MIMA Moments

January Column

2008-01-26T17:53:00.000-05:00

Mothballs In My Attic (MIMA-mymah) is a monthly column to stimulate reminiscing and memories. A MIMA Moment is a little snippet that has led us to the place we are today. Journey to the past to trigger thoughts, smells, and visual sensations and watch the activity bring in a flood of memories and conversation.
The MIMA program includes one lead topic sentence, followed by additional related topics. MIMA Months can be explored and expanded through various discussion groups, arts and crafts, family visits, dinnertime conversations and incorporated into physical activity. The possibilities are endless. Be Creative, start with your own memories and see what flows for you!
January Reflections:

I had _______________________covers on my bed during cold winter months.
How many beds did you have in your room, who shared your room with you, did you have a window in your room, what did it look out on, did you have a bedtime ritual, what time did you go to bed?

My favorite "winter dish" comfort food was ___________________________________.
Who cooked the best meals in your house, did you have a kitchen with eat-in table and chairs, did you have a big Sunday dinner, what dessert did you beg for? What was your favorite meal of the day?

The most comfortable seat in the house was _________________________.
Where was the best seat in your home located, where did you entertain guests, was there a room that was off limits to children, did you have a big picture window in your house?
MIMA Reflection…

Sharing a comfort meal warms the heart and soul.
Recall other feelings or things that give you comfort.

Column adapted from the popular book Mothballs In My Attic, a spiral bound publication that includes 12 theme chapters with over 220 questions to stimulate reminiscing and conversation.
Visit my blog http://www.mimamoments.blogspot.com/ and click here to order the book….

Families of Loved Ones-Autumn 2007

2008-01-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

A Mothballs in My Attic Moment

A MIMA MomentSharing your bounty and being thankful is a comfort.Mothballs in My Attic brings memories to life: In the kitchen, with women in aprons and hankies up their sleeves are washing and drying the dishes. When you look around at your gathering, remember those that have come and gone but left lasting impressions. Sow a seed of your own today. Play checkers with a young one, visit the “kids” table, tell a joke, make some noise. Be thankful and remember the feeling of Thanksgiving Day. The following are just a few of the MIMA conversation starters you may use to spark those holiday memories.
Thanksgiving Day events included _____________.
My favorite part of the turkey was the _________.
The relative who had the hankie up her sleeve was ___.
This column excerpted from Mothballs In My Attic.
Author Cindy O’Neill’s new fun nostalgia book contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, includes poems and illustrations. Visit www.mothballsinmyattic.com

Chapter 1 Sample Possibilities-Part 2

2007-09-17T17:07:00.001-04:00

Mothballs In My Attic
To continue the journey
Home is where the Heart is: Page 4
Copy the picture of the phone and see what conversation arises....here's some keys to get you started.

In my childhood home the phone was ___________________.

Do you remember what color phone you had growing up in your home? How many phones were in your house. Did you have a party line? Do you remember dialing the phone # with a rotary dial? Can you recall your childhood phone #, how many digits did it consist of? Was the cord on the phone long or short, do you remember the cord getting twisted and curled up. Was the phone located on a table or wall? Was there an address book with phone #'s next to the phone. Remember pay phones and phone booths, how much did it cost to make a phone call. Where can you recall using or seeing a phone booth. Many changes has been made with the phones, from dial to push button and cell phones. Explain the different phones and how people communicate. How often did people in your group talk on the phone each day when they were younger. Bring in a rotary phone and have each take a turn dialing, show the many features of a cell phone, take pictures with your phone if possible.
The purpose of Mothballs is to start a "web" of questions designed for answers or designed for thought. The brain holds so much information and it’s there but sometimes we need some prompting. Starting with just one sentence you can "web" around and spend time by exploring what the mind recalls. If you are able to go with the flow you never know what will be "pulled down from the attic". Visuals and conversation bring the memories out and that is the key. Mothballs In My Attic is one of those keys to unlocking memories and stimulating conversation. That is why we say, one word is worth a thousand pictures!Thank you for adding Mothballs In My Attic (MIMA) to your Activities. Everyday holds a MIMA Moment for you to discover

Chapter One Sample Possibilities

2007-08-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Sample Possibilities for Mothballs In My Attic
To get you started on this mindful journey

Chapter 1- Home is Where the Heart Is…
The Magazine, _____________was always found in our home.
Activity Planning:
Make a Bulletin Board similar to the drawing on Page 2 of Mothballs.
Decide what decoration should go on the front door, paste real leaves on the board, write everyone’s address on the bulletin board, where they grew up. This could start a session on different neighborhoods and different styles of houses, who mowed the lawn, what was is their back yards, did they have a garage, what kind of car did they have.
Filling in the blank above: bring in magazines to spark interest, read what is new in the world of government or fashion or what is on TV. What TV shows did they watch and where was the TV located. Make a list of magazines that all can recall. Try to find some old magazines from the list and see how they have changed from today. Do they remember TV Dinners and TV Tray tables. What was their favorite thing for dinner, did they help make dinners, who cooked in their home. Where did they shop for their food, the price of bread or was their milk delivered.
Purpose: The purpose of Mothballs is to start a "web" of questions designed for answers or designed for thought. The brain holds so much information and it’s there but sometimes we need some prompting. Starting with just one sentence you can "web" around and spend time by exploring what the mind recalls. If you are able to go with the flow you never know what will be "pulled down from the attic". Visuals and conversation and bringing the outdoors in (the leaves) and the memories out is key. Mothballs In My Attic is one of those keys to unlocking memories and stimulating conversation. That is why we say, one word is worth a thousand pictures!
Thank you for adding Mothballs In My Attic (MIMA) to your Activities. Everyday holds a MIMA Moment for you to discover

An Ice Tea August

2007-08-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

The Tea House Times August Reflections of
Mothballs In My Attic
By Cindy O’Neill
The dog days of summer are in full swing. It’s hot but there are ways to cool off. Start by brewing a pot of tea, adding ice cubes and a squeeze of lemon. Watch the droplets form on the glass and indulge in the best summer drink there is ~ Iced Tea. Add some lemons or mint leaves, be creative, that mango would be great too! While enjoying your beverage, enjoy a time past and reflect back….
The fire hydrant gets released and children are in the street giggling and dancing around. The ice cream man is ringing his bell and we run towards the truck while begging Mom for some coins for a cool treat. The ice cream man in his white uniform hops off his driver’s seat and opens the steel latches on the side of the truck. The doors open and close with such authority and the ice cream man reaches in through the cascading cold vapors and retrieves the frozen dessert. He made change with his "steel belt" and within minutes we knew that the day was complete and we were all happy.
Remember your ice cream man and the sound of his bells, the coins sweaty in your palm waiting for the truck to turn down your street.
Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk.
See what comes forward with a step back to a day in August...
Reflecting back in August …
remembering heat waves, keeping cool and Iced Tea. *Make a pitcher of iced tea*
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, sip your tea, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and experience the places your mind travels.
The big pitcher we used for ice cold tea looked like ______ ___________________.
The place we bought our lemons and mint leaves was _______________________.
We got our ice cubes out of the trays by __________________________________.
In the hottest month of the year, we would keep cool by ______________________.
Sharing a MIMA Moment
Sharing a big pitcher of ice cold lemon tea refreshes all...
What other ways you can feel refreshed?
Column based on Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book that contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, poems and illustrations.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/

April column

2007-04-18T14:06:00.000-04:00

Mothballs In My Attic
April
April can be a very rainy month, which can result in taking shelter, carrying an umbrella and stepping in a puddle or two. As the saying goes, in all life a little rain must fall. Let’s take the high road and be thankful for the little droplets that sustain our body, enliven plants and replenish all with a multitude of advantages.
Remember your childhood umbrella and pulling your hood atop your head and holding it there so the wind didn’t blow it off. Remember your lower legs and the feeling of your rubber boots rubbing back and forth with each step you took. Remember the first time you took your mother’s rain bonnet that was in a gold packet from her beauty salon and you opened it up and spread out the accordion folds. Remember the feeling of rainy days. Let the mothballs refresh your memory; enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in April.......
Fill in the blanks with just one word, and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations, and see where your mind travels.

My favorite rainy day card game was _________________________________.
The clothesline was located ______________________________,
My friend,________________________, had the best tree to climb.

MIMA MOMENT*
Prepare.....
Save your pennies for a rainy day

????? Remember something you saved pennies for ?????

Excerpts from Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/
*MIMA Moment ~ Mothballs In My Attic

March Column

2007-03-04T15:39:00.000-05:00

Mothballs In My Attic
March

It’s one of those months you may have felt in limbo. The middle of the month holds St. Patrick’s Day, where everyone on that day is Irish and the wearing of the green makes joyful hearts sing and maybe do a little jig. The green turns our attention to the color of spring. We are coming out of the winter gray and ending this month with the promise of Spring. Aren’t promises the most precious things a person can receive? The promise can add hope, faith and expectation to our lives.
The flower that pushes up out of the frozen ground gives us the promise of more flowers to come. The long distance relative that promises to come and visit, the promise of honor and integrity. The promise ring, the promised land and the promise of tomorrow. Remember the promises you experienced in your life. Let the mothballs refresh your memory; enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in March.....
Fill in the blanks with just one word, and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and experience the places your mind travels.

I shared my deep dark secrets with ___________________________.
My best friend lived at _____________________________________.
________________________ was where my grandmother kept her hope chest.
MIMA MOMENT*
Promise....
pinky swear on the important things in life

???? Remember a promise received and a promise given ????

Excerpts from Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/
*MIMA Moment ~ Mothballs In My Attic

February

2007-01-31T19:29:00.000-05:00

Mothballs In My Attic
February

No better time of the year than February to anticipate the wonderful feeling of Love. It starts with the unconditional love of your mother and father, your grandmother and grandfather or those adults who took special time raising you and making you feel special. Remember the childhood valentines of friendship exchanged in school! Remember the box of valentine’s cards you bought at the five and dime store; there was always a special one in there for your teacher, too. Who can forget the feelings of having a crush on someone, writing his or her name all over your notebook and trying to catch a glimpse in the school hallway. The love you shared with various animals in your life is a strong bond you will never forget. Love is there throughout your whole life - from a baby to childhood to the prom date love, the serious love, the marital love, the friendship love and the love of yourself.
Remember all the loves of your life. Embrace their warmth and allow the aura of their glow to bathe you in yesteryear. Your love defines you. Let the mothballs refresh your memory: enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in February……
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations, and see where your mind travels.

My Childhood love was _____________________________.
My growing up pet that I loved was ____________________________.
The one person I loved who was not a family member was ____________________.

MIMA MOMENT*
Unconditional Love…
Remember the feelings you had for your childhood pets
What makes you feel loved ?

Excerpts from Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/
*MIMA Moment ~ Mothballs In My Attic

Mothballs In My Attic-new domain names

2006-12-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

Mothballs in My Attic, www.mimabook.com and www.mothballsinmyattice.com has added new domain names that will get you to the MIMA website also as fast as can be. You can use www.alzheimersmemorybook.com which is the web address for Alzheimer's Memory Book or www.alzheimersresourcetool.com also for alzheimer's resource tool, or you can even use www.dementiamemoryresourcetool.com dementia memory resource tool, for contacting the Mothballs In My Attic website. Thanks!

Sharing a December MIMA Moment

2006-12-04T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sharing a MIMA Moment

Sharing memories of the holidays and family are priceless
What are some things that are priceless to you?

Remember to visit.... Wasn’t it exciting when out of town guests came for the Holidays? ????? Where do you like to visit or who do you like when they visit you ?????

December

2006-12-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

Mothballs In My Attic
December
The holidays in December are an instant uplifting experience. Each year is different and each year unique. Everyone has grown another year and thoughts are shaped differently, yet the inner feelings of the holidays remain constant and comforting. Depending on the little ones in your life, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighborhood children, the holiday season can take on a whole new meaning. We all can look back on holiday experiences as a magical time when gifts were definitely a part of the plan. December always hold a myriad of get together and parties and shopping and snow and fun.
It’s a time to decorate the house, prepare chex mix, bake cookies and fruitcakes and grandma’s favorite recipes. It’s the time to bring family close and experience the dynamics of your family. It’s all steeped in tradition that is passed on from generation to generation.
Remember a special relative that visited during the holidays. . Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in December.......
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and see where your mind travels.

The holiday card with money in it came from __________________________
The holiday gift I always wanted but never got was _____________________.
The best dessert I loved to eat during the holidays was __________________.

MIMA MOMENT*
Reflect back in December, remembering
Holidays, gifts and decorations * Make a hanging holiday decoration *
The Holiday card with money in it came from ___________________________________.
The Holiday gift I always wanted but never got was _______________________________.
My favorite dessert only served at Holidays was ___________________________________.
.
Excerpts from Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/
*MIMA Moment ~ Mothballs In My Attic

Sharing a MIMA Moment in November

2006-11-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

MIMA MOMENT*

Always set a place...
Keep your kitchen table as your focal point to gather

???? Remember your kitchen table and the many meals shared there ????

Excerpts from Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book
To order a book visit www.mothballsinmyattic.com
*MIMA Moment ~ Mothballs In My Attic

November

2006-11-01T14:33:00.000-05:00

Mothballs In My Attic
November
The family and friends have gathered at the Thanksgiving table for a wonderful dinner. Certainly the coming together and the holiday table is as much a comfort as the food being served. But there is the before and after the holiday that means so much. The before preparation is spurred by anticipation. We set an exquisite table to engage the participants to share in the bounty. We lovingly prepare food in our longing for a tradition. Our recipes echo our ancestors, our tableware is retrieved and will recall the past. The dinner resonates of family and it doesn’t get much better than that.
The desserts are several and enjoyed. The dishes pile up and they represent scores of satisfied customers. The conversation in the kitchen washing and drying the dishes is priceless. A job well done. Retreating to the comfy couch with bellies full of turkey and stuffing and most important filled with family memories. Remember the feeling of Thanksgiving. Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in November.......
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and see where your mind travels.

Thanksgiving was spent at _________________________________.
______________________________was my favorite part of the Macy’s Parade
After the holiday dinner, ________________was always stuck doing the dishes.

October MIMA Moment

2006-09-26T18:41:00.000-04:00

Sharing a MIMA Moment

Sharing your candy is the first step to a wonderful friendship

What are some things that make you feel good when you share?

ActivityDirector Column by MIMA

2006-09-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

Activity Director Newsletter: Introduction to Section
This is our newest edition to this newsletter and our store. Cindy O'Neill of MIMA Publications has written a wonderful book called Mothball In My Attic and has agreed to allow us to carry it in our store. In addition to this, she has graciously offered to provide a short excerpt from the book to be included in this newsletter on a monthly basis. We feel that you will find her column to be useful for incorporating into your activity calendar. It is especially beneficial for Alzheimer's and dementia residents.
Words From the Author:
"This is a nostalgic book that contains fill in the blank ONE word answers that bring you back to your childhood. One word leads you to a myriad of feelings and sensations and conversation. I originally wrote this book for baby boomers and it is very successful in that venue. Along the way Mothballs In My Attic took a turn towards the medical field. I have sold to the medical field in various instances in over 40 states and Canada and Australia. I'm on several websites including my own selling the book. I'm on an activity planner’s website, a dementia website, and an Australian therapeutic recreation website and the therapeutic recreation website in the United States. Creative Forecasting, the premier magazine, has published a review for Professional Activity Planners. I will have a monthly column in the 2006 Creative Forecasting magazine. I have been reviewed in the Assisted Living Executive magazine published by the Assisted Living Federation of America and will have an article about reminiscing in the publication Vantage issued by the Alzheimer’s Foundation. I also have been reviewed in the August 2005 issue of Senior Focus publication published by the National Council on the Aging from their corporate headquarters in Washington DC."
-Cindy O'Neill, Author of Mothballs In My Attic
This wonderful book can be found at http://www.activitydirector.net/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=91

October
Directions: Use the column below to stimulate conversation and memory jogging. You can take parts of the fill in the blank sentences and expand on each question, example- Favorite Halloween candy? Expand by asking where did you buy your candy, where did you keep candy in your house, how much did you pay for candy, etc. Develop activities for your group or individuals to stimulate conversation with the paragraph below, ask what they did for Halloween, did they sew their own costumes, did they go out at night, etc. Engage conversation with the MIMA Moment and have groups share their answers. The column is what you make it and it allows you to design questions and programs to fit your needs. It’s amazing the myriad of sensations, visual stimulation and memory conversation leads to. Have fun with it! October Column: It takes the whole month but the anticipation grows. What to dress up as, where to go in the neighborhood and what route to take. Halloween day is always special to the little ones and grown-ups alike.. We prepare and have parties and send the goblins out to collect their loot. Whether it is Cinderella or a monster, each would collect their candy in all sorts of containers including pillowcases, plastic pumpkins or satchels. We were all happy and carefree. It was a challenge to pick the best route to maximize the most houses in a short amount of time. Of course you always ran into that house where the treat giver would want a trick. That always put us into a tailspin. We had a lot of ground to cover and although appreciate of the treat, we would warn others along the path which house to avoid. Like wise we always knew what house gave out the full size BIG candy bar and we’d shout it out to others along the way. The master plan was to trick or treat at that house in the daytime and then return at night hoping the treat giver would not take notice. It was always worth a shot. When curfew was called we would separate all the candy and categorize it and stack it into neat piles. We would compare it with others and some swapping and negotiating was in order. It was a magical time when people had their doors open and life was simple.Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in October…Activity: Reflect back in October, remembering Fall leaves, brisk weather and trick or treating * Collect different color leaves on your walk Activity: Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and see where your mind travels.

My favorite Halloween candy was ___________________________________.
Cool air and leaves burning smelled like ______________________________.
We would put our carved pumpkin on the ____________________________.

September MIMA Moment

2006-08-31T20:02:00.000-04:00

Sharing a MIMA Moment
Sharing your cubbyhole was everything you needed stored in a small space…
What is something very small but means something very big?

September MIMA Column

2006-08-31T19:56:00.000-04:00

Mothballs In My Attic
By Cindy O’Neill
September brings the anticipation of the first day of school. It’s a scary and exciting time and a chance to re-invent yourself, a time to show your friends the new you. It’s the penny loafer or saddle shoes, the book bags, the coming together of friends and the realization of schedules and teachers demanding the most of you. We all endured square dancing in the gym, lockers that got stuck, mystery meat in the cafeteria, being late for class, gym suits and typing class. It was a time to experience cooking class and Home Ec., shop and auto mechanics.
Remember the wide-open starry eyes as you meandered down hallways searching for your friends, writing and passing notes when words could not hold themselves back. Part of school was the graffiti filled bathrooms that served as hang outs or the warm water fountains that were positioned way too low. Some teachers were the best, and there was the teacher you will never forget. The teachers we have come to know throughout our childhood will always be remembered. Remember your teachers and how they contributed to the person you are today.
Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in September.....
Reflect back in September, remembering
First day of school jitters, new school shoes and teachers. *Thank a teacher today
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and see where your mind travels.
My favorite teacher was _____________________________________________.
The paste at school tasted like _________________________________________.
My lunch was packed in a __________________________________for grades K-5.

Column based on Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book that contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, poems and illustrations.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/ or
send $14.95+4.95 s/h=$19.90
To: MIMA Publications, 173 Maple Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840

August MIMA Moment

2006-07-23T15:58:00.000-04:00

Refresh yourself....
Picture a big tall glass of Red Kool-Aid and sugar
????? Remember ways you kept cool during the summer months ?????

August Column

2006-07-23T15:24:00.000-04:00

Mothballs In My Attic
By Cindy O’Neill
The dog days of summer are in full swing. It’s hot but there are ways to cool off. The fire hydrant gets released and children are in the street giggling and dancing around. The ice cream man is ringing his bell and we run towards the truck while begging Mom for some coins for a cool treat. The ice cream man in his white uniform hops off his driver’s seat and opens the steel latches on the side of the truck. The doors open and close with such authority and the ice cream man reaches in through the cold vapors cascading down around him and retrieves the brown cow or strawberry shortcake, chocolate eclair or Italian ice. He makes change with his "steel belt" and within minutes we knew that the day was complete and we were happy.
Remember your ice cream man and the sound of his bells, the coins sweaty in your palm, your feet dancing on the hot tar pavement just waiting for the truck to turn down your street.
Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk.
See what comes forward with a step back to a day in August...
Reflecting back in August, remembering *Have an ice cream party*
Heat waves, keeping cool and ice cream.
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and experience the places your mind travels.
We slept outside in our makeshift tent by using ___________________.
I would buy ____________________from the ice cream truck.
In the hottest month of the year, we would keep cool by ______________.
Sharing a MIMA Moment
Sharing a big pitcher of ice cold Kool-Aid refreshes all...
What other ways you can feel refreshed?
Column based on Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book that contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, poems and illustrations.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/ or
send $14.95+4.95 s/h=$19.90
To: MIMA Publications 173 Maple Avenue,%

Memory Jogging

2006-07-05T14:28:00.000-04:00

Alzheimer's Notes
Encouraging Alzheimer's caregivers from someone who's been there. Written by Mary Emma Allen a b5media blog
Encouraging Alzheimer's caregivers from someone who's been there. Written by Mary Emma Allen a b5media blog
One of the activities I conducted in a nursing home consisted of jogging memories and reminiscing about family history. We used a questionnaire the acitivities aide and I discussed with the group and recorded their answers.
These were fun for the residents, who chatted among themselves as we introduced the memory joggers. These also can be fun for families to use with their family member with Alzheimer’s. I enjoyed writing down and recording my mom’s reminiscing for her family.
I’ve recently discovered a book that will aid in jogging memories, Mothballs in My Attic, by Cindy O’Neill at http://www.mimabook.com/ . This book uses words to bring back memories.
Cindy mentioned that it’s been used as a resource tool by activity planners in the medical field as well as caregivers for dementia patients. More information about the book and how it’s been used can be found on her site. You can check it out to see if it’s something you might find useful.

July MIMA Moment

2006-07-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

DETERMINATION ~ Collecting enough box tops to send away for the prize.... What important thing were you determined to do, no matter what?

July Column

2006-07-01T10:53:00.000-04:00

Mothballs In My Attic
By Cindy O’Neill
The celebration of the 4th of July starts with fireworks in every town and city. It’s amazing how we gaze in the dark sky to see the wonder of explosions. Imagine the whole scenario leading up to the nighttime wonderment. The Bar-b-Que gang all assembled, the back yard badminton game, the very competitive croquet game, the hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad and all the fixins’. Watermelon seed spitting contests and running through the sprinkler.
Dusk settles in and we gather the blankets and prepare for the fireworks display. You lie on your back and as the test rocket shoots up, a hush circulates throughout the crowd. Then begins the sprinkling and array of colorful effervescence of each rocket that is sent up and erupts for display, and is now revealed. The booming after shocks makes the pit of your stomach shake, if only for a moment. It’s remarkable, but it’s only reserved for today. The ooh’s and aah’s are echoed throughout the audience and you know that this is something good. It’s Independence Day and that can mean different things to different people.
Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk.
See what comes forward with a step back to a day in July...
Reflecting back in July, remembering Wear something red, white and blue
Fireworks, BB-Q’s and Swimming
Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and experience the places your mind travels.
The family who had the best fireworks were ________________________.
The pool we swam in during the summer was _______________________________.
The best backyard BBQ’s I can remember were held at _________________________.
.
Sharing a MIMA MOMENT
Sharing the freedom of independence is an honor.
What does independence mean to you?

Column based on Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book that contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, poems and illustrations.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/ or
send $14.95+4.95 s/h=$19.90
To MIMA Publications, 173 Maple Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840

The Tea House Times

2006-06-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

There is a wonderful newsletter that I had discovered and I want to share it with you. If you are a Tea Lover this is right up your alley. It's a beautiful color coated page after page turner with interesting articles and musings. I have an article that I will post soon that is in the July/August edition. If you would like the website, just click on The Tea House Times under the links to the right and enjoy.

June Column

2006-06-09T08:07:00.000-04:00

Mothballs In My Attic
By Cindy O’Neill JUNE COLUMN
Graduations and Father’s Day highlight this month. Graduations reflect an ending of an accomplishment but yet special feelings associated with a new beginning. It’s the moving from one phase of your life to an open door to the future. Father’s Day holds many feelings that are personal and more reflective to a different place and time. Father’s Day can encompass the working Dad who spent many a night at the office, the fishing Dad, handyman Dad, sports Dad, the Mr. Mom Dad, the "like a Dad to me" Dad, the grass cutting Dad or the dearly departed Dad. It’s a feeling of your Dad or Pops or Father who sits in a favorite chair or a Dad who spends time in the garage with his favorite hobby. It’s the traveling Dad who comes home with treats in his pockets or the Military Dad who was missed for so long. Remember the smells and feelings and special moments that just pop up in your mind when you think of Dad. It’s right there waiting to be felt again. Whatever you are feeling, celebrate the man and remember a part of him, because he is a part of you.
Let the mothballs refresh your memory; enter your attic and open your trunk.
See what comes forward with a step back to a day in June....
Reflect back in June, remembering
Dad, Granddad and Graduations
Make a Father’s Day Card for someone you
Fill in the blanks with just one word, and see how the memories flood back. Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed. Remember all the feelings and visual sensations, and experience the places your mind travels.
My father’s favorite chair in the house was ___________________________.
Grandpa spent most of his time _____________________________________.
My high school graduation ceremony was held at _________________________
Sharing a MIMA Moment
Sharing feelings of the family men in your life lends itself to recollections.
What are one or two things that your Dad taught you?

Column based on Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book that contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, poems and illustrations.
To order a book visit http://www.mothballsinmyattic.com/

Mindfulness and Mothballs

2006-06-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

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Mindfulness and Mothballs:
What’s In Your Mental Attic?
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mothball (môth bôl}
1. A marble-sized ball, originally of camphor
but now of naphthalene, stored with clothes to
repel moths.
2. A condition of long storage for possible
future use.
3. To store for long periods.
What's in your mental attic?
We mothball millions of memories, most of which will never be retrieved. Whenever we do remember something,
we are reinforcing the neural pathways in the brain. Think of it as keeping a jungle path cleared so we can traverse
it any time we choose.
Flexing our memories is a powerful way to develop brain elasticity. In addition, the more we skip along those neural pathways in random order, the more connections we are creating.
I've recently discovered a great way to systematically clear those vine-covered paths by answering questions that
inspire a bit of bushwhacking.
Cindy O'Neill got together with her sister, Barbara Iderosa,
to create a spiral-bound book of fill-in-the-blank questions designed
to spark memories and lead to conversation and connection.
The book is called "Mothballs In My Attic" and it is being used by activity planners, facilities directors, staff and volunteers who work with our growing aging population. It's become a simple,
valuable tool for those who need a structured--but enjoyable--memory
workout.
But you don't have to be old to benefit from a little brain jostling. This book is a fun centerpiece for any gathering of family members or the perfect catalyst for sharing among friends.

To be honest, I hesitated to read the questions at first, knowing that
they would certainly stir up memories of my childhood. That's great if you had a happy one, but not so great if you'd rather forget about, say, the time your grandmother tried to strangle you with a dishtowel
(she was suffering from dementia at the time).
What a relief to discover that, instead of stirring up the yucky
stuff, this little book actually highlighted some long-forgotten
happy memories.
I remembered some wonderful things about my grandmother, like the way she smelled, the songs she loved to
sing, and even details like the embroidered handkerchiefs she
always kept stashed in her purse and the way she read a certain bedtime story.
As the years pass, we tend to create an overall memory image--"good" or "bad"--but rarely can our entire
childhood or a relationship with one person be seen in such black and white terms. "Mothballs In My Attic" helped me gain perspective on a particularly painful time in my life and allowed me to paint a a more realistic picture of the way things were.
Instead of keeping our memories packed in boxes in our mental attic,
we can benefit from opening up the dustiest ones and airing things out. We're likely to find some delightful surprises while we're poking around.
Yes, mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment,
but there's a whole lot to discover when we look at the past in a
nonjudgmental way. We can use our memories--especially the
ones we've got packed in mothballs--to help us develop clarity and
compassion.

Cindy refers to these little strolls down memory lane as
"MIMA moments" in reference to the title of her book. But
I've got my own name for them. I like to think of them as "My, My"
moments. It's as though I have my grandmother standing
beside me (no dishtowel) and saying, "My, My...isn't that
something?"
Indeed, it is. And the closer we look--while suspending judgment--the more clearly we see it.
Poke around in your mental attic,and dig into those boxes packed
with mothballs. You're bound to have some "My, My" moments
of your own.

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Your Secr*t Assignment:
Poking Around
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This week, poke around in your mental attic and see what you've got buried in dusty boxes up there.
Here is a sampling of questions from the "Mothballs In My Attic" book to help you along...
"The funniest thing that happened on a car trip was ___."
"I shared my deep dark secrets with ____."
"I loved buying ___ from the ice cream truck."
"My friend, ____, had the best tree to climb."
"My mother always shopped at the____ supermarket."
Why not order this book for yourself--and your loved ones? It's a
fun way to connect with others at your next gathering.
Just go to:
MothballsInMyAttic.com<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Maya Talisman Frost/www.1shoppingcart.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=410935 Stop by Maya's website to have a wonderful experience.

Awaken Your Senses

2006-06-07T14:19:00.000-04:00

Awakening Awareness

It's not hard to be mindful.
It's just hard to REMEMBER to be mindful!
Awakening Awareness™
is a course designed to help you pay attention
to various triggers throughout your day
in order to get in the habit of being mindful.
If you're ready for a simple, fun and powerful way
to learn how to pop into mindfulness mode whenever you choose, just click on the Real World Training Link and you be directed to this wonderful web site.

2006-06-03T15:27:00.000-04:00

Rain...Rain...
showers, fresh air and daffodils *Plant some flower seeds and watch them grow
The flowers planted around our house were ______________________________________
Smell the fresh scent, our clothesline was located _______________________________
I used a _______________________________as a marker for sidewalk hopscotch.

Sharing a MIMA Moment
Sharing your world with Mother Nature is a vast experience.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Spring season

Mindfulness

2006-06-02T15:20:00.000-04:00

My new friend Maya has written such a beautiful awakening of my book Mothballs In My Attic. Maya's web site is www.real-worldmindfulness.com and there are so many things to explore. If you check out the Friday ezine articles you can read what she wrote about Mothballs In My Attic. This is my first blog spot and i'm happy to share it with Maya Talisman Frost. Thanks Maya, you inspired me to start a blog spot.