gluten free food available and how many of the families we are already serving will take advantage of this new option,” says Becerra. “I believe that we will be able to provide assistance with the help of our generous community, and the support of gluten free food manufacturers and retailers who are willing to donate products for those who cannot afford them.”
Families in need of gluten free food, who live in the Berthoud, Loveland areas served by House of Neighborly Service need to be screened for services Monday – Thursday. Please call 970-667-4939 to find out the appropriate paperwork to bring to determine eligibility.
“This is an opportunity to be part of a group setting a precedent that will spread nationwide,” says Valdez. “We can make a difference. We can change someone’s life.”
###
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 4:00 – 6:00 pm
4:00 – 4:15 Music and Gluten Free Snacks
Tours of Gluten Free Pantry
Locals Bringing Donations
Interview Opportunities
4:15 – 4:45 Press Conference
Gluten Free Dee
House of Neighborly Service Officials
Celiac Sprue Association Representatives
4:45 – 5:00 Gluten Free Food Manufacturer Challenge to Donate
Rich Schneider, Product Developer
Gluten Free Sandwich Petals by Denver’s Raquelita’s Tortillas
5:00 – 5:15 Ribbon Cutting and Dedication
First Family to Receive Gluten Free Food Basket
5:15 – 6:00 Music and Gluten Free Snacks
Tours of Gluten Free Pantry
Interview Opportunities
Please give us a tentative RSVP to Dee Valdez 970-308-1062 so we can reserve a parking spot in the overcrowded parking lot adjacent to House of Neighborly Service
Gluten Free Dee
Dee Valdez
Program Founder
970-308-1062
GlutenFreeDee@Gmail.com
Erin Becerra
Food Program Manager
970-667-4939
House of Neighborly Service
565 N. Cleveland Ave
Loveland, CO 800537
Rich Schneider
Manager of Operations
Research / Development
Raquelita’s Tortillas
100% Powered by Wind Generated Electricity
www.Twitter.com/GFPetals
303-888-2987
3111 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205
rschneider@raquelitas.com
Lovely Snow in Loveland CO
The Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of the nations first Gluten Free Food Bank in Loveland has been moved back one week due to extreme cold and poor driving conditions. We’d also like the media to help us tell the story and they will be reporting on all of the weather related stories. I’ve been upstaged by Mother Nature before and know it’s a batter I can’t win!
NEW DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 15 4:00 – 6:00 pm at address below
So, there is still time to have your favorite gluten free food manufacturer ship a case or two of their yummy product, cookbook or publication, if you contact them immediately. Have all products shipped to:
House of Neighborly Service
GF Food Bank
565 N. Cleveland Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
Denver’s family owned Raquelita’s Tortillas is donating Gluten Free Sandwich Petals and issuing a challenge for other food manufactures to donate gluten free items to this food bank and others as they are established around the country. www.SandwichPetals.com
You can find more details about who can be served at www.HoNService.org or by calling 970-667-4939. If you know someone in need, please contact them immediately to invite them to contact HNS to be screened for eligibility before the event, then have them receive food privately or publically at the event Tuesday, December 15 from 4 – 6 pm. This is going to be a great celebration of a groundbreaking change in our culture. If you can rearrange your calender to be there, we’d sure like to have you bring your favorite gluten free food to donate and join the fun!
Pleasse help us spread the word by sharing this link with your favorite manufacturers , followers and friends!
Nationwide Movement To Get Gluten Free Food Into Food Banks Begins In Loveland Colorado
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2009 Contact: Dee Valdez, Gluten Free Dee, (c) 970-308-1062
Erin Becerra, House of Neighborly Service, 565 N. Cleveland Ave, Loveland, CO 800537, 970-667-4939
Nationwide Movement To Get Gluten Free Food Into Food Banks Begins In Loveland Colorado
“There is a great need to develop a systematic approach to establishing Gluten Free Food Banks across the nation,” says Dee Valdez, who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 17 years ago. About 15 years ago, Valdez remembers talking to a mother with a sick 7 year old who had Celiac Disease. The exasperated mom said she had to choose between feeding her whole family or just feeding her sick daughter the very expensive gluten free food she could find. The distraught mother said, referring to her Celiac daughter, “She’s just going to have to live with diarrhea. “
“I was devastated by her reality,” says Valdez, “so I gathered as much gluten free food as I could and left it on her doorstep. Unfortunately, my reality didn’t allow me to help parents like her again, until now.”
Loveland’s House of Neighborly Service will be the test site for the new program Valdez is designing to be implemented in communities across the country. There are scattered efforts to gather gluten free food for the holidays or offer a monthly gift card to help offset the extra expense of a gluten free diet. “What I see that is missing is a systematic approach to feeding gluten free families in need,” say Valdez. “If someone has Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance, they can become very ill in the short and long term if they eat gluten containing food because that is all they have.” Bread is plentiful in food banks across the country. Gluten free bread is not. Valdez, or Gluten Free Dee, as she is called, intends to change that.
Gluten free food donations are now being accepted at House of Neighborly Service, 565 N. Cleveland, Loveland, CO 80537. It is asked that the food be identified as such when dropped off. Anyone available to deliver their gluten free food Tuesday, December 8, between 4 – 6 pm can be part of an exclusive group dedicating the new gluten free section of the existing food bank with a Ribbon Cutting, Press Conference and Festivities.
“We are excited to be able to provide an option for people with gluten sensitivities who are financially struggling, especially considering the cost of a gluten free diet,” says Erin Becerra House of Neighborly Service (HNS) Food Program Manager.
HNS provides food baskets for an average of more than 500 Loveland/Berthoud area households each month. The mission of the food program is to provide wholesome food to nourish people who are food-insecure.
Although only about 1% of the U.S. population has Celiac disease, new gluten free food manufacturer General Mills says its research shows about 12% of U.S. households want to eliminate or reduce their gluten intake.
July 2, 2009 WSJ.com article For General Mills, Wheat-Free Items Are Tricky to Make, Cheap to Market
“I honestly don’t know how many additional people will come in for help knowing that we now have gluten free food available and how many of the families we are already serving will take advantage of this new option,” says Becerra. “I believe that we will be able to provide assistance with the help of our generous community, and the support of gluten free food manufacturers and retailers who are willing to donate products for those who cannot afford them.”
Families in need of gluten free food, who live in the Berthoud, Loveland areas served by House of Neighborly Service need to be screened for services Monday – Thursday. Please call 970-667-4939 to find out the appropriate paperwork to bring to determine eligibility.
“This is an opportunity to be part of a group setting a precedent that will spread nationwide,” says Valdez. “We can make a difference. We can change someone’s life.”
# # #
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
4:00 – 6:00 pm
4:00 – 4:15 Music and Gluten Free Snacks, Tours of Gluten Free Pantry, Locals Bringing Donations, Interview Opportunities
4:15 – 4:45 Press Conference, Gluten Free Dee, House of Neighborly Service Officials, Celiac Sprue Association Representatives
4:45 – 5:00 Gluten Free Food Manufacturer Challenge to Donate
Rich Schneider, Product Developer, Gluten Free Sandwich Petals by Denver’s Raquelita’s Tortillas
5:00 – 5:15 Ribbon Cutting and Dedication, First Family Receives Gluten Free Food Basket
5:15 – 6:00 Music and Gluten Free Snacks, Tours of Gluten Free Pantry, Interview Opportunities
Media – Please give us a tentative RSVP so we can reserve a parking spot in the overcrowded parking lot adjacent to House of Neighborly Service
Food Program
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
4:00 – 6:00 pm
House of Neighborly Service
565 N. Cleveland Ave
Loveland, CO 800537
970-667-4939
- Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
- Gluten Free donations from local families
- Challenge to large gluten free food manufacturers from Denver based gluten free flatbread manufacturer, Sandwich Petals, to donate regularly to House of Neighborly Service and other Gluten Free Food Pantries
- Gluten Free people of various ages to interview
- Gluten Free snacks
“This is an opportunity to be part of a group setting a precedent that will spread nationwide. We can make a difference. We can change someone’s life,” says Project Initiator, Dee Valdez, also know as Gluten Free Dee.
We welcome your participation in this festive event. If you have a gluten free item to donate, please bring it.
If you know someone in need, and they live in Loveland, Berthoud or south Fort Collins, have them contact House of Neighborly Service to find out screening criteria.
If you manufacture gluten free food, and you would like to donate, please contact Erin at the House of Neighborly Service or send your donation to the above address and be sure to mark it Gluten Free Pantry.
If you’d like to volunteer in any way or to sort food please contact Gluten Free Dee or House of Neighborly Service.
Please let you favorite media personality know about this event. We’d love to have their help telling this important story of need, service and life giving generosity.
Although only about 1% of the U.S. population has Celiac disease, General Mills says its research shows about 12% of U.S. households want to eliminate or reduce their gluten intake.
July 2, 2009 WSJ.com article
For General Mills, Wheat-Free Items Are Tricky to Make, Cheap to Market
Einstein Brothers Gluten-Free!
GF Bagels
Einstein Bros Bagels began selling Udi’s Gluten Free bagels at 3 locations in the Denver area as a test. According to Karen Moritzky, Director of Marketing for Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, “This is only a test.”
Locations
1) 9385 S Colorado Blvd., Colorado Blvd & South University Blvd Highlands Ranch
2) 2730 S Colorado Blvd., Colorado Blvd & Yale in Denver
3) 5180 W 120, 120th & Sheridan in Broomfield
Availability
The bagels come frozen from Udi’s and can be purchased frozen at each store or thawed from inside the case.
Pricing (same as gourmet gluten filled bagels)
- 6 to a bag for $8.99
- 1 can be purchased for $1.69
Cross Contamination
All the cross contamination issues have not been resolved so you are encouraged to dine with caution if you are eating a sandwich in the store. Be sure to remind all service providers, at EB and elsewhere, to change their gloves before handling your food. It’s also wise to ask that the bagels be raised off the counter with a food boat (sorry I don’t know the technical name for this little tray) then the parchment paper they usually lay down on the counter when preparing a sandwich.
To Go
You can also pick up a box of bagels and cream cheese like everyone else and take it home or to work for gluten free goodness!
Tasting Parties
A small group of 10 people will attend Bagel Tasting Parties at each location sometime between Sat., Nov. 21 and Tues., Nov. 24.
Get On the Guest List
If you’d like to be notified of great opportunities like these intimate Tasting Parties or larger events like the quarterly Gluten Free Leadership Summits, please leave your email and other contact information below. Great events like these with a variety of outstanding gluten free companies will be held across the nation!
Happy Gluten Free Eating!
