February musings...
I find myself always savoring the month of February...like a good piece of chocolate slowly melting in my mouth. I love the winter cycle... and all that this season of retreat and solitude offers me. And because where I live... February really is the very last month...of this special cycle... of cold weather...and staying indoors.
This month I will continue to purge and clear out... all those nooks and crannies in my office/studio... of papers...art supplies... and books... that have served me in days gone past...but now I must let go of... so new inspiration can come more easily to me...without having to stumble over clutter and old stuff.
I will also sit in silence with myself... this lovely month of love...asking for guidance on how... when the month of March arrives... a month of renewal and rebirth... I can be open to renewing myself...and re-birthing my spirit ... in ways and means that are right for me. And ask Spirit... how I can love myself more...so I can authentically give love to others.
I feel learning to love myself... has been and will continue to be.. a constant process and transformation. One of the most empowering lessons that I have learned... about loving myself... in a healthy way... is that it is up to me to create my own happiness within... not lean on the word or the collective interpretation of what love or happiness is... according to obligations... standards... or a certain set of rules...that someone ... somewhere...at some place in time decided... what love or happiness is or isn't. Or that loving someone else will make me "happy". For me... in certain cycles of my life... loving someone... and believing...through them I would be finally happy...brought me the most unhappy... lost... and miserable feelings in my life.
These unpleasant "love" experiences... were no ones fault... they were very valuable learning and teaching lessons for me...in fact...today...I am very grateful for what I learned. I can look back at some of my relationships... and clearly see...how much I gave of myself... to make "them" happy...and with this huge mistake... I became completely out of integrity with myself as a woman.
Begin this month... to take those baby steps... that lead to... leaps of self empowerment...by coming to terms... and embracing the knowledge that happiness...begins with you... not anything or anyone outside yourself.
Happiness... love...joy...are those wonderful feelings you have inside...that no one can take away... or be bought. These amazing feelings... within you...are the sheer pleasure and gratitude of being alive..of your life itself... and the beauty and wonder of being YOU!
Do not waste another minute... of your time here on earth... being unhappy...or allowing others to make you feel that way... instead ... open yourself to the endless... reasons to rejoice in another day.
Now that is something to be happy about.
Love always,
Victoria
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
February 1st...National Freedom Day...and Black History Month... February 2nd... Ground Hog Day...and Candlemas... February 14th...Valentines's Day... February 15th Mardi Gras...February 17th...President's Day.
Chocolate Lovers Month...is devoted to the whole month of February.
In France...February 2nd is " la Chandeleur" or Candlemas... and although not celebrated as a public holiday...it is celebrated in the church... and it is traditional to eat crepes on this day.
FACTS ABOUT FEBRUARY
The birthstone for this month is the Amethyst
The flower for this month id the Primrose
February was added to the Roman calendar in 713 BC.
In Latin... the word February is pronounced Februum... which means "purification".
FACTS ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY
Did you know that 150 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually... making Valentine's Day the second most popular card giving holiday other than Christmas?
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the middle ages...although written Valentines didn't appear until after 1400.
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS
... FOR YOUR HOME
Roses are traditionally a the flower that is a symbol of love...and with Valentine's Day this month... Roses and its scent are perfect for your home.Below I have a few February Rose traditions that are inexpensive... as well as being a more natural way to decorate this month.
Set out pretty glass bowls... filled with small dried red rosebuds...for a simple and pretty Valentine energy throughout your home.
Buy one bunch of red Roses...and then place one Rose in small glass containers or flower vases...and put in each room of your home...for a sweet and lovely Valentine look.
Purchase some pure Rose essential oil and place a few drops on light bulbs throughout your home. Each time you turn the light on...the Rose oil will warm up...releasing its wonderful scent.
... FOR YOUR HEARTH
February is Chocolate Lovers Month... so of course I wanted to share with you... a quick...easy... and yummy chocolate recipe...that will be sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
AMY'S CHOCOLATE BROWNIE PIE
Serves 6-8
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter...melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350. In a mixing bowl...mix the eggs...sugar...and butter.Stir in flour...cocoa...and salt... beating until blended. Stir in chocolate chips...vanilla and nuts if desired.Spread into a greased 8-inch pie pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until knife comes out clean...when you check to see if brownie pie is done.
This recipe is from SEASONAL FAVORITES...by the GARDEN CLUB OF HOUSTON BULB and PLANT MART
...FOR YOUR HEART
Read beautiful poetry.
Have an indoor picnic... and movie night this February with your favorite foods and movie. Spread big blankets on the floor...throw down some big pillows...light a fire...use your best china... glasses and silver... and place lit candles throughout the room. Who says you can't have a great picnic... on a cold night... right in your own living room?
... Make homemade Valentine's Day cards this year... and give each completed card a blessing or prayer before mailing it.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS FOR YOUR ...HOME...HEARTH...AND HEART... JANUARY 2014
January musings... I always find myself looking backwards...and forwards in this new month of our calendar year. The simple truth is... January is a month to close doors... for what no longer serves me... and have the willingness to open new doors... so I can experience new beginnings.
In order for me to close doors...I have to reflect... on events and situations that didn't feel right to me...for who I am... and also see them as the gifts they all were... lessons and teachings for my growth and personal journey. I must also see that in order to flourish and evolve as a woman... I must not repeat the patterns or mistakes I made in the past year... but be open to changing myself... where needed.
This new year of 2014... finds me more at peace with myself... than I feel ... I have ever been... and I believe it is because I don't judge myself anymore for my mistakes... or my imperfections...as I once... not so very long ago did. My mistakes have made me the woman I am today... and I have learned that my imperfections... are indeed... a part of my uniqueness... not something negative or bad... or to be judged. And often... I have come to learn... my imperfections... are nothing more than what others expect from me... or project onto me... because of their own fears...not who I truly am.
Lessons this last year... have allowed me to open to another... personal truth... something I have struggled with my whole life. This shift... has given me a new sense of freedom... and wings have grown on my heart... that gently fly above all the inner conflict and striving I once did... to constantly " be" something or someone for others.Good grief... I exhausted myself trying to please people...learning that with some people... being "nice" just isn't real or authentic for me.
This year of 2014... I want to explore new aspects of myself... that I know... are just waiting for self discovery. Many things that will happen for me... and what I will experience this year... are unknown to me... but I do know this much... right now...as I type these words. I know that this new year... I feel more connected... to my inner spirit than ever before...to the land... and to the beauty and grace of authenticity... and simplicity.
I just want to be "me"...more... beating to my own drummer... imperfections...mistakes and all... loving myself just the way I am.
And this is a beautiful thing... authentic and real.
With love and the best year ever for you,
Victoria
HEART WISDOM FOR JANUARY
It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace, and live in peace.
Shenandoah proverb
JANUARY IS TRADITIONALLY ... a month of new beginnings or starting over... that includes all areas of your life. It is a month to organize...redo... and cleanse... in preparation for the new.
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR JANUARY
January 1...New Years...January 7th... East Orthodox Christmas celebrated in the Ukraine and elsewhere...January 20th...Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr... holiday...January 25th... Scottish poet Robbie Burns... born on this day in 1759... is honored by the eating of haggis and having bonfires.
FACTS ABOUT THE MONTH OF JANUARY
The flowers for this month are the snowdrop and crocus.
The stones for this month are the garnet...and onyx.
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS... FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
... For your Home
Your home is indeed your castle... and personal sanctuary...and reflects how you feel about about yourself and life in general.
With that in mind... take good care of your home... both the inside and the outside... as well as create a beautiful and nurturing haven for yourself and those you care about.
This January... make your home at the top of your "I care list". Room by room... clean and organize... top to bottom... and let things go... that are cluttering that room...including any closets...cupboards...or cabinets.
Bless these items...and donate them to a charity... or Goodwill.
You do not have to have ... lots of extra money to decorate your home ... in a stylish and striking way.If your furniture is tired looking...buy new slipcovers for your couch or chairs... they are so affordable these days... and it will look like you have new furniture. Vintage stores... on-line and good old fashioned shops... offer so many beautiful and recycled items... you will be sure to find just the right decorating tip and items to bring home ... at a really great price.
Make a commitment to keep your home tidy and clean... an unclean home... just feels uncomfortable and negative... so make a plan on paper to keep it up... by doing a task each day...to keep your home clean and then stick to it. And please be sure to use organic cleaning products...or buy a book showing you how to make organic cleaning products yourself.
Fresh flowers... house plants... and beautiful art... will make your home soothing... beautiful and nurturing... so be sure to add these touches to each room in your house. Art... can be very inexpensive...if you know where to look for it. Try looking for art... that comes in poster form...at hobby stores...and flea markets. I buy pretty art postcards...when I travel or visit shops... and then have them framed... so I can have really nice pieces of art in my home...for very little cost.
...For your Hearth
I love eggs... and they do make for a very simple and satisfying meal... especially needed after the rich overly abundant fare of the holidays.
This recipe comes from a cookbook that I love...Homemade by Clodagh McKenna.
BAKED EGGS...
Serves 2
1/4 stick unsalted organic butter
4 large organic eggs
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese grated
1 teaspoon mustard
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preheat your oven to 350.Grease 2 small ovenproof dishes with the butter and then crack 2 eggs into each one.
Place the grated cheese...in a small bowl and mix in the mustard and cream. Season with salt and pepper.Scoop the cheese mixture on top of the eggs and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
Serve with toasted bread.
TIP ON EGGS:
You can test to see if an egg is fresh by dropping it into a bowl of cold water. If the egg stays at the bottom of the bowl...the egg is fresh.
... For your Heart
In this month of new beginnings... make a commitment to engage in life more... in life affirming ways.When you wake up in the morning... greet each day...for the gift that it truly is...and say a meaningful prayer of gratitude... that you are alive... and make a promise to yourself to live that day from your heart.
See the good in others... and the good in every situation or event that you experience that day... because there is a reason that everything happens or doesn't happen...even if you can't see it now.
Do one nice thing for yourself each day... and one nice thing for someone else too.
Live in present time... and honor who you are...mistakes and all.
In order for me to close doors...I have to reflect... on events and situations that didn't feel right to me...for who I am... and also see them as the gifts they all were... lessons and teachings for my growth and personal journey. I must also see that in order to flourish and evolve as a woman... I must not repeat the patterns or mistakes I made in the past year... but be open to changing myself... where needed.
This new year of 2014... finds me more at peace with myself... than I feel ... I have ever been... and I believe it is because I don't judge myself anymore for my mistakes... or my imperfections...as I once... not so very long ago did. My mistakes have made me the woman I am today... and I have learned that my imperfections... are indeed... a part of my uniqueness... not something negative or bad... or to be judged. And often... I have come to learn... my imperfections... are nothing more than what others expect from me... or project onto me... because of their own fears...not who I truly am.
Lessons this last year... have allowed me to open to another... personal truth... something I have struggled with my whole life. This shift... has given me a new sense of freedom... and wings have grown on my heart... that gently fly above all the inner conflict and striving I once did... to constantly " be" something or someone for others.Good grief... I exhausted myself trying to please people...learning that with some people... being "nice" just isn't real or authentic for me.
This year of 2014... I want to explore new aspects of myself... that I know... are just waiting for self discovery. Many things that will happen for me... and what I will experience this year... are unknown to me... but I do know this much... right now...as I type these words. I know that this new year... I feel more connected... to my inner spirit than ever before...to the land... and to the beauty and grace of authenticity... and simplicity.
I just want to be "me"...more... beating to my own drummer... imperfections...mistakes and all... loving myself just the way I am.
And this is a beautiful thing... authentic and real.
With love and the best year ever for you,
Victoria
HEART WISDOM FOR JANUARY
It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace, and live in peace.
Shenandoah proverb
JANUARY IS TRADITIONALLY ... a month of new beginnings or starting over... that includes all areas of your life. It is a month to organize...redo... and cleanse... in preparation for the new.
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR JANUARY
January 1...New Years...January 7th... East Orthodox Christmas celebrated in the Ukraine and elsewhere...January 20th...Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr... holiday...January 25th... Scottish poet Robbie Burns... born on this day in 1759... is honored by the eating of haggis and having bonfires.
FACTS ABOUT THE MONTH OF JANUARY
The flowers for this month are the snowdrop and crocus.
The stones for this month are the garnet...and onyx.
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS... FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
... For your Home
Your home is indeed your castle... and personal sanctuary...and reflects how you feel about about yourself and life in general.
With that in mind... take good care of your home... both the inside and the outside... as well as create a beautiful and nurturing haven for yourself and those you care about.
This January... make your home at the top of your "I care list". Room by room... clean and organize... top to bottom... and let things go... that are cluttering that room...including any closets...cupboards...or cabinets.
Bless these items...and donate them to a charity... or Goodwill.
You do not have to have ... lots of extra money to decorate your home ... in a stylish and striking way.If your furniture is tired looking...buy new slipcovers for your couch or chairs... they are so affordable these days... and it will look like you have new furniture. Vintage stores... on-line and good old fashioned shops... offer so many beautiful and recycled items... you will be sure to find just the right decorating tip and items to bring home ... at a really great price.
Make a commitment to keep your home tidy and clean... an unclean home... just feels uncomfortable and negative... so make a plan on paper to keep it up... by doing a task each day...to keep your home clean and then stick to it. And please be sure to use organic cleaning products...or buy a book showing you how to make organic cleaning products yourself.
Fresh flowers... house plants... and beautiful art... will make your home soothing... beautiful and nurturing... so be sure to add these touches to each room in your house. Art... can be very inexpensive...if you know where to look for it. Try looking for art... that comes in poster form...at hobby stores...and flea markets. I buy pretty art postcards...when I travel or visit shops... and then have them framed... so I can have really nice pieces of art in my home...for very little cost.
...For your Hearth
I love eggs... and they do make for a very simple and satisfying meal... especially needed after the rich overly abundant fare of the holidays.
This recipe comes from a cookbook that I love...Homemade by Clodagh McKenna.
BAKED EGGS...
Serves 2
1/4 stick unsalted organic butter
4 large organic eggs
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese grated
1 teaspoon mustard
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preheat your oven to 350.Grease 2 small ovenproof dishes with the butter and then crack 2 eggs into each one.
Place the grated cheese...in a small bowl and mix in the mustard and cream. Season with salt and pepper.Scoop the cheese mixture on top of the eggs and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
Serve with toasted bread.
TIP ON EGGS:
You can test to see if an egg is fresh by dropping it into a bowl of cold water. If the egg stays at the bottom of the bowl...the egg is fresh.
... For your Heart
In this month of new beginnings... make a commitment to engage in life more... in life affirming ways.When you wake up in the morning... greet each day...for the gift that it truly is...and say a meaningful prayer of gratitude... that you are alive... and make a promise to yourself to live that day from your heart.
See the good in others... and the good in every situation or event that you experience that day... because there is a reason that everything happens or doesn't happen...even if you can't see it now.
Do one nice thing for yourself each day... and one nice thing for someone else too.
Live in present time... and honor who you are...mistakes and all.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS FOR YOUR... HOME...HEARTH...AND HEART...DECEMBER 2013
December musings...
The month of December embraces the energy and teaching of giving and receiving... and the promise of goodness and hope within you and in the world.
World traditions and myths... cultures and faiths... this lovely month...all focus on the light... and the
Divine... whether it be the Christ child... or the light of Spirit. December marks a cycle of time...a beautiful reminder for you to connect with your spiritual essence within... and be a light to the world...everyday... not just during the holiday season.
The spirit of the holiday and this holy time... is a wonderful metaphor for each one of us... as a woman... man...or child... to live from the heart... and love unconditionally... and without any hesitation...all living creatures... including Mother Earth.
Make a personal promise to yourself this month... as you surround yourself with the beauty and magic of this holiday season... to carry that spirit of light... with you each and every moment... for the rest of your days.
Make your life matter... and be a giver... instead of always needing to get. Be kind to yourself and to everyone you come in contact with. Stop judging yourself and other people... and CONNECT with their hearts... their inner light... instead.
Most of all share the love... the hope... the goodness... and beauty that life really is...not only during this most sacred of seasons... but everyday... BE the light.
Happy holidays and New Year to you,
Victoria
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATION FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER...
The Winter Solstice...Hanukkah...Kwanzaa...New Year's Eve...New Year's Day...Three Kings Day
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD...
In Sweden...Christmas festivities begin on December 13th...with St.Lucia's Day... which celebrates the patron of light.
In Spain... Christmas festivities begin on December 8th... with a week long honoring of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
In Mexico... Families decorate their homes with lilies and evergreens...and cut intricate designs in brown
paper bags to make lanterns or farolitos.
CHRISTMAS FACTS
The Christmas custom of hanging a green wreath on doors is from an ancient Roman New Year celebration. Romans exchanged evergreens and bay leaf with their neighbors for the energy of vitality... and would bend the evergreens into a ring and then hang them on their doors.
The now famous candy cane was first invented by the Germans...and was a straight stick.It wasn't until the 1920's that the red stripes were added by an American...and became mass produced for the holiday season.
Germany is also where the first decorated Christmas trees... gingerbread... and nutcrackers were born.
A Christmas greeting in Italian is Buon Natale!
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
*** Seasonal celebrations such as the one I have created for you... connect you to the changing seasons of the land ... to your own inner spirit ... and to the changes in your own life as a woman. My celebrations and simple ceremonies...also allow you to express through a safe and supportive space how you FEEL regarding a certain situation or life event...and what change or completion you really want for yourself. When you declare what change you want for yourself through meaningful celebrations... you are taking an action step... and setting new more positive directions for yourself.
These celebrations are for any woman of any faith... or age... but feel free to add your own personal faith into this celebration... to give it your personal meaning.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
1 white candle...matches... fireproof candle container...an open mind and heart
The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year... and was celebrated in ancient times with huge bonfires... in hopes that the light or Sun would soon return.
This Winter Solstice... take some time to do some soul searching... by sitting outside... gazing at the light of the stars... and asking your heart... how you can shine more of your light of spirit out into the world.
When you are complete with this process... say a simple prayer... asking for guidance to help you express more of your loving spirit to the world... and then give thanks.
Come back inside... and light your candle... a symbol of your own inner light and allow it to burn all night.
*** Be aware you must take the action steps for growth and change.
NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION... BLESSING THE YEARS END
SUPPLIES... 1 white candle...matches... fireproof container...small bowl of honey... small piece of lemon
This New Year's Eve hold a special Blessing the Years End ceremony... both the positive and negative events that happened for you. The truth is... life is both sweet and sour... and is all part of your life journey... and personal growth... and needs to be blessed and acknowledged . Sometimes the most negative of events or obstacles... turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you... and ends up being such a gift and blessing in your life.
Light a candle and begin with a personal prayer...thanking the Higher Power ... for your life and everything that was placed on your path...and all the blessings you were given this year of 2013.
Think about all the wonderful things you were blessed with this year ... and then take a small taste of the honey...a symbol of all the sweetness in your life you received this year.
Now think about obstacles and perhaps negative things or events you had to face... and take a small bite from the lemon... a symbol of the sourness or bitter aspects you had to deal with this year.
When you are complete with this process...tasting the sweet and and sour that was part of your life this year... say a prayer of gratitude for all you have experienced and learned from in 2013.
NEW YEARS DAY WISH CELEBRATION
SUPPLIES ... piece of pretty paper... envelope...pen
On New Years Day... get out a pretty piece of paper with an envelope... a pen...and create some quiet reflective time for yourself.
Now close your eyes... and imagine what WISHES you want for yourself this year... and list them on this piece of paper that is your WISH LIST for 2014.
When you are complete writing your wish list...say a blessing over it and make a heartfelt promise to yourself that you will be open to receiving your WISHES... and be willing to take the necessary action steps to make your wishes happen for yourself.
Fold your WISH list and place in the envelope... and keep it somewhere... that you can look at and read at all times...as a gentle and lovely reminder that you deserve to have your WISHES come true!
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS...
...FOR YOUR HOME
Go on nature walks and pick up pine cones and seed pods... then place in bowls around your home... for a natural holiday look.
Food serving trays make great holiday display pieces. Just bring out a favorite tray... and place tree bulbs... pine cones and greenery in a nice pattern... and use as a center piece for your table.
Make an old fashioned pop corn garland for your tree this year...get the whole family involved... by having a pop corn garland making night... serving different flavors of pop corn of course... while you are making the popcorn garlands.
Place small vases and bowls of mistletoe throughout your home this month...instead of flowers.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
Okay... I am not going to give you a holiday recipe...I am sure you have more than plenty of those already... instead... here is a very tasty addition to leftover night!!!
I have a thing about pickled food... and these peaches hit the spot for me...so good cold!!
SPICED PEACES
makes 14 peach halves
2 large cans of organic peach halves
3/4 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup organic sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 to 1 teaspoon whole cloves
Reserve 1/2 of the syrup from the can of peaches. In a saucepan combine the syrup...vinegar...sugar...cinnamon and cloves.Boil for 5 minutes.Arrange the peaches in a flat casserole. Pour the hot mixture over the peaces and refrigerate overnight.
Serve with any leftovers.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Make a batch of holiday cookies... place them in a pretty box... topped with a bow... and give them to a total stranger.
Make a homemade gift... wrap it up... and give it to a homeless person... they deserve a Christmas present too.
Place a 20.00 bill in a holiday box...complete with a bow... and leave it somewhere in a shop... or other public place... for someone to find.
The month of December embraces the energy and teaching of giving and receiving... and the promise of goodness and hope within you and in the world.
World traditions and myths... cultures and faiths... this lovely month...all focus on the light... and the
Divine... whether it be the Christ child... or the light of Spirit. December marks a cycle of time...a beautiful reminder for you to connect with your spiritual essence within... and be a light to the world...everyday... not just during the holiday season.
The spirit of the holiday and this holy time... is a wonderful metaphor for each one of us... as a woman... man...or child... to live from the heart... and love unconditionally... and without any hesitation...all living creatures... including Mother Earth.
Make a personal promise to yourself this month... as you surround yourself with the beauty and magic of this holiday season... to carry that spirit of light... with you each and every moment... for the rest of your days.
Make your life matter... and be a giver... instead of always needing to get. Be kind to yourself and to everyone you come in contact with. Stop judging yourself and other people... and CONNECT with their hearts... their inner light... instead.
Most of all share the love... the hope... the goodness... and beauty that life really is...not only during this most sacred of seasons... but everyday... BE the light.
Happy holidays and New Year to you,
Victoria
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATION FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER...
The Winter Solstice...Hanukkah...Kwanzaa...New Year's Eve...New Year's Day...Three Kings Day
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD...
In Sweden...Christmas festivities begin on December 13th...with St.Lucia's Day... which celebrates the patron of light.
In Spain... Christmas festivities begin on December 8th... with a week long honoring of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
In Mexico... Families decorate their homes with lilies and evergreens...and cut intricate designs in brown
paper bags to make lanterns or farolitos.
CHRISTMAS FACTS
The Christmas custom of hanging a green wreath on doors is from an ancient Roman New Year celebration. Romans exchanged evergreens and bay leaf with their neighbors for the energy of vitality... and would bend the evergreens into a ring and then hang them on their doors.
The now famous candy cane was first invented by the Germans...and was a straight stick.It wasn't until the 1920's that the red stripes were added by an American...and became mass produced for the holiday season.
Germany is also where the first decorated Christmas trees... gingerbread... and nutcrackers were born.
A Christmas greeting in Italian is Buon Natale!
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
*** Seasonal celebrations such as the one I have created for you... connect you to the changing seasons of the land ... to your own inner spirit ... and to the changes in your own life as a woman. My celebrations and simple ceremonies...also allow you to express through a safe and supportive space how you FEEL regarding a certain situation or life event...and what change or completion you really want for yourself. When you declare what change you want for yourself through meaningful celebrations... you are taking an action step... and setting new more positive directions for yourself.
These celebrations are for any woman of any faith... or age... but feel free to add your own personal faith into this celebration... to give it your personal meaning.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
1 white candle...matches... fireproof candle container...an open mind and heart
The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year... and was celebrated in ancient times with huge bonfires... in hopes that the light or Sun would soon return.
This Winter Solstice... take some time to do some soul searching... by sitting outside... gazing at the light of the stars... and asking your heart... how you can shine more of your light of spirit out into the world.
When you are complete with this process... say a simple prayer... asking for guidance to help you express more of your loving spirit to the world... and then give thanks.
Come back inside... and light your candle... a symbol of your own inner light and allow it to burn all night.
*** Be aware you must take the action steps for growth and change.
NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION... BLESSING THE YEARS END
SUPPLIES... 1 white candle...matches... fireproof container...small bowl of honey... small piece of lemon
This New Year's Eve hold a special Blessing the Years End ceremony... both the positive and negative events that happened for you. The truth is... life is both sweet and sour... and is all part of your life journey... and personal growth... and needs to be blessed and acknowledged . Sometimes the most negative of events or obstacles... turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you... and ends up being such a gift and blessing in your life.
Light a candle and begin with a personal prayer...thanking the Higher Power ... for your life and everything that was placed on your path...and all the blessings you were given this year of 2013.
Think about all the wonderful things you were blessed with this year ... and then take a small taste of the honey...a symbol of all the sweetness in your life you received this year.
Now think about obstacles and perhaps negative things or events you had to face... and take a small bite from the lemon... a symbol of the sourness or bitter aspects you had to deal with this year.
When you are complete with this process...tasting the sweet and and sour that was part of your life this year... say a prayer of gratitude for all you have experienced and learned from in 2013.
NEW YEARS DAY WISH CELEBRATION
SUPPLIES ... piece of pretty paper... envelope...pen
On New Years Day... get out a pretty piece of paper with an envelope... a pen...and create some quiet reflective time for yourself.
Now close your eyes... and imagine what WISHES you want for yourself this year... and list them on this piece of paper that is your WISH LIST for 2014.
When you are complete writing your wish list...say a blessing over it and make a heartfelt promise to yourself that you will be open to receiving your WISHES... and be willing to take the necessary action steps to make your wishes happen for yourself.
Fold your WISH list and place in the envelope... and keep it somewhere... that you can look at and read at all times...as a gentle and lovely reminder that you deserve to have your WISHES come true!
FEMININE LIVING TRADITIONS...
...FOR YOUR HOME
Go on nature walks and pick up pine cones and seed pods... then place in bowls around your home... for a natural holiday look.
Food serving trays make great holiday display pieces. Just bring out a favorite tray... and place tree bulbs... pine cones and greenery in a nice pattern... and use as a center piece for your table.
Make an old fashioned pop corn garland for your tree this year...get the whole family involved... by having a pop corn garland making night... serving different flavors of pop corn of course... while you are making the popcorn garlands.
Place small vases and bowls of mistletoe throughout your home this month...instead of flowers.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
Okay... I am not going to give you a holiday recipe...I am sure you have more than plenty of those already... instead... here is a very tasty addition to leftover night!!!
I have a thing about pickled food... and these peaches hit the spot for me...so good cold!!
SPICED PEACES
makes 14 peach halves
2 large cans of organic peach halves
3/4 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup organic sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 to 1 teaspoon whole cloves
Reserve 1/2 of the syrup from the can of peaches. In a saucepan combine the syrup...vinegar...sugar...cinnamon and cloves.Boil for 5 minutes.Arrange the peaches in a flat casserole. Pour the hot mixture over the peaces and refrigerate overnight.
Serve with any leftovers.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Make a batch of holiday cookies... place them in a pretty box... topped with a bow... and give them to a total stranger.
Make a homemade gift... wrap it up... and give it to a homeless person... they deserve a Christmas present too.
Place a 20.00 bill in a holiday box...complete with a bow... and leave it somewhere in a shop... or other public place... for someone to find.
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