FEBRUARY musings... I like to be prepared for things...I always have. When other folks wait to the last moment to get things done...most often creating stress and mistakes with that last minute crazy rush...I have been ready and finished for weeks.
Being prepared...keeps me calm...and centered...no matter what task is before me. It eliminates stress...feelings of frustration...and that panic one feels when you race around trying to get that "something" done...you haven't done...because of procrastination.
Life is wonderful...and a gift...but it also takes awareness...responsibility...planning...and being prepared. It is the way life works.
Nature follows this simple truth of being prepared. Trees loose their leaves...and stand dormant during the Winter cycle...to prepare for new growth in the Spring season. Squirrels...hoard nuts...stashing them away...for the sparse food supply that occurs during the cold months...so they can survive. Flocks of birds fly south...avoiding the harsh cold months...of the North. They teach us as humans...that we too must be wise...and get prepared...for what is next...because as you know...life does indeed throw curve balls and detours...we never plan for...in our lives...whether we like them or not.
Being prepared... and laying a solid foundation...for whatever you desire in your life...in any area of your life...is indeed a wise lesson to follow...and is the teaching of this month of February.
Take the much needed time and space to get clear on what you want in your life...write it down once you have clarity...and then write down...the steps you need to take to make it happen...and then do it.
Work on getting prepared each and everyday...this is how you lay a foundation for what you want...and prepare yourself for your future.
Be aware that as you prepare and lay your foundation...you will change on the inside too. Because you are taking responsibility for your life and what you want your life to become...and sticking to it...your trust and confidence in yourself will grow too. Your understanding of your self-worth will flourish...and a new sense of pride will fill you up.
But most of all...when you prepare for your life...feelings of hope...faith in yourself...and a more positive attitude towards life...your life...will be your new reality...because you know you will be ready...for anything in life.
And that is something to celebrate.
May this month of February find you prepared... well and centered,
Victoria
POEM... " Surely as cometh the Winter, I know there are Spring violets under the snow."
by R.H. Newell
PRAYER..." I ask for guidance...and wisdom...as I prepare for new opportunities and possibilities in my life."
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY... February 1st...Feast of St. Brigid...February 2nd...Candlemas...February 10th...Chinese Festival Of Lights...February 14th...Valentine's Day
VALENTINE CARD FACT... The tradition of sending Valentines cards began in Victorian England...and in 1847 a Massachusetts woman by the name of Esther Howland developed a successful business producing hand-made Valentine cards...and thus began the practice and tradition of Valentine cards in America.
FACTS...The modern name for the month of February is only about 100 years old.
The word February comes from "februa" which means cleansing and purification.
FOLKLORE...If it thunders in February,it will frost in April.
GARDENING TIP...Browse and order from seed catalogs...prune trees and shrubs...repair fences...remove dead trees shrubs...branches and twigs.
HOMEMAKING TIP... Begin your Spring cleaning...including kitchen drawers. Go through all your utensils...and if you do not use them...donate them...or give to friends. Clean out your pantry...and organize all food and spices there.
FULL MOON... February 26th
FLOWERS...Violet...Primrose
GEMS...Amethyst
TEACHINGS...February is the month to cleanse and purify your thoughts...words and actions...as well as your home...with clearing out unwanted items...Spring cleaning...and practicing a Home Blessing...to renew and cleanse your living environment. This month is also the month to plan and prepare for new goals...projects...and hopes for the coming Spring cycle.
TO ORDER SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS...HOME BLESSING..
Just click on the button for Seasonal Living And Timeless Traditions...At the right sidebar...and then click on TRADITIONS.
INSPIRATION CELEBRATION...
Keep your inner inspiration...hopes and faith in yourself...alive each and everyday...by writing down all things...including other people that keep you inspired...give you hope...and show you ways you can have continued faith in yourself...even in the darkest of times.
All you will need is a journal or notebook...and begin. Your INSPIRATION CELEBRATION...can have just your written words of inspiration...faith in yourself...and hopes...or you can cut out pictures from magazines...quotes or poetry from other folks who inspire you...or any other visual or written script that feels right to you...just as long as it inspires your soul...to add to your journal or notebook.
Look at this special journal or notebook you have created just for you...often...to keep you inspired...give you hope...and continue to grow your faith in yourself!
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
...FOR YOUR HOME
Put red tied ribbon around your doorknobs...to remind you of Valentine's Day this month. Scatter rose petals on your kitchen table...as well as place dried rose petals in pretty jars..and then place them in different rooms in your house.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
February can still be a cold weather month...and a soup simmering on the stove for dinner...is perfect!
SPICY TOMATO SOUP
serves 4-6
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion sliced
2 cups tomatoes...fresh or canned
2 cups chicken broth
dash of ground cloves
1 teaspoon paprika
pinch of sugar
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons each finely chopped fresh basil leaves...parsley...chives
1/2 cup heavy cream
In a large saucepan...melt butter...and saute the onion until tender. Add next 8 ingredients...cover and simmer 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Puree all ingredients in a food processor...or blender. Pour soup mixture back into saucepan...add the fresh herbs...and the heavy cream and reheat. Adjust any seasonings and serve!
CHEESE ROUNDS
yields 50
These tasty morsels go perfect with your homemade soup...as a snack...or appetizers.
1/2 cup butter...room temperature
6 ounces Cheddar cheese...grated
1 pound ricotta cheese...well drained
2/3 cup flour
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 egg
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Blend together butter and Cheddar cheese. Stir in remaining ingredients. Place by teaspoonfuls on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Allow to cool a bit and then serve warm or at room temperature.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Treat yourself to a massage...or take a class you have always wanted to take...to affirm your self-love this month.
Buy your honey flowers...because truth is...everyone deserves and loves flowers.
