Debbie Hazelton's Blog

Podcast, with Larry Turnbull

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:21:16 GMT

Many of you know Larry from ACB Radio. Some of you know him from ACB conventions. Most don't know his many other skills and talents. I'm his roommate. It's interesting to see how two people who are different and similar enough can blend to help each other with many things. Sometimes we drive each other crazy. Show me two people who don't! :) We manage to laugh every day, Often where one's skill isn't as strong, the other picks up and makes the difference.

Do you know how to renovate and repair things in your home yourself?Amazing how some of Larry's family taught him to do some pretty incredible things as he was growing up.

Get the show:
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs97_Larry_t.mp3

Podcast with Rev. Alice Anderson

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 19:22:42 GMT

There's so much change going on and more yet to go on in 2012, I thought it would be of interest to sit down with friend and colleague, spiritual leader Rev. Alice Anderson! Do you know her? Christ Church Unity is said to be the fastest growing church in the Unity movement worldwide! Alice is dedicated! She lives in the heart of life, and shares from the heart of herself! She encourages, invites and demonstrates realness! Is your God big enough to embrace all that she dares to raise?

Get the show: http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs96_hc1_alice_anderson.mp3

Podcast, Dean Martineau

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 21:47:49 GMT

I've been aware of Dean as a part of the blindness community. When he wrote in as a listener of "In The Quiet", (one of my shows on ACB Radio Interactive http://interactive.acbradio.org 7:00 P.M. EDT. Tuesdays, I decided to invite him to be a guest on my Mainstream show. http://acbradio.org/mainstream And so we sat and talked.

One of the things I most appreciated in the time we spent was Dean's openness in saying that he's living and growing as a person, learning more about friendship, how to love and interact with people. Many would not openly admit these kinds of things, would rather act as if these things are easy I admire his honesty.

We talked about many aspects and interests of technology, where Dean has gone with his involvement and thoughts around it over the years.

and we spoke at length of his his involvement in the Bahai faith.

Dean has done much good work to be of genuine help to many people over the years. I'm honored he spent time with me on the show.
If you want to get in touch with Dean, or to get his Top Tech Tidbits, write him:
topdot@gmail.com

Now to get the show: http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs95_dean_martineau.mp3
And thanks always for listening to aCB RAdio, to my shows and various podcasts!

Podcast, with Justin Romack

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:55:34 GMT

This show was aired on ACB Radio Mainstream.

We talked about getting together for a good while and finally did. If you don't know Justin you're missing out on a lot. Justin is a proud father, business owner, advocate, drummer. What an all-around great guy! Inspired and inspiring! I'm so glad to know this fine individual.
Visit his website:
http://ontempoideas.com
Get the podcast!
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs94_justinromack.mp3

Podcast: Steve Matzura

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:06:06 GMT

Do you know Uncle Stevo? He deserves a lot of recognition and appreciation for his long time role with ACB Radio. Do you know all of the talents and interests he has hidden in his secret stash? Oh, that's the name of his show, on just before me on Mondays on Interactive. http://interactive.acbradio.org Some of you wrote and said how you knew him from school days. I know many have see nhim at convention working tirelessly at the exhibit booth, and stealing cookies Oh, you have to hear this story! Funny Uncle Stevo! He'll never live that one down! :) Get the podcast here. http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs93_steve_m.mp3 Note, this show is moving to a once-a-month format, heard first on ACB Radio. Two new feeds, for my Heart Connections podcast and more discussion of sexuality to be found on the podcast "From Within To Between." Stay tuned.

More cookin and talkin'

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:58:41 GMT

Another podcast, more cookin and talkin' it was on ACB RAdio first. This show is going to a once-a-month format, with more interviews. If you're interested in wellness, spirituality, mind/body/holistic health, or any of the things I affectionately refer to as the Woo Woo Wacky Witch Hazel, look for my Heart Connections podcast and separate feed, coming very soon.
Meanwhile, To get this podcast: http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs92_cookin&talkin.mp3

Podcast, "Cookin' With Deb" and other news!

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:52:21 GMT

I'm behind in posting, there will be 3 in a row today. There are new feeds, website is new. Here's 1, all "Cookin' With Deb!" We had company. So I made homemade hummus, potato salad, my mmm Italian Cheesecake and a shake. Get the show here
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs91_cookinwithdeb.mp3
Note, the sexuality podcasts will be on another feed, hopefully posted in a couple of days. Get my newsletter "The Hazeltonian. Find blog entries and announcements of podcasts, radio shows and more, on my Announce list! Send a blank email to announce-subscribe@debbiehazelton.com

Podcast: Part 2 with Rick Rick!

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:08:37 GMT

Did you miss part 1? I think this guy is worth hearing more than once. He, and his life, remain filled with spirit, a sense of living on purpose! So we hear more of his story. I share some reflections and plans.
Get the show:
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs90_rick_reed_part2.mp3

Subscribe to my feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

Debbie Hazelton

Podcast: Rick Reed part1

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:53:27 GMT

Hi There,

Part2 with Rick Reed will begin airing on ACB Radio this evening at 9:00 P.M. EST. http://acbradio.org/mainstream
If you missed it last week, here's the podcast!
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs89_rick_reedpart1.mp3

We just never know where someone has been, what they've been through, what they've learned from life experience. I think this man's life will inspire you! Go ahead, as he does, think outside the box! :) At least, that's my take, as I listen to his life. And where did I meet him? Of course, on Twitter! :) Tweet tweet! Want to follow me there? @DebbieHazelton

Subscribe to my feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

Are you on my announce list? A new issue of my newsletter "The Hazeltonian" will be out soon! Watch for the free wellness presentations, classes and more!
Want it in your in-box: Send a blank email to:
announce-subscribe@debbiehazelton.com

Debbie Hazelton

Part2 with Jeff Bishop

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:35:58 GMT

Some of you know him from ACB Radio, Twitter, the tech world... We spent a couple of hours talking about so many things it had to be a 2-hour show.

I began a new series, one I expect will blossom now that I'm catching up here.

Cookin' With Deb!

So far, the series has had short bits of info I anticipate will be longer and that I will cook and describe more.

http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs81_jeff2_cooking1.mp3
Subscribe to my feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

Jeff Bishop, Part1

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:31:02 GMT

Evidentaly Jeff didn't notice his shows weren't here either! :) A two part show...Jeff talks about his work, family life and we exchange views on other interesting topics.

http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs80_JeffBishop1.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

John McCann

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:27:11 GMT

Here's another that didn't make it on the podcast feed.

John McCann. First aired on ACB Radio, John talks about his work for the Social Security Administration, his discovery and love of playing the guitar, (you may recall he played a song he wrote in the ACB FIA showcase in Reno last summer.) Finally, he talks about his interst in holding office in ACB.

http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs79_mccann.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebieHazelton

sexuality, disability... What about Access?

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:25:16 GMT

My friend, sexologist Dr. Marilyn Volker and I sat down awhile back and had a free wheeling, interesting discussion: sexuality, access, choices, information. Much of what we discussed is for all people, with or without disability.

Get the show:
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/sexuality_marilyn.mp3
subscribe to my feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebieHazelton

If you're using a podcatcher, I hope you're also getting blog entries I post here.

Debbie Hazelton

part2 with Lisa Salinger

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:01:28 GMT

Beyond the initial catastrophe, imagine losing a guide dog that was trained and loved since the days of a tiny puppy! To lose this dog, on the heels of such a tumultuous time!
We can say this person has courage, yet in the midst, one is usually busy surviving! Still, it is to Lisa's credit, her strong faith, kind spirit and love for and from others that has such merit! She gives this love and kindness out, so it is not surprising others have been eager and willing to provide incredible support to her!
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs88_lisapart2.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

Lisa Salinger part1 Ever lived through a disaster?

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:55:02 GMT

Many of you were eager for this 2 part show. Those of you who know Lisa remember the utter shock at what she experienced this last year, and her tremendous strength. Hear her reflections, observations... It is just another window of soemthing that can happen to any of us in any given moment! What would you do if it were you? What have you done when/if it has been you?
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs87_lisapart1.mp3

http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

Podcast: What does the moon say for you in 2012?

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:51:13 GMT

what a way to start the year, with my friend Kathryn Silverton and her new book: What if the moon, the stars, the planets..., are just windows that can suggest potentials?
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs86_lunar_kls.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton "Lunarcasts"

part2 with Robin Mandell: More about Flirting

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:45:57 GMT

We continued, talking about social skills, self-esteem, and more... What about nonsexual physical contact? There's a gamut of feelings, experience, expression out there.
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs85_robin2_cookin&more.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

Podcast! Part1 Robin Mandell and I talking flirting

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:42:24 GMT

HiThere!

This first aired on ACB Radio Mainstream some weeks back and I am behind in my podcast posting! You've heard her here before, seen her on Twitter and her website http://robinstoynest.com sex educator, Robin Mandell. In this first of 2 parts, we discuss flirting. What is it? What are healthy ways to do it? What gets in the way?

http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs84_robin_mandell_flirtingpart1.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton
Subscribe to my feed, or check out as you wish.

Reissuing Robin Mandell and I talking sexuality and disability: attitudes and more...

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:52:29 GMT

This has been on my website, but not reissued as part of the podcast feed. Sex educator Robin Mandell has been with me on ACB Radio Mainstream. Here, in a podcast separate from radio, we talk about attitudes toward sexuality, disability, both combined, and more. Content here is mroe explicit than what is heard on ACB Radio. Find more of what Robin Mandell has to offer by visiting her website http://RobinsToyNest On Twitter http://twitter.com/RobinsToyNest Get the podcast here:
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/sexual_robin2.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

The Hazeltonian, January 2012

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:17:01 GMT

The Hazeltonian, Volume 2, No. 1, January, 2012 MISSION STATEMENT: I believe that vision is in the mind and my purpose is to see and help others see in new ways! Hi There!!! Ooo it’s been awhile! I promise to be here more often! Lots of announcements in this issue, so read on! RADIO: SHOWS CHANGES AND PODCASTS! My Monday show, “the Good Energy Mix”, can you believe it’s been there since the fall of 07? Beginning this week, we’re going to a 2-hour format. Tune in: 11:0 A.M. EST http://interactive.acbradio.org. It’s such a fun way to start the week! Look who’s talking! “The Debbie Hazelton Show” (and podcast): Get to know interesting people What am i/others, talking/thinking about? Check out my new segment “Cookin’ With Deb”! This show first airs Wednesdays, 9:00 P.M. in the U.S. http://acbradio.org/mainstream Check the schedule for when it airs and replays in your time zone: http://acbradio.org/mainstream/schedule This show is currently also a part of my podcast feed, and becomes available sometime after all of the replays take place on ACB Radio. Subscribe to my podcast for these shows and other topics: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton (Note: as the ACB Radio site receives a new look, all Mainstream shows there, including mine, will be on a different RSS feed with podcast content on my own feed evermore expanding. Stay tuned!) CHANGES REGARDING MY PRODUCTS: Many of you have been asking for me to have my products posted online with a shopping cart. I have made a decision not to do this. While they will be listed online with a PayPal button, there will not be a cart. They are labor intensive to make. At some point, with more assistance, this might change. Choosing to focus my time/energy on speaking/writing and private clients, I will make small batches of products periodically as you request and as it continues to fit into my schedule, working out details with you on a per order basis, where you may continue to send money via PayPal per our agreed amount. Thank you for understanding. Note: To send money to me via PayPal, the address has changed. Please send to iam at debbiehazelton.com. Thank you for your prompt payment and generous gifts! FIND ME ON YOUTUBE! I was there a couple of times last year with new guide dog Meghan. Catch my latest, New Year’s video: “Out with The Old, and In With The New! Reflections” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx58omkrHcE HAZELTONIAN RECIPE OF THE MONTH RISOTTO - Be creative! Mix cooked seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, crab meat, and fave veggies with this creamy rice-like dish! It’ an impressive, highly praised, memorable dish! 4-6 servings Make this when you have time. Be prepared to stir Risotto steadily a good 20 minutes. 2 tbsp olive oil, (I prefer a good Extra Virgin) 2 cups Arborio or Risotto rice 4 cups boiling vegetable or chicken broth Other ingredients to taste: chopped garlic, onions red chili pepper, bell peppers, cooked peeled-deveined shrimp or other seafood of choice, cooked veggies, such as drained spinach, broccoli, green beans, peapods, etc. Directions: Bring to boil broth in separate saucepan. In another, large heavy bottom saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Pour in rice, stir until risotto is coated and has started to toast, (2-3 minutes.) Reduce heat to medium and gradually stir in boiled broth. Stir until liquid is incorporated. Continue adding broth and stirring until all liquid is absorbed. (Takes roughly 15-20 minutes of constant stirring.) Mixture is done when taste is tender and creamy. Meanwhile, in skillet, add additional olive oil, garlic and onions if desired, gradually adding other chosen ingredients to mix, sautéing and stirring until all ingredients are warmed, blended and sufficiently cooked. Put both mixtures into a desired casserole/serving dish; add additional seasonings such as red pepper to taste. I usually add Brags Seasoning instead of salt, found at health food stores. Enjoy! JANUARY CLASSES! Ooo! Parties? • Numerology Party: Monday, January 23, 8:00 P.M. EST. (What you can learn by numbers of your birth, date and name, numbers in your life, personal year, etc.) Everyone gets a mini reading! $15 •Wellness Party! Techniques for handling stress in the New Year: Thursday, January 26, 8:00 P.M. EST. $15. To attend either class: you must RSVP for these classes at debbiehazelton.com by noon EST. on the day of class to receive information regarding where and how to attend these classes.. Bring 4 additional people, who pay and attend, you get to attend for free! • Have a topic of interest? Let me know. :) A HAZELTONIAN? Over the years: quips, jokes, one-liners! A friend periodically called and asked “Is this The Hazeltonian Institute for Madness?” This month’s Hazeltonian, a Freudian slip! Filling out an online form one day, the system kept locking up as I attempted to enter credit card info. I suddenly said “It won’t let me enter my date of inspiration!” lol Looking for a user-friendly product for losing weight? For the last few months I’ve been using/enjoying ViSalus shake Mix. Not selling it, though have a website since I’ve ordered. I get the Shape Kit! Shakes taste great! I’m not hungry, am losing weight, flexibly and comfortably! http://dhazelton.bodybyvi.com From My Blog: (Relationship Reflection) What Makes a Great Pie? Is it a secret? Nov. 14th, 2010 at 10:43 AM I woke up with a thought this morning about my favorite ingredient of a good pie! I was up at the wee hour of somewhere after 4:00 a.m., talking with a dear friend on skype, feeling so good to swim and revel in the connection... So this morning I was thinking to describe the feeling and made the connection about pie.So what is it for you, with pie? Is it that topping, that high meringue? Is it that whipped cream, oh, they call it "whip topping now.) Is it some sort of glaze, some sort of glitz? Maybe it's the filling? Deep, rich, thick, fruity, creamy, juicy, succulent? Or how about that crust? Crispy, flaky, light, and, there! Yeah, yeah, synergy aside, I wouldn't just eat a pie of crust, but for me, the crust makes it! The crust keeps me coming back for more! If that crust is soggy, eeiilkk! If the crust is thick and doughy, no thanks! I have to confess, when I was a little girl and my mother gave me Chicken Pot Pies, I loved the crust, and oh I wondered how those mysterious peas seemed to sneak in there! lol And though that crust isn't good for us as typically full of wheat and gluten and fat, for me, it gives rise to thought about relationships. It seems like forever, I've spent time and energy in this or that relationship, like you, making my mistakes (you make them too, don't you?), learning all sorts of lessons. In fact, I consider life experiences/lessons of all types to be research projects, where we gather data and make choices. And so, I've dabbled and dived into many relationships, learning, gathering data, and coming up with one major theme. Some of you who know me have heard my broken record, about "friendship", "friendship first". I hear many couples who seem to go for that meringue and glitz, or love the look of that pie with it's overflowing filling! I did it too, lots! And you know what?I came up both full and sick of that rich unsatisfying taste that left me wanting, yes, hungry! (And we wonder why eating disorders, food cravings, obesity and more, in this country, gradually migrating to many more parts of the world)? I digress. I really wanted something less sweet, something probably not so loud, more mellow, simple, light, not so filling or heavy. I wanted something to keep me coming back for more! I wanted something that made my whole being say "More!" "Yes!" How many times have I put down my fork and said "Well, that was interesting, knowing I never wanted to taste it again?" How many times did I dive into the appearance of that relationship and realize I was into something that didn't feel real, didn't feel like me, didn't satisfy my taste, any real need or desire? And, with pie, and with relationships, we only get out of them what we put in so this is As much about self creating, creativity, the day-to-day weaving, (yeah, how about those criss cross pie crusts?), of our lives. Oh, there's that crust again. You know, the very first pie crust I ever made was one of my best. After that, I made a lot that weren't so good. I wonder if some of the very first things we bring to relationships are good, until we learn what we think will be good shortcuts, patchwork fixes. "I'll just "push" this together, make it look right." "I'll piece these broken bits together to make it look whole.""I'll just stuff this piece, or this feeling, or these words in, and pretend it's all the way I want it." Yeah! And usually, the pie was still doughy, or soggy, though the filling was thick and deep and the topping was high! And the relationship? Hmm! Still missing something! I ask couples, "Are you friends?" Can't tell you how many have said "We have a partnership, which is usually about money, and kids, and old comfortable shoes, (even with all of their holes...) I can't count how many times I tasted that rich filling and thought "It's missing the base.", and How many times I got over my head in pace and patterns, forward actions of relationships that would gnaw at me with statements like "No base, it's past the point of building trust!..., Fast filling..., too much has happened to build what you want most, to feel safe, really close. And so, another pie, another relationship, into the trash, or at least left for others to consume. Reminds me of a poem I wrote once about a group of people who rushed through a buffet line at a gathering, ooed and ahed over the food I thought was missing something. I'll have to find that poem, but the title was "Can They Taste The Tastelessness?" So if I come back for more, it means, Thank you for helping to give our bond, relationship, creation of what we build, a base of a good crust! Yeah, my crust, even with all of that flakiness we both bring, that's what makes our crust the best!!! May you enjoy pies and relationships with a base that holds it all together, a foundation that brings you back for more...Here's to good crust! ASK DEBBIE: Q.: I hear you talk about the importance of language. I’ve known you to rewrite words to songs, emphasize new ways of looking at words when talking with people. Is this really so important? What’s-The-Deal - Ma. A.: Dear What’s-The-Deal? Well, what would you rather hear, statements that include or exclude you? Statements that validate and encourage you, or criticize and put you down? In my second book “Solving the Self-esteem Puzzle: (A Guide for Moving From Piece to Peace), I bring home the point, that self-talk, and statements we hear, messages we receive, all feed the landscape of our minds, thus, the quality of our lives. Bottom line: we are not only, as the saying goes, “what we eat,” we are what we say in thought and word. Sticks and stones can break our bones, and words can hurt and heal us. Q.: With your credentials, why do you believe in things like astrology, numberology and energy medicine? Have heard you playfully refer to yourself as the Woo woo Wacky Witch Hazel. Skeptic - Mi. A.: Dear Skeptic, Throughout history, there have been various people who have brought forward, ideas, concepts, information to expand the envelope of how we think and do things. I often speak of imagining when Columbus began to tell people the world is indeed round, not flat. Many of the ideas and concepts I put forward about possibilities, (positive abilities). They are what I often refer to as “windows to the big picture.” Whether we’re talking astrology, numerology, or many types of energy medicine, there is often incredible order, systematic study and wise intuition, as we listen and pay attention. Debbie Hazelton, Rev. Ed.s., MA. Helping People Feel Better, One Person at a Time! http://debbiehazelton.com Are you on my Announce List? Subscribe: send a blank e-mail to: announce-subscribe@debbiehazelton.com Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/DebbieHazelton Skype: debbie_hazelton Email: info at debbiehazelton.com MA1242 MA31980.

Podcast: Robert Carter: Steve Jobs the Person and later, Cookin Lentil Soup

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:56:06 GMT

Hey There!
The podcast feed is:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

What can we learn from Steve Jobs the person? Not just about the development of Apple. Listen as Robert Carter, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and myself discuss Steve Jobs the person, and the biography of his life, written by Walter Isaacson, available from Audible http://audible.com

Want to be in touch with Robert or to hear his excellent podcasts? Go to
http://dr-carter.com or email him at techdoctor123@gmail.com

And in my Cookin' With Deb segment, I give you my recipe for homemade Lentil Soup.
And wow, the house smells so good! I've a pot of it right now, simmering on the stove!
Get the podcast here!
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs83robertcarter2stevejobs_cookin3.mp3
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

My response to a question about my Voices and Choices class

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:06:23 GMT

I invite you to read this through completely, including and perhaps especially taking in the P.S. at the very bottom.

For 33 years, I've been providing a form of sensitivity training I designed, now called "Voices and Choices." From my own participation in a graduate course comprised of various educators and health care professionals, it was a real eye opener to see how ill at ease they were with me, a woman who happens to be blind. In fact, of all of the graduate courses I took to obtain two graduate degrees, one in psychology, the other in counselor education, clearly, those in the counseling department, students and teachers, were the most ill at ease. They, more than any group, expected me to "help them feel comfortable", educate them of the basics of blindness. (It's funny, but I've found over the years, that the degree of comfort any individual or group feels and displays doesn't seem to have anything to do with how much basic, fundamentals-of-blindness education given to them. Answering their questions seems to beget more questions while they display the same dis-ease.

That class was a landmark experience for me. I spent many hours with them in a group and individually as it was a summer crash course with a voluminous amount of reading and group work. There was one guidance counselor in the class who apologized several times for not telling me about a crack in the sidewalk over which I did not trip. In another graduate counseling class, the teacher and the students did a fair amount of clowning and displays of nervous behavior, to which the instructor said, "As you can see, we're all dealing with our own lack of ease with you being in the class.!

I was incredulous. Here I was, in graduate classes, with people the most ill at ease I'd encountered. These were educators, already health care providers. And so I began to wonder "What's wrong with our education system that gives people a lot of knowledge and techniques, but not enough for being with all types of people?" "Why is it even counselors, want a switch box with a timer on it and a list of what to do when, who fall out of sync when faced with someone who is different?"

Thus began this training class. I knew it was not going to be my role to merely educate people on the basics of any one or more disabilities or types of "differentness." Rather, it was experiential learning that was needed. I began to think and write about stigma, language, stereotypes, and came up with the word "differentness." I knew then, that we needed to put people first, who happen to have this or that about them that is different.
I began to build experiential activities which over the years have continued to evolve. It is by way of input from clients, friends also dealing with "differentness", and my highly aware friend and colleague, sexologist Dr. Marilyn Volker that these activities have continued to flourish. As over the years, we have laughed at the idiotic remarks made by people, mixed with the resistance of professionals, such comments have served as pay dirt for these activities!

I promise you, every line used in the activities is heard by most of us often, if not daily.

I've provided this training to groups of all types and sizes. As I state later in what you will further read here, it is interesting to note that the people who need it most are the ones who vehemently resist. The ones who absolutely love it, find wisdom and solace are the ones who deeply get it, that there are many voices that yet need to be heard, and many choices that yet to be honored.

I recently submitted this course for continuing education credits for the state of Florida. It was approved right away for the Board of Massage Therapy. The Board of Acupuncture have had some difficulty with it. I received a call this morning where myself with my associates were to appear in Tallahassee tomorrow about this course. We are unable to make such appearance and find it ludicrous. People either want it or they don't. I was asked to send a text stating once again, the purpose of this course. And so, I wrote and submitted the following. I hope, if you are one who knows what "differentness" is, and feels like, you will feel validated. If you are one who is sure you know and thinks this course is not needed, I hope you will feel nudged to rethink after reading this. Here's what I submitted

This course is about the interpersonal communication from practitioner to patient. In my counseling practice, I repeatedly hear clients say the practitioner, be it, doctor, nurse, therapist of any kind, treated them as though their problem(s were all because of their disability, sexual orientation, appearance (differentness) et. This stems largely from stereotypical assumptions on the part of health care providers who, though mean well, typically fall into traps that take away from the patient/practitioner rapport. This is often reflected back to patients as "another professional, health care provider, who doesn't see or hear them as a person first, resulting in many health care providers asking irrelevant questions of patients in order to take care of their own inadequacy, assuming they, the professional, knows best, in order to try to be in control of what the patient may need, rather than being fully available to what the patient is saying or showing they need. This course is about learning to listen, to ask more open questions not based on assumptions or the health care provider's mere curiosity, . It is largely about increasing empathy to the humanness we all have in common.
This empathy, listening beyond what one knows accademically, is highly missing between health care providers of all types and patients. It is further interesting to notice how often the very professionals/health care providers who need this course the most usually assume they don't. The ones who are open to such, are not usually the ones who need it. Typical courses and textbooks do not teach about dealing with people who are different assuming an us/versus/them stance, thereby continuing to miss the rapport, the empathy, listening, seeing, of who they are as people first, before how they may happen to be different.

Debbie hazelton
Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH1242 Licensed Massage Therapist MA31980 MA in psychology, ED.S Counselor education. Ordained minister, author of 2 published books "The Courage To See (Health Communications, 1990), "Solving The Self-Esteem Puzzle (Health Communications, 1991)

P.S. Would you believe I had a nurse in a doctor's office, who hadn't b een there when I was there on a few other occasions, ask me just a couple of weeks ago if I live in a group home? When I discussed a side affect to a medication, that it interfered with my ability to respond sexually, a doctor said "Oh, I didn't know you were sexually active!" Still think professionals of all types don't need this course? Perhaps you are among the minority who don't. If so, we are fortunate to know about you. Please realize we who live with "differentness", need and deserve our "Voices, and Choices."!

Debbie Hazelton
(Helping People Feel Better, One Person At a Time!
http://debbiehazelton.com
Twitter: @DebbieHazelton

Why not so much writing about EFT.? The nature of my work

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:33:42 GMT

First, just to repeat, new podcast feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DebbieHazelton

I've been thinking a lot about these and other questions over the last few months, giving pause to see what rises to the top.
So why am I not tweeting and retweeting so much about EFT., (the Emotional Freedom Technique), Bach Flower Remedies and other kinds of energy work? Why are clients and friends not hearing as many suggestions about these tried and true ways of working about which I've displayed so much enthusiasm? I know some have wondered. For months I heartily retweeted the works of other EFT. and other energy practitioners.
Some of the reactions I got to tweets and conversations kept nudging at me, along with my own internal process/wisdom.
Let me assure you, in case you were hoping or were afraid I changed my mind? No! These techniques absolutely unequivocally work! They provide shortcuts to so much anxed, physical and emotional pain. I've experienced and witnessed incredible shifts, ease, removal of symptoms or unwanted behaviors. These techniques are positively life altering! They are present and future medicine and I consider it a privilege to practice them personally and in my work with others. How do I know they work, aren't mere placebos, mind over matter? For one, they work with animals, who, of themselves, cannot say, "Oh, I want to believe and say this works, so I will make it so." No. As to their effectiveness,
testimony abounds! I believe they work because we are about far more than our conscious mind/body experience, all interconnected within and far beyond ourselves. I believe these techniques, while they work, are mere windows to far more that is possible, about who e are beyond our conscious elves. Why don't they work for some people or sometimes? Much of it has to do with what one brings, and doesn't bring to the discussion. The greater honesty with self tends to bring the greatest results. It could be that there's another one or more layers that, when brought to bare will release a stuck piece whereby the technique works. Often the person doesn't want to or is afraid to change, can't believe something so simple can work, so effort expended is as though one hand is kept behind their back. It could also be that, because it doesn't make sense on the surface. Sometimes a person feels so silly tapping, for example, they think it all too bizarre so dismiss it and any possibility of it having any credence.
As I've expounded on the good works of these techniques, I've probably been ignored by many, been met by the curiosity and hopefulness of by friends and clients, and been laughed at or chastised by a few as though I was a religious zealot.

So why, after saying all of that, have I said less about all of that lately?

In my work with clients, we do a lot of EFT. tapping, and even more talking. I'm reminded it is more than the eradication of pain, anxiety, depression, uncomfortable experiences for which clients and friends seek to engage me in the fabric of their lives. In fact, when I'm personally dealing with life's challenges I'm not usually just wanting someone to help me fix it.
Granted there are lots of people who merely like to stew in their stuff, make whine, sloshing in their own barrels, chew on their cuds, thereby staying with the familiar. I think there is something else people want that isn't merely about relief from discomfort, and/or, perhaps another kind of relief that isn't about mere eradication of something.
For one, people want to feel they, and the context of their lives, are not reduced to a technique, so they may resist anything that sounds like someone is selling, particularly when it's repetitive and redundant. Even more, I believe people are hungry to feel heard, understood, validated, to have their experiences reflected back to them in a way that empowers them to know their lives do make sense. I find people wanting to know there is story, purpose, reasoning behind choices, and that it is heartening to have such met with insight, empathy, comfort that shows them they are not alone.
Seems to me that some people feel easily judged when feeling their lives are over simplified, a quick answer to their dis-ease, causing them to decide to retreat, not trust either themselves or others.
I know of many people who already feel badly, people with cancer or a life of emotional pain, who suffer even more because they've been harshly judged by flippant metaphysical, self-help book touters and practicing professionals.
Does this make the answers, the techniques, book knowledge, their enthusiasm wrong? No, not at all.
Perhaps it is the wisdom of growing older, I think it is one of life's secrets - I tell you there are so many good things to find with age! For me today, it is a way of being present with people that is more important than any technique. It is a way of being available to people, open to what they bring. Over time, I know that much of my life has been about bringing to light the big picture. Whether it is someone's life, collective, global situations, there are many, many windows of wisdom to be gained through life experience and insight!

If you want to look at a range of thinking on the subject of mental health, the use of medications and alternative approaches, I recommend Dr. Andrew Weil's book: "Spontaneous Happiness." Much good thought with wonderful suggestions. While I think the discussion as to why there are so many seeking these meds is worthy, perhaps it important to ask why so many are unhappy, rather than merely looking at the abundance of prescribing, though of equal concern.
In my opinion, we've gotten too caught up in dichotomy, such meds are either all bad or good, right or wrong. Depends on the person and their situation. We don't walk in anyone else's shoes but our own. I can say that to walk well in my own is an ongoing process, as I believe to be the case for each of us. Being who we are is a full-time job. Sometimes help comes from outside of us, sometimes from within us. Just as the air we breathe, it goes into and comes from us.

Today, as I embrace the whole of life from a perspective of looking at the big picture, choosing at times to use wonderful ways of working I've discovered along the way, life is largely about gathering and sharing wisdom, insight, empathy and compassion, treasures I am exceedingly thankful to richly enjoy.

May you know and enjoy sharing your gifts and talents, in my opinion, our greatest treasures going forward in our changing economy and world.

If you're interested in working with me, I do see clients, mostly on Skype, and also am available for group presentations, inspirational/motivational speaker/trainer, author of two books "The Courage to See" (a book of Daily Affirmations for personal growth), Health communications, 1990.
"Solving The Self-esteem Puzzle (A guide for Moving from Piece to Peace), Health Communications, 1991.

Debbie Hazelton
(Helping People Feel Better, One Person At a Time)
http://debbiehazelton.com

Podcast: Kevin chao talking STEM, Cookin with Deb,new podcast feed

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:13:40 GMT

The podcast with Kevin Chao talking STEM is now available.

At last, a new feed is here for past and future shows. Much more change to come. If you don't like a show here to there, check in often, there's plenty of variety and change in the works. The feed is: http://feeds.feedburnewr.com/DebbieHazelton

On this podcast, it's my friend Kevin chao, talking with me about STEM. Do you know what that is? It's important in schools, a major part of curriculum and today's job market success. Incomplete exposure or an absence of of which likely contributes to high unemployment figures, particularly among those of us who are blind/visually impaired. whether blind since early childhood or later, many questions still can be asked. What has been your experience with charts, diagrams, pictures, tables, maps, manipulation of equations, active, real time participation with all of these side by side with peer students? Did teachers and other significant people teach and encourage involvement with a dcan-do attitude? If such tasks were not available, were in piecemeal form, or after the fact, what messages did you get about both wanting to do these tasks, self worth in completing them, ownership of involvement with them, and looking forward to working as an integral part/force in today's job market? Are you disinterested? Listener figures for this show were low, giving yet further impetus to the very answers to these questions which justify this discussion and greater need for advocacy and collaboration.

Many of you know Kevin Chao, out there, pushing the envelope with tremendous tenacity to make things better for all of us. On the forefront of technology, Kevin is a doer, one who will not settle for less.

contact Kevin, email: KevinChao89@gmail.com On Twitter http://twitter.com/KevinChao89

toward the end of this podcast, in my new Cookin' With Deb segment, I give a few quick tips for Thanksgiving, and though past, useful for other holiday and meals beyond.

http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs82_kevin_stem_cook2.mp3
Debbie hazelton

podcasts available

debbie@debbiehazelton.com (Debbie Hazelton) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:58:13 GMT

Hi There,

Each of these was first aired on ACB Radio.
Available now, they are:

the interview I did with John McCann
Do you know him? We talk about his work as an attorney, his love of guitar,
involvement with ACB. Find it here:
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/
<http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs79_mccann.mp3> dhs79_mccann.mp3

Do you know Jeff Bishop? In parts 1 and 2, he talks about his work, family,
and thoughts about education and motivation. In part 2, I also begin a new
series "Cookin' With Deb." Find them both here.

Part 1
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/
<http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs80_jeffbishop1.mp3>
dhs80_JeffBishop1.mp3

and part 2 "
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/
<http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs81_jeff2_cooking1.mp3>
dhs81_jeff2_cooking1.mp3
http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/
<http://debbiehazelton.com/podcasts/dhs81_jeff2_cooking1.mp3>
dhs81_jeff2_cooking1.mp3

More to come! Hope you enjoy!

Debbie Hazelton