From the Pages of My Heart

Nutella Cake and Packing with Robin Williams

2012-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my sister and I were having a MAJOR chocolate craving, so we decided to bake some chocolate cake. We had all the ingredients at our disposal except for Vanilla extract. Although, we did have Hazelnut coffee syrup, so we substituted! We added the Hazelnut syrup until we felt it tasted right and baked at 350 for 45 minutes. OMG! It came out SO good! It tasted quite a bit like Nutella and it was fudgy enough without sticking to our teeth. Yu-mmy!

We're going to be moving in a few days, so we're finishing up some packing around the house. I'm very excited to get some new inspiration! Get the juices flowing and let the creativity take over. I took a quiz in college classes and got a 100%. Gearing up for family night tonight. Candy, popcorn, cocoa/cider, my family member trivia game I made at Christmas and "Jumanji" with Robin Williams. Yay! When's the last time you all had a family night?

My Exodus

2012-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to tell you all! I'm moving! YAY! I'm so excited! I cannot wait to go somewhere and have a new start. I'm so tired of having bad memories popping up everywhere I go. I'm so glad that I am able to leave. Please send lots of bright thoughts our way. Thank you all so much.

Thinking of You

2012-01-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

Am I your light?
Your hope at night?
Does your heart take flight
When I'm in your sight?

Am I your life
Amongst this strife?
Concerning your thoughts about me are they rife?
Or do you want to cut me away with a surgical knife?

What circumstances put me in your mind?
Do you ever imagine our hands intertwined?
Would you still want me with you if say I were to go blind?
Or because of my sight would you leave me behind?

When I see you again will your arms me surround?
I apologize for the questions abound.
But, sometimes I wonder if you want me around.
I'm afraid that the answers with a "No" would resound.

Soarin'

2012-01-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

High above the chimney tops
Swift, graceful and free
Wind flowing through my locks
Sky as far as the eye can see

Soaring over lake and hill
Clouds leave my clothes wet
Far below the world is still
In a few hours I'll see the sun set

The moon will come out to play
And give to us the night
Darkness will consume the day
As I remain in flight

My Darling

2012-01-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

My Darling, my dear
Why don't you hear?
Why do my cries fall deaf to your ear?

My Sweetheart, my Prince
My love to you must I convince?
To the contrary there is no evidence.

How hard did I trudge
And long for your touch
I can't tell you how much!

I dream of your face
And the warmth of your embrace
Without you I feel out of place

Like a Mourning Dove
I call my life, my love
My guardian from above

Greek Love

2012-01-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

Recently I've been reading some Greek romances. Including, Hades and Persephone; and Eros and Psyche. They're so sweet. I really love those two. Which Greek/legendary romances are your favorite?

Altar Box

2011-12-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

So, this Christmas I took time to go to a craft day with my local Druid church. We made Altar boxes. Mine turned out REALLY pretty. Here are some pictures of it:

Sorry, that one's a little blurry. It's a clay imprint of a triquetra.

John Doe

2011-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

The first time you caught my eye
Was that day in the park
I saw you o're the brim of my book
And I swear I felt a spark

Then you were in the grocery store
Even though I don't know your name
I quickly glanced away from you
I can't help but play this game

There you were again tonight
Out of the corner of my eye
You turned the corner at the green light
As I let out a sigh

Every time we see each other
We never say hello
Oh how much I want to ask
What is your name? Dear, John Doe

To My Dear Friend,

2011-12-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

Used
Abused
Lost and confused

Can't find your way
You've gone too far astray
But, tomorrow's a new day

Find your path
Drink some water, you'll last
Made stronger by your past

Always uphill
Scared to be still
Need a sleeping pill

Tossed aside like a chain letter
Bound by iron fetters
Don't worry, it gets better

Music

2011-12-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Headphones in my ears
To drown out the world
And erase my tears

My life is this song
I wish it were another
Why does everything go wrong?

It's love, it's life
It's haters and friends
Why all this strife?

The Land of Pretend

2011-11-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

Waking up to clouds
And rain upon the sill
I've slept in several hours
My breath leaves my mouth still

Pull the covers 'ore my head
And shut out the world beyond
My cheek meets my soft warm bed
If you call I won't respond

I slip back into my dream
For I don't want it to end
Though peeks in a sunbeam
I dwell in the land of pretend

Update: November

2011-11-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

So, I started reading The Hunger Games yesterday and I'm really liking it. I've resolved to read the book(s?) before the movie comes out. Have you read these books? Did you like them?

I can't tell you why I've been away so busy, right now. I will soon, though.

My current music obsessions include "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato, "Time" by Cute is What We Aim For and the soundtrack from Disney's Tangled.

I'm trying to work on singing with the different kinds of music and train my voice to range from Marilyn Monroe to Christina Aguilera. Blah. I'm working on it. What kinds of music do you like singing to the most?

To Write Love On Her Arms

2011-11-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Read about TWLOHA.

You and I

2011-11-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

Come with me to the beach
To frolic in the water so blue
Take my hand as we jump in the waves
All day, it's just me and you

Let's run through the woods
At incredible pace
Hair wild and free
And lightning bugs we'll chase

We'll sit on a hill
And watch clouds roll on by
Smiling you tell me
I have the most beautiful eyes

Asleep in a field
With stars up above
I squeeze your hand
And say "You're the one that I love"

LOL at Myself- 1

2011-11-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

This will become a mini-series, here. I'm going to display some old articles and just laugh at myself. The Jess from 2008 and the Jess from today are two very different girls! Some of the things that had been ingrained in my mind are so ridiculous as I look back. I wrote an article in 2008 entitled "The Woman, The Constitution, and The Bible". Basically the whole article is me belittling women for wanting to run for political positions, specifically President.

The Patriarchy movement I grew up in really warped my reality and taught me that women were only "useful" at home, being a wife/mother. I have NO problem with women whose calling is to be a wife and a mother, creating and raising new lives is a truly a gift; but not everyone wants that path. Some women are extremely gifted in the business and political world and some are the most wonderful actresses ever to hit the big screen.

I would like to make a little apology if you've ever read something on my blog that made you feel condemned or 'sinful'. Please, don't take it to heart. I'm not going to delete these articles because I want there to be an obvious difference in my journey, so join me, as I "LOL @ Myself".

Dear Diary

2011-11-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not here to please

This is my diary

It's full of recipes

And my poetry

Some pictures

A couple of complaints

A few step by step cures

But, I never claimed to be a saint

I change day by day

I won't apologize

I'd like everyone to stay

But, I can't help it if they believe lies

Photo by~Ellen Humphries

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

I know, it's a horrible quality picture. That's my pumpkin! Potterheads, you probably know what it is! To those who don't know, it's The Deathly Hallows

What are you going to be for Halloween?

All Hallow's Eve

2011-10-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins in every shape and size
Black cats with red piercing eyes

Family ancestors are coming home
Restless spirits in this plane do roam

The New Year and a time of rebirth
Harvest time upon the earth

Raven, in all your midnight glory
Crone we raise your head so hoary

Joy and remembrance on this night
Not just a time to give neighbors a fright

The Spiral Dance we will weave
On this night of All Hallow's Eve

Halloween Night!

2011-10-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

It's Red in her hood!
Look, it's Dracula's cape!
Frankie is smiling
And the Mummy's escaped!

She gave me a lolly
And a pack of candy chalk
Tim got some chocolate
Charlie Brown got a rock

Faces are smiling
Even though they're afraid
Little girls twirling
It's a Halloween masquerade!

Halloween Paranoia

2011-10-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

A square piece of a dead sailor's shirt
A tooth of a vampire slayer
One half cup of graveyard dirt
And a lock of werewolf hair

Take the tooth, the fur and the dirt
And place them on the cloth
In the process your eyes avert
With a black silk cord tie them in a knot

Use this spell on a full moon
To invoke protection be precise
A capella this incantation croon
Do so at midnight thrice

On this night of All Hallow's Eve
Cover me with a shield of light
In my pocket this pouch I'll leave
And so this ends the rite

Something's Got a Hold On Me

2011-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

A scene from one of my favorite movies. Christina Aguilera belts her rendition of "Something's Got a Hold On Me" by Etta James

This song is stuck in my head. I wish I could sing like that!

Apples

2011-10-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking

When a woman comes to your door

Holding a basket of apples

Calm down, don't start a war!

I promise their not tainted

They taste perfectly fine

I had some extra on my tree

Please don't decline

They'd make a nice pie

Or a tasty little treat

Sure, I'd love to come in

Thanks for offering me a seat!

Photo by~Brandy Kimble

My Wand!

2011-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Remember the other day when I said "I am hoping... My package will arrive soon! I'll blog about it when it does!!!" Well, it arrived! I won a contest at On the Broomstick! It's a wand made by Allan Olson! Here's the cool part, when I found out I won I went in to tell my mom and dad and they were watching this scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone where Harry receives his wand.

Devic- Contains fairy frost, fractures (rainbows)

and inclusions that help us communicate with

nature spirits that coexist with humans.

Key- An indention, usually three or six sides where a crystal

was once embedded and now unlocks doors to healing.

Penetrator- A small crystal that is part in and part out of a

larger crystal that bridges inner and outer worlds of self and others.

Time Link Door- Has an extra face to the side of the main

face that enhances creativity, imagination, psychic ability,

meditation and is a link to the past.

Window- An extra face that is diamond shaped

and assists in seeing the inner self.

Double Terminated- Terminations (points) on both ends

that send and receive energy simultaneously.

Fairy Frost- Wispy cloud like inclusions that help us

communicate with fairies and other nature spirits.

Water Clear- Is gem grade that will magnify,

amplify and act in a straight forward manner.

Isn't it pretty?!

The Simple Woman's Daybook: October 10, 2011

2011-10-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY...October 10, 2011

Outside my window...Life giving, worry washing, smile inducing rain ! *sigh*

I am thinking... How much I love the smell of my new candle! "Better Homes and Gardens" 'Classic Pumpkin Pie'

I am thankful for... Hot Cocoa

From the learning rooms... The evolution of medicine in Europe, India and China.

From the kitchen... Mom making her very late breakfast.

I am wearing... Work clothes.

I am creating... Menus.

I am going... To help my dad at a construction site later, hence the work clothes.

I am wondering...If I have all of the ingredients to make banana bread.

I am reading... Alot!

I am hoping... My package will arrive soon! I'll blog about it when it does!!!

I am looking forward to... My grandparents coming to visit this month! Yay!

I am hearing... Rain and the sizzle of ham. I can't really distinguish which is which, though. :P

Around the house... Monica reading a book about Viking life, Timmy taking a lunch break, Gina watching as Mom makes food.

I am pondering...Why people have to jump to conclusions about others' beliefs based on uneducated assumptions.

One of my favorite things... Having the ingredients to bake whenever I want.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Reading about the evolution of medicine in Africa, Australia and North and South America for my college work; baking; cleaning; Harvest of Hospitality here at my house! You can read about it that here: The Homespun Life

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Photo by~Amy Bayliss

Update: October

2011-10-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have committed myself to watch 'Friends' as all of my co ol friends are.
Reading eight different books!!!
College work.
Decorating for fall!
Taking out my Fall/Winter clothes.
Baking, baking and more baking. *sigh*
Fall cleaning.
Arts and crafts with siblings.
LOTS of cleaning up after house construction!

We're having our windows replaced.
We have to replace our awning as the recent hail storm in our city caused it to collapse!
Having the back wall of our house rebuilt because of last year's storm.

Today my sister and I were helping my dad painting at a construction site.
Plus all of the normal household chores! *agh!*

So, forgive me if I haven't been blogging as much as I normally do. Of course, the first few 'excuses' are more like pleasures.

Planet X

2011-10-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

You may or may not have heard that little Pluto was declared not a planet. You may also wonder why it's not a planet anymore. This criteria needs to be met in order to be considered a planet:

It needs to be in orbit around the Sun
It needs to have enough gravity to pull itself into a spherical shape
It needs to have “cleared the neighborhood” of its orbit

The third one was where Pluto lost its badge. "What does 'cleared its neighborhood' mean?" you may ask. Planets become the dominant gravitational body in their orbit in our Solar System. As they interact with other, smaller objects in their orbit, they either consume them, or sling them away with their gravity. Earth is 1.7 million times the mass of the other objects in its orbit, whereas Pluto is only 0.07 times the mass of the other objects in its orbit. Any object that doesn’t meet the 3rd Planet criteria is considered a 'dwarf planet'. So, since there are still many objects with similar size and mass to Pluto in its orbit, Pluto is a dwarf planet. And until Pluto crashes into quite a few of them and gains mass, it will remain a dwarf planet. Eris, Pluto's twin, suffers from the same dilemma.

So there you go, you now know why Pluto is not a planet anymore.

Little Hazel Goes to School

2011-09-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Little Hazel Goes to A Sunday Potluck

2011-09-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

Second part to my Little Hazel series!

Amethyst

2011-09-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

I bought this when my family and I took a trip up to Apple Hill! Pretty, huh?!

*Some believe that Amethyst encourages a sense of peace.

Little Hazel

2011-09-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

This is a little doodle I drew today. It came about through a meld of inspiration between my mom and I. It's the first of many. :)

A Practically Magical Day!

2011-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble

Do my eyes deceive me?

Or am I seeing double?

Kylie, Antonia, Aunt Frances too

We're almost ready.

Throw some belladonna in the brew

Sally, Gilly and dear Aunt Jet

The gang's almost here

We're nearly set

Grab your broom and your conical hat

Your striped stockings, spell book

Cauldron and black cat

The day has arrived and we're ready to go

First open your umbrella

And start off really slow

There's gonna be spells, and a couple of quotes

A picture or two

If you'd like, take some notes

It's today! The Practical Magic Blog Party 2011! Yay! Let's start out with some breakfast. Saguaro Cactus pancakes, anyone?

No? Well, in the words of Aunt Jet:

Jet~ "I think a brownie for breakfast would fix you right up."

Remember when the ladies had to banish Jimmy's spirit and they poured that nasty brew on his grave? I made stew, and though the fumes aren't good for the pores and I won't be using it to get rid of any ex-boyfriend ghosts, it sure does smell good and it was yummy too!

No doubt that I'm not the only one a little on edge. This was my first time participating in the PM blog party and I'm dripping with anxiety. Here's a little something to calm the nerves. No belladonna required!

I say this now to my anxiety

Dissipate henceforth

Hear my words and flee

With intentions as strong

As a sturdy Oak tree

And a wave of my hand

So mote it be!

Maybe even drink a little Lemon Balm infusion to help it out.

I was having a bad day a while back and I was frustrated and out in the yard dealing with some dog doo and I looked down and behold! I found a small raw crystal! I have no idea where it came from, but it certainly is magical and it made my day!

Did it appear out of nowhere just to make me smile? I'd like to think so. There are some things, after all, that I know for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can.

If you'd like to read about the Practical Magic Blog Party, go here. Thanks for stopping by and have a magical day!

Coffee and a Letter

2011-09-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Coffee and homemade bread for breakfast, just like Sally had! Just three more days!

Sally's letter to Gillian:

"Sometimes I feel like there's a hole inside of me, an emptiness that at times seems to burn. I think if you lifted my heart to your ear, you could probably hear the ocean. The moon tonight, there's a circle around it. Sign of trouble not far behind. I have this dream of being whole. Of not going to sleep each night, wanting. But still sometimes, when the wind is warm or the crickets sing... I dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for. I just want someone to love me. I want to be seen. I don't know. Maybe I had my happiness. I don't want to believe it but, there is no man, Gilly. Only that moon. "

The Goodbye

2011-09-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's coming time for him to go

It's the same time every year

And though all this she does know

She can't help but shed a tear

She'll miss his sunshine smile

And the warmth of his presence

Even though it'll only be a while

She'll dread his evanescence

With him the summer goes

Along with each hot night

Trading bluebirds for crows

And morning for night

She can't complain too much, you know

For this season truly is a beaut

She looks forward to the time of the plough

But she smiles at each leaf changing hue

Photo by~Sister Lisa

Five More Days!

2011-09-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

"We were going to open a botanical shop. Where Mike would get all the ingredients and I'd make the stuff. He really loved my mint-oatmeal shaving cream. He couldn't stop eating it."~Sally Owens

Well, if you ever wanted to buy mint oatmeal shaving cream because of that quote, you can! Click here to see the Moonlit Botanicals Practically Magick Botanical Products' Mint Oatmeal Shaving Cream! Though, I don't think you should eat it. ;)

And speaking of mint!

In my practically magical garden I am growing Spearmint! I mentioned in the post 'Repurposed Drawer' that I would do a post on my mint plant, so, here goes!

My mom really likes mint, so she bought a Spearmint plant at the farmer's market a while back and asked me to take care of it for her. I planted it and it had started to droop from the weight so, the other day I propped it up with an upside down tomato cage and it seems to be doing a little better.

Here are a few ways to use mint:

Place a few sprigs in your water jug and you have mint flavored water.

Place a few sprigs in a basin of water to wash your face with. Very refreshing and helps with acne.

Spearmint tea~

Ingredients: 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon dried spearmint leaves

Directions: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add spearmint leaves and let it sit for 5 minutes. Strain tea into a teacup. Makes 1 serving.

Spearmint tea is helpful with insomnia and an upset stomach.

Folk names: Garden Mint, Green Mint, Brown Mint, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Green Spine, Mismin, Yerba Buena, Lady's Mint, Spire Mint.

Spearmint in folklore: Smelling Spearmint increases and sharpens mental powers. Spearmint also enhances love.

For protection when you're sleeping, stuff your pillow with Spearmint. Placing Spearmint under your pillow sometimes offers you glimpses of the future in your dreams.

Wearing Spearmint on your wrist assures that you will not get sick.

Place a few leaves of Spearmint in your wallet/purse and money/prosperity will come your way!

Spearmint attracts good spirits to enhance magic and raises good vibrations wherever it is at!

I just might use that money trick myself! ;)

Practical Magic Blog Party 2011

2011-09-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for The Practical Magic Blog Party on the 24th of September! Read about it here. See! That's my blog name on the sidebar! If you decide to participate don't forget to comment on that post with your blog address and blog title, then comment with your permalink to the post on that site on the 24th so that I can check it out too! Only 7 days left! Yay!

Dreams

2011-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Dreams have meaning
Sent from above
Sometimes about life
Others about love

It's important we listen
And pay good attention
They might be the future
Or a sign of protection

So keep a dream journal
And write down each one
The date and the detail
Before it's erased by the sun

Do You Hear?

2011-09-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Do you hear?

Fall's almost here!

I'm oh so excited

And just plain delighted!

For pumpkins in colors

Of all sorts of numbers!

For candles and baking

When leaves start a fading!

The reading of novels

Apple smell in your nostrils!

Cookies and cakes

And crafts to make!

Fall can't you hear

That I want you here?!

Spell This

2011-09-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Echinacea, Thyme and Rosemary
Yarrow, Lavender, Sage
The fur from a pet that's hairy
Time to turn the page

Now make a little motion
And say a little chant
Take the fresh potion
And with your right hand now enchant

Spells can get messy
If you don't do them right
Sometimes they involve fairies
And you can do them day or night

So be sure to light a candle
And clear away the space
The future you now handle
Keep your eyes open, just in case

Photo by~Angie Parrett

Candle Fun!

2011-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back! I had a great time on vacation with my family. While we were at the local mall, the Yankee Candle store was having a $1 sale on their Sampler Votive Candles and their Tarts Wax Potpourri and I had ALOT of fun! Here's the scents I got!:

Sampler Votives: Autumn Leaves, Pumpkin Buttercream-2, Maple Pancake, Cinnamon Stick.

Tart Wax Potpourri: Spiced Orange, Farmer's Market, Spiced Pumpkin, Apple Cider, Mountain Lodge, Harvest, Autumn Leaves, Nature's Paintbrush, Apple Cider-3, Macintosh Spice, Macintosh, Cherry Berry Pie, Be Thankful & Buttercream.

$21 + tax and worth every penny!

I hope to break them in soon on the first rainy day this Fall!

What's your favorite candle scent and brand?

On Vacation!

2011-09-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

I'm here on vacation with my family in Southern California enjoying the beautiful weather and getting ready for a wedding. My mom's friend is getting married tonight. My dad is officiating, my mom is the matron of honor and I'm a bridesmaid. I'm SO excited!! I will be blogging more when I get home. I've got alot to share with you all! From pictures to a new series here on my blog! It's fall and that means rain! I love this season! Blog to you all soon!

A Black Cat Crossing Your Path

2011-09-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

So many times I've sat here

About to tell you the truth

But I'm stopped in my tracks by fear

Of those who will blame my youth

Afraid of what others may think

Of my siblings, parents and I

Deeper and deeper I sink

Into dread and sometimes I cry

I'm supposed to be myself

No matter of what me others might say

Why can't they regard me like Gandalf?

Oh, how I dream of the day.

Picture by~Sister Lisa

Poseidon's Horses

2011-08-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Once, in a land far away, long ago; there was a god named Poseidon. On a day unlike today, he saw a goddess named Demeter and tried to woo her. Demeter did not feel for Poseidon what he felt for her, so she tried to evade him, she asked him to create the most beautiful animal the world had ever seen. Poseidon wanted badly to impress her, so he worked very hard. For years he worked, creating many different animals, until he made the most beautiful of all. The Horse. He was so very proud of himself that he forgot all about the way he felt about Demeter.

I had heard this story several times and never believed it, until one morning, as I was walking along the seaside, I saw the horses. The most beautiful horses I had ever seen! Galloping onto the land in the crashing wave as it hit the shore. I was so amazed that a gasp escaped my lips. It startled the horses so much that they turned tail and headed back out to sea on the receding wave. Poseidon must have seen how much I loved his creation, because where the horses had been I found a single pearl.

Photo 1 by~Scott Bertolini
Photo 2 by~Me

A Bit 'O Vacation Magic

2011-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

This last week my family and I took a trip to Caspar Beach, Mendocino, Fort Brag and Glass Beach! All were very magical and inspiring places and I received many ideas of things to write about. On our way to Glass Beach it was really foggy and I just kept wishing that the sun would come out soon and the fog would stay far enough away for long enough to truly enjoy our day. When we arrived at Glass Beach, it seemed as if there was a force field around the beach that the fog would not come in to. The water was blue and the sky was clear. Warm, sunny and gorgeous. As soon as we packed up to leave the fog rolled right back in. How magical!

Also, while we were at Glass Beach I found many wonderful pieces of glass. White, clear, orange, green, red, pink and blue. We sorted them by color and I'm going to be using them as decoration in my room. Different colors make me feel different. I think colors each hold their own energy.

You know how it is when you are having a 'blah' day, if you wear bland colors you seem to stay in that funk all day long; but if you wear bright colors, like yellow and pink, it picks up your spirit and makes you feel happier. Perhaps I'll use the glass pieces like that. We'll see.

I also found several little pieces of Abalone at the different beaches. From very pretty peach to beautiful blues, they're each special.

Abalone in Folklore:

Apache girls wear a disc of abalone shell on their forehead as they greet the sun on the morning of their initiation into womanhood. Use abalone shell as a calming influence for menstrual problems.

Abalone shell is useful in emotional situations. If you wear jewelry made with abalone shell, it will keep your mood balanced throughout the day. Find mantra beads, prayer beads or worry beads made from abalone shell. They will be a calming influence all day. Keep them with you, in your pocket. Use an abalone shell filled with sand to burn sandalwood or frankincense when your emotions seem heavy. It can also be used with sage to smudge your house or property.

Repurposed Drawer

2011-08-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't that such a cute idea! I found an old drawer sitting at the end of someone's driveway with a bunch of junk and they told me I could have it. I took it home and here's what I did:

Make sure it's sturdy and NOT made out of press board. Press board will soak up water, fall apart and make a general moldy mess! So, be sure that your drawer is real wood. You may also have to re-nail the drawer together a bit to make sure that it won't come apart and let all of your soil fall out.
Drill a few drain holes in the bottom. My drawer was app. 2X3 ft so I had holes drilled in three rows of four. I decided that if the soil starts to get gross I'll just drill some more holes.
Place the drawer on top of something so that the water can escape and won't puddle around the drawer. Ex: Bricks,stakes,cement blocks, etc.
Fill with soil and your plant(s)/seeds.

I planted some mint (which will be another post)!

Thyme

2011-08-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Time for Thyme! I received several little thyme plants from a friend and all but one died. I'm nurturing it as best I can and it's growing! Yay!

For sore muscles: Make an infusion of thyme; 25 g herb to 3 cups water, and strain into a bath. Soak for 20 minutes.

For minor bug bites, stings or swellings: Apply the freshly squeezed juice from thyme leaves to affected area.

For the common cold: Make an infusion of thyme and drink 1 cup a day until cold is gone.

For a cough: Make a syrup of thyme and take one tablespoon three times a day.

Syrup recipe: 2 cups thyme infusion, 1 lb. of honey or unrefined sugar.

Pour the infusion into a saucepan and add the honey/sugar. Gently heat and stir constantly until all the honey/sugar has dissolved and the mixture is syrupy. Remove from the heat and cool.
Pour the cooled syrup into sterilized, dark, glass jars. Use a funnel so it doesn't spill. Store in a cool, dark place. Seal the jars with cork stoppers. Syrups are notorious for fermenting and if the jars are sealed with a screw-top lid, they may explode.

Keep for up to 6 months.

Folk names: Common Thyme, Garden Thyme

Thyme in folklore: Thyme is burned or worn to attract good health. It is also used in healing spells. Since Thyme is a purification herb; the Greeks burned it in their temples to purify them. It is also burned right before magic spells to cleanse the area.

Place under your pillow to ensure good sleep and no nightmares.

In Spring one bathes in a magical cleansing bath made up of Marjoram and Thyme to make sure that all of the sorrows and ills of the last year are removed from the person.

If you wear Thyme, you can see fairies!

Photo by: Ellen Humphries

Rosemary (Part 2)

2011-08-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

I found some more information on Rosemary since my last post about it.

Once you tug on the new little Rosemary plants and see that they have roots. Re-pot them and pinch the tips to encourage them to branch out.

Folk Names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Libanotis, Polar Plant, Sea Dew

Rosemary in Folklore: Burning Rosemary puts off a powerful cleansing and purifying vibration and is smouldered to get rid of negativity, which is especially important before performing magic.

Laying Rosemary under the bed protects the sleeper from all harm. It is also hung on the porch and doorposts to keep thieves from the house and is carried to remain healthy.

Healing poppets are stuffed with rosemary to put its healing vibrations to use. Rosemary leaves are mixed with juniper berries and burned in sickrooms to aid in healing.

If one wanted to receive knowledge or have a question answered, they burned Rosemary on charcoal and smelled the smoke. Growing Rosemary is said to attract elves.

Summer Days Drifting Away

2011-08-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today I was informed that the public schools start school tomorrow! I can't believe Summer is almost over ALREADY! I just got back from a camping trip with my family. The first camping trip where we actually slept in a tent! I had a great time! This month we are going to spend some time with my grandparents in Fort Brag and next month we will be in southern California with my great aunt and uncle for a friend's wedding. I'm going to be her brides' maid. I'm really excited about that!

What awesomeness have you experienced this Summer?

Photo by~Scott Bertolini

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

2011-08-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Behind every rainbow

Beneath every leaf

Inside every puddle

Down by every reef

Dwells a little magic

That can be tapped into

And used for good or evil

By a very select few

These beings are known worldwide

Some are often feared

There's several in my neighbourhood

That I now know and revere

And when asked

By minister, child or workman

If they're a good or bad witch

They say: "Are you a good or bad person?"

Photo by~Sister Lisa

Barbie's Killing Baby Tigers!

2011-07-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Please take a moment to read the information here. Don't forget to watch the video!

Click on your country and then "Write to Mattel's CEO NOW!"

Here's a copy of what I said to Mattel.

Dear Barbie,

Mattel uses packaging from a company called Asia Pulp & Paper, APP, which is part of the Sinar Mas Group, and is also Indonesia's most notorious rainforest destroyer.

Your company, and the packaging and printing suppliers you buy from, are involved in the destruction of Indonesia's precious rainforests as a result of your use of paper supplier Asia Pulp & Paper. Sinar Mas Group's pulp and paper division, APP, continues to use timber from the rainforests of Indonesia to produce throw away products such as packaging. APP continues to use this timber despite the negative impact on the people and wildlife that depend on the rainforests for their survival, and despite the fact that it is accelerating climate change.

Mattel is the world's biggest toy company, and a responsible company in your position would immediately stop using pulp and paper products including packaging from APP and any subsidiary or affiliate APP company. This suspension should be extended to all your direct and indirect suppliers, including products manufactured on Mattel's behalf by third parties to ensure your packaging does not contain rainforest destruction.

You should keep these suspensions in place until APP implements commitments to stop using timber from deforestation for the production of its pulp and paper products.

I would like to see Mattel become a LEADER in the use of sustainable forest products, and for this to happen you should immediately implement a new procurement policy for all pulp and paper products, including packaging, and make sure that its products are made in ways that don't damage the environment.

I am asking you to act today to clean up your supply chains. Please stop pushing Sumatran tigers to the brink of extinction for throw-away toy packaging.

Mattel, please be among the first to stop this horrible tragedy from continuing to take place! Be a clear message to those who use your products that Mattel wants to help the tigers, not hurt them. Perhaps you could even make a Barbie that is packaged in recycled materials and print it on the back that you are helping the tigers. You could have Barbie inside with a "Save the Rainforests" shirt and a baby tiger! I know my little sister would love that!

Here's another idea, you could even put a special code on the back that the child could put into your website and you could tell them that you would donate a little money to help save the rainforests!

This website: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/the-breakup/ has a very sad little video. When you do decide to do something and stop destroying the rainforests you could make a video where Barbie apologizes to Ken and the world and show Barbie getting rid of the machines and the tigers being able to come back to there homes.

The Barbie I grew up with was a great role model and wanted to help save the world, she was my hero. Please bring the Barbie of my childhood back. Barbie, please save the baby tigers.

Thank you for your attention.

Lavender

2011-07-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

My mom got me a lavender plant a while ago! Here's some information about Lavender.

Scientific name for Lavender is Lavendula officinale or L. vera.

The scent of a Lavender bush repels fleas and since we have four furry animals in our house it will definitely help with that! I'm also going to be drying some and placing the dried, crushed spears in sachets to put in my clothes drawers and under my pillow to help me sleep. Everyone on my corner's street lamps shine right in my window and night and keep me up, so this will help me get sleepy. :)

For headaches~Combine 5 drops essential oil with 5 ml almond oil and massage into temples.

For muscle pain~Take a warm bath or warm the area with a hot towel and while skin is still warm to the touch: Take 1 Tbsp of sunflower oil, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops each of rosemary and pepper essential oil, and 1/2 tsp of crampbark tincture. Shake and rub into tense areas.

Minor bug bites~Rub fresh lavender leaves or essential oil on and around the bite or sting. This will also repel insects.

Earache~Place 2 drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and plug into the ear. *Don't push the cotton ball in to far or hard as that will hurt and may get stuck!*

Folk Names: Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike

Lavender in folklore: Lavender has long been used in love spells and in sachets. Clothing dabbed with the fragrant flowers (or lavender placed in drawers with clothes) attracts love. A piece of paper rubbed with lavender is good for writing love notes.

These flowers are also burned or smouldered to bring about sleep and rest, and are scattered around the home to maintain peace. The plant is so powerful that, if one is depressed one gazes upon the plant, all sorrow will disappear and joy will settle upon the observer.

Lavender is also used in healing mixtures, carried to see sprits, and worn to protect against the evil eye. It is also added to purification baths.

Even though Lavender was often associated with love, in the Renaissance it was believed that if a woman wore lavender and rosemary, it would preserve her chastity.

Wishing~Place lavender under your pillow while thinking of your wish. Do this just before you go to sleep at night. In the morning, if you have dreamt of anything relating to your wish, it will come true. However, if you did not have dreams, or if the dreams were unrelated with your wish, it will not come true.

Your Idea of God

2011-07-12T22:38:00.001-07:00

I have talked about my continually growing perception of the Divine, God, etc. several times but, I've never asked you what yours is? Do you mind sharing with me?

Good Witches

2011-07-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Disney good witches.

I did not know that Disney portrayed any good witches in any of their movies until I actually looked it up.

Eilonwy-The Black Cauldron

Enchantress-Beauty and the Beast

Kida-Atlantis

Mama Odie-The Princess and the Frog

Miss Eglantine Price-Bedknobs and Broomsticks

The Oracle-Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Veronica Gorloisen-The Sorcerer's Apprentice

And to join the line up: The currently nameless witch in the upcoming Disney Pixar movie "Brave"

This movie "Brave" is what prompted me to research good Disney witches.

Looks pretty good to me! What do you think?

My Current Beliefs

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

To the Divine whose name I can't say
To the people who think I've lost my way
To those who don't know my true thoughts
It's hard to speak when I'm tied up in knots

So here it is, I'll say it now
To any man or his religion I never will bow
I'll give respect and honor to those who them deserve
But I won't devote my life to their unknown being and serve

I must feel a connection with the one up above
I also must feel a reciprocated love
I'm not ready to say precisely what I believe
Because of stereotypes I'm concerned that differently of me you'll perceive

You can look me over and decide what you will
By Wiki, your bible or any means, but, still
I've said it before and I'll say it again
My beliefs on a daily basis are just bound to change

Rumor of a Witch

2011-07-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Deep in the woods a young woman sits crying. She loved once, long ago. She loved more deeply than any woman had in a hundred years and he loved her as well.

At the time she met him, she was a very wise woman. Wise beyond her years. She was an accomplished alchemist, apothecary and midwife. She had also learned many other things from traveling gypsies and astronomers. People from all over would come to her for things from advice, to her renowned medicines that were rumored to cure anything. They would travel miles and miles to hear her words of wisdom and taste her knowledge. By definition in this era, she was a 'witch', but this was before 'witch' and 'devil' would come to people's minds simultaneously.

He was just passing through and had stopped to water his horse when she first saw him. They fell madly in love over the next few months and would probably have spent the rest of their lives in each-other's company had it not been for another woman in the nearby village who had also seen this handsome man. This was not love that she felt for him, it was an obsession. A fascination that she could not control. If she could not have his love, no one would. She began spinning tall tales and spreading them like wild fire throughout the nearby villages. The gossip ravaged the people and they began fearing the kind, young girl.

The word 'witch' traveled along with reports of devil worship like a plague, driving folks from her doorstep. Even though everyone already knew that she was a witch, now they believed she consorted with the devil, this caused their imaginations to trap their minds like flies in the web of a spider. The angry woman's revenge was not yet satisfied, she reasoned that the handsome man wanted the kind, girl and not her was because the girl had traded her soul in exchange for his love. She spread this gossip as well.

The young girl did not know why the sudden fear had grasped the hearts of so many she had helped before. She tried to ask what had hardened their hearts toward her and all she received was doors slammed in her face and children dragged from her path. She was so heartbroken that she refused to leave her house. The handsome man resolved to get to the bottom of the web of lies that had nearly suffocated his love.

He knocked on every door in the nearest village and was turned away, until he came to the angry woman's door. She invited him in, desire clouding her mind. Believing that he had come to confess his love for her. When she found the true nature of the visit to be much different than she had thought a whirlwind of rage came upon her. She threw him out of her house and allowed her anger to drive her to the shadowy forest. She ran until she came to an old altar.

In a fit of fury she herself conjured up the dark prince that she had told everyone the young girl had consorted with. She offered her eternal servitude if he would cause great misfortune to befall the beautiful girl and the handsome man. The pact was made and her soul sold. The power of the evil lord surged through her veins and she cast a spell on the couple. They would be trapped in the valley where the young girl's cottage was. Surrounded by the creek and bound to two different dimensions. Teasing them with the sight of each other in the setting sun reflected by the surface of the creek.

Upon returning home, the man could not find the young girl, though she sat on the porch awaiting his return. They saw each other in the setting sun and knew what had happened. Never to leave the valley always to yearn for the arms of the one they loved.

The angry woman's rage stole her life and she died at the altar of the one who owned her soul. The townspeople found new gossip and forgot about the young girl who had occupied their imaginations for so long, but the cottage still stands and though the lovers are so close, they are still a dimension away from the warmth of one another's embrace.

Photo by~Sister Lisa

Bath Salts

2011-06-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup sea salt
1 cup Epsom salt
Glass jar
1 heaping cup dried rose petals

Pour each into glass jar, seal and store.

Mixture may clump up due to the moisture in the bathroom, so shake or stir before using.

Do not exceed 1 cup of mixture per bath.

Skin Cancer

2011-06-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's Summer time and us young people LOVE the sun, but too much sun is not good. Did you know:

That just one bad sun burn before you turn 18 doubles your chances of developing skin cancer?
That if you have fair skin and red hair means that you're at a higher risk of getting skin cancer?
That you're at a higher risk if you have more than 50 moles?
That if you have a weakened immune system or have a family history of skin cancer you are at a high risk?
That the outlook is VERY good if you catch it early, but you have less than a 10% chance of surviving more than 5 years if you don't?

Wear sunscreen!
It's annoying to have to apply and re-apply, but it could save your life.

Wear sunscreen every time you go out into the sun and reapply according to the directions!

A girl named Glenna Kohl was diagnosed with skin cancer at age 22. Read her story here.

Please take the time to watch this video.

CHECK!

Mugwort

2011-06-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

The newest plant to grace my garden with its presence? Mugwort!

The scientific name for Mugwort is Artemisia Vulgaris.

I'm planning on using it mostly for minor bruising, and as an insect repellent.

For bruising and insect bites: 30 g dried herb or 75 g fresh herb to 500 ml water. Put the herb in a pot with a close-fitting lid, like a teapot. Pour hot water over the herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain into a bowl, soak a pad in the infusion and apply to area to soothe bruises and bites.

For insect repellent: Rub leaves on skin.

If you're planning on growing Mugwort, here are some tips. Mugwort thrives in the shade with moist soil. Try my homemade Aqua Globe method to give it just the right amount of water. To help keep the soil moist, place small pebbles on top of the soil in-between and around the Mugwort. Mugwort can grow up to six feet tall and spread up to 18 inches, so if you plant it, don't be surprised if it pops up in other places in your yard. To help control it, grow it in a large pot and harvest it before it flowers. It produces small, reddish-brown flowers in the late summer. Mugwort can be harvested in the fall.

Harvest Mugwort before the plant flowers by gathering a few sprigs together and cutting. Tie them together using a piece of string or a rubber band and hang them upside down until they are completely dry.

Mugwort in folklore:

Place under your pillow to aid in sleep and psychic dreams.
Carry with you for protection against wild beasts.
Mugwort carried in your pocket is said to ward off poison and sunstroke
Place in your shoe for added strength on long walks or runs. (Roman soldiers did this)
Hang a sprig over each of your doors for protection and good fortune.
Place in your glovebox or hang in a bag from the rearview mirror of your vehicle to bring safe travel.
Grow in your garden or in a large pot by your door for protection.
Mugwort hung over your door is said to keep away illness.
Mugwort thrown into the fireplace during a storm supposedly makes storm clouds disperse.

*Always do your research before using herbs for medicine.*

Good luck!

Gardening

2011-06-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

For this last week I'd been helping my dad with his construction business. He told me that I could have the day off yesterday so I spent most of it out in my garden. I love gardening. It brings me a sense of peace and I feel comfortable and accepted.

I'd been having trouble with the neighborhood cats 'going' in my garden, so I put chicken wire around all of the pots. The photo you see is of the pot with the Alyssum seeds in it. They're already growing!

I also made home made aqua globes for the potted plants. I'd blogged about it before, but I wanted to talk about it again because I worked out some kinks.

Things you'll need:

Empty plastic bottle.
Hammer and nail, or something to puncture the lid with
Water
Pot, not the kind plants come in, that doesn't seem to work.

Fill bottle with water.
Puncture small holes in lid and screw back onto bottle tightly.
Dig small hole and place water bottle upside down in hole.
Pack down the dirt in the pot so that the bottle doesn't tip over.

The reason this works is because when the roots release air, the air bubbles up into the bottle and releases just the right amount of water that the plant needs. Thus, eliminating your worries of over/under watering your plant. Refill bottles when they're empty. Lasts for at least a week, depending on the plant. The photo you see here is of two 2-liter Pepsi bottles that I used in my Basil plants. I haven't had to refill them and they've been in there for a week, just check them every now and then. Works for indoor and outdoor plants.

Encouraging Kids

2011-06-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Encouraging our children/siblings is perhaps one of the most important things we could do for them. Try this scenario on for size.

Child: "I want to build a rocket to space like Dr. Doofenshmirtz!"

Adult: "Don't Dr. Doofenshmirtz' plans always fail? Honey, I don't think you could build a rocket in our backyard the way Phineas and Ferb do. They're just a cartoon. Besides, you're too little."

RESULT: Child's dreams crushed.

Imagine what would happen if you replied, instead, with: "I'll go bake some cookies for your trip!"

Now, they know that you support them. If they do give up or realize that perhaps they don't quite know where to start, you could always give them your cookies as a consolation prize and tell them: "It's okay, sweetie. Maybe, when you grow up, you could be a rocket scientist and then you could have the right tools to be able to build a rocket!"

Perhaps you could even purchase a small bottle rocket for them!

RESULT: Child's dream encouraged by the possibility that they could build a rocket when they grow up!

You should always encourage your child/sibling that they can do WHATEVER they put their mind too. ALWAYS!

I've rarely heard of someone who achieved their dreams saying: "Well, growing up, my family wasn't supportive. They never encouraged me in my projects and weren't enthusiastic about my wishes and goals. So, I set out to prove them wrong."

They always say: "I want to thank my family! They've always been SO supportive to me!"

You would expect other adults or even strangers to be non-supportive, but family should ALWAYS be encouraging and supportive no matter what age the child is at. From an eight year old wanting to build a rocket to a searching eighteen year old asking if their abstract drawing is any good, ALWAYS find a way to support them.

We thrive on it!

Photo by~Sister Lisa

Rosemary

2011-06-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

I recently got some rosemary clippings. I've been wanting to grow some rosemary for a while and I was so excited when I got them! Here are some tips if you find some clippings and would like to start a rosemary plant.

Cut a 4- to 8-inch piece of rosemary branch from an established plant. The piece you cut off the branch should be new growth with little to no woody stem. It is probably best to cut rosemary clippings for rooting in the spring, when the new growth on branches appears.

Slide your index finger and thumb gently down the bottom 1/2 to 2/3 of the cut stem to remove the rosemary leaves. The leaves will come off easily, leaving only the stem. The place where the leaf comes off at is where the stem for new roots form.

Fill a container or pot with clean, all-purpose potting soil that will drain well. Rosemary plants do not like wet soil, they prefer it lightly moistened.

Insert about half the stripped leaf stem into the potting soil, then, using your fingers, firmly pat down the soil around the stem to get rid of any air pockets underneath the soil. You can plant two or three rosemary cuttings into a single small pot for rooting.

Water the planted rosemary stem and soil until the soil is moist. Remove excess water in the catch pan below the pot.

Cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Secure the plastic by using a string around the pot. *I used shoelaces.*

Place the pot with the planted rosemary where it will receive only filtered light. It can have an hour or two of direct sunlight in the early morning, but while it is developing a new root system it must not be placed in direct sun during the day. That would cause the soil to completely dry out and kill the cutting.

Remove the plastic every now and then to mist the rosemary stem, foliage and soil, then cover the pot and cutting again with the plastic. After two or three weeks you should see new growth beginning on the tips of the cutting. This means that your cutting has started developing its roots. When you see the new growth, remove the plastic cover permanently.

Re-pot your rosemary plants into separate pots after two to three weeks, or transplant the new plants to your landscape or garden.

Good luck!

Prayers to Bring Peace to Others

2011-06-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

Put thoughts of Light in their mind
And leave all Dark thoughts far behind

Place in their hearts a sense of peace
And bring all Evil to its knees

Instead of falsehoods and made up stories
Show to their eyes all of your glories

Bring to their mind, in place of lies
The urge to bake some yummy pies

Each of these are a separate prayer, though you could say them all together.

The Ents

2011-05-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why people really put fences around their property?
It's not to keep out wild animals.
It's not for privacy.
It's not even to show the boundary lines.
It's to keep the trees from escaping.

Some trees have gotten awful close.
You see them right beside the fences, almost growing right into them.
They see the trees outside the fences and want to be free like that.
It's like the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence".
They hear their brothers and sisters swaying in the breeze and enjoying the freedom outside of the yard.
They yearn for that.
Some trees have gotten used to the grass plot that they are kept on.
Some may have even started to like their pristine prisons.
Though, most want to be wild once again.
If they have been their for a long time and not moved, it's probably because they've fallen asleep.

Before they realize it, they've been asleep for years.

Trees are pretty slow movers, so you don't ever notice when they've moved.
Just try letting the gate stay open and wait for them to leaf!

Notable Women

2011-05-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

The history books mention famous women more often than they did one thousand years ago and when they do it's often because the woman went against what society thought was acceptable and made a big change in the world. Rosa Parks, Florence Nightingale, Amelia Earhart, Joan of Arc, Marie Curie and many others' names are well known because they didn't let society dictate who they should be or what they should do. They excelled because they reached for their dreams and wouldn't let anyone stand in their way.

Have you ever read the book "Ballet Shoes" or even seen the movie? The girls in the story vow "We three Fossils vow to put our name in the history books because it is uniquely ours and ours alone,and no one can say it's because of our grandfathers." Everyone seems to want to be famous, but what we must ask ourselves is "Why?". Why do we want to be famous? For the fans? For the glory? For the money? If my name becomes famous it will be because I made a difference.

It is highly unlikely that today's country star's name will be in the history books in one thousand years, but the names before mentioned most likely will still hold a meaning because of what they did.

The women of history

Their actions inspired me

To be all I want to be

And always remain free

I want to bring down walls

I wish to stand tall

And answer the call

Head and shoulders above all

Not for the glory

Not for the fame

Not for the money

Or the applause at my name

But to go the distance

And blaze the path

To make a difference

That will last

Photo by~Sister Lisa

To My Mom and Grandmas

2011-05-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

As beautiful as a flower

As lovely as the Spring

Having a mom like Sisterlisa

Is a wonderful thing

More gorgeous than a doe

More giving than the rain

A grandmother like Marsha

No words can explain

Funner than a barrel of monkeys

Kinder than a dove

A Non like Mary Jo

Is a gift from above

A Happy Mother's day to all of the moms in my family and in yours!

Midterms in My Tutu

2011-05-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Too preoccupied with dolls to worry about politics

Too busy playing tea party to be bothered with midterms

Far to engaged in the scavenger hunt to worry about boys

Tied up with the pretend rock star career and not concerned with bills

Lost in the fairytale book with family trouble the furthest thing from mind

I wish life was this simple again, but since it can't be, I pray for the strength to deal with the problems most present in this life.

Photo by~Angie Parrett

Lego Wars with Osama bin Laden

2011-05-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

My little brother plays war games all the time. Zombie Apocalypse with his friends outside, Star Wars with the Lego's and Modern Warfare on the video game system. The point is, they are all kids games you don't really get hurt and nobody really dies. It's just a kids game and you can pretend that you are on a crusade fighting for what you think is 'right'. You can make believe that you are a double agent who is really only out to please yourself. You can be the bad guy who wants to obliterate the entire human race. Watching them play is comical because of the sound effects, but rings true when compared to what the adults are doing.

Where do the children see all of this stuff? The adults. The adults on both sides of a war have celebrated because someone died. They want the children to make a difference in this world and they tell them not to get into fights and then they load their shot guns to go rid the world of the 'evildoers' in the name of 'justice'. Everyone is standing in front of their castle hurling flaming boulders at what they believe to be their enemies when we are all the children of the Lord. I do often wonder what the Lord thinks when looking down at the people of this world. They're all running around screaming "My Dad can beat up your Dad!" and "My Mom is right and your Mom is wrong!" when the cookies really were for everyone to share, but instead started a war.

This "Do as I say, not as I do." mentality needs to stop. The death of anyone is nothing to be glad about. The recent news of Bin Laden's death is shocking. It's a relief because hopefully no one else needs to die and the war can stop, but it is also sad because he was a child of God. Jesus does love him. Bin Laden was doing what he thought was right in the name of God according to his religion. Just as the Crusaders were doing what they thought were right in the name of God according to their religion. A war killing Muslims in the name of the Christian god is just as heartbreaking as a war killing Christians in the name of the Muslim god.

I still have mixed emotions about the recent developments of this tragedy and am allowing the Creator to move my heart where it needs to be. My opinions have changed ALOT over the years and I'm sure they will change even more in the years to come. Everyone is on their own path to "God". Bin Laden was on his, just as you are on yours. I am on mine and I pray my eyes will stay where they need to be and my heart will dwell in the mercy of the Lord.

Photo by~Sister Lisa

As Brave as the Flora

2011-05-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Delicate little ground flowers
Greeting the Creator who empowers
Though they know they are small
Because of Christ, they fear nothing at all

Let me be like the Flora so brave
Though everything so big I know by Jesus I'll be saved
He cares for me and puts detail in my soul
In His lovely garden with my Savior I'll be bold

Photo by~Sandi Piper Hosted on Pix-O-Sphere

Stubby McNubbers

2011-04-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Creme Brulee, Stubby McNubbers and Prince Edward.

Unfortunately, my parents said that we couldn't afford to keep them all, so we had to give Stubby McNubbers and Prince Edward away. Stubby McNubbers was my favorite. I already spent most of last night and this morning crying because I miss him so much. Is that pathetic? He was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. He was the biggest and the fluffiest of the bunch. He was born without a tail, hence his name Stubby McNubbers.

Whenever he would go to pounce on something he would wiggle the little nub of a tail and it was SO adorable! Every time he meowed it was a quiet little shaky meow. He loved to climb up my pants leg and slide back down. He would lay on my lap to play with my curls. He liked to pounce on my foot and bat at my toes. I would curl him up inside of my sweater and set him on my lap where he would sleep for hours on end. Though I only had him for eight weeks, he will always be in my heart.

I pray that he will be loved, fed well and kept safe and warm. I found the girl we gave him away to on Facebook and, turns out we already have four friends in common. What luck! I friended her and asked if she liked his name or if she would be changing it. We'll see what she says. *EDIT: She renamed him 'Oscar'*

Have you ever been so connected to a pet like that? Have you ever been separated from said loved pet? Why?

Photo by~Sister Lisa

Standing Firm

2011-04-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Waves may beat
Thrash against me
I'll stand firm
In this raging sea

Though times may be tough
Though the adversary large
I won't give in
Let the storm charge

Photo by~David Ribail

I Sang to My Garden

2011-04-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why birds sing early in the morning? The frequency that birds chirp at causes the plants to grow faster! One man who owned a farm did a test to see if it was true. He found some classical music that hit that frequency quite often throughout the pieces and played them to his cornfield at dawn every morning for a few months. The corn grew to over nine feet tall! He played it to his tomatoes, they grew to the size of softballs! Pretty crazy cool, huh?

So, this morning I spent 15 minutes singing songs to my flowers. I felt a little weird, but it was really soothing. I was in a world of my own. ;) Out of nowhere my cat came over and sat under the rosebushes to listen to me. More birds started chirping and bees came over to pollinate my audience. It felt really amazing singing out there by myself. I was really peaceful and felt closer to God than I ever did sitting in a church. What is something unorthodox that you have done recently where you felt close to our Creator?

The Bravery of a Lion

2011-04-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'll stare you down
On the Savanna plain
With my scowl and frown
And my big bushy mane

I have no fear
I'm proud and brave
At danger I sneer
I'm nobody's slave

Photo by~David Ribail

Memories Long Forgotten

2011-04-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Where do your memories go after you forget about them?
They float out of your ears and drift through the wind.
They dip and swirl and gather speed.
And flow into the imagination of writers in need.
They come out of the hand and into the pen.
Which is why some stories seem so familiar when you read them.
They are forgotten memories.

Dark Beauty

2011-04-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

A rose in the dark
So mysterious and still
Soft and pink
But if looks could kill

A symbol of affection
In this bleak place
Misunderstood
Like a tear on one's face

Poem and photo by~Me

All photos, unless otherwise stated, are courtesy of Pix-O-Sphere

In a World of My Own

2011-04-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

A Painful Trip Down Memory Lane

2011-04-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Memories long gone
On the street across the way
To mind comes a sad song
I hope to leave this place one day

Folks that used to be friends
Streets with hopscotch marks
Fellowships come to an end
Laughter left in the dark

Passing painful pastimes
Dodged by those I used to know
I think of why this happened sometimes
And hope the tears don't show

I know this is sadder than the poetry I usually write, but it's what I feel right now. If you'd like a little bit of a back-story, please read this article.

Second From the Right

2011-04-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Beat your wings
To the second from the right
Crow and sing
'Till morning light

Adventures await
Where you never grow up
Keep flying straight
To the land you dream of

Photo by~Tom Wasinger

Gypsy Woman

2011-04-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Gypsy woman tell me your secrets

Gypsy woman read my palm

Gypsy woman tell me of the universe

Beat your tambourine and sing me a song

Gypsy woman teach me your ways

Gypsy woman show me your crystal ball

Gypsy woman fortell my days

Read me the cards and tell me all

The Tale of the Weed that Dashed My Dreams

2011-04-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our animals have a really bad problem with fleas and I read that planting lavender in your yard will get rid of the fleas, so I called a local nursery and inquired if they sold lavender. They replied, "Yes, the larger one is $5.95 and the smaller is 8.95." So, I went to said local nursery to purchase the larger lavender bush and their 'large' was a 7 in tall 3 inch wide weed looking thing. I would have had to buy fifty to make any difference at all, so I decided against the weed thing.

Then, we decided to buy seeds to grow lavender and later realized that it will take 3 years to grow to previously mentioned weedy size and probably only every third seed will end up sprouting. We will try the lavender seeds, but I would really like to have some lavender in the yard before my pets die of flea bites. Is that even possible?

Anyways, I have decided to keep looking at farmer's markets and other nurseries to find a larger, preferably non-weedy looking lavender bush. Wish me luck!

Heart

2011-04-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Underneath a nearby leaf
Hiding from the falling rain
A metaphor for how you react
When you are feeling sudden pain

Small and fragile sitting still
Shocked by what you see
Shivering and shuddering
Beneath a fallen tree

Find your inner strength
And decide to firmly stand
Whether flooded by emotions
Or if your eyes are dry as sand

Don't think of what others will say
You are who you are inside
Dictate your own path in life
And let your heart be your guide

Photo by~Ellen Humphries

Our MOTHER Who Art in Heaven?

2011-04-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

**WARNING**Controversial subject alert**

Job 21:22-24 "Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow."

Did you know that God is like a mother to us too? God is both our Father and our Mother. He takes care of us like a mother hen.

Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

Deuteronomy 31:18 "You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you and you forgot the God who gave you birth."

Genesis 5:1-2 "This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man."

God made man (male and female), he called them both 'man' and he made 'man' (male and female) in the likeness of God.

El Shaddai means "Many breasted one"
Shekinah is a feminine name which means "God's presence"

I'm not saying that God is a Woman nor am I saying that God is a Man, I think God is neither and both. God is so beyond our comprehension that the decision was made to be represented as both Father and Mother so that it is easier for us to picture what God is like. Although, I think it's easier to picture God as 'Mother'.

Photo by~Maha MullaJuma

Mid-Afternoon Tea

2011-04-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sitting on my porch

Watching mist swirl by

Though it's mid-afternoon

And the sun is high

I'll sip my tea

And give a sigh

Listen to the Lark

And forget all time

Photo by~me

Freedom in My Soul

2011-04-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

The eagle. It has always represented freedom and bravery and that's exactly what I want. I want to be brave enough to be completely free. Ever since I saw the movie "The Rescuers Down Under" as a kid, I've always loved eagles. If I could be an animal, I'd probably be an eagle. What animal do you think you are deep down in your soul?

An eagle flies

Wild and free

Up in the sky

Representing bravery

My soul will soar

My spirit unfettered

My feet to explore

No longer a debtor

Photo by~Lacy Self

Here's a cool quiz from Quizilla.com that I found cool. It sure says alot about you! Let me know what your result is!

Confessions of a Conflicted Lass

2011-04-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Peaceful river
Rolling past
Listen to this
Conflicted lass

How I long
To be so still
I sometimes
Have too much will

I need to let it
Roll off my back
Go with the flow
It’s patience I lack

Photo by~Sister Lisa

God Help the Outcasts

2011-04-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

He is an outcast

She is hated

His expression is downcast

She feels betrayed

Why can't they be loved?

Why can't you leave them alone?

Everyone puts themselves above

Why can't you climb down from your throne?

They cringe at his voice

Hating his face

She doesn't have a choice

Please bestow on them grace

Photo by~Tom Wasinger

Poem by me, inspired by~ Kinsey French's blog post

My Garden

2011-04-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

I want a garden

A garden so green

With flowers and fruits

What a lovely scene!

With herbs at the ready

And my big floppy hat

I'll cure every owie

Wherever I'm at

Photo by~Ellen Humphries

Beat to Quarters

2011-04-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Heading into the storm

Don't know how vast it'll be

Like a man into a war

On a vessel far out at sea

A storm is heading this way

Like an angry bloodthirsty tyrant

Only the brave are advised to stay

This battle is bound to be violent

Photo by~Maha MullaJuma

A Poem About a View

2011-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Grassy plains

Rolling hills

Far off mountains

Give me the chills

Wildflowers

Old broken fence

Distant clouds

So immense

Photo by~Coti Benitez

Beauty

2011-04-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I'm going to be posting "What I Wore..." posts on Sunday religiously or not (pun intended), but here's what I wore today.

Beauty, it's said, is uncertain
It's in the eye of those who look
But, one thing, I know, is for certain
Don't by a cover judge the book

Poem, photo and model~All me

Proverbs 31:30 "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:

but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

My Relationship With God

2011-04-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

All children of God have a unique relationship with Him.

Some of them may like to go on the Ferris wheel

as long as they know that their parent is in

the same amusement park as them.

Some may feel more comfortable playing on the swing

as long as the parent sits on the porch and watches them

and doesn't go in the house and leave them alone.

And some may feel so scared that they need to sit

on their parents lap all their life and continue

being fed milk, never growing.

I pray that I will feel so safe that I can go on the

biggest, fastest, scariest ride knowing that my God

is watching me from the nearest pretzel stand.

Photo 1 by~Ashley Ellen
Photo 2 by~Lady Jess (me)
Photo 3 & 4 by~Sister Lisa

Lunch Time!

2011-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Mmmm! Lunch time! Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and raspberry iced tea! Yummy! What did you have for lunch today?

Photo by me, hosted on Pix-O-Sphere!

A Note from a Sea Turtle

2011-03-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Plastic bags get thrown away

They end up in the sea

When hit just right by a sun ray

They look like a jellyfish to me

A friend of mine thought they got lucky

They thought they'd found a snack

Turns out he was extremely unlucky

He ended up floating on his back

Please recycle your plastics

Don't throw them in the trash

If you keep your eye on these tactics

In our lives you could make quite a splash

Photo by~Christina K

The Origin of Rainbows

2011-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Do you know where rainbows come from?

The colors live in space on all the different planets. Every time a shooting star shoots through space it passes all the planets and picks up a little bit of the color from each one. As it enters earth's atmosphere the colors are ripped from the star and float in the sky inside of the clouds.

The angels that live in the clouds' job is to sort through the mass of colors and make them into a perfect pattern. They tie them up so that they stick together in a beautiful bow for the birds to wear when they get married. Sometimes the angels prick themselves with their golden sewing needles and they cry a little every time. When the clouds get too full of the angels' tears they break apart.

The angels can fly, you see, so when the clouds rip open, they can fly away, but the left over color patterns that haven't been completely sewn into bows yet are too heavy for them to carry. So, the bows unravel and tumble through the clouds and fall down from the heavens and seep into the earth, bringing color to our planet.

And that, my dears, is how color gets to Earth.

Photo by~Deb Maubach

Love Out Loud

2011-03-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

You've heard it said that to live out loud

Than anything is better

Well, I say to you to love out loud

Is a cloud-break in rainy weather

Frozen Time

2011-03-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Looking out the window

As the clock ticks on

Gazing at the falling snow

As you begin to yawn

Suddenly you hear no sound

For the clock has stopped

You slowly take a look around

And feel a sudden shock

The snow has stopped falling

The second hand has froze

The kittens have stopped crawling

They've suddenly struck a pose

Your reflection in the mirror

Is staring back at you

And as your outstretched hand comes nearer

You see that something is askew

The girl inside the glass

Looks just as surprised

Through the mirror your hand has passed

A new world beholds your eyes

Photo by~Sister Lisa

The Good Samaritan

2011-03-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Alone and angry

Mistrusting and sad

Belittled, beaten

Cursed and called bad

Not a friend on this earth

Oh, can't you see

How I'm reaching out?

Won't you help me?

Dirty and hungry

Abandoned, alone

Poor and wretched

And without a home

Left here to die

Stripped of all joy

They stole me away

Like Helen of Troy

No one would help me

Once they took all I'd got

Not the priest, not the rabbi

They left me to rot

But, then came a man

That they said hated me

He told me He cared

And He died on a tree

He lifted me up

And He bandaged my dome

He adopted this beggar

And He took me home

Now I know what true love is

It's beautiful and free
I'll share it with the world
'Cause it's as deep as the sea

Photo 1 by~Maha MullaJuma
Photo 2 by~Jessica Courter

Can't Live With 'Em Can't Live Without 'Em

2011-03-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Quite pleasant a woman can be

A helpful and patient she

Cooking and cleaning

And mending and teaching

Kissing on boo boos

If she's in the mood

Quite vicious a woman can be

A spiteful and angry she

Cursing and screaming

Backbiting backtalking

Creating boo boos

If she's in the mood

In the blog world

In the real world

We women should watch our tongue

It's fine to be open but old or young

No need to resort to namecalling

Or to stoop to fingerpointing

Agree to disagree to remain a friend

Carefully voice your opinion and let it end

Photo by~Sister Lisa

The Moon

2011-03-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

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The moon so big

Up there so high

Like a saucer

In the sky

So pure

So white

Bathe me

In light

Shine upon

This earthly place

Show your transparent

Kindly face

Photo by~Tom Wasinger

The Secret of Brazil

2011-03-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

In those distant mountains

In those far off hills

In a natural fountain

Lies the secret of Brazil

Little nymphs sing

And splash around

In the small, secret spring

Just above ground

One little girl came upon

The nymphs playing one day

They taught her to sing a strange song

Now in the forest she is must stay

The girl has disappeared

To live with the nymphs all her days

No matter how beautiful and weird

Be careful when singing an enchanted phrase

Photo by~Jessica Courter

Rainbows

2011-03-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Follow the rainbow

For at the end

You'll find a pot of gold

You must move fast

Before it's too late

And the trail becomes real cold

Gold is nice

But, if you climb to the top

You'll see where blue birds fly

If you slide down the side

You'll find a land

Amidst the big blue sky

Troubles melt like lemon drops

When you wish upon a star

Way above the chimney tops

Behind you the clouds are far

Photo by~Sister Lisa

The Lost Things

2011-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Where did it go?

Where could it be?

Did I leave it in the snow?

Did I leave it up the tree?

How could I have lost it?

I put it away right.

Did it fall out of my pocket?

I thought I left it in plain sight.

The socks, the keys, the wallet

They always seem to disappear

I wish it could come back when I called it

If it had ears to hear

Photo by~Sister Lisa