FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS FOR YOUR HOME...HEARTH...AND HEART...NOVEMBER 2014

NOVEMBER musings...

This month finds me pondering life deeply...and sorting out many new and different feelings and thoughts.It has been quite a year. I have experienced so many good and positive events...including personal blessings in my household...that I am ever so thankful for. However... to be honest...I am seeing...and I know you are too...sad and scary situations that have taken place and continue to happen ...world wide. It has been a roller coaster of ups and downs...for people everywhere.

Often I find myself feeling numb with confusion...grief...and yes "fear"...at the madness...and seemingly out of control world... we now all live in.

There are moments...after I watch the news...that I find myself repeating the line in the movie "Lord of the Rings"... spoken by the King...just before battle..."how did it ever come to this"?

I could prattle on here and try to appear like I have an answer...but I don't... and I will not even pretend to. But one thing I do know for sure is that life...is not all about the "good' stuff and certainly not just receiving what we want. Life is sadness too...and loss. and horrible unspeakable things can and do happen to really good people...including me...and to you.

Perhaps... horrible things happen...to make us stop...even for a brief...but authentic moment...from our over busy...materialistic...living in our heads...techie...lives...and FEEL with our hearts...that people just like you...and me are suffering...or have lost a loved one...or their own lives. We all have a belief that we are separate... from other people and other countries...but the truth is...we are not. We live in a world that is a global community...and it is called humanity.People from other cultures and lands far away...are still people.Yes...it is true...that they might look different in their physical appearance...and speak a language you might find odd and can't understand. Their belief and cultural upbringing of God...perhaps doesn't  resonate with your belief system...but most of these folks are good...honest people...just like you and me...and all they want from life is to be happy...love and feel loved...and take care of themselves and their families.

I truly feel in my heart... we must all come together and unite as a global community and make a conscious choice to deal with the issues and problems we as a whole are now facing. It no longer serves anyone to live in a bubble or have tunnel vision...only focusing on yourself ...your goals or wants...or look the other way...pretending that there is nothing wrong.To me that is not being real...balanced...or grounded in reality. Yes...all our lives might be happy...cushy...or even privileged... but that is no excuse for shutting out or being in denial...about the serious issues humanity is now experiencing.

I do believe in the power of prayer...a positive outlook...and seeing the good in people...life...and situations...but I feel each person must do more than that. Each one of us must work on our own personal issues...beliefs we hold onto...that judges people who are different than you...or me...and perhaps express anger or even hatred towards. Reach out to other people and show them that you care...and strive to become more tolerant of differences. Get involved in organizations that support peace and goodwill...and do your part in saying no to violence...in all areas... in your personal life.  

There is so much more each one us can and should do to create positive action and behavior in our own lives...and out into the world....not just for our own lives...but for future generations as well. I know you will find what is right for you...and that comes from your heart...for humanity.

Be the change...you want to see in the world...and part of the solution.

Because you can.

And so can I.

Blessings this Thanksgiving month,
Victoria



WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR NOVEMBER
November 1st...All Saint's Day...November 2nd...All Soul's Day Feast of the Dead... November 27th...Thanksgiving Day


FLOWERS...chrysanthemum

GEM STONES...topaz...lapis lazuli

FULL MOON...is on November 6th



FAMILY THANKSGIVING SHARING

After your wonderful Thanksgiving dinner is complete...and before you start your kitchen cleanup...have everyone in the family gather in a spot that you have decided beforehand to hold this heart filled Thanksgiving ceremony of gratitude...including children.

Here is what you will need:
1  glass bowl ( big enough to hold all the hearts for everyone present)
1 basket or container for the glass hearts to be passed around
small glass hearts...at least 2 dozen...or more if a large group
1 white candle...matches...fireproof container

Gather everyone together in a circle...and place pillows on the floor to sit on. Have everyone present get comfy...and make sure everyone is ready to begin the celebration before you begin.

Light the white candle as a symbol of everyone's heart and spirit.

Proceed to share with everyone the intention of this Thanksgiving celebration...explaining that the container of glass hearts will be passed around...and each person can take 1 or 2 glass hearts...as a symbol of what they have been blessed with this year. After each person has proclaimed what they have been blessed with this year...they will place their glass hearts in the glass bowl...that will be passed around to each person also.

When everyone has their hearts...have a beginning prayer of Thanksgiving by someone who wants to lead the prayer...and then one by one have each person present hold their glass heart...and express out loud what they have been blessed with this year...and then place their glass heart or hearts in the glass bowl and pass it on to the next person.

When everyone is complete...say a blessing over the glass bowl...with everyone's hearts inside...and thank  the group for sharing. Let them know you will be keeping the glass bowl out filled with their blessings...somewhere special in the house...so the sweet energy of their blessings this Thanksgiving will continue to be in the home...and in their hearts and minds.



Awakening
in a moment of peace
I give thanks
to the source of all peace

as I set forth
into the day
the birds sing
with new voices
and I listen
with new ears
and give thanks

nearby
the flower called Angel's Trumpet
blows
in the breeze
and I give thanks

my feet touch the grass
still wet with dew
and I give thanks
both to my mother earth
for sustaining my steps
and to the seas
cycling once again
to bring forth new life

the dewdrops
become jewelled
with the morning's sun-fire
and I give thanks

you can see forever
when the vision is clear
in this moment
each moment
I give thanks

Harriet Kofalk



FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS


...FOR YOUR HOME

There is nothing quite like a clean and tidy home...and there is something so rewarding about having your home all waxed and polished for the holiday season.

Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the holiday season...using natural and organic ingredients.


EASY TARNISH REMOVER FOR YOUR SILVER

Place your silver pieces in a sink or pan filled with water. Add 2 tablespoons cream of tarter and a few strips of aluminum foil. Let the silver soak for an hour or until tarnish free. If the silver is badly tarnished you may notice an order like rotten eggs...so do not be alarmed. When complete...rinse silver and hand-dry all pieces with a soft cloth.

CLEANING PAINTED WOOD FLOORS

Wood floors that have been painted can be cleaned with a solution of 2 teaspoons washing soda and 1 cup rosemary or sage tea (cooled first) and mixed with a gallon of warm water.


SIMPLE RUG AND CARPET DEODORIZER

1 cup borax
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cornmeal
10 drops juniper essential oil
5 drops cypress essential oil

Combine the dry ingredients in a glass bowl. Add the essential oils and mix well...breaking up any clumps.Sprinkle the mixture over carpet and wait several hours...before vacuuming. Store any extra in a recycled jar.

*** Always purchase pure essential oils... never with fillers. And remember a bottle of essential oil will last a long time...it is a very good investment...and safe or your home...pets and environment...but please do not use if you are pregnant.


...FOR YOUR HEARTH

After Thanksgiving...and all those leftovers are gone...I know you will be so ready for something more light and fresh for lunch or a light supper...and this recipe features seasonal pears.


SPINACH-PEAR SALAD WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE
Serves 4 to 6

2 Bosc pears...cored and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 (6 oz) package fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano

Combine pear slices and spinach in a large bowl. Combine water...sugar...mustard...black pepper...balsamic vinegar...olive oil and salt in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and serve,


...FOR YOUR HEART

Give up a lunch out...a coffee at your favorite shop...or something you regularly give to yourself. each week..and give that money you would spend on yourself to a homeless person instead.

Donate your clothes...shoes...and other items you do not wear to a women's shelter.

If you have a talent or skill...that could help a friend...donate of your time...to teach them what you are skilled at...and then ask them to pass it on to someone else.