Musings of an UN-domesticated & Adventurous Spirit...

Make Your Own BioSphere

2007-07-30T13:59:43Z

When I was younger, I had wanted one of these sooooooo badly. Now I can make one of my own and save the $60-$100 it would have broke me from. =P

Along with that, here are the .pdf instructions. I had trouble opening this file yesterday, but the glitch seems to be fixed. Good luck! When I get to mine, I will be sure to post it on here for you all to see. First I have to finish my sewing projects....

Images...

2007-07-06T13:47:11Z

Frodo has FAILED! The Republican's have taken the ring!!!

(Why we can't find Bin Laden...)

Wild: Untamed Fashion

2007-07-02T17:36:43Z

This looked too cool to pass up, so I grabbed the nearest book to my desk. Here are the instructions:

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 4-7 sentences of that book (and these instructions) on your own LJ along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest (unless it's too troublesome to reach and is really heavy. Then go back to step 1).
6. Tag five people. (in my case, if you want to join in, go for it.....i won't force-tag anyone into joining in!!)

"Napoleon's archaeological discoveries in Rome, Greece, and Egypt inspired an interest in all things ancient and classical and spurred a popularity in the use of animal prints in textiles. In addition, the increasing contact with other cultures through scientific exploration and imperialist encroachments in distant places, including the Far East and Africa, fueled an interest in the natural world. These expeditions fostered the popularity for the decorative patterning of the cat, which in the print shown on page 122, is echoed in the leopard-patterned trim of a flirtatious beauty's petticoat hem and the interior facings of her overskirt. The abandon of her hair, the froth of her stomacher and matinée, and the peek-a-boo revelation of the leopard pattern expose her licentious nature and erotic intention. The sexual innuendo conveyed by the feline symbolism is reinforced as she climbs onto her master's lap for a "pet" and her suitor avidly strokes her hank of hair as one might the tail of a cat.
The penchant for classic motifs, including the leopard spots characteristic of the end of the eighteenth century, were expressed more flamboyantly during the Empire period and recurred periodically in clothing and upholstery textiles until the fin de siècle."

This was taken from "Wild: Untamed Fashion" by Andrew Bolton and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's reference is to costume design throughout history, and it's inspiration from other cultures from archaeological findings and science. The image the above sentences are referring to are of a french etching of a woman sitting in a man's lap with leopard-print inspired attire. The man is caressing her long tress hanging down her chest. The etching is dated from the 1780s. Next?

Tides & Transitions...and DOGS

2007-06-05T19:50:00Z

So things are upturning around here some. It's been very, very busy.

I spent two out of the last three weekends at my mom's house (well, four days of each), to watch her three dogs while they were away on vacation. Seems I've "disappointed" her this last time by not actually sleeping over (this was the first ever, that I hadn't, for a few family reasons, out of the past three years I'd been helping). She didn't even call to wish her grandkids a happy birth day because she's presumably still angry with me. Her (favorite) dogs body is in discord at the moment (mostly because of neglect and lack of general health care maintenance), so she's taking that out on me for not staying there, forgetting I have a family to run (or not caring, which is also likely in her case). So this is my current drama. I'm just turning the other way from it for now to let her steam off. Seems I was always the one to pick up the pieces, and the only one not throwing names or harsh words. *sigh*

On to better news, this week is the kids' birth days (as you heard a moment ago). opheliaspins has graduated and come home from college now, Congratulations!!!! =)
So I've been spending time with her lately. Last night we watched a french film called "Queen Margo" for a relaxing evening. It's a pretty good movie with a near-Shakespearean tragic ending. American movies are so predictable and humdrum...well, at least for the last decade and a half, or so. So anyway, it's nice having her back around again!

In other news, after much consideration, we decided to get a puppy for the kids birthday (it was actually from the Grandparents, but we had to decide if it was OK). We ended up getting a 13 week Yellow Lab puppy. He is strangely calm for a labrador puppy, but certainly happy enough. Chews EVERYTHING though!!! He's a good dog though. We named him "Brúni"...Old Norse for "bright, shining; brown" which is exactly what he is. He's simply adorable. See the images below. The cats have accustomed themselves to him very well. Bennie, my little feline provocateur took minutes to be himself again (I really do wonder just how much Bengal may be in him...LOL...he's absolutely fearless!) and has been teasing and following Brúni for days. Crazy cat doesn't realized how big Brúni will be!! Our other kitty, who acts as the dainty princess she is has only just started coming out of hiding in the past two days...but she's coming around. So strange to have a dog again (helped raise eight with my parents).

For those of you who I've discussed my more personal perplexity a few weeks ago with (and I think it was only two of you), they have finally begun to cease as of last week. I'm noticing I feel different about some things--or otherwise seeing things differently somewhat, but nothing considerably life changing.

Besides that is my garden. This is the first year we decided to go a little further than planting veggie seeds and picking weeds. There is a Nursery or way called Sugarbush nursery, and another called Edge of the Woods nursery, both specializing in native plants and growing organically...both up my alley. So we got a few babies from there including at-risk species. Some of the babies we got are Goldenseal, Black cohosh, Gentian, A. Ginseng, Wild bleeding heart, Blue indigo, (false) Solomon's seal, red Columbine, Blue cohosh, Toad lily (not native), Yucca, Nasturtium, Cinnamon basil, Rosemary (I also grew from a seed this year, yay!!), and so on. The prices were good on them. Oh, we also got a Highbush blueberry bush. This was for the front yard (see some of the garden below). Some of the plants listed are not in the front garden, partially because they prefer a shaded area (which makes our backyard a better place), but also wooded lands and such (also a good place for in the back yard). We decided upon some endangered/at-risk species in hopes of helping out. My in-rehab orchid is finally starting to turn around and is quite happy to share a water dish with my sun dew and venus flytraps (picture also below). It's in desperate need of transplanting, the last few storms did a number, but it's new growth is staying strong!
In the veggie garden we planted chards, potatoes/sweet potatoes, yam, garlic, onions, the blueberry bush, rutabaga's, carrots, a really good variety of greens for salads (mustard and so forth), green beans, spinach, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, and more. I also have a watermelon going, strawberries in a long pot and an apple tree from an apple we ate last year. The mulberry tree is ripening...we'll soon have berries galore (with plenty for the birds and bees, too). I like making pancake syrup, jams and so forth with them.

Summer is in the air!!

Small portion of the garden. I really liked the way these green-ish stones came out with the spout, too. Gives the feel of trickling water, and is aesthetically pleasing. Can't complain. Surrounded is Chamomile, leftover daffodil leaves from the bloom, a rose bush and my red columbines.

This was actually taken about two weeks after the first one, so the rose bush is in bloom, as is my Foxglove (or fairie gloves, hehe). The Chinese lanterns on the right have just finished their bloom, as have the Columbines and Chamomile (somewhat). The Peony's in the back are going to bloom soon. The small, almost unnoticeable flowers are snapdragons.

This is one of two tables of plants on my porch. Here is my Lobelia, Rosemary, A. Ginseng, Solomon's Seal, Dracaena spikes, rehabilitated Orchid, Venus flytraps and Sun dew (which is currently blooming small lavender flowers, very pretty). The two plants on the very bottom of the picture are my 2nd columbine plant (just finished it's bloom) and the toothed leaf is my black cohosh, which stands nearly 3 feet tall. My porch is so full of greens right now, ltlviking is probably going bananas....LOL....

I have loads more, but if ya'll wanna see them, then I guess you're just going to have to come over.....
Oh! For the gal looking for woodruff...I do not have any seeds of that in my collection. HOWEVER I have found a growing plant of it being sold at our local nursery for all but $7, so if you want one, let me know as soon as you can before they are gone...I'll pick it up and keep it until we meet in the future.

Hope everyone else is doing well...I really hope to hear from some of you. =)

OH, and here's a quiz from an LJ friend. Frankly, I have no idea what they are talking about...Really....

So, ldyloreliranveg, your LiveJournal reveals...

You are... 11% unique
(blame, for example, your interest in wooded lands)
and 13% herdlike
(partly because you, like everyone else, enjoy traveling).
When it comes to friends you are normal. In terms of the way you relate to people, you are keen to please.

Your writing style (based on a recent public entry) is intellectual.

Your overall weirdness is: 48

(The average level of weirdness is: 27.
You are weirder than 88% of other LJers.)

Find out what your weirdness level is!

From Pimpinator to Prom Night...The Grist ROCKS...

2007-04-13T19:41:17Z

Friday, 13 Apr 2007

Muscle preach

Listen here, enviros: A-Schwarz wants to pimp you up. And he's got plans for the climate-hatas, too: soon they'll be the ones "like prohibitionists at a frat party," while greens are hot and sexy. Hey, guess we can cross that off our to-do list.

The less brief, the better

We're hung up in a big way on soy underwear from 2^(x)ist, which brings "a new sense of style to what was once a purely functional part of one's wardrobe." We have no endowed -- er, doubt that it functions just fine. Is it hot in here?

Black and white and tread all over

To aid climate-change research, Brit scientists are ~~studying ice cores~~ ~~consulting computer models~~ asking penguins to waddle on treadmills. When the birds' bad-ass training regimen is done, they'll be all set to try out for the world's first carbon-neutral soccer team ... or Dancing with the Stars.

Panic! At the risk-o

Worried about warming? Disturbed by deforestation? Tormented by toxins? Well, take action: lie down on the big couch and talk about your mother. Or do what we do: take a big, deep breath of dirty air, and go look at those undie pics again.

Don't forget to get laid

Grist's guide to prom night: Get these guys to DJ. Be a natural beauty. Don't wear out the earth. Have Rachael Ray cater and pay for it all. And bust out your push-up-bra bag -- perfect for smuggling in, um, Kool-Aid.

*Ostara

2007-04-10T02:37:05Z

What a busy weekend we had!!
Friday was spent mostly running errands.

ltlviking had off of work so we decided to take our time. Our local organic grocer has moved their 3rd and newest store only minutes from our home, which means no more 1/2 hour drive!! We went to the farmers market for some stuff, including the ham we were to make on Saturday for the Ostara Blot. A local farm makes them without the harsh use of conventional methods, so we're always happy to support them. We ended the night with ltlviking picking up some movies from Blockbuster. He picked up the first two Star Trek movies. I hadn't seen them before. I've been told the first one sucks beyond most. But we all know we must see these things for ourselves. Let me just say, I saw..conquered the horrid two hours that lasted and can honestly say I will never see the movie again. But I'm glad I saw it. We also picked up History of the World Pt. I (a Mel Brooks movie). Hilarious!! We ended the night quietly Friday.

Saturday! What a fantastic day. Saturday we hosted the Ostara Blot in our home with colmunson and family (we try to take turns hosting the Blots). So when I got up (which was an hour later than I really wanted to get up) I began preparing for the day. Draven wanted to await the Munson's arrival before coloring our eggs, despite our original plans to do it in our own homes and have them ready. It was cool, though. I prepared the ham (more on this recipe down below for those who want to hear more...) and the crust for the Quiche awhile. I also got everything ready for the activities and for the Blot. Then I sat down to write a poem for the Blot.
The Munson's arrived and their little one took a small nap. We ate lunch and discussed the variations of Ostara/Eostre and their possible correlation with Idunna. When the kids awoke we started the egg coloring. Then we had a spoon race with eggs and a great egg hunt! What fun we all had. Afterwards, Jen and I began dinner while the kids went upstairs to play. ltlviking and colmunson relaxed and conversed--something the two of them needed, methinks. Jen and I had some good conversation about food and such. =)
After we put all the food in the oven, it was time for Blot. I read in The Troth that our ancestors usually held Ostara blots at nearly dawn. Well, for our sanity, we decided to keep it at "before dinner." ;)
Each of us had our own equal share in the ritual. Our "sacrificial hare" was a solid chocolate bunny which is sacrified with our groups' Mjolnir (seems it's a tradition now!). I also read my poem:

"Frost and shiver begins to slow
          with the passing of Winters tenure
Bringing fresh, new life
          to Springs arrival
Spirits enkindle as seed rises to flower
          and egg hatches new beginnings

Lands begin the dance of rebirth

Green beauty charms as the spiraling artistry of earth
          is wreathed
On this day, we celebrate this sum,
          enveloping change...strength...and health....

Hail Idunna!
Hail Ostara!
Hail Spring!"

We spoke our words, including Draven (who wanted to hail Thor for a "good winter" LOL). The Blot was wonderful. After placing the offerings in the Blot bolli, we decided to keep it to place the first of our feast in, as well. This is something our family traditionally does (and frankly, methinks Draven would yell at me if we DIDN'T do it at this point...LOL...because he insists on carrying it outside to our spot). Jen read a lovely poem before the feast, which I would supply here but I do not know where she had gotten it from (somewhere on the internet). It was a beautiful Ostara poem.
After dinner, we feasted on the remains of our sacrificial chocolate bunny (that which we didn't place in the bolli) and chatted up. The Munson's left shortly after, we were all tired.

Sunday we went to J's Easter family gathering and the kids had an egg hunt. We all had a great time there, too! We celebrated birthdays from January until May, too. =) They always have wonderful get-togethers...his family is wonderful.
When we left their home we went to my grandparents for yet another egg hunt and dinner. It was quiet, just us and my grandparents. We stayed for a few hours while the kids played. Just relaxed and talked. Then we came home and now here I am today. I hope everyone elses' weekend went well!!

Happy Ostara!!

OSTARA BLOT FEAST DETAILS:

When I make ham, I usually put in red wine & red wine vinegar, which originally was an accidental combination. I also put in cinnamon, clove, pepper, ginger and leeks. It was a varied recipe, but in the end it was what we all enjoyed most. While reading through recipes from the Gode Cookery, I found "Brawn en Peuerade"...an authenticated 15th century recipe from England, using a thick wine sauce in either chicken or pork. In my case it was for ham. The only other ingredients besides my own were Mace and Sandalwood (which was primarily used as a red food coloring). Oh, and instead of onions I use leeks. Since I ran out of mace I just added in nutmeg and decided that since we were having this as our Blot feast I would add the remaining Mead that colmunson had given us from his own batch when we'd first officially met them. I was using what little was left for special occasions with random marinade concoctions. How cool is that? =) BTW...the meat came out better than any ham meal I have ever eaten, EVER. I highly recommend it. Who knew I was cooking 15th century? =D

The Quiche recipe I used was also similar to theirs, but my inspiration stemmed from it, anyways, so I can claim no credit. This recipe was 14th century England, authenticated. And DELICIOUS, as well. I used almond milk and Romano cheese from Sheeps milk.  I also added Thyme, salt and pepper for seasoning, Oh, and broccoli. I sprinkled the "Queen of spices," Saffron, on top before beginning the baking (which added not only delicious flavor, but beautiful gold coloring on top). My portions were a little off....I should have used a little more milk, but it was great besides. Jen made a similar Quiche, though hers was made with soy milk, spinach and garlic. If there was anything else in there, she did not mention it. Either way, all of the dinner was simply mouth-watering delicious. </lj></lj></lj></lj></lj>

Randomness meme from Bunnyjadwiga

2007-04-04T19:16:57Z

Post 6 very random facts about yourself then you tag 6 people on your friend list to do the same.
This shouldn't be too hard, Aquarians are known for being professional randomnists...LOL...

1. I was born with Heterochromia: I have one green eye and one blue eye (mostly visible in sunlight now, when I was a teen it was quite noticeable). The green eye has a larger pupil while the blue eye has a noticeably smaller pupil. Oddly enough, my eye dr. tells me that my vision is one small step from being "perfect." Oh...and when I get really hot, only one side of my face gets hot, pink and sweaty. The other side stays flesh-colored, cool, dry and soft.

2. I used to feed the ants in our dining room sugar when I was a kid. We lived in an apartment building on the second floor that had no other ant problems. No one could figure out the mystery.

3. One of my favorite snacks is sourdough bread dipped in crushed tomatoes with thyme and basil.

4. I have a small, light-colored birth mark shaped like a perfect triangle on my left side....

5. I like homework.

6. I move aside for cats and dogs if they are in my walking path/on the stairs. If there are in "my spot" of the sofa I'll sit around them and be careful not to disturb them. If they are sitting where I need to be I'll comfortably move them to another great spot and pet them to sleep again. I'm so weird.

Tagging:

ltlviking
opheliaspins
alagbon
colmunson
friggasgirl
eretik

Springy Clean Progression and Fun

2007-04-04T03:06:51Z

I've finally begun making some real progress Spring cleaning. I've managed to finish the main floor. The second floor is near completion with merely the third room to tidy up and putting our altar back together. The final place for it is yet to be decided...whether we should leave it upstairs or bring it down here on the main floor is a hard choice. We would like it to be down here, but both space and safety of the altar are concerns of mine.

We are going to start up in the basement, though I'm hesitant of how far to go....the neighbors have discussed purchasing a big dumpster that we all chip in for and we can all go through our basements. Cool idea! So I'll be going through the basement now (while it's still cool outside!!!) and then I'll have the trash ready to go when the time comes, methinks. I'd wait but we have a House Appraiser coming by this week or early next most likely so I want it to look in good shape.

That being said I began cleaning today, starting with the farthest back room in the basement. The basement itself is unfinished but there are technically four rooms in there, two being connected-ish. The farthest back has one of the doors to the backyard. Since we've been here I really haven't touched that room. It looks fantastically organized just as the Aquarian desires (tidy, organized, but without the corny labels). I'll start on the other rooms hopefully tomorrow.
At least we have a patio again--as opposed to a leaf collecting burrow.

Today I went to school and registered for my summer classes, definitely looking forward to that (I've always been the nerd that liked college and the homework that goes with). We also took the kids to the park and walked around the pond seeing the ducks and wild life. Then we played in the playground for a while. We were watching one of the neighbors children so we decided to go out and have some fun. =) All the adults looked at me like I was nuts because I was playing with the kids ON the grounds equipment and chasing them in the tubes and up the ladders and down the slides...LOL. It was F-U-N!

...I was watching a show tonight on PBS called "Kings of Camouflage." Mostly it discussed Cuttlefish, but also the related Squid and Octopus. What a fantastic show! Did you know that there is a poisonous cuddlefish? There is! It's called the Flamboyant Cuttlefish and is no larger than a finger. The first cuttlefish known to be toxic! The muscles are toxic to predators, as much as a Blue-Ringed Octopus (one of two known toxic folk of the octopus/squid population (if memory serves me right)--the other being the Striped Pyjama Squid). The other fascinating part of the Flamboyant cuttlefish is that it WALKS. Yes, my friends, this is a walking fish among the ocean. The famous cuttle bone on their backs usually allows them to float, but because of the unusually small size of this guy he cannot float for very long, therefore...he walks! =)

Nature will never cease to amaze me. Earlier today we watched a male muscovy duck courting his Lady with what looked like dances and proof that he was more than worthy. I did not know if muscovy's do such things, but he sure was doing some sort of repetitive dance. And when she turned away he moved in front of her and started flapping his wings so fast I could hear the wind from where I was. And he was good. It was amazing to watch. We also saw our striped turtle friend sunbathing, too. We were careful not to bother him (after all, we didn't want the kids to think that you always pick up a turtle when you see them, once to see was enough), but we were hurried off by a protective male muscovy duck (not the same as the aforementioned Casanova) protecting his Lass. We were more than happy to oblige to his wishes.

Valete, mein Fruende.

Interview Meme from Wodandis

2007-03-20T16:37:23Z

RULES:

1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me". (If you want to, of course! No pressure at all.)
2. I'll respond by asking you five questions of a very intimate and creepily personal nature (or not so creepy/personal).
3. Update your LJ with the answers to the questions.
4. Include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, ask them five questions.

Here are my questions and answers for anyone interested, from wodandis:

1. It started out as self-guided training when I was an early teenager. I was just interested in the weeds around me while walking through the mountains (we have smaller mountains around here...can be walked from one side to the other in about 14 hours, don't ask how I know!!). When it came time to graduate HS I had to begin deciding where I was going to go and I wanted to be a "Naturopathic practitioner." The folk who were paying for my education didn't think that was worth it so encouraged me to go elsewhere, so I went into "Business Management." I continued studying natural medicine on my own. I actually went to the schools I had my sights on and learned of the texts they used and bought some of those texts (they're expensive!). When I started paying for my own education I decided that I would follow my original goal and went to the Everglades University for "Alternative Medicine." It was a detailed overview of alternative medicines. I've finished there and will be attending the local community college to become a "Nutritionist/Dietitian"....this education, IMHO, is essential to practice natural medicine...this is not necessary, but rather something I find key to my own education (not to mention a good back-up while finishing my studies). ;)
We are doing this now, because we are currently saving up to pay for my official education for my end goal: "Holistic Family Practitioner". See, you don't get grants or loans to herbal colleges, the money comes out of your pocket. And while a general herbalist course is fairly inexpensive, this is not my entire goal. I'm heading towards the Holistic Fam. Practitioner as aforementioned, with a concentration in Herbology. The education is going to cost somewhere around $10,000, which is a lot to cough up when you don't have a loan program or grant offer. This is why we're supplementing with the aforementioned while we save (the comm. college education is being payed via grants). *stops for breather* LOL

2. In 5 years, I'm hoping to be in Clayton College (cchn.edu) for my final step in education. In about 8 years I'll be ready to begin my practice. My end-all goal is to be not only a working practitioner, but also an educator, helping out others. Religiously/Spiritually? Hmmmm...Well, by then our presently forming Kindred should be well set. Spiritually, my career path is a big spiritual thing for me. Sometimes I'm a little too scientific in my religious beliefs/spirituality (some blame it on being Aquarian....), this has become my comfortable balance between the two. I'm currently working on a natural lifestyle book that I would like to be published within 5 years, along with some "artistic" pursuits. Lots going on...

3. I'm not sure....I'm still quite new to the community in general (other than the friends we have locally). I suppose the things I would like to see changed are the things that really cannot as it would breach the boundaries of individual opinion, such as the racism associated with our faith by those who aren't Asatru. Though I may or may not have a better answer for this once I attend my first Asa-event this year? =)

4. Another good question! There is a 3-way tie to this one...
A. Yule: I have ALWAYS enjoyed this time of year. The smell of rich spices and root veggies, comradeliness is in the air--community is at its best among families and friends, the beginning of the winter season, rich in traditions and stories. What's not to love during Yule?
B. Disting/Charming of the Plow is another. At this time of year our family celebrates a lot of our "Earth spirituality"...preparing our seedlings indoors and going for our first walks outdoors in the mountains (the same ones I did so as a young teen). Here in February, the skunk cabbages are flowering. Even if there is snow on the ground you can find a ring of melted snow because they are thermogenic (usually 50F warmer than the air around them). There are also signs of Bloodroot sometimes and many others. We are also able to see those that never lost their leaves...we also harvest dogbane and make rope out of them for any fun project in the rest of the year. I also love celebrating the Disablot at this time of the year. This year we celebrated with our forming Kindred (which is yet to be officially named) and it was wonderful.
C. Ostara. I can finally get out in the garden! Leaves are growing back, critters are just starting to come back, the song birds are all in full voice. I can begin planning what we'll need for medicines, foods, and so on at this time (the ones that weren't planned for from Disting). Spring is a fantastic time of the year. We can start camping again, picnics and games with friends and Kindred (we *LOVE* Kubb and Hnefatafl) and more. Again...what's not to love? =)

5. The business began as a way to stay at home with my children, and a way to push forward with my "holistic" goals. I was able to meet new people, learned many new things (including business things I'd not previously know...such as EXPERIENCE...LOL). I was able to help so many folk, which was great for me (I tend to have this overbearing humanitarian thing going on). This year we decided to close it down to just auction and vending (in some places). I want to concentrate on my education, especially since one of the boys is now going to be in Kindergarten starting in September. The business was going really well and when we ended it's website "officially" I sent out a handful of gifts to each repeat customer along with a letter of explanation on our move. I'm sure it would be a in a good place right now had I not stopped, but at least this way we have time for social life, reading, family life and more.

Weekend Update and Ikea info...

2007-03-19T14:57:05Z

Ave, Friends!

This weekend was pretty good. On Friday we got a couple of inches of snow, so ltlviking came home from work 5 hours early with some Asian stuffs...which was soooooo sinful but delicious nonetheless.

I've been working on our pre-Spring cleaning, trying to get things done...so in thought of that, we decided early on last week that we were going to venture to Ikea on Saturday. When I was watching a neighbor, who's about 6 right now, he played hide & seek with Draven and accidentally broke the toy box. This was our main need to go there. Besides, the kids' toys needed some organization up there, too...not just the downstairs here.

After an IM with colmunson, we ended up agreeing to meet families there and shop together (they needed some things, too...cool!). So on Saturday we fooled around in the AM, doing things here and there. Then around 3:30 we met up with the Munson's and started our shopping day together. The three kids together had SO much fun. They walked around the isles holding hands altogether, the Toddler Caravan. They had to smell all the soft stuff...rugs, towels, blankets, pillows...And if it was plastic, they wanted to touch it with a finger (so they were asking what was plastic or glass). We looked all around at the many things we could potentially buy or use in our Homestead whilst conversing and shopping with the Munson's. After venturing into the kids section we decided to eat at their cafe. Little T needed to be fed so we let the other 3 kids play and I ventured around looking for the toy box while ltlviking and colmunson watched them and relaxed for a little.

Then. around 5 hours and a hundred-some dollars later, we were ready to go. We said our goodbyes, briefly discussed getting together this coming weekend for the Ostara Blot and parted ways. The kids were tired...it was past their bedtime, so they fell asleep in the car pretty quickly.

Yesterday we didn't do ANYTHING. ltlviking cooked some meat on the grill my mom had given us a while back as a special meal for the coming of Spring.
Today we're going to head out to Lowe's to get some paint and other random things so I can start painting and finishing up our pre-Spring cleaning. As far as I know, Lowe's has paint that has either low, or "zero" VOC (volatile organic compounds) in some brands, so they are much "greener" for our environment and for the kids' health. We also have to fix the elbow pipe in the upstairs bathroom, which is apparently so old that it's literally cracking and falling apart from the inside out in the "trap" part.

I'm rambling, I know.

On a similar topic, I decided to check out IKEA. We boycotted Wal-Mart some years ago now, and have been trying to be as conscientious about shopping as possible. Considering what I've found, we'll be going there for our "Dept. store" needs from now on (which isn't very often, we try to by from used places, locally anyways). So here's some information that I've found on IKEA I'm sure you all will appreciate:

Grist Environmental News: An Interview with IKEA sustainability direction Thomas Bergmark

There is a link on there taking you to IKEA's corporate website under their "code of conduct" where I found these PDF links:

IKEA "IWAY Standard" on code of conduct

The IKEA Way on Purchasing Food

The IKEA Way on Preventing Child Labor

The IKEA Way on Purchasing Home Furnishing Products

I'm reasonable enough to know that most probably won't read this, or at least half of it...so in a nutshell they practice very high standards. Their food is not genetically modified and does not have anything that has been questioned with health problems. Their meets do not contain hormones or preventative antibiotics (unless it's for curative purposes and is strictly supervised by a vet until the cow is better), they are humanely treated, etc.), there is no child labor and manufacturers are to be humane to their employees, products are ecologically shipped in higher volumes (which is why everything requires your assembly...also making them cheaper), and more. All in all, we are pretty proud to shop there, and they really do put American business to shame. Go IKEA. =)

Valete!

UPDATE:

For anyone who's curious, we went to Lowe's for our paint today and managed to find that the "Olympic" brand paint is "zero VOC" and much safer than the other brands, they've changed their entire line, as far as I know. I know that there are probably safer choices even still, but for now this is what my family can afford. ;)
Either way, there is something easily available, and the large gallon of paint was only $19-something.

Al Gore GW Message...

2007-03-16T19:07:29Z

Al Gore is going to be appearing in front of the Congrees to fight Global warming...taking the many thousands of messages we are sending with him. I did this a while ago, but realized I never sent out the link to anyone. Better almost late then never!!

http://www.algore.com/cards.html

Nettle Be Mine March!!

2007-03-15T19:47:21Z

    So we went grocery shopping this morning, a place called Kimberton Whole Foods. It's sort of like whole foods, but not the same company. They are local and fantastic; even better than whole foods for selection, IMHO.
ANYWAY. So I bought a Spinach bunch, as usual and brought it home. I go to put it away and STING! OUCH! There was a stem of Urtica chamaedryoides in there. For those who don't know the Urtica family, that means it was "Heartleaf" or "Fireleaf" nettle. So for the next hour and a half my hand was just BURNING. Lil' herbal story here...there are small "hair-like" bits on the stems and leaves of nettle plants that contain formic acid (yep! the same stuff you find in the bite of a fire ant). When you touch them the "hair-like" bit sort of pops on your skin and instantly feels like a sting. Harmless, but certainly a bit painful for a while.
I was saying to colmunson that now I feel like "one in a million"...LOL...what are the chances? Especially since it got past others secretly. *sighs* One in a million is starting to feel so small right now.....

    In other news, last night I had my "Herbal Remedies" speech at a local group. It faired out pretty well, I think. I'll most likely be doing it again with them, because the group was smaller this time around. They want me to post it on the group and all. I got kind of nauseous and strange feeling last night, but I've been feeling kind of strange recently...not eating much lately (which was the culprit last night). Luckily, being an herbal speech (with examples!), I had some candied ginger which helped out with that.

    I spent much of the week pre-Spring cleaning the house. There's a lot of built up clutter in various places (closets, cabinets, etc.) that I'm emptying out. I'm moving some decor around and adding "simplicity" to our lives. In the end, it's beginning to look better now than ever before. Cool.

    This past weekend we went to our good friends, the Munson's, again colmunson, for their Ausa vatni, a naming/blessing ceremony for their newborn. It was SO BEAUTIFUL, we met so many fascinating folk there that I would love to meet again. We're looking even more forward to the SCA now as most of them are involved there.

    Jesse racked our mead this weekend again. We'd like to get rid of some of the sediment in it before officially bottling them. I'm not sure when he plans on purchasing more honey from the farm we aforementioned in previous entries, but it will be soon...and I can't wait! I've been pondering all sorts of things. We currently have enough carboys to make at least 2 at a time, one for him, one for me. To experiment with. It's perfect. =P

    Friday we had Draven's kindergarten registration. We came in fully prepared and with our vaccination exemption form. Which, by the way, I typed to about 5 pages long...LOL..had to cover all bases so there KNOW we did our homework and made a real decision. Draven wanted to wear his silk tie. He's so awesome! He has about 4 now, which he just LOVES wearing. I put them on him for fun at family gatherings, but he decided it was his trend and now does it frequently, even to the grocery store. But he knows that the silk one is for special occasions. ;) That's my kid!
    Secondly, when we walked up to the lady with our papers, she seemed excited that we had all of our forms properly signed and taken care of. Didn't even give us a fuss about the vaccination form (which apparently they do normally give a hard time with, but I'm assuming because we were prepared and knew why we'd made the choice instead of just making it, they were satisfied). They didn't even smirk at us, which was another expectation. Our neighbor is a teacher there, and since we moved here we've been close to them....She gave me past examples so I kind of knew what to expect. I'm glad it worked out this way...I didn't want the school acting different towards Draven because we're stricter, inquisitive and in some cases, less-than-compliant to the "mandatory" crap the government throws our way. Later I heard her complaining to the secretary that nearly 80% of the parents that came in were almost totally unprepared and that she's been having so much trouble and so delayed because of it. Yikes. It gave a nice first impression to them, anyways, which is always helpful. So all summed up, it went well and D had a good time. He was a bit shy when he came out, but apparently enjoyed himself while with the teachers and other kids.

    So I'm going to be off doing some more cleaning of the house and moving stuff around. Hope you all are having a great week, and that you enjoyed the beautiful weather yesterday....back to cold we are-a-movin!!

    Valete...

Poppin' Acorns, WHAT?!

2007-03-08T22:08:56Z

I made some mashed acorn squash last, and while cutting out the seeds decided I was hungry for pumpkin seeds. And thought, "Eh...no pumpkin...but I do have acorn squash seeds!" So I decided to give them a try. I put some olive oil in them, just a little bit. Then I sprinkled sea salt on them and some Thyme. I broiled them until they started popping like mad (only about 10 minutes on low broil...I didn't know they'd pop, I only ever made pumpkin before).
I didn't get to sit down and try them until a little while ago because I was letting them cool off...I didn't want one of those suckers popping on the kids, you know?!
Oh...they are delicious...I highly recommend them. =)

Life in the Radcliff's Box...

2007-03-06T21:40:24Z

This weekend was busy, in a good way.
Our original plans were to attend the Gefjon Blot hosted by friggasgirl & Kindred as guests but towards the end of the week we got a phone call and had to go to J's parents for some "important business" Saturday. We owe them an apology for having to change our plans, which we felt was slightly rude, but the circumstances were pretty important. Jesse also had his annual QA Seminar at work that ran a little later than we'd of liked. OH, and on top of that Rowan (the 2 yr old) got a high fever of 102, pushing 103 Saturday evening/night, which caused us to leave earlier. Draven got it the next night and now I have it. Ick.

Did anyone see the eclipse? Oh it was beautiful! We caught glimpses through the night when the Moon peaked through the clouds. Draven (our 4 yr old) was watching it from his side of the car for a portion of the ride home, trying to comprehend the meaning of eclipse (knowing that it was also a full moon). It was too adorable. I tried explaining some of the stories, such as the native American bear stories, the wolves, the "big belly" theory (LOL)...but I was exhausted and so was he so I just let it go. He learns so much already, he'll be OK. ;)

So on the way to his parents we decided to stop at the local home brewery place and picked up two 3 gal. carboys for some more Mead making, some different varieties of yeast, and a corker.
We also found a fantastic supplier of organic mead LOCALLY, in Lancaster, PA...and at a good price, about $87.00 for 60 lbs. They also have regularly grown honey varying from $60 to $100 in 60 lb. increments of the various kinds of Honey (buckwheat, clover, etc.). So we're going to try and get there as soon as we can (unless colmunson has been able to get in contact about the apiary previously mentioned? Let me know, dear!). ;) The home brew shop is just a few minutes from his parents, but for us it's nearly a 50 mile drive...so we really don't go often to his parents or there, for many reasons.

We also got our income tax this weekend, so we decided to go out on Sunday and run some much needed errands with that money. We picked up some winter clothing that was on sale at a local, "gently used" consignment shop, and a couple of other things to which I'll spare you the bromidic details. However for those who don't know already, Draven will be attending Kindergarten for full days. Crazy. But he seems pretty excited. We picked out some nice clothing and we've been keeping an eye on lunch boxes at markets and such. I prefer to get something with character, that doesn't need to be shipped, and that hasn't been mass-produced of "new materials." LOL. Besides, we boycotted wal-mart YEARS ago and aren't close to many other dept. stores. And no small, locals except the markets, which I'm all to anxious to go to anyway. LOL.

A few of my seedlings had popped up this week for our garden this summer, yay! =) We also have flowers coming up in the front garden. I can smell Spring in the air, even behind the cold arctic air we're getting right now. I can hear the birds singing more. Yesterday squirrels were playfully mating in a fallen tree behind our yard. When these arctic winds slow down we'll be taking a walk into the mountain behind us again (it's too much for the kids right now) as I need a piece of Blood roots' root for something I need to take care of. No worries, I NEVER harvest more than I need and I am always careful to harvest responsibly so that the population is not hurt.

So here we are into Monday and Tuesday. My projects for the week are finishing up making some cold medicines for the kids and making husband more aftershave and cologne. Use up my supply for the year soon, before it gets too old.

Hope you all are doing well! Valete.

Watch out, She's got a fresh, new Guise!

2007-02-28T20:45:47Z

Goden dag, mein Freunde!

So I decided that my LJ needed a new look, for fun! I have also changed some information on my "bio" in the profile, some interests and switched to a sponsored account so that I could add new images. So if you have time feel free to browse....Oh...I also changed my little mood faces to those silly blue bobel things. It's a change.

Very little has changed in the past few days...Husband,

ltlvikinghas joined the LJ community...some of you on my friend list may have noticed he added you, but only the names he really recognized for whatever reason. Feel free to join his blog if your heart so desires such. =P

So I found out that Draven will be attending his school ALL DAY for kindergarten. Apparently they switched over not long ago. I've got a lot of mixed feelings about it...I would love to just homeschool him. Also it seems that while we'll probably get a few attitudes from various employees and secretaries we otherwise shouldn't have too many issues with the whole vaccine issue. I've got a strong enough "case" on it, even if there was. LOL...

For the fellow Asa-friends...We have decided that we CAN and WILL attend ECT...but can't attend Trothmoot...not this year, anyways. We would like to wait for a year when having the kids in a 11-12 hour car ride won't be so horrible on them (maybe there is a train going that way....). We also have the PA Renewable energy festival, PA Natural resources festival and so on...lots to do this year, and FINALLY THE CHANCE TO DO THEM! YAY!

Oh, and I have finally began to put my articles on my website this week...I have a bunch I can start on...but I will put them on bit by bit. I have a blog on my website, if anyone is interested in linking to it. As of right now there is only my introductory letter on there...but now that I'm starting to post information on the site I'll start posting on there with updates and such. If you know anyone who'd appreciate the content it would mean loads if you could forward the page to them!
The website is no longer a store...and nothing there costs money. Since I shut down I decided to make LFA a "project" of mine to offer information on natural living, recipes, organics, historical traditions, etc., but for now I've started with organics.
Website: http://www.ladyfrijasadornments.com/
Blog for LFA: http://blog.ladyfrijasadornments.com/

Until later, Valete.

Weekend Update...

2007-02-19T20:40:22Z

On Friday at Kimberton (our org. grocer) we were in their cafe getting the kids their hot cocoa and the coffee/capuccino that we usually get (BTW, I LOVE Irish Creme Capuccino's...LOL).
Within a matter of 10-20 seconds I went from being fine to nearly collapsing. It felt like I had an EXTREME case of motion sickness...yet it wasn't the same as I'd felt before (yes..."THAT" was my first thought, too) in other conditions. I started getting this strange nausea and I got sleepy...so much so I couldn't keep my eyes open. I couldn't walk for nearly 30 minutes, just enough to finish and go home (it's 30 min. from our house). I called the dr. IMMEDIATELY when we got home cause I still couldn't walk right (and Jesse took off of work, imagine that! Two miracles in one day...LOL). He told me I have "Vestibular neuritis." Basically a virus was causing inflammation way in my inner ear and it was sending mixed messages to my brain and screwing up my balance (thank goodness for my medical background, or this would have sounded totally foreign). He said, "It's like she's in a moving car with a severe case of motion sickness...only the motion is reversed and she thinks she's moving when she's really not." Yeah..it was weird.
By the next morning most of it went away. He said that since it's a virus it just had to run it's course and offered me meds to cover the symptoms. I turned them down. If I get that bad I'd sleep it out or drink the appropriate tea. I'm functioning now, though. He said it really wasn't contagious because it was so far in the inner ear. Cool enough.
So now I'm good...can't let a virus get me down. Too much to do. ;)

That fantastic place we went to last weekend, Bistecca, well we'll be going again this weekend. My sister and I are secretly plotting a dinner for my mom's birth day this coming weekend....so I'm going to sew up something nice. I think things around here are starting to look up enough that we might be able to relax things out a little....meaning planning for our homestead, BUT STILL BEING ABLE TO ATTEND ASATRU GATHERINGS finally. As those of you who are reading this, except maybe 2 or 3 (you know who you lucky ducks are) we do not really know any other Asatruars in person.

In other news, the Troth mentioned a contest on Llewellyn to write a Pagan-based fictional story. I decided that I'm going to enter it. Details are here: http://www.pangaia.com/Fiction.htm if anyone else is interested. Good luck if you enter!! =D

In other shorter news I started my baby seedlings and transplanted some others. I am going to begin spring cleaning a little early this year, because it's a bit of a tickle under my hat right now. =)

I feel like there are a few other things that I wanted to say, but the words must have hidden under my tongue. But other than that not much else is new. Till anon, my friends...Valete.

Belated Updates....

2007-02-15T16:51:50Z

This past weekend was a quiet one. On Friday morning J's mom picked up the kids for the weekend. So after he went to work I took the opportunity to get some things done in the house that I got behind on. I also took some time out to write an exemption form for D's Kindergarten appointment. I'm not sure how much of a battle we have...from what I've heard surrounding schools have given trouble. We'll see. If anyone is interested in that progress I'd be happy to keep an update here.

On Saturday we FINALLY slept in. For once...in how long (you might be able to tell me better than I could at this point....). Upon waking up we made breakfast together and then set out to the library to return our books. I picked up some reference books on home toxicity and a few other fun stuffs. Then we sojourned to Barnes & Nobles because my mom had given me a gift card and I've been seeking out a book I knew they'd have. Afterwards we thought of lunch, but decided we really weren't hungry yet, so we went home for a while. I read my new book and J played his guitar for a while (felt more like being serenaded as i read...LOL). At about 4:20 we started thinking about eating so we went upstairs and got just a bit fancier dressed (it's always fun to do that anyways!). We decided on something simpler, like Applebee's or the like. About 4:45 we set out...but silly husband went the WRONG way. Only to pull in to a local "fine dining" restaurant as a Valentine's surprise. The place is called "Chat A While Inn." The restaurant is divided into two parts, the "Chat A While" is the casual dining area, the fine dining is called "Bistecca." OK, last week was fantastic...the food was great and it was a nice surprise...but I KNEW that there would be a surprise. This time...no clue...It didn't even dawn on my that my Taurean, normally simple husband was dressing up a little (it was kind of my idea, so I didn't think anything of his unresisting agreement, which is slightly unusual for him). We get in there and there was this decked out "smoking-wine" style parlor off to one side and in front of us these beautiful huge floral decoration on a table. To the left was the dining area...dim, enchanting, (no smoking!), area. They opened at 5 so we were the first ones there. It was amazing. An old country-style home turned into a fine dining area (not much different than Yellow House, just a little "finer" I suppose). The menu was DELICIOUS. It literally took me nearly 15 minutes to figure out what I'd wanted. In the end it was one of the following meals:

Garganelli pasta tossed with Duck ragu, Sherry and shaved Reggiano
Braised filet of beef in Barolo, creamy polenta and roasted veggies, or
Pan roasted Halibut, potato pancake, roasted grape tomatoes and basil

I ended up going with the first choice. I hadn't had duck in a while and it just sounded delicious. The salad choices were tough:

Spinach with grilled onion, pancetta, gorgonzola
Grilled Caesar salad with shaved reggiano and grilled bruschetta, or
Orange & Fennel salad, pomegranate vinaigrette and shaved Pecorino

In hindsight I should have gotten the orange and fennel...but I was really craving a Caesar at the time. And ohhhhh was it delicious. I never had a GRILLED salad before. It was literally half a heart, lengthwise of romaine grilled with spicing and then topped with their own caesar dressing. And all the garlic bread you could eat. MMmmmmm!

Oh! and our appetizer, or "Antipasti" was Buffalo mozzarella with plum tomato, bagna cauda and arugula. In the end it was a $60 meal, not too bad for what we got I guess. And the last time we'll be dining at a place like that for a while, I'm sure!

Sunday:
We set off to pick up the kids. First we stopped at the Home brewery shop for bottles (our mead was about ready to be bottled). So we got our stuff there and then picked up the kids. That night we bottled it. The recipe was good...Woodruff, Rosemary, Thyme and so on. Made a good mead. J thinks it's a little sweet, but I like it that way. =) It does need a little more time though...it was a little gaseous. No problem, though! We decided to await the next try until Spring for the next celebration with colmunson and his family, especially since he offered us his honey supply and extra carboy (we did pay him for the honey, though! LOL). Speaking of which...if you read this I we decided to get that honey if you could point us in the right direction. ;)
Tonight there is a show on the Discovery health channel that we saw where there is a woman that talks about organics and such. I'm interested enough to actually watch it (for those new to my LJ I simply don't watch tv unless it's a good movie most of the time). Among other things she's talking about organic coffins...lol. Sounds interesting enough! BTW...our cable is virtually non existent. We get 1-20, the very basic. For news mostly...but for some reason we get a few upper channels. The cable guy said they filter in sometimes and we should just enjoy it...lol. OK!

That's about it for now...if you managed to suffer your way through my rather bromidic post, then I thank you for doing so. =P

Have a great weekend everyone!

Life & Couture

2007-02-06T21:16:33Z

Have you laughed today yet?
Do you like couture?
Then don't forget to take a look at this before departing the internet and returning to daily life:
Alba D' Urbano Couture

Life Update:

Things are finally going back to normal...it's been nice having a hold on our lives and home again...despite the tough adjustment. I'm realizing more and more it was most likely the right decision. I'm still not entirely OK over it though, closing LFA I mean.

This weekend was fantastic...for those who didn't know it was my birthday yesterday (became 24 yrs young).

Friday Jesse came home from work on a half day because of the accumulation of ice (and we had his mom's car yet, which is terrible, terrible, terrible in the snow and ice...tires are older and no anti-lock breaks in a van). So we spent the night together with the kids. After putting them to bed we gathered some ancestral photos for Dísablót. I put them in a photo album and reminisced until about 3am. There aren't too many memories because I don't know many of them...but I had some things to go on. It also gave me ambition to study my family tree a little more indepth...I have photos of my great grandparents and of my great-great grandparents. I also have names and such to go by...maybe we'll go this coming weekend. We'll see!

Saturday morning we all got up and sojourned to Renninger's where we met up with my Pop pop. He bought Rowan a hair cut, we bought lunch. He took the kids with him (which was pre-planned) and we did our bit of grocery shopping while there.
Afterwards we met up with Jesse's parents (about 12pm) and did the car swap. So nice to have his car back again...I just hope that 2nd time is a charm, this time around and not the 3rd. We had lunch at a little diner there...actually we had BREAKFAST for lunch. Mmmmmm....French toast. =P
Then we went to colmunson 's around 1:30pm. It was the first time that all of our children were not present. Apparently we had to leave earlier than expected....which I didn't know until we'd already gotten there (and Jesse planned this Saturday because of not having the kids). We'll get to that later though. We talked of our ancestors and of life. It was very laid back...the conversations were simple and relaxing. Something I haven't seen with any friends for a long, long time. It was a great opportunity not just for us all to sit together and talk...but we also spoke of our families and we got to know each other better...our backgrounds, influences, etc. I couldn't have asked for a better day with the Munson's. We had originally planned on a Blót, as well, but with the timing it was decided to keep it simple...which is more than welcome at times. Thanks for a fantastic visit!!
Around 3:30? we departed from the Munson's...and were supposed to go to my dad's. But with a 6pm reservation we were short on time. I had no idea where we were going, but I was supposed to dress up. So in order to look the part for the night out I decided to keep myself simple for the day up until we went home. Knowing me I would have spilled something on myself or fallen...SOMETHING would have happened. ;)
So we got home around 4:45ish and I got ready. I put on a nice lacey, multi-tiered ebony skirt that I only wear on really special occasions. It was something I made that was a breed between Bohemian and Victorian. Nothing real fantastic, but perfect for nicer-than-normal occasions. The top was a matching wrap-style perse-wine in color and matching lace trimming...and of course matching heels that actually made me look tall. ;) I did my hair and my makeup and we were on our way! (I'm sure most of you don't want all the lil' details of all that!)
He took me to Yellow House. A fantastic "fine" restaurant that was originally a carriage house/hotel built in 1803. The inside was beautiful and the food was PERFECT. I was there once before, but nearly a decade ago. He took me there because it is one of a few places I've expressed my desire to go "one day."
When we left we stopped and picked u some movies and went home. We had a few drinks and then concluded the night.

Sunday I was supposed to go to breakfast with my sister...but she forgot....LOL...so Jesse made breakfast! Then we picked up the kids and went to my dad's. He gave me a lovely birthday gift and we stuck around for a little while. Afterwards we went out to dinner WITH the kids this time and then went home.

I'm simple...just having the surprise was enough for me. It was my first "surprise" date EVER. I liked the week-long mystery. He almost caved in a few times...LOL...but I told him I was guessing for fun...I didn't want him to answer me...just to make me even more curious. ;)

That's really it...probably not as thrilling to those of you who are used to clubs, tea rooms, concerts and more (I've not been to ANY of these yet...LOL!)...but I'm only 24...I've got loads of time. And I WILL get to them!! =P

Books I'm Currently Reading:

Language of the Birds (yes, still...its' a very large book)
Untamed Fashion (Never finished reading it last year)
Everyday Life in the Viking Age
...and a "Plant dictionary" that explains the origin of the naming of many herbs and plants. It's really a great book.

OH......I forgot to mention that my four year old has gotten his papers for Kindergarten orientation in March. They'll test his current level and other things like an eye test. Makes me want to cry and be proud at the same time. My boys are growing.
=( =)
Anyone have any suggestions or tips about anything? I don't know the first thing about this process...he's the first of the kids to go to school...and we couldn't afford pre-school (which is very expensive where we live). Thanks in advance!!

The Legend of the Candy Cane

2007-02-02T01:02:11Z

The Legend of the Candy Cane....
OK...So this is a little bit late. Technically this happened on Dec. 23rd...days before the Christian "Christmas" day. The reason for which I am writing this had gotten lost until tonight when it strangely appeared in the middle of my desk? So I decided, better late than never!
On one other thought....I'm not usually the person to bash other faiths...I believe that each of us has our own hearts and beliefs and that just because I don't agree with another about who we worship it does not mean that I will EVER criticize them. I think it's great that we have such diversity...and really...would "culture" exist if we did not have different faiths? Certainly not! The only thing that I am against is one person forcing their own belief and will on another because what that person believes (no matter how "good") they are doomed to eternal suffering....because they don't believe in person A's god. THAT is my only issue with ANY faith, not just Christianity. This article has not been put up to start a religious debate...It was put up for fun, because even some Christian friends of mine thought this was a joke. Humor people! =) ANYWAY....That lil' disclaimer being said I am going to push on here to the point of this all.

.....It was the Friday afternoon before Christmas of 2006. The Radcliff's car had some issues. It had to be sent to the mechanic for transmission problems. So the Radcliff's decided to journey out by public bus for the first time with the kids to our farmers market. While there we shopped, ate some Mediterranean dishes and then got some delicious Amish-made snacks for the ride home. We awaited the bus in pouring rain...for an hour. It was at 5pm rush hour on THE Friday before Christmas on Monday. Yeah...the bus was late. SO late in fact that by the time it had gotten there and dropped us at the main terminal that our other bus had LEFT. The LAST bus for the evening to our home. They said it could be running late. So after another HOUR of waiting (7pm at this point), we called a cab. Waited another HOUR. I really have to commend the kids. They were just so well behaved that night...so calm and patient, it was amazing (remember, they are 2 and 4). Soooooo...We waited for the cab. While waiting, an old high school friend of mine walked by me. She was coming home from college...her bus was late, too. She missed the last one, so I just told her to hitch a ride with us. Conveniently for her, she lives NOT EVEN half a block from us. Amazing how life works, isn't it?
So we're waiting. And all of a sudden all these folks walk by us...singing "Happy Birthday" out loud, and other joyous songs. OK, cool. They walked over and told us about this great party down the road and said we should join them.
OK...firstly....weirdos! We are trying to get home with two tired children and they want us to walk in the rain to a party in the middle of the city. Ok...sure, we'll be right there!!
So then they walk past us and one runs back. She gives us these candy canes with little booklets....

Ahhhhhh....now I get it!!! BIRTH--DAY party....OK...Gothca.
Well...I'm not one to give children candy so late at night....but they'd already seen them AND they were so good and patient that day we decided to give them a one time rule break. So we all ate the canes whilst awaiting our chariot cab to sweep us up and carry us home.
So then I started reading the lovely little 2.5"W by 6" booklet they gave us:

"The Legend of the Candy Cane"

Long ago there were two villages in a far-off land. One was in a valley, and one was on a mountain top. The people in the mountain village wanted to give each person in the valley a Christmas gift.
So the mountain townspeople formed a committee to think of something special. Money was limited, and each gift had to be of equal value to each person. After much time and discussion a decision was finally reached. The town's candy maker, an elderly gentleman who had loved Jesus for many years, came up with an idea--the candy cane.
Now you may be thinking, what is so special about a candy cane--and HOW can it ever be tied in with the real meaning of Christmas? Well, here is how...and why...

1. The candy cane is in the shape of a shepherd's staff. Jesus is our shepherd, and we are His flock. A sheep follows his own shepherd, knows his voice, trusts him and knows that he is totally safe with him. The sheep will follow no other shepherd than their own. In the same way, if we belong to Jesus, we are to follow only Him. (John 10:11; Psalm 23:1, Isaiah 40:11)
2. Turned over, the candy cane is a "J," the first letter of Jesus' name. (Luke 1:31) It is made of hard candy to remind us that Christ is the "rock" of our salvation.
3. The wide red stripes on the candy cane represent the blood Jesus shed on the cross for each one of us so that we can have eternal life through Him. (EWWWWW....I'M SUCKING ON ONE OF THESE...Could you imagine if one of our KIDS was reading this?). He restores us and cleans us with His shed blood--the only thing that can wash away our sin. (Luke 22:20)
4. The white stripes on the candy cane represent Jesus' virgin birth and His pure, sinless life. He is the only human being ever who never committed a single sin, even though He was tempted just as we are. (1 Peter 2:22)
5. The narrow red stripes on the candy canes symbolize Jesus' stripes, or scars (EWWWWWW again! Scars?? Ugh...I just can't eat anymore...Did they really give us this candy with the intention of us reading this while consuming them? Is the idea for me to STOP consuming them now? It worked.) which He got when He was arrested and whipped. (Yum again.) The Bible says we are healed of sin because He took those wounds. (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24)
6. The flavoring in the candy cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is of the mint family and was used in Old Testament times for purification and sacrifice. (John 19:29; Psalm 51:7)
7. When we break our candy cane, it reminds us that Jesus' body was broken for us. When we have communion, it is a reminder of what He did for us. (1 Corinthians 11:24)
8. AND, if we share our candy cane and give some to someone else because we love that person, we are sharing the love of Jesus. (1 John 4:7, 8) (Really? Cool...when I hand my candy cane on I'll be having LOVELY thoughts of the lil' red stripes of scars and wounds, big red stripes of blood and suffering and white stripes of virgins and purification. I'll be sure to pass on the message as they enjoy their peppermint....errrrr HYSSOP inspired candy from Jesus himself...)

God gave Himself to us when He sent Jesus to earth to save us. He loves us so much that He wants us to spend eternity with Him. We are assured of that when we accept Jesus into our hearts as our Savior. (John 1:12; John 3:3, 16)
Some people believe the story of the candy cane is only a legend. Others believe it really happened this way. We do not know for sure exactly how the candy cane was invented, but one thing is certain...it is an excellent picture of Christ and His love for you.
You can accept Jesus into your heart through prayer like this:
"Dear God, Thank You for loving me enough to send Jesus for Christmas. I believe Jesus died for my sins, and I accept Him now as my Savior. I promise to follow Him and share His love with others the best that I can. Amen."

Amen to that!
Now my friends, we all know the Legend of the Candy Cane....
Now where is that chocolate?!

Oh...by the way....
The picture at the top of this entry is from an ADULT CHRISTIAN website...
MissPoppy.com
"We have a Trend in Jesus!"
MissPoppy.com provides the finest alternative Christian products to the saved and unsaved alike. Shopping at MissPoppy.com is easy, fun, and eternally secure.

Hehehehehehehehehe....It's too funny! =) It just seemed so appropriate for this entry. =P

Pan's Labyrinth

2007-01-29T20:39:58Z

I finally got to see Pan's Labyrinth this weekend, it was a nice birthday gift.
The movie certainly had it's violent moments! But they were not the gist of the movie. It was really fantastic. It was moving, striking, unexpected. I loved that even in the violent moments there was so much drama and emotion that it carried forward with moments that still made you smile and tear up by the end. If was very dramatic and well made. I especially loved the ending...it was so happy and at the same time sad, and even more like, "Yea!"...all at once...my emotions didn't know whether to tear up, smile or cheer.
I expected it to be good...I had no idea I'd like it as much as I did. I highly recommend it before it's out of the theaters. You won't experience the drama and startled jumps just by watching it in your living room. It was an experience.
By the end of the movie when the lights went on it took me a few moments to realign myself back with reality. My mind was almost in a haze to the current moments because I was still in the drama of the last hour and 50 minutes.
I'm feeling a little inspired to work on some art pieces relating to my emotions from the movie...If I can get to it I will most certainly post my work here.