After much research, I decided I like the re-batch method best, as far as soap-making. It seems simple, and since our household has small children, and quite a few pets, it would be safest, since it involves no lye. Lye is the main ingredient for making even the simplest soaps. The re-batch mode simply involves grating or finely chopping fresh soap (within 10 days of being made), and cooking with water until its consistency is like applesauce, with no unmelted chunks. Then, you add the colorants, exfoliates, and fragrance, pour into a mold, and your done. Like I said, very simple. So, I will go into more detail on the re-batch method very soon. 
I look forward to becoming a regular poster, and sharing my research into the topic of homemade necessities!

~Dragon Girl~

Welcome to Lavender ‘n Chocolate Dragon Girl!!

I still have to get my moccasins re-soled, even though I have the leather cut out and ready to go. Thank goodness I have enough sinew to get the task done! LOL I love crafting, and Sara and I both REALLY love camping. Although it takes a lot more work to get things done, there is something to be said for how well we all work together. At the end of each day we carry in our hearts a certain satisfaction just knowing we had a full and productive day. And we seem to accomplish everything with such good humor, enjoying the great outdoors with plenty of sunshine and fresh air!

So much laughter seems to carry us through the hard times when we don’t get to see our dear friends and family nearly often enough. I truly wish in my heart of hearts that we could always live like we do when so many of us gather for ceremony. It is such a special time, and something to be forever treasured.

So, I will just take this moment in time to just breathe, and allow myself the luxury of sending many, many thanks out into the Universe for all of our Blessings. It feels good to carry some positive vibes forth to help us and those around us to carry through in the face of grief, and all the trials we face in this earthly journey.

Pilamaye (thank you) for allowing me to share this space in time with you, whenever and wherever this moment might find you.

Teri
~

This is also a great opportunity to catch up on our adventures in the cyber realms. The virtual worlds online tend to bring a lot of interesting opportunities to socialize with the world at large, and our faraway friends do miss us as well… LOL

So, I have caught up on my blogs (I have 5 blogs, one of which I share with my daughter… our Book blog) and responded to comments in my social spheres. Now I am going to grab a snack and get back to preparing for our camp out of nearly three weeks of Lakota Ceremonies, to fill up on Spiritual goodness. Although this year brings a mixture of Joy and Sadness, as we will have a Placing in the Ground Ceremony for a very dear friend, whom only just recently crossed to the Other Side. I sure miss my brother D, and will shed many healing tears before the next few weeks have passed.

To all who happen upon these pages, I wish you much Happiness and many True Friends to help Light your Path!

I have only made it through the first novel in the series, being much too busy to read it as quickly as my daughters (who, by the way, are totally finished with the first four books), and am not disappointed thus far. I tend to crave a bit more action, but I must say it is still a great start to a very interesting story. It is tastefully written, and totally suitable for my soon to be teenage daughter, in my opinion. The budding romance between Bella and Edward is endearing and heartbreaking to behold, as this strange tale of Love and pain unfolds. Seriously, I find myself hoping for a happily ever after for the girl and her vampire, as they struggle through the vast differences between their two worlds.

I always tend to find a different perspective on my own Life, if a novel, or series such as this, has the power to touch my emotions in a profound way. It certainly made me realize how complicated Life can truly be under certain circumstances, and how strong we humans really are underneath it all. Reading about Bella and how she stumbles (literally) through Life and survives by some miracle portrays a certain courage that is to be commended. Life’s unexpected challenges can truly be overcome, if we reach deep down inside to find our way.

So, as I have worked hard for most of this day, I am ready to sit back and enjoy “New Moon”, which is the second book in the series. I use the term enjoy loosely at this point, as I am not enjoying the first part of this novel one little bit. I don’t wish to give anything away, but I will say that the poignancy of events have touched my heart with a sadness for how Life tends to toss us around a bit before allowing us to gather our precious amounts of happiness.

Enjoy the moment!

So, one might as what do I owe this awesome virtue of such fine health, beauty, and wellness?

Honestly, I truly must admit it is a combination of things. A positive attitude is a prime factor. I gather and store energy in the form of my Qigong routine each and every day, some days more intense than others. This storing of Life Energy known as Chi, is vital for our health from the inside out. And I love the amazingly abundant amount of ways to enjoy my favourite fruit and veggies! From snacks, to delicious meals and lip smacking desserts, there is a whole world of natural foods to keep my body healthy and happy.

I have found that since I actively cut out most of the non-foods being circulated as real food, I am regaining that healthy and vital glow of my youth. People are noticing, and I smile to think how wonderful it feels to be taking such good care of this body that takes me on so many great adventures! In fact, as a young grandmother, I am often mistaken for the mother of my littlest grand daughter! Everywhere I go, I love to spread this wonderful energy to people I encounter, as I strongly feel the goodness I give to others will serve to lighten the moods of many… just like a friendly chain smile!!

I especially love to start each day with a sweet and nutritious fruity drink, smoothie, or delightful concoction. It just feels right, and I feel so much lighter from my head to my toes! Body odors nearly disappear when we eat food full of Life Energy and natural goodness, as opposed to dead or non foods meant to fill our bellies while clogging our cells with nasties. My breath is a fresh breeze of strawberries, mangoes and pineapple, which is much sweeter for kissing my little ones, no doubt!!

Although I am guilty of the occasional splurge of my favourite chocolate cake, or other such sinful sidetrip off my natural fruit and veggie path, I am always certain to balance everything out in a way that my body is happy, healthy, and fine!

Did you know that it is vitally essential for our good health (and sane minds) to get a healthy dose of fresh air and sunshine at least once a day if possible? Sunshine is loaded full of goodness (as long as we do not overdo it), which actually feeds our bodies energy. The same goes for fresh air. If we are caring for our bodies properly, then we are gathering this vital energy to fill our bodies with that which can fight dis-ease and all the free radicals which bombard us on a daily basis. Of course fresh water is up there right next to sunshine as far as vital energy goes, so we must be sure to get plenty of natures purest form of energy which flows forth most generously.

I must say, I am feeling as healthy at 46, as I have ever felt in my entire life. Feeling young, vibrant, and alive is such a natural high, and I am ever so grateful for the teachings I have absorbed throughout my life to be in the healthy state of being I am in at this moment. So please… take my example to heart and get out there and enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine!

Having begun a new journey into great health and energy, something I have always paid particular interest to throughout my life, I feel so alive! My thanks in this go to my daughter and her good thoughts which brought me Qigong. The Universe just seems to open up a path to what we need, and most times we just need to learn how to ask. My energy level is so high that I am able to keep up with a clan full of children and grandchildren, as well as the furry four legged friends who dwell in our home. Most days I am the one still moving, when everyone else is taking a break. I am never exhausted, and I sleep better than I have in YEARS! What a wonderful feeling it is to be alive!!

Although everything cannot be totally perfect, I feel as if my life is entering a gentle, peaceful, and happy stage. The world around us is in turmoil, yet I am ready to face what each moment brings with courage, fortitude, and the grace my spirit brings forth. We have much to be thankful for, and while I am warm and dry (my family sheltered during the cold season), and we are provided that which keeps our bodies strong and healthy, well then everything is as it should be.

I wish to send out much Love and good thoughts for all the spirits dwelling on this planet as the New Year opens up a new Journey. May you all be filled with the wonder of Life, the good health of a natural lifestyle, and may you enjoy the warmth and comraderie of true friends to help Light your Path as you move forward into the year of 2009.

Enjoy!

Teri
~

It truly is beautiful, and what a special treat to walk outside and see the world transformed into a beautiful Winter Wonderland! I am in awe of how quickly nature transformed our early winter landscape from brown and grey to a sparkling white, oh so lovely place to play. Everywhere I look I am amazed at the beauty and keep finding images I wish to capture with my digital camera, and my daughter and I are having a great time just traveling through the neighborhood, totally fascinated everywhere we go. People laugh at our childlike wonder, and this change in climate seems to bring the neighborhood alive, and folks are friendly and full of high spirits.

We have had such fun playing, although I was only able to make one little snowgirl at the beginning of the storm, as the snow is just too light to form. Our little Chihuahua liked the snow at first, yet when it rose to above her head she would have no more to do with it. It was funny to see her jumping like a deer, but she absolutely refused to go far once she discovered the hazard of disappearing beneath the white stuff filling her world. She dug and dug to find the grass, as she was very particular of where to do her business…

Of course it took us HOURS to get to the store and back today, and it seems the whole city had the same idea of shopping before the storm worsens, and to catch up on last minute holiday ideas. But it was pretty exciting to journey through a white landscape, as the world looks so clean and pure! Now we have plenty of supplies, and as long as the power stays on we will enjoy a truly white holiday season, as we have everything we need to stay cozy, warm, entertained and well fed. What a great and wonderful feeling… everything is as it should be, and I am most happy in this moment.

To all those living and traveling through natures storms, I wish you safe travels and much joy in the time you spend with your loved ones. I also wish to send out my heartfelt prayers to those around the world who are not so lucky as I in this moment. I do know what it is to suffer, and feel very blessed and thankful to be safe in my home with my family surrounding me.

Happy Holidays and much Joy of the Season!

Teri
~

My views on this supposed ‘Holiday’ have changed somewhat, as I firmly believe the natives of America would have hidden quite well from the Pilgrims if they could foresee what would follow these friendly and peaceful folk. Why would I celebrate the beginning of the end for such a wonderful, earth-loving culture?

Now I just allow this time to gather my family together for a feast, music and laughter, in my home. Although we got together at a relatives house on the official ‘Thanksgiving Day’, to satisfy those of a spiritual connection in these matters, I had my own feast a few days thereafter to celebrate our family and our lives. This just seems to be so much more special, as it represents our love for each other, and celebrates us as a strong family unit. We have so much to be thankful for, and our children grow richer for the unity we offer them in our teachings.

Thus we are reminded of that which gives us the strength and courage to face the challenges this life puts in our Paths. It is never easy living this earthly Life, yet I am very grateful for my own blessings, and feel quite strongly that there is a Spirit helper, or sweet and strong Angel, who watches out for me and mine. Too many times in my life I have been cared for, or something has occured to pull me out of a sticky situation, not to believe in this. I am ever so thankful for this guidance, protection, and positive energy in which surrounds me as I walk forth. I truly believe this helper is a blessing from the creator, sent here to earth with me to surround me with love and warmth, so I will never feel alone while I learn what I must in my travels upon Mother Earth. For this, along with my family, I am ever so grateful and give much thanks from my heart.

Pilamaye.