In case you missed it, yesterday was the first day of Lent. It’s a time when many people choose to give up something they usually enjoy. Chocolate, cake, biscuits and beer seem to be popular choices 
For some, this is a time for quiet reflection on all that Easter means to them as they prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Others seem to prefer to use it as a another opportunity to kick start the diet they resolved to stick to on January 1st 
Whilst thinking about Lent and whether I might forgo some chocolate for a time (I decided against it ) I came across my dad’s latest copy of National Geographic. The feature article introduces the wonderful Amanda Kitts who four years ago lost her arm in a car accident.
I’d encourage you to read the piece for yourself on National Geographic Magazine’s website because it is fascinating. In particular, I was amazed to read how a subconscious phantom arm is responsible for sending the necessary signals to Amanda’s brain which in turn causes her bionic arm to move. Awesome stuff!
In common with an alleged 80-90% of women, I have days when I dislike bits of my body (have you seen my ears? ). Reading about the amazing way our bodies respond to events such as this was a humbling experience. The next time I feel like mentally complaining when I look in the mirror, I’d like to think that I’ll catch myself in the act and remember just how stupendously wonderfully my body was made 
Wow, that is fascinating. You know, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m actually pretty happy with my body
(we still have our moments of course 
)
Thanks for sharing though, definite food for thought.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Soften Your Spotlights; Quick and Easy Fix =-.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Hi Heather
I’m glad you’re one of the 10% of ladies who are happy with their bods. Given how grounded you are, I’m not surprised
To be honest, the whole piece me very thankful for the little things like having the independence to make my own cup of tea in the morning. Until she had a special arm, Amanda says she was lost. Also, I’m not sure how well I’d play the clarinet with only one hand. I make enough mistakes as it is with both limbs
.-= Eleanor´s last blog ..1 Minute Motivator: Patience is a virtue =-.
Groun..ded… I’ll be giggling over that for a while El
Yea, I can’t imagine what it would be like trying to make 3D things one handed… you could do it, it’d just take so much longer (keyboard shortcuts, etc). Guitar would be out of the question… I didn’t know you played clarinet though ^_^ how long?
Twitter: GiveABrick
Hehehe! Now you’ve made me giggle
Started playing the clarinet when I was 9. I’ll be 32 in June
so that’s … 23 years. Oh my goodness! Now I really feel old!
.-= Eleanor´s last blog ..1 Minute Motivator: Patience is a virtue =-.
It’s ok, giggling is good for you
Wow. Well that’s about the time I started playing guitar… though I’ve not done it in a while now (probably did it for about four years). 32 isn’t old
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Review: The Last Hero (Terry Pratchett, expect Bias) =-.
Twitter: travisamorgan
WHAT??!! That’s soo cool!!!
I mean, not that she lost her arm, but that she can control her bionic arm with a phantom arm. Thanks for this post!! I’ve got so many blogs I follow, it’s nuts and sometimes I don’t get to comment on them all.
(about 20 if you’re wondering. lol!)
.-= Travis´s last blog ..You Are Your Own Best Material =-.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Hi Travis,
If you have a spare moment or two you should check out the full article on the National Geographic site.
I’m glad you enjoyed this. I thought it was rather stunning too, hence this post
Great to see you btw. I understand your problem visiting all your faves. It’s good to catch up with you whenever you have a little time,
Eleanor
Twitter: TheDrEgg
Don’t worry ladies, I first picked up a guitar in 1969 – that was 41 years ago! I moved to the bass guitar in about 1996, because everyone else who played was younger, better looking and more talented!
Twitter: GiveABrick
hehehehe That makes me feel a lot better