Mike Jackson is a retired electric lineman and supervisor from Battle Ground, Indiana, who has trained English Pointer dogs for horseback field trials for many years. For this episode of Heartsong Fit, I interview Mike, one of our farm neighbors, in his barn as he is preparing for a trip from Indiana to North Dakota and Montana for training his dogs and younger horses. He rides and trains Tennessee Walkers, a gaited horse breed, and he raises and trains gorgeous English Pointers. This breed of dog is popular for bird hunting. Whether you are a dog lover, horse lover, or you are specifically, an enthusiast of English Pointers, Red Setters or other "big running dogs," I'm sure you'll enjoy hearing Mike talk about his adventures. In this sport, the animal handlers and trainers, work from horseback as they communicate with their highly trained hunting dogs who are broke to wing and shot. The horses, who are also broke to a variety of distraction from gun shot to dogs biting at their tails and winding around their legs, to the flush of birds from the terrain, are very key partners within the team required in this sport of field trials. Both the American Field and the American Kennel Club (AKC) have divisions for hunting dogs in this sport. You will find categories of Shooting Dogs, Gun Dogs, All Age Dogs, Puppy, Derby, Amateur and Open. Check out www.dogsunlimited.com for articles about the sport as well as: www.akc.org http://americanfield.villagesoup.com http://www.aftca.org I continued my interview with Mike in a discussion about teamwork. To hear our conversation on teamwork that he and his fellow competitors have with their horses and dogs, check out the episode in my other podcast, Online Course Connections.

Heartsong Fit With Vickie Maris | Healthy Ways to Address Stress

025 | Mike Jackson Talks Field Trial Dogs and Horses

"Pulling the help chain" is a phrase I describe in Episode 24 of Heartsong Fit. In the Toyota Way, this phrase is related to Andon. The help chain, help cord, or yellow stop button, is a mechanism that line workers can use to stop production and call for help. It's also used to notify the line that something has gone wrong in the manufacturing process. In this solo show, I record my thoughts about pulling the help chain if you're a caregiver and need help from family and friends. I recorded this episode on a Saturday while in the barn and hanging out with the llamas. They munch their hay and communicate with each other, and with me. I share with you about what it was like to "pull the help chain" in the previous week. I reflect on how helpful my friends, coworkers and family members were in a week of "caregiving on steroids."I thank my friends for stepping up and helping out. You can hear the llamas' activity as if you were in the barn aisle with me. They munch on hay, stomp their feet, chortle complaints to each other, and give me kisses to make me feel better. Videos available here: https://www.youtube.com/user/dpfllamas You can get a free pdf download of my list of tips for a caregiver who needs to take a loved one to the hospital for an emergency or for an illness. Get your copy when you visit: http://www.heartsongfit.com Thanks for listening. Vickie

024 | Pull the Help Chain

Several of the episodes of Heartsong Fit include short stories by my mom, Lucille Maris, about life in the US during the 1940s when World War 2 was underway. I have been interviewing her about how she dealt with the stresses of those times from finding housing, to scarcity of food and supplies to dealing with the deployment of her young husband (my dad). This episode is an audio index of the locations of the stories in the podcast so that you can easily find them and listen. You will also hear a brief overview of the topic of each story. The links mentioned are available in the show notes for the episode: heartsongfit.com

023 | WW2 Story Index & Overview of World War 2 Content in the Show

Podcast host, Vickie Maris, and her husband, Scott Greeson, share their takeaways from living unplugged for a few days at Fox Lake Resort in Marcell, MN. Planning and preparing meals; fishing; exercising; following a morning routine; and living without digital devices for a few days were all aspects of the week that contributed to relaxation and rejuvenation. Learn more at the website, http://heartsongfit.com.

022 | Unplugged Life at Minnesota Fishing Spot

Margaret Williamson and Lucille Maris recount details of their memories of learning the news from President Theodore Roosevelt on Dec. 7, 1941 that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States was entering the war. These women discuss the atmosphere of the country during the early 1940s and what happened around them as men were enlisting in the service. Both Margaret and Lucille were married to pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. This is a glimpse back 70+ years into the lives of these strong women who were married to valiant service men. They teach of the importance of independence, persevering and taking action. You can learn more in the documentary-style video course in Udemy: Life of a Pilot's Wife During World War 2  

Pearl Harbor | Learning of the news of the bombing on Dec. 7th

I chat in the studio with my husband, Scott Greeson, right after we had played a music gig with the band at the Indiana Bacon Festival in Delphi, Indiana. Other topics of the show include my accordion lessons via Skype with Bev Fess; details of the Bacon Fest gig; and my annual trek to Accordion Camp where I have met and learned from professional accordionists Bev Fess, Murl Allen Sanders, Ron Borelli, Gary Blair, Ilmar Kuljus, Dick Myking, and many more. Friends and fellow accordionists who attend camp make the event a reunion of sorts. Show notes for Episode 20 can be found at http://heartsongfit.com/camp20   Thanks for sharing this episode with a friend!  

020 | Scott Greeson & Vickie Maris Talk About Music

You'll hear the sounds of nature in this episode of Heartsong Fit. I recorded it out in the woods as I was taking a morning walk for exercise. I have my llama, Heartsong, with me. You'll hear the cicadas singing in the background as we navigate around tree branches, unsuccessfully duck under spider webs and frustrate my horse, Madison, who wanted to go with us on the trail. If you like to walk for exercise, you'll hear about reasons for getting off the treadmill and taking your exercise outdoors! It's very good for our brains! Take a Walk for Exercise or Stress Relief You might like to do yoga, cross fit, running, cardio and other forms of exercise, but consider adding some walking in your day to break things up. If you walk alongside a body of water, you reap even greater benefit! Below you'll find links to the article I mentioned about the benefits that come when you exercise outdoors. You'll also see links to our music which I have in the background in the podcast. If you'd like to make a donation to help offset the costs of producing the show, you can use the link to my Patreon account. Check out rewards you can receive for the various levels of donation! Blog post about beneficial changes in your brain while walking outdoors -  http://www.wimp.com/what-hiking-does-to-the-brain-is-pretty-amazing/ Music used in the background of Heartsong Fit - Llama Dance from the Wabash Gypsies album Reference was made to these episodes of Heartsong Fit - Episode 4 is a walk with my llama, Heartsong, during the fall of the year. Episode 12 is a horseback ride on my horse, Madison, also during the fall. I chat about the keynote speaker, John Medina, who is author of Brain Rules. He spoke at the International Online Learning Conference (OLC) I had recently attended. Donations to support the podcast Thank you for listening to the show and thank you in advance if you decide to become a monthly supporter of Heartsong Fit by making a donation in any amount through my Patreon account. - http://www.patreon.com/vickiemaris Cheers!

019 | Walk a Llama While You Exercise

I share methods for managing stress that I use while in the caregiver role with my mom. These are ideas you can adopt if you are in a caregiver role and helping your loved one if he or she needs to make a trip to the emergency room or hospital.   From keeping a bag packed and ready to having a plan for communicating with siblings, to reminders about wills, living wills, health care representatives and more, I touch on several simple steps you can take. Have a plan in place and take steps ahead of time that will help you manage stress during an upcoming hospital visit. Find the show notes at www.heartsongfit.com/caregiver

018 | Managing Caregiver Stress During a Loved One's Hospital Trip

Take a walk with Vickie Maris and Dana Drenzek on the trail around the main wolf enclosure at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana. Learn about the establishment of the park in the 1970s and the activities being conducted to observe animal behavior and to educate the public. You'll hear about the wolves, coyotes, foxes, bison and other animals at the park. Dana also talks about the internship program and the sponsoring membership. Vickie and Dana even meet up with Monty Sloan and intern, Jeremiah, during the conversation, and Vickie gets her first opportunity to pet a wolf. For more details, see the show notes at the Heartsong Fit website or visit wolfpark.org

017 | Relax & Learn on a Walk Through Wolf Park

I am excited to be back sharing stories with you through the show, Heartsong Fit! In this episode, I talk about the reasons why I had stopped producing the show for a while and what it was like to get it back online for you. You'll also hear a preview of the next episode when I take you out to Wolf Park. Find the show notes for the episode at http://heartsongfit.com/16

016 | Heartsong Fit is Back on the Air!

Spend time on Dawn of Promise Farm with Vickie Maris and her podcast guest, Brad Bixler, farrier, journeyman pipefitter and adventurer who travels the world. Life of a Journeyman Pipefitter During the episode, Brad trims the hooves of Kerrymor Madison, Vickie's Connemara horse. The conversation covers the life of a working man who travels around the United States to the location of the work. He is a journeyman pipefitter. Travel to See the World When Unemployed Brad shares of his travel adventures that fill his downtime and keys to his ability to live life relatively stress free. He talks about setting goals and then visualizing yourself as having reached the goal and living in your changed life. During the conversation, Madison, the impatient horse, continues to interrupt and demand attention. Lucille Maris Talks About Life on the Homefront During World War II At the end of the episode, Vickie interviews her mom, Lucille, about her time in 1943 during World War II, as her husband, Jim Maris, was in flight training at George Army Air Field in Lawrenceville, Illinois, and Lucille lived with several other military wives in a small apartment in Vincennes, Indiana. You can learn more in the show notes at http://heartsongfit.com/15 and you can also visit www.statesidebride.com

015 | Brad Bixler, Farrier & Journeyman Pipefitter Keeps Stress Low

Come along with farm owner and animal trainer, Vickie Maris, as she cares for her llamas and Connemara pony during evening chores in the extreme cold of winter. You can learn more about her Dawn of Promise Farm and what it is like caring for livestock in the winter when you visit the show notes for the episode at http://heartsongfit.com/14

014 | Come Along For Winter Chores on a Llama and Horse Farm

 Scott Greeson, singer/songwriter and entertainer is my guest on Episode 13 of Heartsong Fit With Vickie Maris. He is also my husband, so that makes him an extra special guest! Scott has been helping me with the podcast behind the scenes. He's an expert with the recording equipment and use of the software, ProTools, that we use in our music studio. In this episode, we share insights from behind the scenes of several of our music gigs and recording projects. Scott shares the reasons for his fondness of the tune, Heart of Gold, by Neil Young, and why he chose to sing it during a Celebration of Life service. He tells a story of his late wife, Janet Greeson, and the role she played in his learning to play harmonica. We also share news of the release of Lee Anna Atwell's new cd project, Burning Heart, which was recorded here in our studio, Hoosier Surf Records. Her amazing songwriting talent, along with her beautiful vocals and keyboard playing, are all showcased on this disc. (in the links below) You'll hear us banter about the band, Scott Greeson and Trouble With Monday, and our recent Christmas concert. We tell a special story about how the pieces of my latest project, Stories of a Stateside Bride, came together on a Friday night with a bit of divine intervention. We wrap this episode with a live recording of one of Scott's tunes, Roadside Lullaby, which we played at the Eye Opener Cafe on Dec. 20 during a Christmas gig. Reference Links for Episode 13 Soller-Baker celebration of life. Wabash Gypsies disc of instrumental guitar music by Scott Greeson and Kevin Ludwig - link to album on iTunes Scott Greeson's music website - www.scottgreesonmusic.com Battle Ground United Methodist Church - Church where Scott Greeson serves as worship pastor and also the venue of the Christmas concert by Scott Greeson, Vickie Maris, Lee Anna Atwell and Trouble With Monday Stories of a Stateside Bride - Told by Lucille Maris - 2-disc audio program available through cdbaby as a physical cd set or digital download. - www.cdbaby.com/artist/vickiemaris Heart of Gold by Neil Young - Link to Heart of Gold digital download on Amazon.com Roadside Lullaby - Youtube video of Scott Greeson's original tune; photos in video are by Terry Lyons. Link to Roadside Lullaby video in Youtube Scott Greeson Music Channel in Youtube To book Scott Greeson and Trouble With Monday, contact booking agent, David Leonards, International Entertainment Bureau. Burning Heart cd - original tunes by Lee Anna Atwell, keyboard player and vocalist in the band, Scott Greeson and Trouble With Monday. Sample in iTunes of the new instrumental tune, The Witness Tree, which is the last track on the 2-disc audio program, Stories of a Stateside Bride. It is by Scott Greeson and Malachi Jaggers. Website of the artist, Rena Brower - Scott mentions playing music while Rena was creating a water color painting during the Christmas Concert at the Delphi Opera House 2.

013 | Behind the Music With Vickie and Singer/Songwriter Scott Greeson

Whether you're an experienced horseman or still dreaming of owning a pony, you're going to enjoy taking a ride through the llama pasture during Episode 12. I put my Edirol recorder in my vest pocket so you can hear the footsteps of my Connemara horse, Kerrymor Madison, the creaks of the saddle, the sneezes of the llamas and other ambient sounds of the ride. This episode is specifically designed to help you relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment. If you're not currently giving yourself time to de-stress each day, I hope this ride on Madison plants a seed for something you could begin doing in your journey of self care. I also recap a keynote presentation given by John Medina during the International Online Learning Conference. He is the author of Brain Rules and several other interesting books about how our brains work and how we learn. He tells us that the research suggests at least 30 minutes of exercising to get your heart rate elevated on a daily basis is you want to stave off memory loss and keep your mind sharp. Enjoy! Show notes, photos, links to the social media ebook and the audio program can be found here: http://heartsongfit.com/12

012 | Relax on a Horseback Ride With Vickie and Her Connemara, Madison

Episode 11 of Heartsong Fit With Vickie Maris features an interview with singer/songwriter Nicky (Rood) Kerr. She tells her story of her journey through a songwriting degree, on to Nashville and how she incorporates the challenges of Type 1 diabetes into her busy life as an entertainer. Show notes are located at http://www.heartsongfit.com/11 You can find more about Nicky when you visit her website:  http://www.nickyroodmusic.com

011 | Songwriter Nicky (Rood) Kerr Talks of Life With Type 1 Diabetes

Stress-relieving conversation for the stressed and stretched-too-thin listener that will help you revel in life moments, big and small. Hear stories of adventure on Dawn of Promise Farm, where Vickie and her husband, Scott Greeson, have llamas and a Connemara pony, to anecdotes from the stage where Vickie sings, and plays accordion and guitar in a band led by Scott. You'll also get glimpses into history as Vickie shares short interviews with her mom, Lucille, who talks about life being married to a B-24 pilot (Vickie's dad) and their experiences on military base going through training and then being separated by an ocean during World War 2 (WW2). Learn from Lucille as she tells of how she dealt with the stresses of a military wife, deployment and long distance love.

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Heartsong Fit With Vickie Maris | Healthy Ways to Address St...

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