Joys in the Journey

Q & A- April 30, 2008

2008-04-30T04:28:00.003-04:00

I'm working my way... ever so slowly...through emails and letters....

Which oil is best… organic, expeller-pressed or cold pressed? - J.M. in OK

Actually, cold pressed oils are simply oils that have been expeller pressed at a much lower temperature (I believe it is 120 degrees) that preserves the flavor of the nut/seed, and does not change the chemical makeup of the oil.

Most conventional oils are obtained by methods that use chemicals to remove the oil from the nut/seed, and at very high temperatures, which changes the oil’s molecular status.

If you can not find organic cold pressed, go with the organic expeller pressed. Avoid conventional oils that are obtained using the harsh chemicals in the process of extraction.

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I noticed in your laundry detergent recipes, you do you not suggest Fels Naptha for making homemade laundry detergent. Do you have another brand to suggest? Ivory or something along those lines?

My goal is to make my products as natural as possible. And if making it as natural as possible is the goal, Fels Naptha is not all that natural.

Fels Naptha of old was used at a time when everyone's soaps were just tallow and lye based soaps. Fels Naptha came on the scene and provided superior stain removal capabilities. However, now owned by the DIAL corporation, Fels Naptha listsas its ingredients cleaners, stain and soil removers, chelating agents, perfumes, and petrochemicals. These are chemicals we are trying to avoid!!!

I use shredded soaps from my Shade Tree Cottage soaps, as these are completely natural. I'll be offering shredded soap packages in the store soon.

As an aside, Fels Naptha is a folk remedy for poison ivy. Breaks through the oils of the plant on the skin to prevent outbreak/rash. But DO NOT USE for bathing....

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You've mentioned peak oil and our addiction to petroleum products before. Do you have any good sites or resources to suggest for me to teach my children about it? I think now, with the price of oil and all the talk about us running out, is a good time for us to teach something about it in our homeschool. Any help would be appreciated... Tanya in WI

I would suggest you read this informative website for a primer, and then perhaps do a google search for petrolism (the term used to describe our dependence on petroleum and the use of profits from the sale of petrol to fund terrorist/unfriendly governments policies and plans). It is a very interesting subject, and can be easily explored in your world government or modern history portions of your homeschool.

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My son is interested in an environmentally friendly job where he can put his conservation and faith into action. He is the one who showed me your blog, and I'm interested to find out what you think of this? He wants very much to work in field versus legislative or bureaucratic. His science grades are phenomenal, and I have no doubt he will use his talents for the glory of God. Do you have any suggestions for curriculum or good books for his last two years of high school (I homeschool my seven children), and any job suggestions too?

You must be very proud of your son for showing such maturity, and may I give a pat on the back for allowing your child the room to bloom! My obvious suggestions would be load up on the sciences- any and all including biology, chemistry, physics, and even astronomy. Perhaps even add environmental engineering to the list. Also, find out if you can enroll in your local community college during his last two years. Many colleges allow you to take courses (cheaper than universities) and they count for both high school credit and college credits. I would also have him read about ecology and biographies of naturalists. Some of the best books I would suggest would be those by Wendell Berry, John Muir, J. J Audubon, John Burroughs, Thoreau, and even Rachel Carson.

Related work and employment is almost too numerous to mention. One of the best resources I've found is the Environmental Job Listings website or you can look up horticultural jobs or research WWOOF jobs. I am researching both for future workamping and garden work.

Hope this helps, and God bless!!!

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I want to increase my family’s intake of dark, leafy green veggies, but it is really hard to make them eat them. They complain they are bitter and chewy. I am going to be getting huge amounts of unusual greens from our own garden, and now belong to our local CSA. Can you help me come up with a way to get them to eat them, and if not too hard, make it taste good?

You didn’t mention whether you are steaming, stir-frying, baking, or eating them raw. All of those ways are great ways to incorporate those dark and leafy green vegetables.

Try stealthing them into your pizza or spaghetti sauces, chopped if necessary. I make this awesome spanikopita with green leafy vegetables that is out of this world. Or perhaps chopped, you can add them to your frittatas. You can also put them in baked lasagna, or try adding them to your juicing protocols. Apples and bananas hide the bitterness of the ‘green leafys’ very well in juices.

Here’s my favorite way to enjoy greens with any meal, takes about fifteen minutes to make, and it is absolutely delicious. I also sometimes serve this as a meal with a plate of cheeses, or some fresh baked focaccia with organic extra virgin olive oil for dipping.

Carla’s Greens, Garlic, and Oil

2-4 Tbsp. of organic extra virgin olive oil
3-4 cloves of fresh garlic (either bruised for light garlic taste, sliced for perfect garlic taste, or minced for the ultimate!)
1 red onion, sliced thin
Fresh greens- collards, kale, broccoli rabe, spinach and broccoli etc…
Sea Salt
Fresh ground pepper
Red pepper flakes
Grated zest of a lemon
Freshly shaven Parmesan, or crumbled Feta

Put oil, garlic, and onion into deep saucepan/skillet. Heat to medium until onions begin to sizzle. Add the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Saute for about 4 minutes until the onions are limp. Add the sliced or chopped veggies to the skillet (only slice/chop right before putting in skillet to avoid mineral loss and oxidation). Stir the greens into the garlic and onions, and add the lemon zest. Season to taste with the sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Saute until vegetables are deep green and slightly limp.

Plate this wonderful side dish on a warm platter, sprinkle with cheese if desired, a dash of fresh olive oil, and serve to your family… who are waiting at the table, drooling from the smell filling the house. Enjoy!

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I was thrilled to meet you in Doylestown a few weeks back. You are exactly what I thought you'd be like. Bright, energetic, and fun! I meant to ask you before the group parted where you got your necklace from. It's beautiful and I loved the descriptive words on it. If it's not too much trouble, would you send me a link or address from the company? - E. J. from Perkasie

Long story short... visit Lisa Leonard's website for the most gorgeous, fresh and funky, handmade jewelry.

Lisa is an awesome Christian...mom to two boys, and a creative genius when designing jewelry. I was introduced to Lisa because we both have the same hair. Truly... a friend sent me the link saying she found someone with hair as 'unique' as mine. I love that word... unique.

I fell in love with her, her designs, and the piece pictured above is the one I have. It states my goals... my path... my journey... right now:

EXPLORE ~ DARE ~ DISCOVER ~ GROW ~ BECOME

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Is the possibility of being a Jew something that affected your study of the Lord's feasts? Is this what changed your celebrations like Easter? - Kate in MA

How did you begin your study of Torah?

I remember tuning in to a show on Sky Angel during the early 90's. The gentleman was explaining the signifigance of Yeshua's word and life and ministry and how it was ripe with Jewish customs and fulfilled Jewish laws and prophecy.

And then he began telling me a Christian love story. And how the Jewish bridegroom would come to take me away; to a home he had prepared for me.

That gentleman was Zola Levitt, now with YHVH, transformed into eternity. I miss him...

As I studied materials from Zola's ministry, as well as others, it revealed so much truth to my heart that sometimes it felt like I was going to burst! When you see for the first time, you dance with the brilliant rays of color that suddenly fill your eyes...

What I mean was I had been reading the Hebrew text, written by Hebrews, directed at the Hebrews, with Hellenistic (Greek) glasses on. Everything I read was interpreted through those glasses. Things were grey and muddled and misunderstood. Ideas and commands and true understanding were out of reach, at least in my teensy brain, until I studied Hebrew culture. It was like standing in the grove of the tallest trees, and realizing I was actually in the biggest forest. Awakening...

You might find a good jump start for the thinking process by reading and studying along with this college course.

I don't want to overwhelm anyone, so feel free to ask me for more information or links...

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I cannot wait until summer to make sun teas. Can you give me some recipes for good ones?

Please be sure to consume the tea within one day, no matter if herbs, teas, or a tisane. The bacteria that breeds in it, especially during warmer months, can make you deathly ill if you don't take care.

A good quick read can be found here...

http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/suntea.asp

I'm working on a class and ebook with tea recipes. Stay tuned for the recipes....

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More questions next time....

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

Tiptoe through the Tulips

2008-04-27T06:11:00.003-04:00

OK... don't tiptoe, but walk, run, hike, and frolic... and do it barefooted!!!

Most folks think the thicker and more supportive their shoes are, the more comfortable they will be. But the opposite is true. By using your super supportive shoes with inserts, pads, and specially designed soles, you are using them as a crutch, and your feet (and back, knees, neck, and joints) are going to pay for their dependence on that crutch later in life. If you are a lady who wears those Byzantine-like torture devices we call shoes that contort your feet into unnatural shapes and pay scant attention to human anatomy, you are asking for problems down the road.

I always recommend that folks go barefoot. Alot. Through the house, into the yard, and if you can, go walking or hiking barefoot. Make sure you are looking where you walk, and allow your feet to mold to your environment. Rocks, sticks, leaves, and trails take on a new feel, literally, when you use your feet as part of your sensory system.

You won't ruin your feet, or develop rock hard skin and callouses, in fact, your feet will be nicely shaped and smooth, and will feel energized and alive. Instead of referring to those 'tired old dogs' you'll be following your dancing feet everywhere.

Walking with shoes on takes away from the natural sense of balance that is built into your feet. You recompense for this misalignment by walking 'abnormally', which puts stress on your bones, ligaments, spine, neck, hips, knees, and feet. Walking barefoot allows the 20,000 some sensors on your feet to send signals to your body to allow you to walk correctly, no matter the terrain.

If it hurts when you walk barefoot, you are walking wrong, and probably conditioned to do so by the shoes you are wearing. We were not supposed to walk with the heel first, but instead with and on the balls of our feet. Cushioning our heels (ala today's shoes) causes us to slam our feet down much harder (on the heel first) in order to get sufficient stimulation for balance. Your feet get more abuse from hard surfaces in shoes than barefoot.

Padding your feet is in a sense, gagging them from telling you are walking wrong ... and causing your body to adjust to walk incorrectly. This can manifest itself through spinal sublixations, stiff shoulders, headaches, backaches, knee and joint disintegration, and a malady of foot problems.

I know... it seems counterintuitive to leave your tender pads, heels, and toes open to the harsh, rough terrain that we encounter each day, and one might remark that it would hurt to walk down the street or pavement, or even across your yard, without the comfort of shoes. But it doesn't, and you'll quickly find your body... realigning itself to walk correctly.

While I recommend you go shoeless, don't start out running the marathon barefoot. Start slow and ramp it up over the coming weeks and months. Spring and summer times are perfect for conditioning your feet to get used to going barefoot, and foot soaks and conditioner, as in the form of balms, lotions, and oils to keep feet from becoming dry and cracked, are also requirements to having them stay strong, yet soft and attractive.

I try to make my children go barefoot as much as possible. Yes, their feet get dirty... we found baths work great to remove dirt and mud from the feet. And in situations such as public restrooms and bathhouses, creek beds and lakes, I purchased those swimming/hiking shoes from Teva that are uber comfy and easy to slip on quickly. Some places require you to wear shoes, such as stores, work, or church. For those situations when you cannot go barefoot, take a look at some of these shoe styles to help:

Good ol' Converse. Yeah, bo bo's. Flat sole with minimal padding. If you play sports, you know how strong your feet feel when you play in bo bo's. I just got rid of a pair I wore in high school!!!

Cheapy flip flops. Flat. No sole. ($5 - $15) Perfect for keeping feet from injury or for shopping, church, etc...

Vibrams- don't you dare laugh until you try a pair on. I don't have them, but my capitalist cravings say BUY!!!

Birkenstocks- classic and comfortable. Costs much but worth it. Still have two pairs over 15 years old each!

Nike- Free if you run, hike, or exercise and want to have a good training shoe, Nike- Free is the shoe to have. The shoe is designed to simulate barefoot action, and is used extensively in sports training to build stronger feet muscles and coordination.
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For those of you who are hiking barefoot, check out how to sneak up on wildlife by walking like a fox. It really works and can mean the difference on your being able to get close to an animal to sketch or photograph, or just enjoy it.

How to Fox Walk

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A site with a bunch of information on the environmental benefits to walking barefoot in the woods is the Barefoot Hikers site. If you are wildcrafter like me, you should be walking light... no compacted soil, no imprint to offend or impede vibrant ecosystems, and more...

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The Parents for Barefooted Children website is an awesome place to visit if you need more information. Podiatry reviews, where to's and where not's, and more.

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UPDATE: I have found my new workboots from heaven. The Lord knows I've been praying for a pair... mine are currently fourteen years old and still kicking, albeit they look like they are holding together with a thread...

Having two pair of Doc Martens during my punk heyday, I can remember how durable and comfortable they were. I traded both pair to a friend when I was 19 for a used guitar she had acquired. I think I got the short stick in the deal...

But alas... check out the boot that is on top of my list. These are rugged, durable, with a touch of flowers. How awesome is this????

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

Sojourning: One Year Later

2008-04-22T04:46:00.001-04:00

One year later… the rant and the report…and a few reflections and ruminations…

Be prepared… grab a cup of herb tea 'cause this is a pretty long post.

I get a lot of emails from all sorts of good folks. I like those a lot. Keep ‘em coming and I’ll write you personally… when I can. Keep reading to the bottom of the post to get the latest report on what’s happening….

The Rant

Some emails I get are from those that that need to find another email address to send their musings. You obviously have too much time on your hands and need a hobby. I hear crocheting is good… haven’t tried it but I know it requires you to use both hands so that’ll prevent you from being able to type ignorant (read- uneducated) emails. Honestly, such poorly considered words and observations…..

And so… the first part…otherwise being directed to those readers who feel so strongly that they need to send me emails calling me names…(tree hugger, herbwitch, gypsy, pagan christian, etc…) or how crazy I am for using herbs or RV’ing. I humbly submit what may be perceived by other, more kind folk as somewhat of a rant….

It’s been exactly one year. 365 days since we closed the door on the sticks and bricks and followed the leading to go into the wilderness… among the wild things.

One year into our adventure and we are utterly convinced that this was the best thing we could have done. Individually… and as a family. Each of us could tell you how much this has changed us… though, I’d be quick to say we haven’t changed… but instead blossomed and flourished. It’s allowed our spirits to rise… almost like they seemed contained before… like the ceiling stopped our ability to dream… and now with the open canopy of the heavenlies surrounding us, the literal ‘sky is the limit’ is the norm on how we think and act. Our thoughts, dreams, and actions are much different than if we had remained chained to what some still call ‘the American dream.’ And as a family… we have grown closer… so much closer…

I don’t know why we are wired so different from our extended families… or even friends and contemporaries. A raw and emotional incident with a family member recently showed me just how different I really am. I don’t know why… but as my man Popeye would say…

“I am, what I am, and that’s all that I am.”

I just am…

For me personally, I garnered no fulfillment… no nourishment for the soul in the life we were leading… big house… big bills… big church, and big life. Husband working harder making less and less… working hard for our family and spending everything we make trying to live.

I don’t know why but now I feel like belting out a line from a CCR song:

… working for the man, every night and day…but I never got a minute of peace… worrying ‘bout the way things might have been…

But we also bought… lots… when we had money. Computers, books, clothes, bikes, toys… whatever it was that we wanted to consume. It’s an ugly and agile accomplishment. Consuming. It ravages, rapes, and ruins…

Using my super power- perfect hindsight, I see it is contrary of what a family… my family… and life… my life… should be.

Now lest you think I have rose colored glasses on and I’m trying to escape reality, let me assure you I’m not. I’m 41 years old, and certainly not green behind the ears. I have no delusions about sunshine, butterflies and lollipop lands. I just think folks are wired differently… each of us is individually knit together by the Creator… and therefore, each of us is different. We need to have the courage to live accordingly… and be true to the calling and path that He has set our feet upon… even if those around us don’t ‘get it’. To live a life of authenticity and truth…

Remember Polonius’ words in Shakepeare’s Hamlet:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Learn it. Live it. Love it.

I’m really not interested in convincing folks of anything they are not open to considering, be it herb medicine, homebirthing, homeschooling, or RV living. I can't convince you of your need for Christ unless the Holy Spirit convinces you first, so let's not even debate that. I used to be the opposite in my 20’s. I felt like I had to convince everyone of my point… and it fostered much negativity. This life... be it nomadic or too radical... to some rebellious (our desire to not be churched but to instead meet as the early church in small groups) or even too simple (what I have is what I have).. is not for everyone… but in counting the costs…. financially, emotionally, spiritually, ecologically… we decided it was perfect for OUR family.

So perhaps instead of sending lengthy emails micromanaging my life, you might want to call a family meeting and figure out what works best for YOUR family.

As far as using herbs and making plant medicine, I’m way too busy planting it and making it right now to get into any lengthy discourse with you. And like I said, I have no plans on making it my priority to convince you of something you are not open to considering…

‘nuff said…

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The Report

Now onto the Report, otherwise directed at those kind folks who read this blog and who send nice emails and comments… I can feel the love…

It’s been awhile since I was able to sit down to get a post started here. But it’s a good thing. I’ve been busy, busy, busy. And those of you… lots of you… who call me daily and write me often and who have let me know you are lifting us constantly in prayer… I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Big RV in the Big Woods

We’ve decided to stay at a charming campground in Upper Black Eddy called Colonial Woods Family Resort until October of this year. We camped here last year and loved it! Lots of wooded sites and trails for exploring, ponds for fishing, and enough activities to keep us busy this season! Weekend community dinners, miniature golf, and ping pong too (anyone up for a game???)! Archery, big pool and splash pool and fountain for kids….hayrides, tennis, and ice cream socials. They just recently added wifi (woo hoo) so I’m totally in love. If you’re in the area, want to plan a great camping trip, or want to stop by… well… now you know where I am. What we do after here… well… everything is an option… workkamping… planting trees in North Carolina… managing the Cape Hatteras lighthouse… managing a fish hatchery… even working with a well known circus!!! All I know is we have lots of room and would love to have you visit for a BBQ or swim… get in touch with me at carlalynne@fmgirl.com or call me 267-816-0848 and I’ll give you directions….

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Lightening the Load… one year later…

All of the goods that were left in storage for the past year have been weaned down over the last week to less than half of the unit. That’s another ‘lightening of the load’… and everyone is happy about it- and we aren’t finished yet! When we moved into the RV’s, the children, ok… even I had trouble getting rid of some of our things. Kept thinking it is valuable, or that I would need it someday. Well 365 ‘somedays’ came and went and it wasn’t needed. So off to Goodwill and thrift shops it went. I can’t describe how good it felt. For those about to embark on a similar journey, or just simplifying, I highly recommend trying something like what we did. Put it in storage, or a basement or garage. See if you need it. Chances are you’ll find you don’t. Our goal is to completely empty the unit by summer’s end. I’ll keep you informed…

On the subject of lightening the load… I have a huge- 7 feet tall, wood shelf in brand new condition. We had it in our living room filled with books. Here it is at R&F
http://www.raymourflanigan.com/catalog/details.asp?ID=1747
I’ve been holding onto it…. don’t know why. Want it? Make a reasonable donation ($100 ?) to my solar fund and it’s yours. Get in touch with me at carlalynne@fmgirl.com , or call me at 267-816-0848.

One thing I’ve purposed to get rid of over the next month is the rest of the books from our homeschool library. I managed to sell quite a few… but I know times are tough and the last thing folks have money for is books. So… if you are a homeschooler in Pennsylvania, or near where we are staying this summer, get in touch with me and I’ll give you a whole bunch of books… I mean really good books… for a song. Ok… well a donation. If you are struggling financially and don’t have the money for lots of books… I hope this will be a blessing and your kids will enjoy reading these classics like mine have. If you want to pay for shipping, I’ll ship them to you instead. Those who donate money for the books would be helping me save for the inverter and solar package we are building for the RV. Just get in touch with me at carlalynne@fmgirl.com and we’ll talk books (ooh… aahhh… one of my favorite things to discuss…)

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Solar Fund

Some have asked if they can donate money… and while my first inclination is always to say ‘no’, I realize some folks have benefited from my talks- phone or email, walks, and writings and would like to give something back. So I’ve set up my solar fund for you to contribute to, and I’m sneaking money from my Shade Tree Cottage sales in there too! Any donation is appreciated and a blessing… and can be sent through paypal to carlalynne@fmgirl.com

What are we going to do with the solar fund? Here are our three goals for the summer or by autumn:

1) Build two solar dehydrators- contained and able to be transported as we travel. The boys have already drafted two models, and are making the material list this week. I took my money from the fund and will be purchasing the convection plate and plate glass for the top. Pretty exciting!!!

2) You may remember me talking about our frig. breaking last summer, and our living out of a cooler, and eating locally all year. We are doing that again, however, we do now have an electric refrigerator in the trailer in anticipation of the solar hookup we are constructing for it. Some monies will go to this project… marine batteries, cable, hookups, inverter and the all encompassing solar panel. We are currently researching building our own solar cell to battle the costs of a pre-constructed one… stay tuned….

3) We are going to be replacing the hot water heater and instead of installing a customary electric or propane model, we are constructing a solar/propane model. Still working on it… stay tuned….

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Hair today… gone tomorrow…

Couldn’t resist….To those who asked if I cut my hair, the answer is yes. I had it done before my birthday in February. All those long locks are gone, and this shorter ‘do is here to stay. I like it a lot better… and so does my crew. Mike says it makes me look spritely and lively… ya think? My kids say it’s fresh, it’s funky… it’s tang-zest-icy!!!!

It’s a little longer than the picture over on the sidebar, and as my little one says… curry, curry, curry! I could never wear my hair short because the curls have a mind of their own… but this haircut helps tame the mane. I still get those looks where you know the people are thinking… did she make her hair do that, or is it supposed to look like that….or did she just wake up? HA! I just tell folks it has a mind of its own and watch out or you might get lost in there…

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Shade Tree Cottage and Shade Tree Herbals

I spent almost two weeks making soaps and some other goods for Shade Tree Cottage. The soaps are almost done curing and ready for packaging. I’ve added a whole new section called Shade Tree Herbals which deals strictly with the herbs, tinctures, salves, teas, classes and consultations, etc… and…. I’m going to be carrying a bunch of new products including recycled material broom skirts, recycled leather journals, and more!!! Be looking for some big announcements about the reopening in the next weeks and keep an eye on the site for my speaking engagements and classes/workshops. You can access my webpage by now typing in http://www.shadetreecottage.com/ or http://www.shadetreeherbals.com/

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Writings…

I just finished submitting three articles to some great magazines in time for their publication dates. It kept me busy, but it is very rewarding to this writer to be commissioned and asked to pen pieces for different periodicals.

Keep an eye on The Herb Companion, Organic Gardening, and Beautiful Girlhood for my articles soon. I’ll let you know when they go to print…

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Consultations and Personal Education

I’ve opened some time for consultations or personal education while I’m stationary here in PA. I’m not charging by the hour any longer, instead leaving it up to the person to decide what they should donate for my time and help. Some are able to give more and allow me the ability to help those who have less. It is my belief you should give because it feels good… feels right, not until it hurts or is forced out of your hand.

My hope is to make herbal medicine and education affordable- I know how much classes, consultations, books, etc… can cost. I would also like to help those folks who are overlooked or shunned by allopathic principalities. It is my hope to encourage those educating themselves or those who want to learn about herbal medicine to help stay healthy and to assist the healing processes of their bodies when necessary. Get in touch with me for more information at carlalynne@fmgirl.com or 267-816-0848.

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Blooming Glen Farm

For the past few weeks, I’ve been collaborating with farmers Tom Murtha and Tricia Borneman from Blooming Glen Farm, a vibrant and growing local CSA farm here in Pennsylvania. I’m honored to be helping them expand their existing children’s garden, with its awesome sunflowers, teepee rabbit trails for the children to crawl around… safe and shaded from the summer heat, and lavender and anise hyssop, to include more medicinal herbs including Angelica archangelica, Borago officinalis, Tanacetum parthenium, Althaea officinalis, and Leonurus cardiaca just to name a few. We’ve sown the seeds and they are peeking up… sprouting in the greenhouse. You’ll find me talking about this farm and garden lots! I’ll be working around there this summer; sowing, growing and harvesting what I pray is a bountiful harvest of beautiful plants and teaching others to do the same. You can read more about the farm, classes, and my awesome new friends at http://www.bloomingglenfarm.com/ .

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Classes, Intensives, and Herb Walks

I’m giving some herb and herbal medicine talks and walks in the eastern Pennsylvania region (well, some in a few other states, too!)

First, I’ll be giving classes at Blooming Glen CSA Farm (check out the latest newsletter ) and I’ll be adding more there soon. Some folks who wanted to know where I’m speaking can get in touch with me at carlalynne@fmgirl.com or visit my Shade Tree Cottage website. Be sure to check back often as I’m sure impromptu classes will be scheduled and I’ll put them on the website for your convenience. For the Blooming Glen Farm classes, they have a great online calendar to get details.

If you are one of the many who have written or called, and said they vacation around here… or one of my many new full timer friends… let me know when you’ll be in the area and we’ll get together. I can organize a campout or block of sites for us… lots of sites in this gorgeous park, and perhaps a class or two at the pavilion or ponds. Even if you can’t stay the night, give me a call or email and we’ll get together… you can buy day passes and we’ll walk and talk… and swim! I’d love to have you come and enjoy some good food, friendship, and if you are an herb nerd like me, well… we’ll have a good time, won’t we???

I’ve got two walks over at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve for May… it’s absolutely gorgeous and so very serene. I’ll be adding more classes at Blooming Glen CSA Farm online sometime towards the end of May. Possibly (?)… maybe…thinking of doing some week night classes. I might do some solar dehydrating, herbal cordials, kids summer health….maybe a herbal intensive towards summer or fall…some others rolling around in my head…and maybe an herb walk or two… stay tuned and check out the Shade Tree Herbals site for more details.

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Herb Festivals, Open Houses, and Happenings (or where you’ll find me this summer!)

I enjoyed meeting all of the folks who showed up for the Earth Day/Open House at Blooming Glen Farm. The signs that the children constructed are delightful, and seeing all the toddlers romp through the teepees gave me inspiration for more and more additions to the garden! Good burgers from Rosenberger’s own pastured beef stock were delicious and whoever brewed the mint tea needs a big pat on the back! It was quite refreshing on such a hot day!!! Farmers Tom and Tricia gave excellent and informative tours… and I’m so watching over the field of dreams… a full 1/3 acre of stiffnecked garlic! I’ve had it before and am looking forward to drying some like my friend, Herrick Kimball does. Yum… yum… yum!!! I’m looking forward to working side by side with you all this coming season… seeding, weeding, picking, working, … and teaching among the botanicals in the gardens!

Mercer Museum Folk Festival- May 10-11, 2008
Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve Native Plant Sale- May 10-11, 2008
It’s going to be a busy weekend on Mother’s Day! I’ll be enjoying myself here at the Folk Festival with the kids… colonial demonstrations, spinning (I’ll be thinking of my Grandma!), juried craftsman, beer making and more! But before I head over there, I’m going to be at the native plant sale at Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve, hopefully getting some goodies for the children’s and medicinal herb gardens at Blooming Glen CSA farm. I’ve got my eyes on the Opuntia humifusa (Prickly pear cactus), Asclepias tuberose (Butterfly weed), Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake master) and more! Get in touch with me if you are going to the sale or festival and we’ll meet up!

Baltimore Herb Festival – May 24, 2008
This is the 21st year for the festival (and it’s on Memorial Day weekend), and I wouldn’t want to miss it. For those who are searching for new reliable source contacts for herbs and plants (face to face agriculture), these festivals and faires are superb! You always leave the festivals learning something new and with a handful of new friends. Come gaze at all the herbs, plants, herbal goods, and be sure to take Jim’s class on Medicinal Herbs of the Bible. Afterwards, I’m having tea at the Orianda house. It’s a thrill being around others who are as herb nerdy as me! Get in touch with me at 267-816-0848 and we’ll organize a carpool, campout, or meet for lunch or tea.

Medicines from the Earth Symposium- May 31- June 2, 2008
I’m not able to attend this symposium in NC as I have a class, but if any of you are in the area… get there! David Winston, Cascade Anderson Gellar, Paul Bergner, Mary Bove, and more greats. I’m chomping at the bit… ok, bark, to attend the walks with David Winston and others, and learn more about the seaweeds too.

Pennsylvania Lavendar Festival- June 13-15, 2008
I have found there are few things as divine as standing in the middle of a lavender field in the summer. I’ll be here at the festival… probably smiling wide eyed among the purple blossoms, and gathering bunches for homemade lavender wands. I’m also going to look at some different varieties to grow and use in some of my Shade Tree Cottage products. Come by and visit!!!

Kutztown German Folk Festival- June 28- July 6, 2008
If you have never been to this festival, you are in for a real surprise. I enjoy it immensely, and always learn something new. German and Dutch culture, food, crafts, quilts, and more. I learned a lot here about early German/Dutch/Amish medicine, as well as some folk remedies that I keep in my formulary. I’ll probably be walking around... not speaking anywhere here… except to say ‘goot foot’!

Pocono Garlic Festival- Aug. 30, 31, 2008
The bestest (and stinkiest… in a good way!) garlic festival in the world. Love it or leave it… you all know how I love garlic, so what’s better than thousands of garlic eaters on a hot summer day? Can’t think of much right now. Come visit me at the festival and we’ll sample some great garlic goods together. How about some garlic ice cream, or pickled garlic… perhaps some candied garlic too!! Can you smell the love????

Rosemary House- Mechanicsburg, PA- Sept. 27, 2008
Join me and other herbalists as we gather to hear David Winston speak and teach on Adaptogens, Nervines, and Nootropics, and Herbs For Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Register now and get in touch for carpool or camping information.

West Virginia Herb Association Fall Conference- October 31- November 2
We should be heading south about that time, so I might head to this awesome conference in WV. More details coming…

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A Need for Weed... JEWELWEED, that is...

I need it! I’m out and what I froze I recently used in a consultation. I don’t like to wait until summer to get it, as like to have some in use by then. It’s starting to peek around the woods here, and in the creekbed plateau right next to my campsite, but me thinks I’m going to need some soon. Does anyone have a reliable source for jewelweed… like your yard or creekbed that you can pick some to send? Or some frozen or stored you’d like to barter? Get in touch with me at carlalynne@fmgirl.com or call me at 267-816-0848.

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Gobble… gobble…

Can any of you fine folk email or leave a comment and tell me if turkey eggs can be used the same as chicken eggs? The are bigger… speckled, and I can get a bunch of them for free. I’m not sure if I can use them in baking and such… can anyone help?

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Reflections and Ruminations

A few Reflections and Ruminations (and some things I’ve learned)….

I’m sure I’m going to be adding to this… but some things are just sticking in my head of late and I need to pour them out here…

I Dwell in Possibility- a poem from Emily Dickinson and my motto for the year. Memorize this poem and mull it over the next time you take a walk around the lake, in the woods, or across the meadows. Beautiful…

I dwell in Possibility--
A fairer House than Prose--
More numerous of Windows--
Superior--for Doors--
Of Chambers as the Cedars--
Impregnable of Eye--
And for an Everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky--
Of Visitors--the fairest--
For Occupation--This--
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise--

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Have you ever had that feeling like you weren’t home… like a rapid awakening from your slumber that left you with the feeling of being in unfamiliar surroundings. Some folks experience it on a basic level…travelers and such. They awaken and can’t figure out where they are… home, office, plane… motel room. Some folks experience it on a much deeper level…

It’s called Xenoiakian (pronounced ‘zee no kee an), and I am meeting more and more travelers searching for home.

Since spending more time, walking and talking in the gardens and woods with my Father, I have the most overwhelming sense that I am closer to home than ever before, and it comforts me, immeasurably. A quote from my readings of C. S. Lewis (this one was ‘Weight of Glory’) over the past year have left me this little nugget to chew on…

Our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation. And to be at last summoned inside would be both glory and honor beyond all our merits and also the healing of that old ache.

I’m an alien in this foreign land. A sojourner… a guest. And I long to go home…

But He is faithful and true and so good to send others... weary travelers like me, wandering and meandering the winding paths of life… to remind me that the road seems long and hard, but there is a city whose builder and architect is God (YHWH), and that I’m on the right road.

Someday, heaven…

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The little things ARE the big things. When in the scope of a flashback on my life’s accomplishments… it will be the littlest, tiniest, most hidden moments that are the pinnacle and purpose of my walk this side of eternity. If you don’t have that thought in your head… get it in there.

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Don’t assume- EVER!!! Like when someone puts the Christmas lights up early, don’t assume that they are commercialized, pagan, and missing the whole point of celebrating Christ’s birth. It could be that someone in their family is dying and won’t make it until the holiday, or perhaps their loved one is back on leave from serving in our armed forces, and they are trying to celebrate the holiday before they have to return. You just never know, and when you find out, you might feel like crawling under a rock and having it crush you into tiny pieces. I know I did…

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Take the time to look at people directly in their eyes, shake their hand with vigor, and say thank you. Look for that light in people's eyes....Folks just don’t take the time anymore to do this, but when you do, the smile you receive is the best reward. And possibly a new friend…

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Someone recently asked me what was the best thing about living in an RV. I couldn’t ask them until today. Now this may seem crass, but it struck me as funny. See, it was my turn to use the bathroom... last… and it looked like six folks under 18 had been through there. Toothpaste cap off, empty toilet paper roll, a barrette and rubber band here, scrunchie there… handprints on the mirror, and faucets. You mommas know exactly what I mean. So there I was going pee on the potty… and I was able to clean it all while I did that. Seriously, I started laughing… hysterically. Only in an RV can you clean the bathroom at the same time you are using it. Pure bliss for this mom of a half a dozen active kids…

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Having recently finished a debate with a fellow who felt it necessary to levy names my way when it was clear that the conversation was not going to go his way, I pondered his label of me for weeks….

He called me close-minded. Gasp.

Now I’m sure I was thinking more highly of myself than I ought. I always thought of myself as one who would consider all points, being firmly convinced of my own personal beliefs and thoughts, and not afraid to and aptly willing to give audience to any and all. I mean, in theory, the whole point of debate and discussion was to try to convince someone of your reasoning, thoughts, or point of view. It’s where I get to use all those logic lessons I studied with the kids… in a nice way of course.

But close minded?

And the a recent blog find, Brant, explained it all…

Freethinking means ruling out the supernatural without evidence, while being Closed-Minded means allowing that it's possible.

Makes perfect sense to me. Make mine close mindedness, please….

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I'm sure this post is way too long, but I had months and months worth of great stuff to share. I'll put the rest in another post soon...

Shalom,
Carla Lynne

Eyes of Wonder: Watching the Heavens

2008-02-19T04:44:00.003-05:00

If you've been keeping a moon journal like the one I described before, you are in for a real treat tomorrow night.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, a full lunar eclipse will occur over the Americas, turning the moon all shades of red, scarlet, burgundy, amber and more. Some folks will be able to see, for just a short time, a blue or turquoise moon. It will be a total lunar eclipse; the last one until 2010. You can read all about it on this NASA page, which also describes why we see the different hues of red and brilliant bursts of blue.

Grab the kids, snuggle with your beloved, and look up... with eyes of wonder, and enjoy the wonderful celestial theater that YHWH created just for you.

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

A Discussion of a Deadly Sin

2008-02-18T04:44:00.007-05:00

Where you live might determine your favored deadly sin. At least according to this troubling article in Forbes magazine.

More disconcerting to me is the 'fun' attitude with which they give grizzly statistics showing our decline into the abyss. The first line of the article is just so panache; ...the city that has fallen farthest from grace. If only it were so comical dude...

But what is fueling this post is that although not found in any cohesive form in the Bible, the seven deadly sins were a common concept among the early church, being firmly planted in the heads of believers by many great Renaissance writers and painters and the established Roman Catholic Church. Most notably is Dante's references in his classic Divine Comedy.

I like the painting above. It is from Hieronymus Bosch (pronounced like 'boss') an obscure Dutch/Netherland painter who lived during the late 1400's and early 1500's. His work, at the time, was very new and original, imaginative, and very symbolic. He often used half human images and demons to convey man's fallen state.

The snippet above is actually part of a larger painting. It depicts one portion or 'plate' of the seven deadly sins... a very good symbolic gesture... don't you think? We, as humans, crushed from perfection and bonded to our fallen state, are unable to see the rot before us. Satan serves up the plate and it looks divine. It is set out before us every day and we are faced with our desire to consume. We are apt to dine from this bountiful platter with side dishes of greed, or envy, or lust. Our flesh cries out to be satisfied; to be fed, and it only through grace we overcome our daily portion. For this... today, I thank thee, Lord...

One thing I found fascinating about the seven deadly sins is about sloth. See, it's easy to describe lust and it's trappings, and avarice, or gluttony, but what of sloth? What does that mean, exactly? And what of its spiral staircase? Where does it lead?

Early church fathers defined sloth not as excessive laziness, or slowness, or obesity, which is what we generally associate with the word today. Instead, it was used to describe someone who was 'less than joyful'. Sadness, depression, apathy... joy less ness. Uneasy and disquieted with their present position and squandering of their God-given talents. It came to be known by the early middle ages as acedia, which was failure to (shema) love the Lord with all of your mind, body, and soul. To be sad at the world YHWH created, and the circumstances of life, and to keep oneself from enjoying it, and Him. How many folks today are like this... without joy? And wasting their talents. This is something that YHWH has been leading me in my own journey as of late...

Remember this today...that is one of the chief reasons... well, THE reason we were created. What is the chief and highest end of man? To glorify Him... AND...

To enjoy Him... forever.....

How can you enjoy the Lord today...even when the rest of the world is dining from the plates?

Eat of the bread of life....and be satisfied... go out and seek Him... dwell... and be delighted.

Shalom,
Carla Lynne

Thoughts and streams...

2008-02-12T04:51:00.001-05:00

Now being of the opinion that baby's toes are a delicacy and should be smothered in kisses and raspberries, and often, I never quite gave thought of them served up with noodles and lime shrimp...

HT: Mojotrashion- Recycled, Repurposed, and Reconstructed Creations.

That last line sounds alot like my life.
Recycled. Repurposed. Reconstructed.

And the next time you need a healthy convenient breakfast for you and your tribe, just whip out a can of this organic instant pancake batter in a can. Remember- just point, blast, and cook! Maybe I have some 'imitation' real maple syrup around too. I mean, if it says organic, it must be good for you, right?

Winter Bearings

2008-01-17T19:35:00.000-05:00

The snow fell throughout the day and veiled the grey day and night with pristine light and hushed the hurried world around us. And all of the kiddos, and mom thrown in to boot, have a cold and some sort of intestinal bug going through the house. Fevered brows, heaving buckets, and cool drinks of water replaced any snow boots or snowball making. The children are excitedly tracking (using the weather links from my previous post) storm after storm setting itself up to hit the east coast with bigger storms. Their biggest ~~discomfort~~ question is how can a child who is only yeah big (insert height of typical three year old) produce so much nose goo? Where does all that 'stuff' come from, Mom? I'll spare you the graphic pictures of delightful three year old, or the answers I gave while my pulling my copy of 'Blood and Guts' and 'What Makes You Get Boogers and Fart' type books from the shelf. The things a homeschool mom can take and turn into a teachable moment...

I'll instead leave you with a nice image. It's one of my goals this year. When things get hard... grey... to surround myself with beauty....

Isn't that just a beautiful image? I love the 'old English' look ... long and flowing gowns and hair. And flowers. Lots of flowers... and it talks about fearing not... I put that image in my computer for a screen saver.

And this one is in there now too:

It's probably hard to see the words... but it is talking about holding fast....

Sometimes that is tough to do... really tough.

Sometimes you feel like you are the only one. And standing up for what you believe... truth...is hard.

That's why I like to set myself reminders... pictures, bookmarks... book covers, screensavers..... of Him...

To remind me... a perpetual mezuzah all around me...to keep the words inscribed on my doorposts of my soul...

Trailmarkers along the way. Keep going. Stay the course... you are on the right road.

People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:14-16

Want some gorgeous free desktop and graphics like the ones featured here? Check out Source of Joy's website for more inspiration and magnificently designed works of art.

Dreaming of Hummingbirds

2008-01-14T04:57:00.000-05:00

I love those little birdies. They gracefully frolic from bright blossom to another, sipping delicately the nectar of the feast. They are talebearers of the route of evanescence, our own vapored existance, as they appear suddenly to awaken us and then we blink and they are gone.

Most have flown south for the winter, and it is during these cold months, with its week long stretches of low clouds and steel grey skies, that I most crave their resplendent color and vigorous and dexterous motion; to partake of their exhuberant dance with fields of beauty. A testimony... to remind me...

See... the smallest of God's creatures reminds me of the hurried task of life: the eating, the working, the living. They also remind me of the exodus from these earthly bodies that will occur, and quickly; even surpassing the speed of their tiny wings in flight. And how profoundly poetic the dance between the two...

Thankfully, being online I can view some excellent photos of hummingbirds on this site, and think of warmer weather with my tiny friends. And perhaps we'll add Emily Dickinson's poem about hummingbirds to our poetry recitations:

Within my Garden, rides a Bird

Within my Garden, rides a Bird
Upon a single Wheel --
Whose spokes a dizzy Music make
As 'twere a travelling Mill --

He never stops, but slackens
Above the Ripest Rose --
Partakes without alighting
And praises as he goes,

Till every spice is tasted --
And then his Fairy Gig
Reels in remoter atmospheres --
And I rejoin my Dog,

And He and I, perplex us,
If positive, 'twere we --
Or bore the Garden in the Brain
This Curiosity --

But He, the best Logician,
Refers my clumsy eye --
To just vibrating Blossoms!
An Exquisite Reply!

Some other great hummingbird resources to peruse:

Hummingbird Society (join this great society and peruse this site to get great information and help save endangered hummingbirds...)

Hummingbird World

The Hummingbird Website

Journey North - (DON'T miss this site with maps for tracking the migration of these little beauties. Just look at how far their journey is! ) There is also a companion Teaching Resources Manual for some great ideas for library resources, writing exercises, and more!

Hummer Bird Study Group

Hummingbird.net

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

Over Your Head in Wonder

2008-01-11T06:01:00.000-05:00

Winter skies are some of the best for stargazing. Just ask my resident astronomer, Kevin. Even where we are staying now, with the light pollution from suburbia, we are able to view some magnificient skies. One of our goals this year is to get a really good telescope with digital/GPS tracking and stargazing software for good viewing of the heavens.

Thanks to Julie, I have this great link to making your own moon journal. I'll be starting one with the kiddos this evening, and it will work wonderfully with our weather unit. We are currently tracking the big (possibly?) storm for Sunday night and learning how to read charts and forecast models. For those of you who are weather junkies like me, you can really learn alot by studying Henry Margusity's webcasts. I love when he teaches you how to read the signs. Brilliant, brilliant man!

Why do I learn how to read the weather... forecast... prepare? Because it helps with sowing (freezes and frosts), planting (especially if you are gardening by the moon), or harvesting, or sailing, or hiking, or living! Relying on others to tell you the weather is not necessary with today's technology. It's been something my kids get a kick out of, and they are right more than the local weatherman. It's a great time of year to begin a study of weather, for most of the country will experience drastic changes in temperature, cloud cover and different classifications of clouds, weather conditions and more over the next few months.

One of my favorite resources to use for the littles (K-4) is this little gem by Esther Yant called Over Our Heads in Wonder.

Filled with references from the Bible, it also had experiments, explorations, math and language arts activities, poems, weather lore, and more! I used it with my first 'crew' of littles... now I'm blessed to be able to use it again with my second bunch!

Some other great resources I'd like to share:

Info Please- Weather

Sky Diary- Kids Storm

NOAA (be sure to visit the Owlie page for kids!)

National Weather Service (division of NOAA)

Tornado Project

Weather Glossary (every weather word possible!)

Weather and Climate Data (from COLA)

Weather Map Symbols

Big Ol' Page of Weather Experiments

Make Your Own Weather Station

Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius

Weather Quest (don't miss this one... let your children become weather scientists through their own research on this EXCELLENT site!)

Careers in Meterology

A to Z Homeschool's Page on Weather (so much information!)

Does anyone have an excellent website or resource to add for me to use? I'd love to hear it!!

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

Local Eating 2008

2008-01-10T06:18:00.000-05:00

It's a most wonderful time of the year when the seed catalogs start arriving!!! If you don't have your favorite ones on their way, scroll down the sidebar on the right, and click on the plus sign after Agriculture and Gardening Arts. You'll see lots of links to the best seed companies with gorgeous catalogs to peruse...and dream...and sow...

Speaking of sowing, one of my goals this year is to get local, more, wherever we travel. I've been glancing at my Square Foot Gardening book and googling some container ideas. Have you made it a goal? If you haven't started eating more local harvests, then get started by going to the 100 Mile Diet site and get up to speed. Then you can call yourself a locavore, the Oxford Dictionary's 2007 Word of the Year.

And Path to Freedom has now taken the baton and run with it! Their burgeoning 100 Foot Diet Challenge is a remarkable idea based on the victory garden/edible estate idea. From the PTF website:

Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private residences in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom during World War I and World War II to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort. In addition to indirectly aiding the war effort these gardens were also considered a civil "morale booster" — in that gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. - wikipedia

Make at least one meal a week from only homegrown items. Sounds good! Get over there and sign up and snatch one of those handy dandy buttons too!

I'm going to be doing some local menus and meals here on the blog too, showing how much more tasty and nutritious foods are that are locally produced. Care to join me?

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

Q & A- Personally Speaking

2008-01-09T05:34:00.002-05:00

One of my goals this year is to empty the inbox and answer the questions that are piling up. So join me in my first Q & A for the year 2008!!!

Do you make a list of resolutions or goals for the year?

Yes, I do. I have it in my personal journal and organizer, and it helps me to stay the course...

Are you going to write more about your travels, like locations, museums, and folks you meet? You seem like a person I would enjoy meeting while we travel and camp next summer.... whatcha say?

I haven’t written too much about folks we’ve met as we travel as garnering permission from someone while you’re conversing, or asking them when they are finished speaking if you can blog about this tomorrow is just... not right... and yet you don't want to offend and write about them and shared experiences without permissions. Unless you want to keep it anonymous and generalized. Anyway, I've just been enjoying the fellowship... but as we get ready to travel this year, I am going to talk more about our excursions. And yes, let's plan a get together in the big woods!

How did you get your meat eating family to become vegetarians?

Um... they aren't. I'm not either. I have eaten a vegetarian diet for certain periods of time in my life, mostly for cleansing, detoxing, and fasting purposes. I've used a vegetarian diet for diagnosing certain food allergies in my clients, as well as suggested the strict adherence to a vegetarian diet during certain anti-cancer protocols for some clients, but more often than not I usually suggest that one DOES NOT eat a completely vegetarian diet (or vegan) as a long term plan. Necessary micronutrients and catalysts, as well as essential elements and enzymes cannot be attained using a strictly vegan or vegetarian diet. In addition, I DO NOT recommend folks consume large quantities of soy or soy based products, which is a staple of a vegetarian/vegan diet.

Shalom,

Carla Lynne

Great Green Baby Contests

2008-01-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

Great Green Baby has lots of great organic and 'green' onesies, toys, educational gifts, baby clothes and more listed on their site. And now a contest to make mommas-to-be jump for joy!!!

Great Green Baby is hosting a contest with lots of great sponsor companies. They are on week 8, and the current sponsor is Baby Bam. Get over there and subscribe to their newsletter and sign up to enter!

PBS Airing Complete Jane Austen

2008-01-07T07:19:00.001-05:00

To watch trailer, pause music button in sidebar...

If you love Jane Austen, you are going to love the next few months on PBS...

Perhaps you are like me and are hopelessly in love with Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds in Persuasion) or Col. Brandon (loved Alan Rickman in Sense and Sensibility), loved Mansfied Park for Austen's critique of the evils of primogeniture, or loved the way Austen 'captured' the use of language to be romantic and poetic. Seductively proper I call it. Perhaps you just want to see the brooding English countryside settings or gaze upon beautiful gowns that are flattering and feminine... and should still be in fashion... set the DVR's to Sunday's Masterpiece Theatre on your local PBS. I think this series will be a big hit. Might be a good time to do a winter quarter study of Austen in the homeschool, and watch the movies to boot.

You can find more info by going to the Masterpiece Theater website, or log in to your local PBS site for airtimes.

Blog Love: Mathetes Award

2008-01-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

I would like to take the time to thank all of those who send me awards. Sometimes, I get submissions from two or three different folks for the same award, and I am so very humbled and overwhelmed by it all. Your friendship...lifts me so.

Though I have to admit that I always feel bad when I try to 'award' someone; like I'm leaving someone very deserving in the corner. But folks are always sharing some blog love with me, and a friend convinced me it's a way to introduce folks to each other. I also realized I have found some supreme writers, acquaintances,... fellow sojourners and friends, through something as simple as a link. So it's my turn to spread a little blog love. I'm paying it forward...

The Mathetes Award (mathetes- Greek for disciple) is given to those who act as disciples... furthering the Kingdom as commissioned by YHWH. Carrying forth the hope... the message... to the ends of the earth. And each one of these fine folks has a creative way... a touch... the fingerprint of the Creator...which beckons me to listen... and act.

I was given the award from the one I would have presented it to. How's that for some blog love? My most humble and gracious thanks, Pamela, for such a wonderful honor.

Don, the Evangelical Ecologist- My favorite. Accurate. Well-spoken. Moving. Inspired.

Holly, from Seeking Faithfulness -She spurs me on to be better... more faithful...in my job as mama. And what a mission field I have! Wisdom... sweet and satisfying... flows from this precious lady.

Anais from Path to Freedom
Although officially Path to Freedom is the whole Devraes family's endeavour, it is Anais to whom I've spoken in real life, and who authors many of the posts on the website's blog. It is a family who saw the problems and didn't simply talk about them. They purposed to change them and show it could be done in even the most unlikely of settings. Their example by sharing with others and discipling them, (and increasing goals!) continue to spur me on. Go join their 100 Foot Diet challenge and start planning that edible estate!

Julie from Seeking the Old Paths
Julie is my girlfriend, momma of seven, wife to one, fellow Messianic achayot, and a perpetual inspiration to me. She is leading a study on the Early Church and Hebraic Restoration, and I am challenged to study harder to show myself approved. Really challenged...

Cindy from Dominion Family
Although Cindy would probably be the first to say she's not trying to disciple anyone, by knowing her and reading her writings for so long, I've come to realize how many irons were sharpened by/with her. Breaking free from molds of 'the perfect homeschool/bringing the schoolroom home' and our family's early Gothard-cult brainwashing to understanding poetic knowledge (do I even remotely understand it ????) and more. Cindy influenced our homeschool many, many moons ago when she described what has come to be known as Morning Time. Our homeschool was never the same. All that and I get my bibliophilic tendencies satisfied every time she reviews a book...

Thank you, all of you, for blessing this life of mine....

Shalom,

Carla

He understands...

2008-01-03T17:26:00.001-05:00

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 8: 3-4

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? Matthew 21:16

You can pause the music in the sidebar so you can hear dear Logan's praise...

Trailblazing 2007

2008-01-01T04:40:00.000-05:00

One year finished. 365 days. 8 765.81277 hours. 525 948.766 minutes put to rest. Minutes and minutes of the littles repeating phonic drills, building lego creations, and collecting slimy critters discovered squirming under rocks. Hours of Plutarch and Wadsworth, packing, unpacking, reading, swimming, lakeside picnics and hikes, campires, butterflies and birdies, and traveling. Quotidian hours of dishes, laundry, bathhouse trips with all my ducks in a row, and the tilling. sowing, and care for these growing plants. Days of beauty... and discovery... and laughter. All witnessed with eyes of wonder...

I was compelled before the new year was through to look back and see the trail we've meandered. I perused my 2007 personal journals and I see the first part of the year I was feeling such tremendous pressure: reducing all of our 'stuff' and logistics were on my mind constantly. Tremblings during midnight scribblings see me questioning everything. Searching out the good things; the needful thing.

Early in the journey, some folks, even more those close in heart, were concerned and critical, and sometimes I entertained their thoughts in my head too long. It was there that despair would rear its ugly, yet formidable, head. My own personal closet of hell. Perhaps when we shut the door on the home, and all of the materialistic trenches were filled in: when clothes and books and appliances and things and stuff and more stuff were gone, it would be determined that my quixotic attempts at living authentically, at seeking a better way to live and love and homeschool...on the road and with much less... would fail.

It was the children: the true adventurers in this new trail, that fueled me during those frightening moments. Their enthusiasm was evident by the amount of work they carried during our downsizing, and manifested itself during their conversations. Trips to the thrift shops and Goodwill; manning the tables during our frigid yard sale; carrying out furniture piece after furniture piece to Craig's List buyers, and ebulliently describing our plans and adventures they imagined to anyone who would listen. They had a contagious laughter above the chaos, and infected everyone that came in contact. Including their mama...

Contemplating all that was dreamed and hoped for, I'm heavy in thought and somewhat at a loss for words at how different; how much more opulent the view is than what I expected. I've tried to do my best to give a word picture of some of the trails we've traveled during our 2007 year.

Tempests and Zephyrs

Upon closing the door on the sticks and bricks home, we were met by a tempest. A literal tempest. A cold and windy nor'easter which began dumping rainfall of biblical proportions. As we left, we received word that our new 5th wheel may not be delivered for a week due to the heavy snows inland. So there we were, all 8 of us, in a pop-up with winds whipping and rain pelting the roof and it sounded as if, in the words of our six year old, "God is throwing lego blocks at the roof." Three days of rain and the river we were near was almost over the banks. We wondered if instead of a trailer we should have invested in a houseboat. Michael and I made the choice to flee the area before the solitary winding country road was cut off by the river, and stayed at a hotel for a night. The storm finally subsided after the weekend, and we were wringing things out and wiping up mud for weeks.

If that wasn't enough to make one reconsider, try hiking after said nor'easter, and having loose ground give way and falling 20 some odd feet and break a rib. Yep, this was going to be a long, strange, journey...

Our October fall camping experiences dealt us our zephyr. Enjoying the canopy of the regal forests changing before us in the Northeast, a quick, strong, cold front swept in and levied 70 mph winds against our rigs and tore our awning. Acorns and pinecones became missles in the forest; horse chesnuts were downright deadly. In a short 24 hours, the towering trees gave up the ghost and laid before me their caftans of florid crimson and shawls of titian umber. A forest of auralent leaves to glow in the autumn harvest moon and illuminate the hiking paths. And I did partake...

Earth Day 2007

I was supposed to speak at a gathering on Earth Day, but due to my injuries, decided to stick close to home and nurse myself back to health. I was beguiled by the Disovery Channel's showing of Planet Earth. To be carried by means of the TV screen, to the corners of the earth. The cinematography and scope of the subjects is unparalled in any of the wildlife, nature, and environmental movies I've witnessed. As a caveat to my earlier recommendation to get the series (now on sale for only $60- down from $80) get the package that has Sigourney Weaver as the narrator. The BBC issued the first editions and they contain Sir Richard Attenbourgh, famed actor and naturalist, as the narrator, and the musical score is also very different from the one released in America. The content is the same, but I liked Weaver's dramatic reading, emotion, and the music better. That's my humble opinion, for what it's worth.

Pruning and Blossoming

I found as the internet was virtually unreachable, I searched and searched for alternate ways to get online. It soon became apparent that for this stage of the journey, I had to close the doors on much and let go of the umbilical cord I had tethered to my life. I laid bare all that I had built up as altars and high places. Mindsets... and motives. It became a daily tree trimming and pruning of this plant. It seemed counterintuitive to pluck and prune a budding plant and I wrestled. Daily. Nightly. "Bless me!", I cried. And He did.

In solitude we can listen to the voice of him who spoke to us before we could speak a word, who healed us before we could make any gesture to help, who set us free long before we could free others, and who loved us long before we could give love to anyone. It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our efforts. In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared. ~ Out of Solitude, by Henri Nouwen

Solitude was a blessing. Thinking that the real adventure would come with the "big things"; instead my expectations came face to face with celestial delights that proved to illuminate the most quiet and serene moments and catapult them onto the stage called life. To be enjoyed. To be savored. I found myself in a boundless voyage of discovery and wonder. In seeking not just new landscapes, but in having new eyes... and a new heart.

Wandering and Wondering

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost.

Without the daily cacophony that can accompany the newsfeeds, groups, and readings on the internet, I sought even more of Him. An excerpt from my journals:

Being away from the rigors of what had become the everyday, and rediscovering a new 'everyday'; a simpler, gentler, everyday, has shown me so many miracles in the mundane; quiet hallowed halls at the sinks doing dishes that are now empty, but stomachs are full; bluebirds, catbirds, and goldfinches singing with me In Life's Earnest Morning, or I'll Fly Away as I hang the laundry in the morning on the racks outside the wagon.

The dragonfly that lands on my hand... that trusts me completely that I won't hurt it, and the salamander that hopes I'll put the rock back down gently after giving praise to our Creator for such intricacies. The excitement I get at seeing a blade of grass or seedling stretching from the forest floor for sunlight, or the goslings that are shedding their down, nestled on all sides by wary and protective parents who question my motives for sitting still so near to their little ones. Or the deer who allows me to walk up the same lake in the pre-dawn hours, fog lifting as we meet eye to eye, and we speak, without uttering a word, of panting for the same water of life.

This is the beauty in the simple and common. And I am loving it.

I also did a study on Bedouin, nomadic travel, and tent living in the Bible and other sources. Very, very enlightening...

What started out as a seed has blossomed into a field. The thoughts of whether we ever want to stop traveling has even been mentioned. What of the future? I await the manna from above...
and am measuring every day of my life knowing it is but a vapor...

Listening to my Life

Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” ~Buechner

During our travels this summer, the refrigerator broke in the big RV. We quickly replaced the cooling of our foods with our two marine coolers. I thought it would be a hardship that I was would be unable to handle. But instead I felt inspired... I researched and procured local sources, and changed our menu to become as basic as possible. And that's how we lived the whole summer and fall. I am grateful for the trail we were led to travel, for without the use of refrigeration, I was able to feed my family from local harvests and our CSA share. Our foods were nutritional and cheap! Over 85% of our meals from June 2 to October 30 were from local farmers. And they were good and bountiful and delicious harvests indeed!

I'm listening. To every day; good or bad. One of the biggest blessings from our removal from the rat race is the ability to listen and hear. Him. Instructions. Exhortations. Rebukes...and encouragement. Directions. Comfort. Hope. Love. Peace. Every breath I take is a prayer; every sigh a worship song. To listen to this life I've been commissioned to live. To all the hurt. To all the joy... All is grace.

To be awake is alive! What a gift I've been given. What will I do with that gift? I'm Listening. I'm Studying. I'm tilling and sowing. Seeds to plant in the soul.

And we end the year 2007 with one of my littles summing it all up:

It's been the best year of my life.

Shalom,

Carla Lynne Klimuk

The Herbal Home: Toilets Part Deux

2007-12-26T07:03:00.000-05:00

I received alot of mail about closing the toilet lid before flushing. Mostly, it was in agreement and thanking me for affirmation for what they already knew, and were doing. Some good points were raised, and I thought it best to address them here on the blog...

I have some questions as to just how many problems this actually causes. Seems to me that we should all be a lot sicker if we're talking millions of nasty little wee-beasties landing daily on our toothbrushes. Can we really stop spreading these germs? We touch the tp, the toilet lid, the faucet, the soap, the faucet again, the towel, the door--the list is endless.- Saralyn

Most healthy immune systems can supress any outside invaders (i.e. virus, bacteria, colds). But most colds lie dormant in the body until the immune system is compromised. Adding millions of invaders into the air with each flush seems foolish to me. :-)

The same reasoning we use when we tell kids to cover their mouths when they cough, or cover noses when they sneeze can be applied to the toilet seat. We do it to keep the germ-ridden spray from being expelled into the air.

The research is there concerning the bacteria counts on toothbrushes, toilet paper, and sinks due to the aerosol effect. Many findings have been posted in the journals and internet to back up Gerba's findings. Be investigative and search the evidence. Search your local university/college medical library or google to read more.

What I'd noticed from your letter is another big problem: cross contamination. It may not seem like much, but I'd be interested to know if most of you turn off the faucet with your clean, wet hands?

How about opening the door of the restroom? Use your clean hands, or something else? If at home, are you disinfecting the doorknobs?

I'm totally grossed out now. I mean it. I sometimes flush during my bathroom trips- sometimes while I am still sitting on the thing. That can't be good, right?

Um... well... uh... ok... this is hard to say. You are right. I wouldn't do it- flush while sitting that is. Although your body has plenty of ways to help keep the sprayed-on invaders from entering any openings (i.e. unfavorable pH terrain, good bacteria in colon), you might brush your hands on the... um... contaminated area (your butt), and then if proper handwashing is not rendered, you've got problems. You would also be at increased risk of the invaders entering the body if you have any cuts, lesions, or sores.

What about those automatic toilets in restrooms? The ones that autoflush when you stand up? How can you avoid the spray then?

Get out of the restroom, or at least the stall, as fast as possible. And use the nasal spray I talked about in this post. Another suggestion would use an atomizer, or mister, or even a diffuser in your car, to add a few drops of organic essential oils shown to be antibacterial and antiviral. These wonderful plant oils help protect the respiratory tract from invading pathogens. More about the different essential oils and their effectiveness on destroying pathogens can be read in this very informative medical study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

According to you, I should be the toilet police and stand guard at the door. I haven't done anything like this so far, and we've been moderately healthy this year.

Praise YHWH, from whom all blessings flow! I am not trying to turn folks into obsessive compulsive toilet watchers. I'm simply sharing some tips on keeping you and your family healthy. I'm very happy that you have had a healthy year! Keep up the good work!!!

What do you use to clean and disinfect your toilet?

Now remember I'm at my sister's home for a few months, so I have the standard toilet with tank and bowl. For this, I would use a few drops of bleach in the tank each week, and then for cleaning and disinfecting, I'd use a natural, homemade cleaner which contains borax, white vinegar, the oils of lavender, tea tree, and a few drops of eucalyptus. It's going to be strong in scent, but work.

What can I use to clean the sink faucets, and then to wipe the doorknobs and toilet knob that will disinfect?

I make my own homemade disinfectant wipes, like those clorox ones. See the recipe for them here.

You mentioned that in your RV, you had a toilet that does not use water. Can you explain?

I was showing that we are used to having a RV toilet, which only uses water when you add it, and instead of a flush, it is a rinse. For going pee, we do not flush everytime, instead adopting the 'when it's yellow, let it mellow' motto. For number two's, we only add enough water (by pressing small lever which adds water) to fill bottom of tank. Flushes are not actually flushes, but instead it 'drops' into the black water tank. For composting, no flushing is involved, just top cover like sawdust is applied.

Homemade Disinfecting Wipes

2007-12-24T05:49:00.000-05:00

At more than $3.99 for a tub of these guys, I started making my own out of pure frugality. Now I make them using recycled papertowels, non-chlorinated bleach, and organic essential oils instead of using the store bought ones, many which contain dangerous chemicals and fragrance oils.

A quick wipe down of the bathroom faucets or the door handles helps keep the home disinfected, or use them in the kitchen to keep counters from being contaminated with meat juices and other foods. If you don't have something to store them in, go to the supermarket and buy the best baby wipe or bleach solution container...one for the job. You'll use it over, and over, and over again.

Homemade Disinfecting Wipes

Cut in half a roll of the best paper towels you can find. Some like Bounty or Brawny. I like using towels made from recycled paper. Remove the center cardboard tube.

Mix a solution of 1 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup bleach. PLEASE...DO NOT USE chlorine bleach- unless you are going to wear gloves when using the wipes. If you use chlorinated bleach, you'll also be releasing dioxins into the air, and if you rinse it, the chlorine will be entered into the environment. Instead, opt for the better, non-chlorinated bleach from Seventh Generation.

Add the essential oil of your liking. Pour the bleach/essential oil solution into container and add paper towels. Allow towels to become completely soaked with the solution.

Wipe down those doorknobs and light switches everyday during sicknesses.

Here are a few other essential oils to use:

Tea Tree oil is superb and good against staph infections, and I highly recommend having a box of those in the home.

Sage
Oregano
Lavender
Thyme- any coughs? Use this e/o to help keep it from spreading.
Coriander
Cinnamon
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Clove
Rosemary
Orange- great for grease cutting
Marjoram
Bay Laurel
Pine

Shalom,
Carla Lynne Klimuk

The Herbal Home: Toilets

2007-12-21T04:47:00.000-05:00

After talking with my good friend Julie the other day, it came to light that I forgot to mention in this article, and discuss in more detail, a very important defense in the quest to keep you and your family healthy this winter. And the more I talk to folks about it, the more I see that it is one of the most obvious, and overlooked, and easiest things to do.

Let's discuss the bathroom. You know, the latrine...the port...the head...the 'terrlet'...the john...the pooper...the potty...the restroom...some homeschool folks jokingly refer to it as the library. Too funny, eh?

Seriously, most mamas battle the bathroom daily to keep the leaks, tinkles, toothpaste sludge, dirty laundry, and wet washcloths from accumulating, and if you are like me, the bathroom is usually the room that gets a complete cleaning every day. Cleaning the bathroom daily, new towels and washcloths for washing, and more, help keep the bathroom clean and neat and help us prevent spreading germs, right? Wrong.

No matter how nicely decorated, or how fresh and clean it smells, or how close to the nub you rub those fingers cleaning the tub, toilet and sink, there is one small thing you MUST do, or your attempts at disinfecting are in vain. In fact, without this one small act, you and your family are a sort of 'Typhoid Mary'; spreading germs every time you use the bathroom, even if you wash your hands afterwards. What is it you ask?

CLOSE THE TOILET LID BEFORE FLUSHING.

Most folks do not close the lid before flushing, or in the case of most public restrooms, the toilets do not have lids to close. This is not a good thing...

When toilets are flushed, the result is a plume of water droplets being projected... expelled, into the air and surrounding spaces. This plume, better described as the aerosol effect, dispenses contaminated water droplets on everything around it. This includes the toilet, walls, ceiling, toilet paper... and even your toothbrush. Ech...gross...barf....

This aerosol effect was first brought into the light by research and experiments done by microbiologist Charles Gerba in 1975 at the University of Arizona. His findings on the bacteria and viral aerosol effect of toilet flushing, and the viral load of each flush, is quite disturbing.

Some of his experiments can be duplicated in any household bathroom, and I suggest you bring the kiddos in on it. It will really bring it home for them, and will help in your attempts to get them to abide by the 'close it- then flush' rule. I also recommend that you procure the correct respiratory protection (mask or even a bandana), and you are sure it won't stain or damage your toilet.

Place a few drops of dye in the tank and a flush while holding a piece of paper over the seat. You'll soon see the effects of water droplets, sometimes shooting as high as 8 feet into the air, appearing on the paper. Eight feet high! That's as high as a ceiling. When is the last time you disinfected your ceiling? Get the idea of how important it is to close the lid?

Imagine all of those water droplets in the air, which are shown to hang around more than 2 hours after flushing, being sucked into your lungs. Streptococcus, food poisoning, strep throat, staphylococcus, E. coli, pnemonia, meningitis, shigella bacteria, hepatitis A virus and the common cold virus are just a few of the brew waiting to be dispersed through a simple flush of the toilet.

One of his most alarming discoveries was the amount of toilet water aerosol that is deposited on the toothbrush left out on the bathroom counter or in a toothbrush holder next to the sink. In fact, Gerba's research (which also spotlighted the need for disinfecting/bleaching sink and kitchen areas due to cross contamination) shows that when these droplets finally land, they breed exponentially in the favorable moist environments such as the sink, faucets, and toothbrushes.

In addition, such research highlighted the need for better cleaning of the sink area. It also suggests that better handwashing procedures be in place in order that hands are not cross contaminated after handwashing, and that hands are washed whenever the bathroom is used, including for non-toilet uses such as hair drying or brushing teeth. So what's a mama to do? Here are a few suggestions for your medical and herbal notebooks...

Most important is to train the family to close the lid before flushing. Always. Even if you don't take a bowel movement. Close the lid... then flush.

If you are in a public restroom and there are no lids, you have two choices. Don't flush, or flush and run. Try not to take any deep breaths while you are washing your hands in a public restroom too...

*******As a helpful prophalytic for any toilet flushes occuring in a public restroom, or to combat the cloud of invisible droplets propelled into the air by those who used the bathroom before you, take a clean, two ounce tincture bottle like this one (with glass dropper) or make it in a plastic nasal sprayer like this one and fill it three quarters full of distilled water. Add to it one to two droppers of colloidal silver (at least 50 ppm) and a few grains of good quality sea salt. After exiting the public restroom, spray the mixture into each nostril. If using the tincture bottle, put head back and drop a few drops in each side. Inhale. This will not only keep the nasal passages moist (helps fight off viruses), the salt helps keep the pH and terrain of the nasal passages healthy too, and the colloidal silver will help disable the enzymes necessary for bacteria, fungus, and viruses to metabolize.

Wash hands for at least 45 seconds everytime you go into the bathroom. Even after brushing hair, teeth, or just going 'number one'. Do a surgical scrub, which means SCRUBBING both sides of hands, in between the fingers, abrading the fingernails, and around and under any jewelery. You must cause friction to kill the bacteria too... so scrub!

Plain soap and water, lots of scrubbing and lathering, and warm water. NO ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS either. I'll talk about antibacterial soaps/triclosan sometime soon...

When you dry your hands, use a towel or paper towels. Then use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door so you don't cross contaminate again.

DO NOT use the hand/blow dryers in public restrooms. These increase the bacteria count on hands where towels and paper towels decrease the bacteria.

Replace your hand or drying towel DAILY. This will cut down on the amount of cross contamination. My family size is 8, and I change the towel twice a day.

DO NOT STORE toothbrushes on bathroom sink counter or in a toothbrush holder. Store toothbrushes in medicine cabinet, linen closet, or in the bedroom. Do the same with your hairbrushes too. Go out and get some new ones, and keep them out of the bathroom.

DO NOT READ in the bathroom. I know, I know... it goes against every grain of your being, eh? Think about it... go to the potty, read book, wipe/clean private area, and then what? You probably pick up the book or magazine and put it away, or get ready to carry it out of the john, right? Before you washed your hands, right? Spreading some love, eh? :-)

Add 2 TBSP. of bleach to your tank every week to help kill germs and bacteria. Also use antibacterial (natural homemade ones, of course) cleaners to disinfect your bathroom. Use the essential oils of Tea Tree, Lavender, and Thyme, and be sure to include white vinegar and baking soda in the homemade cleaning recipe. All of these ingredients help neutralize and kill bacteria and/or provide an environment that is less than hospitable for viruses, fungus, and bacteria to grow.

These few tips are not meant to turn you into an obsessive-compulsive handwasher and toilet lid closer, but to show you how to better keep you and your family from succumbing to illnesses- anytime of year.

As an aside, one of the benefits to living in our RV's is that we have waterless flushes and composting. We only use water to flush when we need to, thereby preventing the aerosol effect. Because we are staying the next few months at my sister's home in Delaware, I've had to reeducate the children on making sure they close the lid, then flush, all over again. A healthy education indeed...

Shalom,
Carla Lynne Klimuk

The Homeschool Family

2007-12-21T04:01:00.000-05:00

Some of you know how we are staying with my sister and her family during the holidays. My prayer is that the old wounds... fractured hearts... cracks that have over the years turned into enormous crevasses... will miracuously be healed... with love, compassion, and some Balm of Gilead spread liberally....

Being the ONLY one... YHWH, homebirthing, homeschooling, herbal arts.... can... has... set me apart from the rest of my family, and sometimes it's hard to always defend instead of share.

But enough gloomies... when the whole homeschool subject comes up again, probably during the gatherings this week, I'm grabbing my laptop and showing this video. It covers just about everything in a nutshell, eh? Keep smilin' and remember how we labor not in vain...

HT: Julie the Inspiring

Shalom,
Carla Lynne Klimuk

Victorian Lemon Tea Muffins

2007-12-20T07:28:00.000-05:00

These light and very feminine muffins will carry you away to Victorian land. These are also delicious served with apricot or raspberry preserves or jams. For a special occasion, church social or afternoon tea with the ladies, dust the tops of the finished muffins with powdered sugar that you use a paper doily to cover. It will leave a beautiful pattern on the tops of the muffins.

1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs separated
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 tbsp. sugar (or use stevia)
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line muffin tins with paper cups. Sift flour, baking powder & salt. Cream butter and sugar till smooth and lemon colored. Add flour mixture alternately with lemon juice. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold in the egg whites. Add lemon peels. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture before baking, or wait until baked to sprinkle with powdered sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack.

Fresh Baked Cookies... anytime...

2007-12-20T06:39:00.000-05:00

Alot of folks bake cookies around the holidays. Here's a great tip for keeping fresh baked cookies around all the time! When you do you bulk cooking or baking, spend an hour or two just making a few different cookie batches that freeze well. Triple the batches.

Roll the extra batter into small logs between freezer paper the size you would find the Pillsbury cookie dough (that toxic stuff!) in the grocery store. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in freezer.

When you take your dinner out of the freezer, take out a 'batch' of frozen cookie dough, warm the oven, spoon or cut cookies to desired size, and you've got fresh baked cookies in a snap!

Happy Birthday, Abigail

2007-12-18T05:56:00.000-05:00

What unsuspecting miracle
Has passed throughout this year?
And circled round the smiling sun
To sit before us here?

What angel changeling changed our lives
Since she arrived from heaven,
Bringing home the ballyhoo
That rounds the gates of Eden?

What bright eternal soul have we

Since taken into time?
Have welcomed into weeks and days
Still stunned by the sublime?

What love has love brought to this world?
What joy has pleasure wrought?
For this, our celebration, sings
Of far more than we sought.

I keep reminding myself whenever I forget my calling to read that poem and look at that newborn baby picture. It's really beautiful, isn't it? Sometimes it's so very hard to think anything profound or beautiful when sticky fingers are all over you... and the books... and the pencil you just picked up...or your new journal...or your monitor...

This is my little squirrel nutkin, with the standard 'always messy' face. The batteries came fully charged with this model. Nutsy nutcake indeed. She personifies the words outgoing, sociable and gregarious for me... in that she has been planted with the other olive shoots, and blossoms and thrives among them. Craves them... and is lifted by their laughter, praise, and love. Just really lights up a room and makes everyone smile. Maybe it's the fact she is the baby of the tribe, but Abigail Hope, better known as Abbie, has more energy than all of my kids combined... and uses it to entertain us daily. She just turned 3 on Monday, complete with the cake she insisted on wearing instead of eating...

She always has done some fun things with food... and her face. She won me an award as the best of the GodBlogs for this little pose and post here. Still not a fan of spinach either... but loves, loves, loves my 'sgetti and bee-balls'.

That cutie pie ball of baby fat quickly found out how to get her big brothers and sisters to do EVERYTHING she wanted them to. A 'pweeze' here, or a 'hewlp' there... and they didn't even see it coming.

She spent her day enjoying her favorite Max and Ruby cartoons, enjoyed her Barbie coloring pad with her sisters, and managed to somehow, with no physical wrestling involved, get the corner piece of cake with the most icing from her teenage brothers. Go figure, eh?

How she makes me smile! She is a special soul... and a blessing and gift from my Father. I'm enjoying... savoring... getting to know her spirit... unique and most precious in the sight of the Lord. And I'm so very honored He gave her to me...

Happy Birthday, Abigail Hope!!!

From the archives-

Leaving Heartprints

Good Communication

Boogies, Loogies, and other mucous talk

2007-11-25T04:12:00.000-05:00

I have so many emails asking me where I've been. Why such a long lapse in writing? I wish I could write about all the great adventures I've been experiencing, and share about how each day has been filled to the brim since I last posted, but that is not how it has been for me the past six weeks. Instead I've been deathly ill and without the strength to even email or call my dearest friends...

It started back with Annie's sickness, now diagnosed and confirmed by doctors as severe mononucleosis. A commonly overlooked childhood sickness that if contracted by itself, is relatively easy to treat and cure. But because of misdiagnosis, Annie was treated with allopathic methods that harmed, instead of healed. It took me the better part of October to work with her, cleansing her liver and kidneys, and toning her spleen and endocrine system. I was feeling so blessed to have had the Lord oversee everything, including the prayer chain that developed in her behalf.

Sometime during the last week of October, a stiff and stubborn cold virus came through our home. You know the typical sniffle, sneeze, and coughing bouts... and my organic, immune fightng broths and tinctures and teas were quick to fight off the invading organisms for the entire family. Everyone except for Anne...

Her small body, depressed immune system, and recent bout with mono left her open to infection. And it certainly moved in. This poor little one just oozed the green goo from her nose, and again, it quickly developed into an infectious mess...

Preoccupied with keeping her healthy, and spending hours into the night making teas, tinctures, and other assorted compresses and decoctions, I neglected to keep myself in tip-top shape. It began to take it's toll. Add to this the everyday homeschool and family ministering, and trying to finish a sixty page paper for my naturopathic/herbal studies, and packing and planning for an extended stay in Delaware with my sister and her family until the new year, and you get the picture. I wasn't taking care of myself, and it didn't take too long for me to see the results of it.

During the first few days of November, I thought it typical that I should get a version of the cold virus since caring for Annie. I expected it. I felt armed and ready... over 60 tinctures were finished just a week before, and I had strained and bottled all my precious plant medicine. I took my herbs, drank my teas, but my immune system was not dealing with a typical cold virus, and my body was quickly overrun. Within days, it had developed into a full blown bacterial infection. A bad one too- the worst I've ever had. I had an upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, a fever of a 103, a severe sore throat, coughing bouts that left me breathless, and a chest that was quickly filling up with mucus. One morning I thought I was taking my last breaths... it was that bad. It's funny the things you think of when you are frightened and contemplating this might be your last sunrise in this world...

My husband and sister quickly got me to the medical aid unit, which immediately started breathing treatments and antibiotics. Strong antibiotics. One lung was filled with fluid and mucus, and the other one was at 40% capacity and filling too. It felt as though someone were standing on my chest everytime I tried to breathe.

I've been recuperating for the past week and a half, feeling my strength come back and knowing that someday I'll be able to stop blowing my nose and gagging up phlegm. I came to find out through isolate testing that a virilent strain was the cause of the virus, and that it has been linked to some recent deaths due to pnemonia. Although antibiotics are not effective against the virus itself, the bacterial infection (secondary infection) was in need of some antibiotic help, and I'm so very grateful to the nurse practioner, (we discussed true practicing of medicine- a fascinating conversation) who was perceptive, compassionate, and quick to figure out that this was not your ordinary case of a cold or bronchitis. It was she who instigated the breathing treatments, and who had the fortitude to research this illness while I was still in the office, bringing her results to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The doctor, well, we will discuss him another day.... ;-)

I have begun to detox and tone my liver and kidneys this week, and added some much needed protocols to combat the side effects of the antibiotics. My next herbal cleansing will be the endocrine and lymphatic systems.

Some things I wanted to make sure were very clear to you, my friends. DO NOT forgo allopathic means of healing for the sake of staying natural. I am a studying N.D., and now a Master Herbalist, and yet still sought out allopathic help for myself. Did I fail? Absolutely not. I employed the best of both worlds to aid in battling a very formidible foe. In between gasping for breaths and treatments, the doctor berated me for trying 'those impotent natural means of healing first.' You didn't think I was going to take that one laying down, did you? I educated him on the use of herbs and natural, more gentle ways to stimulate our immune systems to fight off pathogens. The process takes longer, but is more effective in the long run, unless the pathogen is especially agressive and harmful. I also gave him a history lesson on the use of antibiotics, including the recent scares with MRSA and the 'superbugs.' We did find some common ground when he found it interesting that routine spectrum penicillin was used for gangrene during the Civil War and up until 1950, but that it is found to not work well in contemporary cases. The reason is that just about everyone has antibiotics during their early childhood, and this provides an environment where fungus and bacteria will mutate to survive, rendering the more gentle of the antibiotics, penicillin, unable to destroy the pathogen. We instead must give more agressive antibiotics for the ailment. Routine broad spectrum antibiotic use also depresses the immune system and renders the host open to a plethora of other ailments, all requiring more allopathic intervention. However, there are times, and pathogens, that require aggressive means to keep it from overtaking the host. These are the times that if you are immuno-compromised (already ill, fatigued, stress, etc...) that a virulent strain can lay out even the healthiest of horses. If you feel it necessary to go to a doctor or clinic, and the ailment is such that it requires antibiotic help, just make sure you are supplementing your allopathic protocol with a probiotic (pro-life) routine to combat the nasty side effects of antibiotics.

The next items I want to share are very important, especially if you have children. First, wash your hands. Always. Before eating. After eating. After each trip to the bathroom. I keep a bar of my homemade tea tree oil soap next to the sink. Use it. It will decrease the amount of times you get ill this winter by almost 50%.

If you get a sniffle or cold, always blow your nose or cough it out into a paper towel. Do not sniffle and keep the mucous up in the nose. Do not swallow the mucous/boogies from the nasal passages. Spit them out into a paper towel, or hock them up into the trash. Swallowing the mucous, or keeping the nasal goo in your nose provides the best environment for the bacteria to grow, causing a secondary bacterial infection. Up and out is our motto. This is exactly what your body is trying to do by overproducing mucous. It wants to get the invading pathogen out of the body, so help it instead of hinder it.

If you are coughing, do it into a paper towel or the crook of your arm-NOT your hands. Unless you plan to wash your hands after each cough. Otherwise, you are just spreading the virus/pathogen with your hands.

I have an email box that is overflowing with inquiries for helps with, what seems to me, a very agressive cold/flu season. I have lots of helps to share, and it is my goal as I recuperate to share more about how to stock your cabinet, make your tinctures and teas, and help keep your trips to the doctor or clinics to a minimum.

I'm getting back to business... albeit slowly, and I'll be calling my friends this week, and probably make them laugh as I hock and hack during our conversation. But I'm sure they'll understand why I'm doing that...

I want to say thank you to those of you who were compelled to pray for me, as I called out many times asking for His help, and it comforted me when I was at my lowest, and weakest, and most frightened, to know others cared...

Weak, but so very grateful for Yahweh's healing touch,

Carla Lynne

Honored and Humbled

2007-11-01T09:37:00.000-04:00