text:
Sharon's Rose
by Gayle Baker
The characters of Xena and Gabrielle are the property of USA Studios/Universal
Renaissance Pictures, as are Hercules, Iolaus, Joxer, Ares, Autolycus, Salmoneus,
Draco and Cortese. All other characters belong to the imagination of the author,
save the character of Yeshua, Who belongs to no one, and yet is offered to all.
No offense is meant in any of the religious references.
VIOLENCE: Violence in any form, against the young, is horrific. The active violence within the story is of the level as found in any "X:WP" episode. However, the memories of the brutality of child abuse: physical, emotional and sexual; are found within the story and are not meant for the younger audience. Unfortunately, none of the abuse references stem from the author's imagination. All are taken from real-life people and circumstances.
SEX: There is none, except, once again, within the allusions to abuse. The close, loving, friendship between Xena and Gabrielle is defined by the boundaries of the "X:WP" series itself.
CONCESSIONS: Anachronisms abound. What can I say?! Women need their chocolate!
Even music history is not exempt from violation. I take refuge, though, behind episodes such as "The Bitter Suite" and "The Tale of Two Muses" and examples found therein.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Much of the herbal information used, I gleaned from my sister, who is a nurse practitioner and herbalogist; and, from her resource material. I thank her kindly. I also am most grateful to her for her constant encouragement.
This piece fits within the "Xena: Warrior Princess" time line between the fifth season episodes of "Chakram" and "Animal Attraction."
All questions and comments are welcomed. E-mail address: email@example.com.
"I am the rose of Sharon
and the lily of the valleys."
Canticles 2:1
Chapter 1
'No, not like that!' Gabrielle held her sides in laughter. 'Oh, that hurts!' she gasped, then abruptly stopped, holding her breath in a valiant effort to squelch another peal from erupting. Her face turned beet red in the effort. Failing miserably, she burst into another round of unrestrained merriment and collapsed against the back of her chair.
The dapper sun danced above her, waltzing with the clouds, then twirling past them to bound from hill to vale, glade to glen; leaping to dust rock and cleft; flirting with wing and water; smiling on leaf and limb, cavorting with butterfly and spring flower; and lightly tapping his way around Gabrielle, burnishing her hair to a golden glow. He finally dipped to teasingly kiss Xena's tanned nose.
The two friends lounged, enjoying the laziness of the midmorning sun as it warmed the balcony table they shared on the cliff side deck of the 'Diospolis Inn and Hospice'. They were the only occupants of the rather large balcony perched over the Ajalon River some twelve feet below; breakfast having been over some time before, lunch still an hour away; and the few other patrons opting for the shade of the dining room inside.
Removable glass panels within the log and stone walls of the inn, had been slid back along a metal tract, into an alcove, opening the great-room to the warm breezes and springtime activity outside. Migratory marsh birds chirped and announced their courtship rituals as they flitted about in the reeds, rushes and papyrus growing below, in a small inlet formed by the encroachment of the river against the opposite bank.
Xena uncrossed and refocused her eyes fondly on her young friend. Her face relaxed from its contortions into a light grin. 'Perhaps the fair Maiden Gabriella would care to show
me . . . ?' Xena leaned forward, executing a low bow from her waist, sweeping her right arm gracefully toward Gabrielle, capitulating to her, of course, superior dramatic talents.
Both women sat with their feet propped on empty chairs opposite them. Gabrielle had removed her boots and now wiggled her toes in sheer delight of the day. She reached for another pastry from the large platter of assorted pastries and cakes, set in the center of the table, and popped it into her mouth. A small vase of fresh flowers also adorned the table.
The younger woman took a sip from her tea mug to wash her food down, before lowering her legs and leaning against the edge of the table. After several attempts, she successfully gained a modicum of control of her face to allow both green eyes to become intrigued by the tip of her nose, while she inflated her cheeks in a fair imitation of a blow fish. She, however, could not maintain her concentration for more than three seconds and dissolved into another gale of laughter.
The normally taciturn warrior joined her. They laughed easily together.
The smell of baking bread and pastries, as well as roasting meat and vegetables, wafted out to the women through the open kitchen window behind them.
'You know, the smithy, though, was a nice fellow,' Gabrielle reflected, still grinning, changing the subject with facility. 'I mean, he put his work aside to begin shaping Argo's shoes immediately. Argo even seemed to like him. And he was right about the food being good here!'
'A fellow Greek,' Xena stated, as though that really was explanation enough. Although, she had been slightly jealous of her mare's immediate affinity for the smithy, she grudgingly conceded he did seem to have a rapport with animals. 'Besides, he said the non? Greek residents of the town were away at a religious celebration in a town a few miles southwest of here. He really didn't have much to do.' She shrugged offhandedly.
'He didn't say when he'd be finished with Argo, did he? Hmmm . . . ,' They had left Argo and their gear in the stable adjoining the smithy's forge.
'Dunno. . . . You know, he had a really interesting bellows system for his forge . . . ,' Xena began, but let the thought drop. It took more energy than she wanted to expend at that moment to contemplate.
Only the birds' warbling and the lyrical interlude of water splashing against stones and the eddies swirling above submerged rocks within the river bed, altered the amicable silence in which the two friends reveled, until Gabrielle thought back to the merchant whose reaction they had been impersonating, and began laughing uncontrollably again.
'I'm sorry, I just can't help myself! Maybe if he hadn't had such a dilapidated miniature pavilion with all his ostentation . . . . ' She began, then sniffed and wiped her eyes, and lowered her voice to approximate his. ''Young lady, be careful there. You'll cut yourself on those knives . . . ! Ah, no! No! Those swords are . . . , ah, dangerous'. . . ,' here she paused for a moment, pregnant with anticipation, and opened her eyes wide, allowing them to bulge exaggeratedly, just as the weapons merchant had, then finished, '. . .'too'!' Her voice cracked and screeched up an octave on the last word as she succumbed, to yet, another, fit of mirth.
'You know, if you had had your leathers on at that time, I mean, instead of this beautiful blue tunic," Gabrielle fingered the fabric, "the weapons' merchant would not have mistaken you for anything other than what you are.' Gabrielle reminded the warrior.
Xena raised an eyebrow, 'Oh? And what is that?'
Gabrielle gave Xena a reproving glare, 'You know very well what I mean a fierce, dark haired, growling, Warrior . . . Pussycat!' Gabrielle gave the taller woman a pert grin.
'When you flipped that scimitar up through that torn hole in the tent roof and then caught it on the rebound behind your back . . . , that, . . . now that was priceless!' Gabrielle hopped up and swung her hand behind her back, then dipped her knees in simulation of cushioning the impact of the sword hilt. She brought the captured glaive to rest in front of her eyes, examining its entire curved length, in engrossed interest. Licking her finger, she tested the blade's edge, and drew her finger back in affected pain, sticking the wounded digit into her mouth to nurse its injury.
'That wasn't as easy as it looked,' Xena admitted. 'I suppose that was 'pushing it' a bit, huh?' She grinned, her right eyebrow raised in question.
''Trolls tolls', Xena! 'Shoving it' came with your mimicking the whistle of an incoming catapult! The poor man almost belabored his intimate apparel; not to mention the extruding veins of his neck pulsating in beat to a hummingbird's wing . . . !'
"Uh-uh. Claim your part! You 'propelled' the illusion when you ran out looking for a bucket and the town's water supply and inquiring into a fire brigade to douse the incoming Greek fire!" A rakish grin lit Xena's face.
"I wanted to lend the air of authenticity! Ah, and we're not one bit repentant, are we?' Gabrielle remonstrated as she reached down to pat Xena's forearm affectionately. The smaller woman reclaimed her chair.
Xena feigned a pout, batted her baby blue eyes and penitently sighed, 'I guess we wouldn't have added such insult to injury, if I had actually bought something!'
And the friends were off again, howling in glee.
Xena cleared her throat and very seriously considered, 'You know, it really wasn't all that funny.'
She studiously examined a small scar on her right wrist, tracing it as though seeing it for the first time.
"It was, if you had been there!" Then Gabrielle did her utmost to erase the grin threatening her face, but when she found that her tall friend could not hide the mischievous twinkle in her own eyes, Gabrielle sighed affectedly, 'I guess you're right!' but managed to destroy the effect when she chirped the last word. They both regarded each other and burst into laughter once again.
They slowly subsided to hiccupping giggles.
Xena's attention was drawn to a mother bird's frantic shrieking from the tall sycamore tree about thirty feet to her right, just beside the balcony. She glanced down to find the reason for the birds' distress. A baby bird lay atop a soft clump of grass at the base of the tree, where it had fallen from its nest.
An inn employee noticed the little bird's plight, at exactly the same time. The woman wore an oversized tunic and mid-calf breeches, odd apparel for women of this area. Xena watched idlely as the woman gently lifted the baby bird, chirping to it as she moved, then cupped it tenderly against her chest and began climbing the tree, one-handed, to return the tiny creature to its mother. She whistled to the mother, calming the agitated bird as she climbed.
The mother bird hopped onto the base of the woman's thumb as if overseeing the entire procedure as her little one was tenderly laid into her nest. Then she hopped onto the side of the nest to investigate.
"Oh, look!" Gabrielle motioned softly to the exchange, but her voice was loud enough that the climber, whose back had been to the two friends, heard her and turned slightly to catch a glimpse of the two women on the balcony in her peripheral vision. It startled the woman so badly she almost fell out of the tree.
Gabrielle gasped and sat up, instinctively reaching with both arms to catch the woman thirty feet away. But the climber caught herself and swung easily to the far side of the tree, using feet and arms to slip and flip down to the ground. Then she was gone.
"Didn't take her long to climb out of that tree, did it?" Xena asked. Something niggled at the back of her mind. There was a familiarity about the woman who had just withdrawn so rapidly. The warrior thought for a moment, but when the connection did not come, she merely shook her head. "Did she look familiar to you?"
"In what way?"
"Like we've seen her before?"
"No," Gabrielle reflected and responded slowly, "I don't think I've seen her before."
"I don't really know why I'm asking you. You don't seem to notice personal appearances, as much as you catalog attitudes and actions." Xena teased affectionately.
A soft rustling attracted the friends' focus to activity at the opening in the wall behind them, and to their right.
"Here, Miss Colinthia?" Four men in red tunics and white breeches appeared, bearing an obviously ill woman in a blanket-lined chair.
"This is fine." The innkeeper motioned the men to set the chair down. Colinthia patted the woman's arm. "This sun and fresh breezes may make you feel a bit better, Anrika. And here's something for the pain."
Anrika's face was creased in agony. The hospice keeper grimaced for her patient. She held a cup and a small bit of white substance in her hands, and knelt beside Anrika. "Here we go." Colinthia placed the white substance on Anrika's tongue then assisted her with the cup of warm tea. When the suffering woman was finished, Colinthia helped her settle into a more comfortable position, adjusting the chair back to slightly recline, all the while humming or soothing Anrika with comforting words.
The four footmen were joined by two female attendants. All stood helplessly by as their mistress' sallow cheeks bespoke her deterioration. They all seemed uneasy with the herbalist's ministrations.
Colinthia murmured to Anrika, the two friends could only hear snatches of her conversation. "Rest now . . . , soon . . . in His arms. Rest, my friend." And Colinthia tucked a light blanket around her patient.
Xena found herself humming the same tune that Colinthia had been humming to Anrika, as she noted quietly for Gabrielle, "It doesn't look like the patient is doing very well. In fact, I'd be surprised if she lives out the day."
Gabrielle turned to Xena, "You know the song?"
"Yeah, ummm, let's see." Xena thought a moment. "I believe it's a Greek lullaby."
"What are the words?"
"I, ummm, don't remember the words." Xena thought hard.
The healer stepped through the opening for a breath of fresh air and leaned against the wall, savoring the sunlight on her face. It was then she noticed the two women on the balcony.
"Good morning," the innkeeper pushed away from the wall and moved to their table. "Are you finding the food to your satisfaction? Do you need anything refilled?"
The two friends could see the weariness in her face, yet she smiled through it to them.
"Oh, no. The food is great." Gabrielle smiled up at the innkeeper. "And one of your servers just brought me a full cup of tea, thank you."
"And, how about you?" Colinthia looked to Xena, then peaked down into the taller woman's cup. Noticing it only had a few sips left, the innkeeper asked, "Would you like another?"
"Ah, no. I've had enough for now, thank you!"
"Fair enough. My name is Colinthia. Just let me know if you need anything, . . . ,"
"Xena," Xena supplied.
"Xena? 'Hospitable?' Ummm. You wouldn't by any chance, be a herbalist, would you?"
"Why, yes. Yes, she is," Gabrielle answered for her friend, then offered, "And my name is Gabrielle."
"Ah, 'God is my strength'. If He is, you are well served!" The innkeeper smiled kindly at Gabrielle. "I won't bother you ladies any further. It was my privilege to have met you both." She directed her gaze to Xena. "If you'll be staying in Diospolis a few days and have the time, I'd love to discuss medicine with you."
Colinthia winked and backed toward the opening. "And, please, brunch is on the house." She waved, and was gone.
"You know, this is a nice little town." Gabrielle noted.
"I can see why you think so." Xena kidded her friend.
It was a nice little village. The hospice/inn was only a half mile north of the tables and tents of Diospolis' outdoor market, the one that they had perused and abused, earlier. Save for the weapon's merchant's rent tent top, everything else, was well-tended. The streets, market area and town proper were even cobble stoned. The whole village had a sun sweetened smell of cleanliness. Flowers, vines, shrubs and trees lent an air of life, color and balance to the well-constructed adobe-type, stone homes. And the landscaping tied the whole physical structure into a community.
Low, gently rolling hills of the Shephelah surrounded the town on three sides. The two friends had traveled the trade route inland from Joppa, and had found themselves on the border of a gradually changing terrain. To the southwest was the Maritime Plain. To the northwest, the Plain of Sharon. Further east, lay the foothills of Judea. They felt the balmy Mediterranean breezes this short distance inland. The mesic, lushness of the area belied the harsher, xeric conditions of the lands only a few miles to the east.
The two women had even passed a little music studio on their way to the inn. The sign read, "River of Ajalon Strings," but even without the sign, they would have known it by the stone statue accompanying it, of a young shepherdess playing a harp. Her little lamb lay on the knoll beside her. The stone harp, though, had real strings strung on it. The little knoll on which she sat, was planted with a carpet of little wildflowers of brilliant reds and pinks.
The whole area carried such a bright, but tranquil air about it.
Xena squinted up at the sun still winking down on them overhead. 'It's almost noon." She turned to Gabrielle, "Why don't we spend the night here? We're in no large hurry, are we? And we do have to wait for Argo. That will allow us a few more hours.' She slyly stroked her chin and with one finger, continued down her neck. 'Want to have another go at the market?' She knew how tempting that would be to Gabrielle, for the bard loved her shopping.
"Ummm . . . ,' Gabrielle began mentally calculating, gazing pensively into the top of the sycamore tree beside them, ticking off the portions of spent time on her fingers. 'Yes . . . and, uh huh . . . , and that, uhmmm . . . ! Oh, and that . . . !' she mumbled. She brightened and brought her focus back to Xena's face. 'Exactly 95% of our time in the market was spent on, now let's see: weapons, leather goods, tacking, shoes and not for us, but Argo and reviving merchants having heart attacks!' She brandished her index finger toward Xena, 'We have yet to do any real shopping!"
"And we hadn't even reached the food court, yet." Xena teased.
"With the treasure we've found here, that won't be necessary." Gabrielle flipped her head saucily at her companion.
The two friends arose and stepped into the great-room to see about accommodations. They quietly moved past the now resting Anrika, and her entourage. Gabrielle hadn't noticed it when they had first come in, probably because it was to their backs at that time, but now the two friends faced it. "That's gorgeous!" She pointed to a large tapestry hanging on the wall behind the bar. Its fabric boasted rich, deep colors. It pictured an eagle aloft, soaring above a runner whose tunic flew out behind him; he bounded effortlessly over verdant hills. A triumphant smile graced his face.
Colinthia met them and noticing the direction of the womens' gaze, quoted, "'But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.' The tapestry is some of my mother's work."
"She's very good." Gabrielle said it somewhat breathlessly.
"Thank you." Colinthia smiled, "She had wonderful inspiration! She . . . ," Colinthia's words died on her tongue, for suddenly, everything was engulfed in darkness, the likes of which had not been seen since the Pharaohs of Egypt.
And with the cessation of light, it also seemed the world's voice had been taken. It was an eerie, black silence. Long moments passed.
"Evil is afoot." Colinthia finally breathed.
Xena's slightly strained voice emerged jokingly, 'Uh, someone forget to pay their oil bill . . . !'
'Perhaps, ummm, the world?' Gabrielle enjoined, lightly.
'So it's not just me?' Xena asked, as the women returned to a tense silence for several minutes, standing in total blackness, in an absolute cessation of light.
When the sunlight did not return, Xena's voice dropped to a whisper. 'Uhhh . . . , Gabrielle, this is no normal occultation! Even when the moon is eclipsed there is an ambient light. With this, I can't see my hand in front of my face!'
"Don't move," Colinthia's voice came to them through the thick darkness. "I'll find a lamp for us." She could be heard shuffling toward the kitchen, and the growing noise of fright-filled voices.
"No, we do not know what has happened, but the One who controls the Universe has not fallen, nor stumbled. We are in His care. Panic will do little to instruct or illuminate our ignorance." The innkeeper soothed her employees.
Slowly, murmurs of assent replaced the fear-induced, discordant ranting.
But it was irrefutable. Where the blue sky of midday had just governed moments earlier, a canopy of blackness now reigned.
Unaccountably, the friends' anxiety responded to the woman's words. Gabrielle felt a little lighter. Xena recognized the wisdom of the logic, and even grinned at the woman's gentle pun. Or perhaps it was the fact that within moments, Colinthia returned with a lit lamp.
Still the ebony canopy remained, dropping its net to ensnare the land in its woof and warp.
In less time than it took to blink an eye, their world was lost in the shadow of darkness, surrendering up both light and security.
Chapter 2
Gabrielle did not realize she had been gripping Xena's arm until she looked up to see the warrior staring down at her, then glancing to the smaller woman's hand on her arm. Instead of releasing her, Gabrielle wound both arms around the warrior's waist and clasped her even more tightly, finding some small comfort in the strength of Xena's arms, and familiar scent. Xena returned her embrace. Gabrielle felt the increased heartbeat against her cheek and found that it matched the pounding she felt in her own ears. Her mouth went dry.
"It is pitch black! Has Apollo been defeated?" Gabrielle whispered into Xena's chest.
"I . . . , I don't know," Xena stuttered and tightened her hold on Gabrielle.
They were at a strange time, in a strange place.
Xena expelled her breath in a tight sigh. "Let's help Colinthia get all the lamps and torches lit, then go find out what this is all about, if we can.' She released her young friend.
With torch in hand, Colinthia led the way along the obscured street. They stepped high to maintain their footing in the semi-darkness. They could hear excited voices emanating from the people already gathered in the town center. More torches were being lit along the streets as the townspeople processed their initial shock.
Although the darkness exerted a palpable oppression, terror and dread were beginning to calm to a controlled fright, as they heard Colinthia's low voice, as she walked, soothing and calling her friends and neighbors to reason.
The women examined the faces surrounding them, and the consternation clearly written upon each. Family and friends hovered closely together, loath to relinquish their holds. Children clung to parents; and parents, to one another. Gabrielle wondered absently how they had found each other so quickly in the darkness, then almost chuckled at herself when she thought how easily she had found Xena, around the chairs and tables of the inn's dining room.
The townspeople were just ordinary citizens: some Greek, some non Greek; some wealthy, some less fortunate; some statesmen, some shepherds; some scholars, some illiterate whose sole intent of the moment was to dispel the gloom.
Within a surprisingly short period of time, the village took on an almost festive appearance with the inhabitants out in the streets and byways, settling torches in every crevice that would support one. They saw some of the merchants they had encountered earlier that morning (minus the weapon's dealer), donating fuel, lamps and ornate bowls, small and large, to the effort using anything that would hold oil and a wick. The village smithy brought iron poles from his forge to hoist the lamps even higher, illuminating entire sections of the town. The concerted effort spawned a camaraderie born of the situation.
'Did you just happen to have those on hand?' Xena asked the smithy's apprentice who handed the last pole to his master, and was closest to her. 'That's a nice design!' she said appreciatively.
The smithy, overhearing her question, scrutinized the pole in his hand then answered for his helper, 'The design is nice, but my copy is flawed. These are rejects. But they'll do for now.'
'Rejects?' Gabrielle stepped to finger the intricate symbols and characters that graced the shaft.
'Ay'. The village elder saw the ones that the healer . . . ,'
Colinthia passed within earshot of them at that moment and stopped, while laying a genial hand on the back of each woman she poked her head between them into the little circle to interrupt and correct the smithy gently, 'Stephanos, a 'herbalist' and 'physicalist'! But no, not a 'healer'. There is a vast difference, you know!' Her soft brown eyes spoke volumes. Then she continued on her way undeterred.
Gabrielle and Xena both stopped. It's true. They had not heard Colinthia once refer to herself as a healer.
The smithy grinned, then raised his voice to her retreating figure, 'As I was saying, the 'HEALER'. . .!' She merely waved her hand dismissively back at him without turning.
Xena turned to watch the woman disappear behind the centerpiece of the town's heart.
'Ay'. She knows every herb from this region, and has brought in many more from distant lands. She has them planted all around her hospice.' The smith lightly dropped one end of the pole he held onto the ground then used both hands to tilt it to his forehead, resting against it in almost a wistful posture. 'She feels, though, that all her knowledge and application cannot heal the ill, but that, that power alone, rests in the hands of a greater One, the Great Healer.' He paused, 'And we have seen, she is right.' He straightened then finished his statement, 'Of course, as usual!'
Gabrielle peeked over at Xena. "If she has herbs from all over the world, perhaps she would share some new ones with you." She nudged Xena's side with her elbow. 'It might be worth looking into, you know. And,' she encouraged, 'you both could share information if you have some she doesn't have.'
'Ay',' Xena mimicked the smithy, softly, 'but not in this dark!' Mystical blue eyes twinkled in the lamps' light, answering the smile of upturned sea green ones.
'Well, that should do it!' The smithy declared as they reached the town hub and he planted his last pole there.
'Wait! Now, you said these were rejects? How?!' Gabrielle persisted.
'Ay'. Our town elder wanted me to make poles just like the ones Miss Colinthia has around her hospice and inn. When I asked Miss Colinthia, she said she was flattered, and readily gave her permission. When I asked her where she had gotten the poles, she was a little less helpful.' He lowered his voice and added in a conspiratorial whisper, 'I think she promised, on her honor, not to tell anyone where they came from. Hmmm. . ., but I think it must have been someone a little closer than a friend, if you know what I mean,' he winked at them. And the women did. 'Anyway, she said I was welcome to study them where they stood.' He stopped.
'And. . .?' Gabrielle prompted.
'Oh, well, and I did. But I only studied them from the ground up. I couldn't study the base. I don't know what type of foundation they have, but Miss Colinthia's have never fallen over. And if you go and shake them, they are rock solid. However,' he admitted sheepishly, 'mine, bit-by-bit, lean and fall under the weight of the lamp supported there.' He pointed to the crook at the top of the pole.
'So you see, these are beautiful castoffs.'
Gradually, the calm was disrupted by a low moan arising from the northwestern side of the village, gaining intensity with its duration until it became an agonizing, piercing wail. One voice was soon joined by another. And then another. A cacophony of wailing voices soon enveloped that side of the town.
Both the smithy and his apprentice bowed their heads respectfully. As if by an unspoken command, people stopped their labors and began merging, heading toward the sound of the loud weeping. Before the friends could question him, the smithy offered, 'In this land, people announce death by wailing. Family and friends know to gather to lend their voices, pay their respects and to offer consolation. Burial is quick.' He paused sadly, 'We honor this tradition here in our village, for even though we are the remnants of conquerors in a conquered land, we have come together to glean life from its soil and share in this journey with its native inhabitants.' He added simply, ' And they are our friends. Our universe has been diminished by one soul.'
Gabrielle tilted her head slightly and looked upward into eyes that appeared gray in the dancing torch light. 'How is it that such a wise man is bending iron and tending horses?' she asked the big bear of a man, rhetorically.
Ahead, they saw the healer stumble, stop and bow her head at the wailing, her shoulders slumped noticeably. Surreptitiously, a woman glided out of the shadows and approached the healer from the side, tenderly taking her into her arms to comfort her. Xena and Gabrielle recognized the climber from the sycamore tree. She appeared to be about the same age as Xena. She was slightly taller than the healer and stood perpendicular to her. Clasping her hands around the healer's distal shoulder, she pulled her into her chest. She leaned her forehead to rest it against the healer's hair and whispered something into her ear. Colinthia slowly nodded and melted into her friend's embrace. They remained this way for long moments.
"Well, I'll be . . . !' The smithy stuttered. 'Well, I never . . . !' He was speechless. A ruddy wave colored his cheeks.
Likewise other villagers were incredulous. Innuendoes and intimations gave the two friends the impression they were witnessing a miracle. Offhanded comments labeled the woman who held the healer as a slow, dimwitted, xenophobe who was only glimpsed on rare occasions in the public arena. No wonder she had almost fallen out of the tree when she discovered the two friends were behind her. She only slipped back into the shadows when the villagers, one by one, stopped to encourage the healer. Xena's sharp eyes found she remained attentive to the healer, while cloaked in the security of darkness.
Xena and Gabrielle observed the interpersonal relationships of the townspeople as they approached the healer, spoke or touched her affectionately and affirmingly, then continued their trek up the road toward the hospice, and the wailing, and their arduous task. They didn't seem to see the simple woman. She, however, maintained her watch.
'They care for the healer a great deal, don't they?' Gabrielle asked the smithy who had lingered with them.
'Um...hum,' was his laconic reply.
'Friend of yours?' Xena nodded her chin toward the mystery woman melded into the darkness.
His blush returned. But he had no time to answer as a horseman and two runners, with loaded crossbows, bore down on the healer, coming fast from the direction of the wailing. They each wore matching red tunics and white breeches. The two friends recognized Anrika's footmen. The horse's hooves clattered loudly against the slick, cobblestone footing. The horseman began screaming as soon as he came into the town center, raising his crossbow to aim.
'TO YOUR HERBS. . .' He released the quarrel. The addled brained woman stepped in front of the healer and batted the arrow out of the way with a speed that amazed even Xena.
'AND TO YOUR GODS. . .,' the second quarrel which had been launched coinstantly, quickly found its mark and buried itself into the woman's chest, above her heart.
'DEATH!' The third arrow, released milliseconds after the first two, was snatched by an airborne warrior flipping her way into the center of the melee.
Villagers scattered as the horseman raged closer into their midst.
'You have killed our mistress with your medicine and your beliefs. . .!' the man hissed his venomous accusation as he nocked his crossbow again. 'And you shall. . . DIE!'
Another form hurtled out of the crowd with uncharacteristic agility for a man so large. As Xena stood ready to protect the two women behind her, Stephanos plowed through the two runners and slapped them aside like errant insects. He lunged for the horseman and pulled the man by his tunic into an ascending fist of iron. The man crumpled to the pavement without another sound.
Xena turned to face the healer and her friend. The woman still stood where she had stepped in front of Colinthia, blood slowly seeping from her wound and spreading crimson down the front of her blue work tunic. Only the vane of the arrow was visible. Time stood in suspended irrelevance.
Xena's eyes locked with the woman's. Blue eyes met the same warm color she had seen in the healer's eyes earlier. A native intelligence lay unmasked before her, as questions from a language Xena could not interpret, were telegraphed to her. Finding no answers to her query, a slow smile spread to the woman's lips and she swiveled her head toward the healer behind her. In so doing, her body yielded to its wound, and her knees buckled. Two sets of arms caught her simultaneously and gently lowered her, as Xena and Colinthia knelt, to allow the woman to rest partially on both their laps.
Awkwardly, the woman reached toward Colinthia's face, but the spasticity of her muscles refused to let her hand reach its intended destination. The healer tenderly captured the wayward hand in one of her own and guided the back of it to rest on her cheek, cradling it there as tears dripped onto the woman's relaxed fingers.
'It's okay. Iss . . . okay, 'Thia!' she slurred as she tried to comfort her healer.
'Yes, Bryn'. . . , it's okay.' The healer stroked the woman's face with her other hand, smoothing the disheveled hair away from her forehead with trembling fingers. 'Shhh! It's okay.'
''Thia?' The dying woman's smile widened, then she shifted her eyes slowly toward Xena. She did not see the warrior. 'If this is death . . . ,' here her voice grew so weak both women leaned in to understand her words. Xena felt like an interloper as she listened to the labored enunciation.
Xena straightened to gaze into Colinthia's tortured eyes. And just that quickly, Brynthis was gone.
Colinthia gazed down into the beloved face, slowly memorizing every line, every plane, distractedly noting the dilated pupils in eyes that would no longer communicate with her with just their glance. The smile remained, but it would no longer speak shared amusements. Brynthis would never have allowed such close scrutiny in life. The healer tenderly reached to close the woman's eyes. After some moments, Colinthia clutched the limp woman to her breast and began rocking her ever so gently. A soft moan escaped. And she rocked. Insensible to her surroundings, she rocked. Xena moved to her side and put a protective arm around the healer while she swayed.
Stephanos, acting in his role as town magistrate, quietly instructed his apprentice to conscript a few of his young friends to help carry the murderers' unconscious figures and shackle them in his stable, there to await judgment. They would later be released to the Roman officials.
Oblivious to the resumed activity, Colinthia rocked.
"Colinthia, please. Let us take care of Brynthis." Several townswomen gathered about the healer.
"Thank you, no. We'll be okay." And the herbalist continued to gently rock the woman in her arms.
The townspeople dared not force the issue with the tall and imposing stranger pressed so near to the healer.
As space was cleared around the Colinthia, Gabrielle tried to imagine what the town's central area might have appeared like had they seen it without the construct of pain, sorrow and death; and, in the brightness of day. The friends had not walked this way when they had traveled northward to the inn earlier. Gabrielle looked up to find a life sized, rock figure keeping watch there and noticed for the first time, the beauty of this little landscaped area. Ingeniously, the town fountain was a small waterfall cascading down into a bubbling brook, that gave every appearance of dropping several feet, but in reality only fell approximately two feet total. It gathered in a clear pool at the end of the run and from there, was somehow returned to begin its cycle all over again.
The rock figure was of a young shepherd who stood in midstride, his right foot resting on a stone in the middle of the stream, while his left pushed off from the bank; in one arm he cradled a lamb, the other gripped his staff to support and guide their way. His face bore a tired smile. His arms and clothes bespoke the physical hardships he had endured to find his little lost lamb. Tears and scratches and rips were clearly visible in both clothing and body. Carefully tended herbs and plants neatly surrounded the rock outcroppings; and, as she circled the outside of the garden area, Gabrielle found the town's well, cleverly hidden within the supporting wall of the diminutive cataract. A lone myrtle tree grew to the northeast side of the little pastoral area.
The figure had only a one word title etched into the plaque at the base of the pool: Heurisko: 'found'. Then it was followed by a short ode to the shepherd's relationship to his sheep.
Gabrielle observed the woman cradled in the healer's arms, this woman whom the townspeople deemed a misfit. She labored to decipher the discrepancies and similarities in both scenes.
'We've always been each other's protectors, even in childhood. That's the only way we survived it.' Colinthia's voice broke. 'And here, she has protected me, once again, and I could not reciprocate.' She looked upward toward the darkened heavens and vented a heart wrenching cry. No words were necessary.
The people awaiting their healer bowed their heads and moaned as one voice.
Gabrielle joined Xena and the healer, as Colinthia cradled Brynthis. 'She must have been a very good friend.' Gabrielle touched the healer's shoulder softly.
'She is . . . , was my sister,' she answered simply.
Another rider appeared at the edge of the compound, his torch light wavering in rhythm to his horse's canter. He was reluctant to make his pronouncement.
Chapter 5
Within two hours of her death, Brynthis was buried. There was no fanfare. That was her life.
By torch light, she was laid in the family tomb, beside her younger brother. The mourners accompanied them, but were reserved. Four of the townsmen bore the burial chest. Stephanos led them.
The burial box was an ingenious device having indentions in the lid to insert the burial spices which were quilted into squares of netting. The base had a bed of spices to cushion the body.
Xena noted when they had returned to the kitchen with the chest, that Brynthis had been dressed in a new tunic, but that her breeches remained as they had been. The head of the quarrel had been pushed through and broken off, and the vane pulled back out. Her tunic covered the now bloodless wound.
Only Colinthia had spoken at the grave site. She began with a recitation from the Sacred Scrolls:
I love the Lord, because He hears
My voice and my supplications,
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
The cords of death encompassed me,
And the terrors of Sheol came upon me;
I found distress and sorrow
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is compassionate.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low and He saved me.
Return to your rest, Oh my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
What shall I render to the Lord
For all His benefits toward me?
I shall lift up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
I shall pay my vows to the Lord,
Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His godly ones.
Then with slightly wavering, but clear and soaring voice she sang the chorus that was recorded in the town center. The first section was sung in a bright, con spirito lilt:
'Is that the Shepherd's voice I hear?
Laughing gently, calling clear.
Is that the Shepherd's voice I hear?
Name by name eager lambs leap near!'
A brief interlude of vocalization segued to the second section which was delivered in a warm, intimate legato:
'I know His voice it's sweet and strong.
He holds me nestled safe within his arms.
That is my Shepherd's voice I hear.'
The coda began somewhat ethereally and in a haunting minor key until it resolved to the brightness of major at the last word:
'Calling. Calling. Calling. . . me!'
As the last notes died away and echoes from the rocks ceased, Colinthia ended simply, 'That was Brynthis' life. Her passion. Her desire. I shall see her once again, though not in this life, but when I join her.'
She bowed her head and started back toward their home. The townsmen who had borne the chest maneuvered into place the hewn stone that served as a door to the tomb, and followed. Vines, herbs and flowers were left to guard the grave's inhabitants.
At the entrance to the back garden, the townspeople gave their individual condolences to Colinthia then parted, taking the outer path around the hospice to return to their homes. Darkness swirled about their torches as a dense fog. The uncertainty of it all was beginning to take its toll on the townsfolk. They were grimly subdued.
Colinthia cupped her right hand around Xena's elbow; and her left, Gabrielle's; steering them down the inner path toward the back kitchen door. She stopped and gazed skyward. 'When you see darkness like this, you at least expect stars to break the nothingness. Hmmm . . . . This darkness has lasted almost a watch now. Please, won't you consider spending the night here? You've done so much for me and I have no way to adequately repay you, please stay as my guests tonight. I offer you a clean, comfortable bed; warm bath; and a warm meal some say, even delicious!'
Since they had already decided to stay, they needed no further coercion of a 'clean, comfortable bed; warm bath; and warm meal'; their only to decision was if they were willing to accept it for free. The intrigue drew Xena.
Gabrielle glanced toward Xena and questioned with her eyebrows. Xena nodded almost imperceptibly. 'Yes, we'd be honored to accept your hospitality.' Gabrielle said. Each woman was rewarded with a warm, grateful squeeze at her elbow.
'Come, then. Let me show you to the Warrior's Room, then I'll ask Stephanos to bring your things from his forge, since Gabrielle tells me that's where your horse is stabled.' Colinthia ushered them through the kitchen door and up the back stairway to the rooms above. She did not see the friends exchange surprised looks.
Chapter 7
And just as suddenly as each had come, the quaking stopped and the darkness lifted. The sun cleared its throat, and quietly took its rightful place. And, although it shone, it did not dance. And the world wist not that its Creator had died.
Gabrielle searched Xena's face. 'What now?' she whispered.
Xena released her and headed for the door only to turn back at the sound of pattering feet following her. Gabrielle smacked into her stopped figure. 'Ummm, don't you think you should get dressed before you come down?'
'Oh, right. Good idea. Uhhh . . . wait for me!' Gabrielle held up her forefinger, then scrambled back for her clothes, yanking them on despite the added difficulty of wet skin. Slightly askew, she hopped along as she tugged on her boots between steps.
'Hmmm. Talk about modesty . . . !' Xena turned and walked backwards as she surveyed Gabrielle.
Gabrielle had her wardrobe in place by the time they reached the kitchen area.
Although there were very few guests or patients at the inn and hospice at that time, the calls and cheers interspersed with hollering and screaming, sounded as if there could have been a hundred, and seemed to emanate from the front of the building.
Colinthia emerged from the kitchen as they arrived. The three women exchanged troubled looks; then Colinthia shrugged, turned back into the kitchen, shrugged again using both hands to emphasize her bewilderment, then slowly grinned and announced, 'If you please, I think the tea bell announcing your tea, just rang.' She swept a hand skyward, then modified, 'not knowing causes and effects, I must add that no disrespect was intended for whatever reason the earth shook and the sun shone.' The healer did not seem disconcerted to see Xena dressed in leather and armor.
'Just a minute. I'll be right back.' Xena strode to the side door of the kitchen.
Gabrielle wavered in indecision, dancing from one foot to the other. She began to follow Xena, changed her mind to pursue Colinthia, then curiosity pulled her back toward Xena. Finally, she just stood still and let her head rotate to monitor the action from both directions.
Xena reappeared. 'It's like nothing ever happened askance out there. Except for the torches guttering, it could be any other day at three in the afternoon.' She continued on through the kitchen with Gabrielle falling in step, to where Colinthia stood staring out the back door, transfixed by the normalcy of the afternoon.
'Hmmm. Except it's not just any other day that Deity is crucified. I just wonder . . . ?' was all Colinthia murmured.
With the sun streaming through the windows, the kitchen appeared even more spacious than when they first saw it a few hours previous. The courtyard and gardens beyond were truly a marvel; wood, stone and brick served to codify them. Both Xena and Gabrielle were amazed at their definition, while exuding the air of spontaneity. The paths alternated between stone, brick and wood chips. Combination iron and wood benches were littered beneath some of the larger trees. The fragrance of myrrh predominated the softer, subtler scents that hung in the air. Each section had a personality, all its own; and while herbs dominated the flora count flowers, shrubs and trees added their beauty and touch to balance the mixture. The decorative iron poles holding high, still lighted lamps, could be seen throughout.
'Oh, here's your tea. It's a skullcap and lemon balm infusion,' She handed each of them a mug, 'It tends to have a calming effect. I suppose I should go check on my other guests, but what can I tell them? I'm not in charge of the light display, nor the rock and roll! Thank goodness 'Willow' reinforced this building with iron bars.'
In the light of day, Brynthis death seemed more final to Colinthia and, though she made no sound, tears began to flow. Gabrielle took her hand and stood with her quietly.
'I'm sorry. You have been so generous. And I know I've inundated you with chatter about Brynthis, more than you wanted to know.' Colinthia held up a hand, then swiped at her tears, 'And, yes, I know that that is a perfectly normal reaction to the death of a loved one. But, here you are travelers through our town, with no responsibility to us; and you've been so gracious to a stranger. Thank you.'
Gabrielle gave her a one armed, brief hug, which Colinthia returned. Then the healer squared her shoulders. 'Come, let's sit on the balcony and let me hear of yourselves. Who you are. What you do. Your dreams and aspirations. Where you're going.' She led the way out the back door and around the corner of the house to descend a foot to the balcony the two friends had shared brunch on a few hours earlier. It ran almost three fourths the length of the inn.
'Before you ask. Yes, it is sturdy. It has iron pylons driven into the rocks at 45 degree angles, supporting it. The earthquake doesn't seem to have affected it.' She held her mug up level with her shoulders, steadied it, then bent her knees quickly, dropping her weight down heavily to demonstrate its sturdiness. They never felt her movement.
Colinthia ushered the two friends to a table at the edge of the wooden balcony, near the railing. The view was just as spectacular as it had been earlier. The river and the horizon beyond was lush. The sky was clear and a deep blue. A few scattered, billowy clouds stretched overhead. They could see for miles. Where they sat, they looked northward over the hills and valleys of the Plains of Sharon. To the west were the inn's tended gardens and orchards, but they were screened mostly from view by a small ridge. Colinthia explained that a slight, bowl like depression separated the ridge from the cliffs beyond which, in turn, overlooked a lake fed by the river. Ten miles further west was the Mediterranean Sea. The road they had walked earlier to the tomb disappeared behind the ridge. It had been cut through to allow access to the land inside. This is where the workshop was also located. It was a private garden within a garden, housing gardens. From outside only the ridge and the cliff rim could be seen. The ninety-five acres inside were invisible.
'If you'd like, we can take a walk up to the cliffs later. It really has a gorgeous view from there.'
Xena and Gabrielle both, would 'like' very much to do just that.
'Okay, tell me a little about yourselves.' Colinthia sat sipping her tea as though she had all the time in the world, and didn't have to, in a few hours, have supper prepared for her guests. 'Who are you?'
Oh, yeah, right! Start with the simple questions.
The two friends looked at each other dumbly.
'Okay, if I were to ask you to use one word to describe what you feel is your best quality, what would it be?'
That didn't make it any easier.
'Well, if I were to ask you to use one word to depict each other's best attribute, what would it be?'
Immediately, Gabrielle and Xena spoke in unison, 'Loyalty.' Then startled grins graced their faces.
"I take it, loyalty is very important to both of you."
Conversation was easier from there. Gabrielle looked directly into Xena's eyes, 'I've never had a truer friend.' She stopped to consider, 'No . . . , it's more than that. When I look into that gentle heart, I find a kindred spirit . . . a soul mate. Uh! Uh!' she remonstrated as Xena started to protest, 'you do have a good heart! You cannot deny it with me. I've seen it!'
Xena hung her head slightly, 'I do not even deserve an audience with this woman an individual of such dignified nobility; and here she deems to call me 'friend,' 'kindred spirit' and 'soul mate.' I . . . ,' and here she lost her voice.
'Tsk! Tsk!' Gabrielle intervened and drew Colinthia's attention, 'I, the woman of such 'dignified nobility', am the same one who has singlehandedly gotten us into more trouble, more quickly, than from which Xena can extricate us. Umm, let's see there's the' and Gabrielle took a deep breath and launched into a one word description, 'TitanscursedshipofCecropstsunamis Aphrodite'smagicscrolltempleofAesculapiuskillerbeautypagents . . . !'
'Okay! Okay! Enough!' Xena held up both hands in surrender, and actually smiled.
'Brynthis and I shared that same easy camaraderie and depth of love. She called me 'David' and I called her 'Jonathan.'' Colinthia reflected quietly. 'You are indeed blessed!' Colinthia raised her right hand toward them in benediction.
'I'm sorry for your great loss.' Gabrielle shook her head empathetically, as Xena nodded her consentience. "Who are David and Jonathan?"
"It is taken from the Hebrew scriptures of King David's eulogy for his best friend Jonathan, and their deep, brotherly love." Colinthia recited, "'How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Oh Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.'" The healer smiled, quietly considering.
"That's beautiful!" Gabrielle exclaimed.
"And rare," Xena added.
'So, Gabrielle, what do you do? I assume from Xena's attire what her primary vocation is, and please, there is no censure intended in that appraisal. That was my father's predilection.'
'Well, I am a . . . uh . . . bard, uh . . . primarily.' Gabrielle answered quickly, before Xena could pursue any personal line of questioning, at Colinthia's last statement.
'Oh?! You know, I should have guessed that. You're so . . . expressive! What kind of stories do you tell?' Colinthia's interest was stirred.
'Mostly of Xena's feats!'
'Ah! Then there's always a moral to the story?'
'Of course.' Gabrielle grinned.
'Perhaps I can entice you, after supper, to . . . ? I mean, folks often come to eat here who are not staying in the inn and we usually have a full dining compliment, usually predominantly Greek on Friday evenings. They'd love to hear of a native daughter's exploits and accomplishments.'
'I'd be delighted!'
'Would you be willing to settle for tips in payment?' Colinthia begged.
'None will be necessary. I will sing for my supper!'
'Good. You're hired!' Colinthia spat into the palm of her hand and offered it to Gabrielle to seal the deal. Gabrielle grinned and gripped it. 'Hey, that's better than me taking off my sandal and offering it to you to secure a transaction, as they do in the customs here! I mean, there's no telling where that shoe has just stepped.'
Colinthia beamed, then set her attention on Xena. 'And you, Xena, when you're not being a warrior, what do you do?'
'Ummmm . . . .' Xena couldn't think of anything right offhand that she felt was worth telling.
Gabrielle supplied for her reticent friend, 'She has many talents. She is a healer, ummm, herbalist and physicalist, much like yourself. She sings, very nicely, I might add. She draws, I mean pictures, that is. She hunts and rescues fair maidens in distress.' She added parenthetically, 'Ah, my hero!" Then she added diffidently, "Ummm, my 'David!'' The bard continued, 'Although she doesn't cook . . . , ummm . . . well, very well; she can sew. She's an extraordinary gymnast and horsewoman. She's an excellent strategist. She is peerless as a swords woman, or any other weapon, for that matter. She has a superior mind. She throws a mean chakram. She can leap small buildings with a single bound. She catches fish barehandedly. She has exceptional auditory abilities. She is a superb terpsichorean. She is a beauty contestant par excellence.' Her eyes twinkled as again she added as an aside, 'Just look at that six-foot frame; long, flowing dark hair; unparalleled, oceanic blue eyes; rippling musculature; feminine curves I ask you, is she stunning or what?' Back on topic, 'She is a matchless lyrist. She makes men tremble, and women swoon.'
By this time, Xena was holding her sides in laughter; as was Colinthia, in duet.
'And I was serious!' Gabrielle feigned offense, which only served to make the other two redouble their efforts.
'Ah! It feels so good to laugh!' Colinthia dried her eyes. 'You know, I keep expecting to hear Brynthis' ax ringing in the distance. She always chopped wood at this time of the day. She kept the forested areas cleared of dead limbs and felled trees, and such. Not to mention, it supplied our stove wood needs.'
The three women all stopped to listen on the wind. A strange look settled on Xena's face. 'I don't know if it's the power of suggestion or what, but I do hear the faint sounds of an ax splitting wood.'
Gabrielle and Colinthia strained to hear, but perceived nothing but the burbling water below, and the migratory birds seeking shelter in the trees around them. Knowing that Xena did possess an unusually sensitive auditory ability, Gabrielle suggested they take an early amble up to the cliffs, in the direction Xena indicated as the source of the sound.
Xena smiled appreciatively.
'Let me get my employees, well, more like conscripted laborers with the wages I can afford them," she smiled ruefully, "set with evening preparations, and ask Julia to start supper without me. Well, actually most is already prepared, it just needs to be cooked.' Colinthia was gone only a short while before she reappeared.
'Ready? Okay, this way ladies.'
Sheep and lambs ran to and fro,
From the pasture, from the fold.
Seeking yet, a greener way.
Lost in danger wooed astray.
As with the chorus, a short melodic interlude divided the sections of the first verse.
The Shepherd's love sought out their state,
Compassion's tears etched on his face
He gladly paid his life for them,
The price required by their sin.
Gabrielle even joined on the chorus this time, her bardic voice lending depth to the phrasing:
Is that the Shepherd's voice I hear?
Laughing gently, calling clear.
Is that the Shepherd's voice I hear?
Name by name eager lambs leap near.
Xena's silky voice sang the segue way alone. Then the three continued, harmonizing:
I know his voice it's sweet and strong.
He holds me nestled safe within his arms.
That is my Shepherd's voice I hear.
Colinthia supplied the second verse:
The Shepherd stands with staff in hand,
Those who chose, now chosen lambs.
Delighted in their joyful play,
They bask secure within his praise.
Xena again smoothly voiced the interlude. Then Colinthia resumed:
No thief nor wolf can bring them harm,
These can't get past the Shepherd's arm.
His sheep respond to him alone.
He leads them out and brings them home.
This time Xena, Gabrielle and Colinthia sang the chorus twice. At the coda they were surprised into silence as an initially, faltering, but soft, clear, vibrato sang:
Calling. Calling. Calling. . .me!
Stephanos had been right. She did not stutter when she sang.
Brynthis relinquished her feeble struggle and allowed her head to slump back against Xena's collarbone.
Gabrielle smiled and mouthed to Xena, 'You did it!'
Xena shook her head and silently corrected her, 'No, her Shepherd, did!'
And so he had.
Continued in Part 2


text:
Coaching Blog
Free Speed
All you need to know to streamline your style
The subject of aerodynamics and its effect on cycling speed has moved on the from the early days. No longer is the debate focussed on whether it is important, but more about just how a cyclist might go about taking full advantage of it.
Aerodynamics is important in most forms of cycling, but it is even more so in circumstances where speeds are higher and where the rider is not being sheltered by other riders in a pack, think:
In this article the focus is on time trialling and how a rider can make some changes that will result in more speed for your watts, in other words, ride faster for the same effort or the same speed for less effort.
Assuming that the basics are in place and you have both a time trial specific bike, a skinsuit and a TT helmet. The next step is to have a bikefit that will ensure you are able to get your body into the most aerodynamically efficient position as possible.
The qualifier: riding fast on a TT bike is always a trade-off between maximising the aerodynamics of rider position whilst not pushing so far that the rider's power output declines to a point where the aerodynamic gains are less than the power lost though biomechanical inefficiencies. The only way to know this of course is for the rider to be tested using a variety of riding positions.
The new pillars of TT position:
Gone is the era where "getting low" was considered the most important adjustment a rider could make. The "modern thinking" on TT position has changed and here are the most important position adjustments for cheating the wind:
1. Go longer not lower. For many years riders worked hard to get as low as possible on their TT rigs. This would often result in compromised hip joints, knees that tracked way too wide and often contacted the elbows as they came over the top of the pedal stroke. These days, bikes are set up a little longer, riders sit as far forward as they can, the elbows are higher and usually much closer together. Of course, you will need to ensure that your position is UCI legal. Check HERE
Above left demonstrates the more modern approach. Higher and more "stretched out". The rider on the right is low, but more cramped and with very little hip clearance.
2. Hide your head. As your head is part of the frontal area that greets the wind, the more you can keep it within the dimensions of your body the better. This means keeping it as low as the line of your spine. If your head is the tallest part of your riding profile (from a frontal view) it is catching more wind than it should. The modern trend is to "shrug the shoulders" and kind of sink the head down so that is nicely housed between the tips of your shoulders.
3. Use your arms / hands wisely. Most time triallists work hard on finding the ideal position for their arms and hands. The goal is to minimise the gaps in the frontal area where wind can penetrate into the chest cavity. Think of it like "closing the window" to the wind. Arms that are angled slightly up and hands that are high (in relation to the elbows) and narrow, are the gold standard. Many will use a slight wedge under the armrests, to allow a slightly dropped elbow. And "J bend" extension bars allow the hands to sit slightly higher than ski bars.
4. Be narrow. Some riders are always going to find it more difficult to be narrow on their TT bikes, broad shoulders are great for swimmers, but unless they can be rounded (like Tom Dumoulin), they will be handicap in a TT. Get your armrests close together and if it feels like your chest is being constricted, try shifting them forward so that the elbows "close" above the level of your chest.
Hands in great position. Rider left has brought the elbows forward to allow them to be as close together as possible. Dave Zabriskie (right) demonstrates perfectly, the notion of closing the window to the wind
Adapting your position on the TT bike can give you speed, sometimes lots of it. The key adjustments outlined above should be attempted within the mechanics of your own body and the limitations of your bike. Some will be easier to achieve than others but all will help. It is always best to go about making changes in a systematic way, working with a qualified coach and / or bikefitter.
Going faster for the same or even less effort is the holy grail for most cyclists and finding a streamlined, efficient position is the key to finding your cycling nirvana.
Enjoy the free speed.
22/4/2019 03:42:36 am
Hi, very nice website, cheers!
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Brian "Bubba" Cooke is an Exercise Physiologist, cycling coach and lifelong rider.
November 2018

subset: commoncrawl


text: Find this wine Find this wine Coppola Rosso & Chardonnay Coppola Rosso & Bianco Chardonnay Pin It Tweet 6 years ago by Dylan D. More posts Francis Ford Coppola Rosso & Bianco Chardonnay Hands down, my favourite Chardonnay so far! Light, sweet and not as buttery as I expected! 7 years ago by Allen Alpha


text:
Computer science is a discipline that spans theory and practice. It requires thinking both in abstract terms and in concrete terms. The practical side of computing can be seen everywhere. Nowadays, practically everyone is a computer user, and many people are even computer programmers. Getting computers to do what you want them to do requires intensive hands-on experience. But computer science can be seen on a higher level, as a science of problem solving. Computer scientists must be adept at modeling and analyzing problems. They must also be able to design solutions and verify that they are correct. Problem solving requires precision, creativity, and careful reasoning.
Computer science also has strong connections to other disciplines. Many problems in science, engineering, health care, business, and other areas can be solved effectively with computers, but finding a solution requires both computer science expertise and knowledge of the particular application domain. Thus, computer scientists often become proficient in other subjects.
Finally, computer science has a wide range of specialties. These include computer architecture, software systems, graphics, artificial intelligence, computational science, and software engineering. Drawing from a common core of computer science knowledge, each specialty area focuses on particular challenges.
Computer Science is practiced by mathematicians, scientists and engineers. Mathematics, the origins of Computer Science, provides reason and logic. Science provides the methodology for learning and refinement. Engineering provides the techniques for building hardware and software.
The City College of New York- Computer Science deals with information; its efficient representation and transformation, its communication and security; its storage, retrieval, analysis and display.
Another definition from http://www.csab.org/comp_sci_profession.html
Computer Science: The Profession
Computer science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. In its most general form it is concerned with the understanding of information transfer and transformation. Particular interest is placed on making processes efficient and endowing them with some form of intelligence. The discipline ranges from theoretical studies of algorithms to practical problems of implementation in terms of computational hardware and software.
A central focus is on processes for handling and manipulating information. Thus, the discipline spans both advancing the fundamental understanding of algorithms and information processes in general as well as the practical design of efficient reliable software and hardware to meet given specifications. Computer science is a young discipline that is evolving rapidly from its beginnings in the 1940's. As such it includes theoretical studies, experimental methods, and engineering design all in one discipline. This differs radically from most physical sciences that separate the understanding and advancement of the science from the applications of the science in fields of engineering design and implementation. In computer science there is an inherent intermingling of the theoretical concepts of computability and algorithmic efficiency with the modern practical advancements in electronics that continue to stimulate advances in the discipline. It is this close interaction of the theoretical and design aspects of the field that binds them together into a single discipline.
Because of the rapid evolution it is difficult to provide a complete list of computer science areas. Yet it is clear that some of the crucial areas are theory, algorithms and data structures, programming methodology and languages, and computer elements and architecture. Other areas include software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer networking and communication, database systems, parallel computation, distributed computation, computer-human interaction, computer graphics, operating systems, and numerical and symbolic computation.
A professional computer scientist must have a firm foundation in the crucial areas of the field and will most likely have an in-depth knowledge in one or more of the other areas of the discipline, depending upon the person's particular area of practice. Thus, a well educated computer scientist should be able to apply the fundamental concepts and techniques of computation, algorithms, and computer design to a specific design problem. The work includes detailing of specifications, analysis of the problem, and provides a design that functions as desired, has satisfactory performance, is reliable and maintainable, and meets desired cost criteria. Clearly, the computer scientist must not only have sufficient training in the computer science areas to be able to accomplish such tasks, but must also have a firm understanding in areas of mathematics and science, as well as a broad education in liberal studies to provide a basis for understanding the societal implications of the work being performed.
From Mississippi State University
Computer Science is the study of principles, applications, and technologies of computing and computers. It involves the study of data and data structures and the algorithms to process these structures; of principles of computer architecture-both hardware and software; of problem-solving and design methodologies; of computer-related topics such as numerical analysis, operations research, and artificial intelligence; and of language design, structure, and translation technique. Computer Science provides a foundation of knowledge for students with career objectives in a wide range of computing and computer-related professions.
From http://www2.cs.unb.ca/ Problem solving.
The study of efficient and effective software development techniques.
Team work and communication skills.
An interest in applying technology to problems in a wide variety of disciplines.
From the University of Missouri – Rolla http://www.cs.umr.edu/csdept/career/what_is_cs.html
Computer Science is concerned with information in much the same sense that physics is concerned with energy; it is devoted to the representation, storage, manipulation and presentation of information.
Computer Science is concerned with "the study of symbol-manipulating machines, with communication between man and machine and with the application of these machines".
Major areas of Computer Science include:
- Operating Systems–concerned with the development and structure of complex programs which facilitate man-machine communications.
- Computational Science–the analysis of numerical methods for solving mathematical problems with a computer.
- Programming Languages–the study of the design and properties of languages by which humans communicate with computers.
- Architecture–the study and use of mathematical logic to design electronic circuits.
- Intelligent Systems–concerned with means by which computers may perform tasks which might be characterized as "intelligent" if performed by humans.
- Automata Theory–an abstract study of computers and their capabilities.
- Information Storage and Retrieval–the study of methods for storing a vast amount of data in a computer and methods for searching and retrieving this data.
- Software Engineering–the study of tools and techniques for software design, development, testing and maintenance.


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After bringing the "healing properties" of his inflatable Rubber Duck to various cities around the world last year and installing giant slugs in France, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman recently unveiled another animal-themed sculpture project in Shanghai's Century Park at the opening of 2014 Cadillac China Exhibition of Design and Art.
Entitled Pink Kitten, the new piece is 10 meters tall and was made using 3D printing and Jiangnan bamboo. According to Want China Times, Hofman was inspired to create the sculpture after observing a stray cat in a Shanghai park. The exhibition runs through June 30, but there is no mention of where Pink Kitten will go next.
For more of Hofman's work, check out the projects on his website.
RELATED: Florentijn Hofman's Newest Supersized Animals Are Giant Slugs Made From 40,000 Plastic Bags
[via Shanghaiist]


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Facebook Charging to Promote Your Page Posts
There have been rumors as to Facebook charging for years. While they claim they will never charge for your profile or basic page, they just went public and are seeking ways to monetize (make money from) their network so they can bring in more profit for their investors. This is where sponsored posts come in.


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At a time when it seemed that international cricketers would finally turn up in Pakistan after a gap of more than three years, the latest postponement of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) could possibly mean that international cricket will not resume during Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf's tenure.
The announcement came as a blow for cricket lovers who have been dying to see their players back in action in their own country. On the other hand, experts are relieved by the development as they believe that the PSL remains a double-edged sword and it may have been too early to stage it.
Ever since being appointed the PCB chief, Ashraf has reiterated that his main aim is to bring international cricket back to Pakistan in order to end the drought that stretches back to the 2009 after an armed attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
The board has said that it will announce the new dates of PSL soon, but the question arises, when?
The original dates of March 26-April 7 this year may not have been ideal to attract international players due to prior commitments with their respective national sides and the Indian Premier League (IPL) looming. However, there was a chance that some top players along with some average ones would have helped Pakistan in redeeming the lost confidence of hosting an international series.
There have been indications that the top cricket boards of the world would not have released their players due to security concerns in Pakistan while players associations were too pressing against the PSL.
Sports in Pakistan is very closely related to politics; both are yet to be separated despite pressure from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which stressed that the PCB chairman should be elected instead of being directly appointed by the Patron of the board who is the President of Pakistan.
With the current ruling government close to completing its tenure and elections around the corner, it seems that by the time the PCB announces new dates of the PSL, there will be a new PCB chairman if the ruling political party fails to win enough votes.
Given the culture of Pakistan cricket, the appointment of a new chairman would mean everything restarting from scratch. Thus the money splashed on roping in former ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat as PSL consultant for a staggering $25,000 per month may go down the drain.
Even those involved in the venture appear doubtful of the future of the glittering Twenty20 (T20) event that had to be delayed for a second time. Although the PCB is trying to put on a brave face about it, there is a big difference in what they claim and what they can actually do.
Is this move of postponement a deliberate act by the PCB to save face after all the tall claims they had made?
The common sense says yes because they were struggling to rope in the biggest names in cricket despite claims that they had signed 80 foreign players for the auction. Being a foreigner does not guarantee success as there are dozens of players who are in search of quick money since their international careers either didn't blossom or have ended.
On a more practical note, what PCB can do is improve its own domestic T20 event by breaking their kitty so that players can earn handsome money. This would help scores of domestic cricketers to live a better life besides sending a soft message to the foreign players that Pakistan is a market which would gradually become a giant in years to come. Strengthening domestic events would be a smarter move on the part of the PCB as it will build confidence. They can then decide to run an international edition in the future.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2013.


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Full Text of the Excerpt
Then in 1969, a gentleman named Howard Lee ran for mayor of Chapel Hill. We had had the opportunity to know the Lee's through our church. We belonged to the same church, the Binkley Baptist Church, and I had taught Howard and Lillian's children in Sunday school and got to know them, a very lovely family. But no black person had run for a top position around here, and Howard had a desire to run for mayor. He had become very involved with the town. So had I, through zoning and planning issues and school integration issues. So he began to talk to many of us about the possibility of helping him to run for mayor, and I thought that was a great idea. So I became the, he has referred to me as the manager of his campaign. It was a campaign that had several, it was a shared responsibility, but I
managed the headquarters with a lady named Peg Parker. She and I shared that responsibility. As the campaign moved along, more and more and more responsibilities were placed on me. My husband did the public relations and publicity work for Howard's campaign, and Florry Glasser taught me everything I ever knew about precinct organization because she did the precinct organizing and did just a fantastic job of it. I learned a great deal during that campaign. It was a victory that is one that I will never forget the feeling. I also managed Howard's second campaign as mayor and became involved, as well, with his Congressional campaign. However, in the interim, I attended precinct meetings and became elected to the Precinct Committee and to the County Executive Committee from my precinct, and in that capacity, worked for a number of years in the Democratic Party organization very intensely. Also, because I had gotten that experience in that victorious campaign, I was asked by many people running for office to manage their campaigns. So I got more and more experience in campaign management.


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Therefore, any development activities that may generate negative impacts on the area are not allowed, except as permitted by the National Assembly and Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and after the consideration of a full environmental impact assessment as well as detailed socio-economic assessments related to cost-benefit analysis. In addition, mitigation measures are to be prepared in accordance with the international standards for environmental impact assessment.
Any law enforcement shall be conducted in accordance with Decree 164/PM dated 1993, the Hin Nam No Regulation dated 2009 which is formulated from the Forestry Law No.04/NA, dated 24/12/2007 and the Law on Wild Animals and Aquatic Resources No. 07/NA, dated 24/12/2007


text: This is a photo from one of my favorite shops here in Tulsa called Bison and Bear. I did a post on this store over on my blog, The Clever Bunny. You can read all about this store by clicking here. Among other things, they have a great selection of handmade pottery, wooden bowls and woven baskets. I love the richness of the colors in this photo, offset by the pale green leaves of this pretty little succulent.


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Here you can find helpful resources that will support your journey towards being an effective and impactful philanthropist. You can find useful reports, books, organisations and networks you can join by clicking the relevant links on the left. Enjoy!
We define philanthropy as the giving of resources in an engaged and strategic way for maximum impact and in a tax efficient manner. It can include the giving of money, assets, time, talent, voice and one's social capital. We believe in the power of philanthropy as a great social connector and the source of many great opportunities.


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Ep. 228 If Books Could Kill Part 1
Holy crap! This may have been the worst idea ever... seriously, ever... Or, devilishly brilliant. Or, hooey and applesauce with Jeff and Dan. What if I told you that...
You could combine all three! I don't have the mental energy to make an acronym for that, but you get it. Some combination of cringeworthy, sly and filled with rabbit trails. Wait. That sounds kinda bad. Never mind.
Here's the deal: this show is not like others. In a lot of ways. This show marks the beginning of a long exploration into the topics with which we have filled our brains. We are talking about sex, drugs, and religion. All three, all the time. Well, all three, some of the time, but more than usual. You know why? Because that's life That's the business. We're all hustlers.
Dang. I buried the lede. Our books are finally days or weeks from being out. It took a long time because both books buried relationships, almost lead to two divorces and crushed both of us to the extent that at the end we wished we never started.
Also, our wives our on the show. Yup. We didn't coach them or give them questions in advance. This show is the closest thing to a candid long form conversation about abuse and love and marriage we've ever had. Two couples, almost destroyed by the books they wrote, and still fighting it,
Check back for some posts. They will be RAD.


text: Coach Ottis graduated from Brien McMahon High School where he lettered in Football and Basketball and was named All-State 2 consecutive years during his junior and senior seasons. He then went on to Hofstra University where he started 3 years at Wide Receiver and was named Team Captain for the Hofstra Football team his senior year. Upon graduation Lewis spent time in NFL camps with the New York Jets and New York Giants (and also volunteered in Play60 programs with other pro athletes), before signing a year later with the Bloomington Extreme of the Indoor Football League. Lewis also spent time with a minor league football program in Pennsylvania (Chambersburg Cardinals) earning All-American First team and post season awards after winning a National Championship in 2011. During his time in Pennsylvania he also volunteered with local youth athletes and trained other professional athletes. Lewis has spent the past 4 years working in Juvenile Services and looks to continue to make an impact in his community by being a leader and positive role model to the youth.


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I'll be off to Austria in four weeks to enjoy the mountains! :) To make sure I'm in a bit of shape I'll try to hike as much as possible in the upcoming weeks. On Sunday morning I was accompanied by my sister, my dad and dog Pippin :)
In addition to the wonderful weather we were treated to the sight of a sunbathing slow-worm! I hadn't seen one in years so I was pretty excited - they are so pretty! :)


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Although ultimately, I do believe naps are absolutely vital to toddlers and should be kept going for as long as humanly possible (read more about that here), eventually the dark dooms day when your toddler is absolutely, 100% and categorically ready to drop their nap will no longer be a looming shadow in fact a – shock horror – reality.
Yup, no amount of pushing them around the block in their buggy after lunch is going to change that fact (although you CAN eek a few months more out of nap time by doing this, so I learnt!).
Anyone with a toddler in the house knows the prospect of a toddler careering around the house for 12 hours a day with no down time is a very frightening prospect indeed, however, if you take action quick, there is still hope of a relatively peaceful hour's break in the middle of the day.
The trick here is to replace nap time, with quiet time, and do it from the very start, and strike while the iron is hot, otherwise rue the day forever. Amazingly I managed to spin a whole two months of nap time by iniating quiet time instead.
But what is this quiet time I hear you speak of…?
Let me explain.
Quiet time is like a toddler chillax, without the sleep. Although they might ready to drop their nap, if they have no rest at all they are likely to end up either as a hysterical chimpanzee or a great grumpy ogre by the end of the day if they don't have some relative "off time".
The trick with quiet time is so be totally blasee about it. I approach quiet time in the same way I would nap time – we have the usual wind down period, reading and cuddles after lunch with plenty of warning that quiet time is coming soon and then I tend to spin it something like this…
"OK it's quiet time, I don't mind what you do during quiet time…whether you sleep or not, you can play or sing or cuddle your toys, look at books, listen to music or whatever you want but the key is to be quiet throughout – no talking to me. You can lie next to me with a blanket while I do what I need to do, or you can be up in your room (yeah right! but good to give them a choice), and quiet time is only over when I say so."
I find that explaining that quiet time is important so that they have the energy to do fun stuff in the afternoon usually sweetens the pill somewhat too.
The first few times might take a bit of reinforcement of the idea, but they usually get the idea, and you can always give them the option to go sleep in their cot, which usually gets them liking the quiet time option pretty quickly instead. You should be able to spin a good hour out of this, fingers crossed!
Oh and the other bonus and strategy for when they drop their nap? You get to put them to bed a whole half hour earlier in compensation until they adjust to their newly found no nap situation. SCORE!
Has your toddler recently dropped their nap? Did you replace nap time with quiet time? I'd love to hear how you made the transition….
photo credit: Rise 'N Shine via photopin (license)


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I remember when I was your age, and had to memorize Bible verses. Every week there was a new verse to learn at home and then say at Sunday School. At the time, I hated having to repeat those verses over and over again. I felt like it was a waste of time, and didn't get what the point was—not until a few years after I was done with school.
I was shopping with a friend, and we were in the food court eating French fries. I picked up a bag from a store and my friend said, "What is John 3:16?" I was shocked, because my friend did not know Jesus. I asked her where she had heard of John 3:16, and she laughed and said it was printed on the bottom of my bag! Sure enough, I flipped the bag over, and there it was. I could hear the verse in my mind, word for word, and told her it was one of the most important Bible verses ever written. I couldn't believe what happened next: she actually asked me what the verse was! I recited it to her, and then told her about how Jesus came into my heart.
I don't know if my friend ever asked Jesus into her heart—all we can do is plant the seed—but I was sure glad that I had memorized that verse, and many more. I have needed them at many different times, and you will too.
Holly Van Schouwen


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HIV Could Be The Cure To Cancer - Science Is Awesome!
There are a lot of horrible sicknesses that a person can get. Two of the most horrible are cancer and aids. There are many more - but those two diseases together could equal a cure! A deactivated form of HIV could be the cure to cancer!


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What Real People Say
What I love about Regina's style is that she listens, absorbs, asks questions, listens, absorbs, so that when she's talking it's as if she's known me and my business for a life-time and her suggestions and solutions are exactly the right thing for my business to move forward.
Regina always found a way to keep the focus on me as well as dealing with the challenges I was facing. We looked at my career advancement and how I could explore opportunities to develop projects and relationships. I became much more confident as a manager, gained insight into what my aspirations and goals were, and with Regina's support, I plucked up the courage to go for a new job that I love.
I went in to coaching with a degree of scepticism but I am now a total convert and a big advocate of the value of coaching. Regina is super at what she does. She cuts through all of the irrelevant stuff and gets straight to the heart of what matters in any issue.
We instantly clicked, she has such a perceptive nature allowing her to quickly identify with our key business challenges and help us to overcome these.
She is universally liked. She has such warmth, people find it easy to open up and want to work with her to achieve their goals. She has worked with over fifty companies and people find her approach really valuable.
I came to Regina as I wanted to secure a promotion, and then if I got the job to be successful in the role. We starting with coaching for my interview, what to expect, what the interview panel would want and how to show I was the person for the job. I got my promotion!
We found Regina's coaching sessions invaluable in helping us focus and articulate our business priorities.
Regina really supported me to take a good look at what I want and how I will achieve it. I am always amazed at how tuned in she is to my feelings and how she helps me use these emotions to get the best from me.
After just a few weeks of working with Regina I got my life back! My work life balance had been terrible but Regina quickly helped me to evaluate what I was doing so that I could start focusing on what was really important in my job. She helped me get organised and get my time back. I now have quality time at home with my family.


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Old Walled City Of Shibam
The old walled city of Shibam and Wadi Hadramaut constitute an outstanding example of human settlement and land use. The domestic architecture of Shibam is an outstanding characteristic example of houses in the Arab and Muslim world. The rigorous city planning based on the principle of vertical construction is exceptional and an example of a traditional but vulnerable culture
Sometimes called the 'Chicago of the desert' or the 'Manhattan of the desert', the old city of Shibam presents to historians and urbanists one of the earliest and most perfect examples of rigorous planning based on the principle of vertical construction.
The city is built on a hillock, which has allowed it to escape the devastating floods of Wadi Hadramaut and to become the capital of the territory after the destruction of ancient pre-Islamic capital, Shabwa, in AD 300. Its plan is trapezoidal, almost rectangular;and it is enclosed by earthen walls within which a block of dwellings, also built from earth, have been laid out on an orthogonal grid. The highest house is eight storeys high and the average is five.
The impressive structures for the most part date from the 16th century, following a devastating flood of which Shibam was the victim in 1532-33. However, some older houses and large buildings still remain from the first centuries of Islam, such as the Friday Mosque, built in 904, and the castle, built in 1220.
In Shibam there are some mosques, two ancient sultan's palaces, a double monumental door and 500 more buildings, separated or grouped, but all made uniform by the material of which they are constructed: unfired clay.


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All our products are lab tested and meet all regulatory compliance before leaving the factory.


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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday, the fourth diocese across the country to seek financial protection to deal with priest sex abuse cases.
The filing comes less than two weeks before the Iowa diocese defends itself at a trial involving a former priest accused of sexually abusing a high school student.
Bishop William Franklin said the diocese was left with no other alternative to settle more than two dozen claims against priests accused of sexual abuse. He said the move would ensure the financial health of the church.
"Today, the Diocese of Davenport is standing in the moment of a historic event," Franklin wrote in a letter to members posted on the diocese Web site. "While providing just and fair compensation to victims/survivors, we also believe that the decision to reorganize is the best way in which we will be able to continue the Church's mission."
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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How Should I Talk to My Doctor About Taking Nutritional Supplements?
Sixty-nine percent of adults in the U.S. take some form of dietary supplement. I'm one of them. In combination with a balanced diet, there's a large and growing body of research showing the incredible support nutritional supplements can have on overall wellness—and especially heart health.
Yet with all the benefits of supplements, there is good reason to involve your doctor. Especially if you are taking medications, have specific concerns or have a health condition, a doctor's guidance is important. Here is some advice for talking to your doctor about taking supplements:
1. Be in control of your own health
In the past, doctors were viewed as "dictators" of health. When a health care provider handed a patient an order, it was expected to be followed, no questions asked. Today, patients are taking more ownership of their health.
Know what you want out of the visit and what you're hoping your doctor can help you with. Understand how supplements are benefitting you and why you want to include them in your diet. Not all physicians are educated in nutritional supplements, so you'll need to be clear on what you want and why you're seeking guidance. By taking ownership of your own health, you'll be more likely to get the help you need from your doctor.
2. Call ahead
If you scheduled an appointment for a separate reason, call a week or more ahead and let the office know you'd like additional time to talk with your physician about nutritional supplements. When you arrive for your appointment, remind the staff that you need more time with the doctor. Doing so will help the staff and doctor prepare for your visit—and you'll feel less rushed during your appointment.
3. Bring a complete list of what you're taking
Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbals—write down any and everything you take or add to food with some regularity. If you are taking a supplement with multiple ingredients, bring the bottle to your visit. Preparing this list will provide your doctor with a complete picture of what you're taking.
4. Write down your questions
Before your appointment, do research beforehand and prepare specific, targeted questions, such as:
- "Will this supplement interfere with my medication?"
- "Are there any other nutritional supplements you would recommend to support my specific needs as an endurance athlete?"
- "Since I'm pregnant, is this supplement safe? What about during breastfeeding?"
- "I read that adults over 65 metabolize supplements differently. Do you have any advice on how I can make sure I'm getting the right supplement dosage?"
Being specific with your questions helps your doctor give you the best answer possible. During your visit, check off or cross out questions as they're answered to make sure you don't overlook anything.
5. Listen carefully and consider your options
Remember that not all physicians are experts in nutrition. Listen to how your doctor responds. Does she let you finish talking before responding? Is she thoughtful in her answers? Does she have the attitude of a teacher and health partner?
If you believe supplements are making a difference in your health and your doctor doesn't agree, it may be time to seek a second opinion. You don't want a health care provider who just says "yes," but you do want someone who listens carefully, responds thoughtfully, and is willing to guide and educate you.
My main advice? Be proactive. Don't expect your doctor to be a library of information about every nutritional supplement out there. Come prepared, ask targeted questions, listen carefully to what your doctor says, and then make the right decision for your health.
Have nutritional supplements made a difference in your life? What advice can you give others just getting started, especially when it comes to talking to a health care provider?


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Vietnam's southern metropolis, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, may not have the picture postcard charms of its northern counterpart Hanoi, but as a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, old meets new and East meets West, where shimmering skyscrapers rub shoulders with colonial-era mansions, it has much more to offer than many first-time visitors give it credit for.
Here's a rundown of how to make your trip to Saigon a success… continue reading here.
Published in English, Spanish and Italian on saporedicina.com – June 2016


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Malaysia-based insurtech startup PolicyStreet has beat seven startups to win the best startup award at this year's Seedstars Kuala Lumpur.
The startups pitched to a panel of judges consisting of Hassan Alsagoff from Mountain Partners Malaysia, Mohd Ridzwan Nordin from Khazanah, Joseph de Leon from Gravitas Prime, Juliana Jan from Cradle, Rebecca Kux from 500 Startups, and Rosie Keller from Seedstars.
Following this, PolicyStreet will proceed to compete with 75 other international startups — including Singapore's FinChat — at the global Seedstars Summit held in Switzerland next year. Over there, it will also attend a week-long bootcamp with international mentors and investors and stand a chance to win up to US$1 million in equity investments.
Founded in 2017, PolicyStreet sells a wide range of curated and simple insurance policies. It offers insurances products for common consumer needs such as travel, dental and personal accidents as well as niche ones such as musical instruments, photography gear and pets.
Also Read: PolicyPal is going to change their logo, thanks to a legal threat from a US insurance giant
Additionally, PolicyStreet has partnered with UForLife, a major online term life provider in Malaysia by Tokio Marine Life and Handover Re, to offer term life insurances.
The startups that came in second and third place were UMAI and CheQQme, respectively.
UMAI is a restaurant operations and CRM platform while CheQQme is an online-to-offline customer gamification platform.
The other five startups that participated were:
- BAWA, a smart cane for the visually impaired;
- MoneyMatch, a p2p currency exchange platform;
- PasarTap, a grocery delivery platform for local fresh food;
- Moovby, a p2p car rental platform;
- VieXas, a technical expertise and source code sharing platform for employees.
Image Credit: PolicyStreet


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We're celebrating some great chefs in our area who are throwing down some darn good food. Giving these chefs a homebase in downtown Greenville gives you a chance to stop by and savor their creative fare. The rules are simple...one dish, one price and only available while it lasts! And remember... for just one night! $10 per plate. No reservations necessary but remember it's first come, first served. Dinner starts at 6:00pm and goes until we run out!
Tonight's menu: Thai Green Chicken Curry, Basmati Rice, Fresh Spring Rolls with sweet & sour sauce and peanut dipping sauce, Mango sticky Rice