~Dragon Girl~

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 should be sharing this incredible journey with whomever chances upon this tiny piece of cyber space. After all, there is no moment like the present to bring my best self forth, and everything that has gone before is just a thing of the past.

Therefor I am ready to give a few moments thought to this lovely little blog, as time permits. I do hope with all my heart that any who may read my words finds a bit of joy and humor to help light your hearts, and bring a smile into the moment.

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!

4-6 cups chopped veggies, whichever ones you like (I like broccoli tops, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
Soy sauce
Maple syrup
1 lb of rice noodles (I like the ones that are fettucini-sized)
1 can of coconut milk
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Sea salt to taste

Bring a large pot of water to boil. When it boils, turn off the heat, and add the package of rice noodles. Let these soak in the hot water for about 6 minutes, and then drain in a strainer and set aside.

Return the pot to the burner and turn the heat to high. Add a few tablespoons of oil to the pot, and immediately add the chopped veggies, garlic and ginger. Stir-fry these for a minute or two, then sprinkle with a few tablespoons of soy sauce and a light drizzling of maple syrup. Cook for another minute over high heat, then transfer these to a large plate.

Return the pot to the hot burner and add another couple of tablespoons of oil. Immediately add the drained noodles and stir while they sizzle for a few seconds. Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, maple syrup and seasonings and stir until the entire mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and either stir in the cooked veggies right away, or serve the noodles out onto plates and top with the cooked veggies instead. Mm-mm, creamy spicy goodness.

Serves 4-6 people… Enjoy!

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!

One thing is for certain… we will be gathering our own lavender this year! I am excited to grow our own lavender, as well as some sweet culinary herbs. How rewarding it will feel to utilize that which we nurtured in our very own garden space!

Well then, although we worked out with my oldest daughter at her gym, I believe I would like to head out into the wonderfully perfect weather we are having for some Qigong. Time to gather some of the energy in which we expended, yes?

I do hope everyone is enjoying each moment in their space on this planet as much as I am.