From Morocco to the Moon

Take a vacation and layer on a presentation at the National Guardian Association "NGA" and you get an odd combination of pre-presentation jitters and pre take-off nerves in the simulated Shuttle take-off at the Kennedy Space Center. Then, you can relax by going ‘round the world in 80 minutes at the Disney Epcot Center. 

Fiduciary Ethics
My attorney husband and I do not share office space or cases; but we can and do share the stage occasionally. We recently took a trip to Florida to present on fiduciary ethics at the NGA annual meeting. The audience was enthusiastic about participating in the Ethics Jeopardy game. Questions and answers flew fast a furious. The game presentation is a fun, interactive "pick-me-up", but we all realize the topic is crucial.  All who serve as a person’s trustee; agent; conservator or guardian have a duty to put themselves in the shoes of the person they are serving. 

The guidelines promoted by the NGA, a national organization created to educate guardians and fiduciaries across the country, are based upon a person centered philosophy. Here is a tip for anyone who takes the test on fiduciary ethics. Use the mnemonic device, SHOES.

Attorneys Acting As Guardian? Varies State to State.
The presentations I attended were very informative. One of the joys of attending the National Guardian Association meeting is learning different perspectives across states. For instance, the range of perspectives on attorneys also acting as a guardian revealed very different views of conflict of interest in different states. In California this is frowned upon. In other states, especially in rural areas, it is expected.

Plain Language for Special Needs
In another presentation, the speakers talked about how to help disabled adults understand human rights. "Where Human Rights Begin—Human Rights and Guardianship for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities—In Plain Language" is offered by the Guardian Association of New Jersey, Inc. "GANJI". The booklet was designed to build personal understanding of human rights concepts. It can help open a dialog with disabled clients about their rights and responsibilities. This dialog can then become a part of our planning for special needs individuals.

Walk in Their Shoes
Whether our client walks in sandals or moon boots, fiduciaries are called to put ourselves in their shoes as we plan how best to serve their interests. If you have a situation where you do not think the trustee is serving your client’s or a family member’s best interests, please call our office for a consultation with a highly experienced professional fiduciary.

Oh, so you want to know what SHOES stands for?  Remember these:
S - Security of client’s person and assets are first priority.
H- wHo’s Money Is It Anyway? - Not Yours!
O - Offer good judgement and oversight.
E - Empathetic and equal communication.
S - Seek legal authority for your actions.

The Effects of Color on Our Brain

What is your favorite color?

This month, we are re-posting with permission an excerpt from an article, Color's Effect on the Brain, by one of my favorite artists, Beth Summers, Artist, Licensed Psychotherapist.  

Nambia Sand Dunes, Plein Air, Pallette Knife Oil Painting by Beth Summers,
Used by permission.

"Blue is universally most often selected [as a favorite color].  Photo cells in the brain are sensitive to blue light and its healing effect. I climbed these sand dunes, two steps upward, one back, to reach the top.  Like many of life's accomplishments.  Namibian desert dunes are famous for color under bright blue skies.

We are physiologically designed to see color with our eyes, but it takes language for a color before we can experience it.  The Himba Tribe in Namibia has only two words for color: "zuzu" and :"vapa"...light and dark. Their perception of sky is dark and water light.

The history of language over 30 generations shows that we have developed more than 1000 words for green. According to some, exposure to green fosters creativity.

'Experiments prove that walks in nature provide better cognitive skills than in urban areas.'

William Lidwell, University of Houston."

 

To read the full article, see http://bethsummersartist.blogspot.com.

 

The answer to the question, “What is your favorite color?” can give insight into inner wishes. Our new LegacyMapping process uses color to help people make choices in the transitions of aging and to tell their life story in a beautiful way.  Click  to find out more about this process at our website.

 

If you want more You can read an article in About.Com about the possible effects and reactions to various colors by clicking here.

What is your favorite color and why?  Tell us in the comments section below.