To me, watermelon is the epitome of summer, and it is by far one of my favorite flavors, so indulge me for a moment while I share some fun watermelon facts with you!
Watermelon's official name is Citrullus lanatus of the botanical family Curcurbitacae and it is a vegetable. It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
A watermelon was once thrown at Roman Governor Demosthenes during a political debate. Placing the watermelon upon his head, he thanked the thrower for providing him with a helmet to wear as he fought Philip of Macedonia.
Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
The first cookbook published in the United States in 1796 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles. Food Historian John Martin Taylor says that early Greek settlers brought the method of pickling watermelon with them to Charleston, South Carolina.
The word "watermelon" first appeared in the English dictionary in 1615.
Watermelon is grown in over 96 countries worldwide.
In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.
In Israel and Egypt, the sweet taste of watermelon is often paired with the salty taste of feta cheese.
In 1990, Bill Carson, of Arrington, Tennessee, grew the largest watermelon at 262 pounds that is still on the record books according to the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
In 1999 over 4 billion pounds of watermelon were produced in the United States.
Watermelon is an ideal health food because it doesn't contain any fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A & C and is a good source of potassium.
Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown worldwide.
Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds.
August Events Due to the size of our space, seating is limited. As such, registration is required. You may register for an event up to 30-days prior to its occurrence. This insures equal opportunity registration for everyone. Please call HolEssence at 815-276-7173 to reserve your seat. Registration is not available via email.
Because of their popularity, events tend to book up quicky. Please call early to secure your seat. Once an event is full, we start a waiting list in the chance there are any cancellations.
3rd Annual Benefit Concert A reminder that HolEssence will be CLOSEDon Saturday, August 2nd so that we can attend the 3rd Annual Benefit Concert at Echo Valley Farm in Ontario, Wisconsin. And a great big thank you to each of you who donated canned goods, dry goods, and hygiene products. We will deliver them on Saturday.
The Art of Abundant Living 1-Day Intensive Many of you are aware of the Life Harmony wellness program that I designed and use with clients to help them get on track and stay there. Typically this occurs in a one-on-one setting over a period of eight 1.5 hour sessions. However, I have been invited to share this program in a group setting in one 8-hour day. This workshop is not about 'The Secret' and it is not about prosperity. It is about living an abundant life.
Overview Each of us has “baggage” that we accumulate and tend to carry with us through life. Most of us get to the point where we are tired of dragging it around and we look for healthy ways to offload it. Each suitcase we carry is tied to non-positive aspects of a particular “self.” We each have several “selves” that govern various life-impacting issues:
Self-Preservation
Self-Gratification
Self-Definition
Self-Acceptance
Self-Expression
Self-Reflection
Self-Knowledge
During this workshop we examine the characteristics of each “self” through the human design, and then learn important truths about whole, unencumbered health—body, mind, and spirit—as it relates to abundance factors within that particular self. This 1-day intensive focuses on the here and now in the context of infinity, providing practical suggestions and methods of application to help you achieve success in your daily life; to help you get on track and stay on track—no luggage required. What will be the SAME about this workshop as the one-on-one sessions? In the one-on-one sessions the first hour is used to cover the material. The last half-hour is used to go over the previous session's "homework" assignments, and to deliver the next set of assignments. In the workshop we only have time to work through the material. What will be DIFFERENT about this workshop from the one-on-one sessions? It will be in a group setting You will not have "homework" to complete You will not be held accountable You will not pay $900 for eight 1.5 hour sessions. This 1-day intensive only costs $150. To Register for the 1-Day Intensive Please contact Dr. Michelle McClellanat 847-254-0654. The workshop will be held on Sunday, September 14th at her beautiful and spacious facility located at 271 Country Commons, Unit G2 in Cary.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S. Sharma
Whether you’re looking to embark on a new path in life or just re-energize your current circumstances, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is the quintessential “change your life” guide. Regardless of what path you are on, this book helps to examine ways to enrich your life and live a more enlightened existence. The methods are brought out through a fable format – a refreshing change that makes the message being conveyed linger in our minds.
The chapters are meticulously planned and flow seamlessly from one to the next. Julian Mantle, a very successful lawyer was the personification of success. He had achieved everything that most people dream of: professional success with a seven figure income, a grand mansion in a neighborhood inhabited by celebrities, a private jet, a summer home on a tropical island, and his prized possession a shiny red Ferrari parked in the center of his driveway. Suddenly, and in a very up-close-and-personal way, he has to come terms with the unexpected effects of his unbalanced lifestyle.
The story draws us into Julian's journey which provides an approach to living a simple life with greater balance, strength, courage, and abundance of joy. The wisdom that is imparted through the various characters in the book is truly awe inspiring.
Crystal of the Month – Bloodstone (Heliotrope) Bloodstone is a deep green stone with small red specks. The small red specks are where the stone gets its name. They make the deep green stone appear to be spotted with blood. Bloodstone is excellent for centering and grounding. It is said to help with calming, particularly in survival situations. It brings mystical energies of increasing adaptability and organization, and lessening confusion and anxiety.
It is said to be a stone of courage, bringing mental, physical and emotional renewal by releasing blockages. It is said to be particularly good for helping emotional traumas and grief. It also enhances the intellect. Bloodstone is used to draw energy to one in many ways, including bringing abundance and prosperity, as well as smoothing the way with legal issues.
Physically – Bloodstone is helpful in treating anemia and other diseases of the blood, blood pressure, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, kidney, bladder, physical strength issues, physical traumas, and post-surgical issues. Bloodstone is associated with the base and heart chakras. Ever wonder about the difference between crystals, stones, and minerals? Simply click on the link for an explanation - The Difference Explained.
Leo A good portion of August is ruled by Leo. To learn more about this Zodiac sign, simply click on the link.
Looking Ahead You may register for an event up to 30-days prior to its occurrence. This insures equal opportunity registration for everyone. For details, simply click on the links. The month of September has three events:
Letters to the Editor If you have a topic you would like addressed, or a question that you would like answered in an up-and-coming newsletter, please send it to Laurie via email.
