Thursday, July 31, 2008

Ambient Music

I have some favorite new music to listen to while meditating and relaxing. All Our Ancestors by Tuu. I really do adore ambient or atmospheric music. For me this is real "soul" music.

click image for Amazon Page

You can preview the songs on Amazon. My favorites would have to be 2. All Our Ancestors, 5. Rainfall, 6. Illumination and 7. Shiva Descending, though I love the whole album! And it was nice saving $10 just by buying it all in MP3 files as well! It's been so long since I've used a CD for music for myself. I share my music with my PS3, having it stream my songs wirelessly from my computer so I can listen through the television. My husband did copy some of my songs straight on the PS3's hard drive also though, but for reason I just like how I can "stream".

There's some very calming music visuals on the PS3 as well, which fits perfectly with ambient music almost like it was made especially for it. I really love playing ambient music and having the house take on a spiritual calming vibe.

I had a previous album (on CD) by Tuu called Mesh, but I lost it! It's okay though, for now I am really digging this one by them.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A Good Package Day

It was a nice surprise to see that my new ice cream maker had arrived before I even woke up to start my day off great! We made strawberry sherbert since I won't have any cashews until tomorrow to make a more creamy type of ice cream. It was delicious and so full of flavor, though Gavin is waiting on something "creamy". He'll have his creamy ice cream tomorrow (I'm looking forward to creamy too)!

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So I had ordered this Wolfgang Puck Ice Cream maker from HSN but had to cancel the order after I found it refurbished for way cheaper on Overstock.com and then Sherry gave me a discount code for even more savings. I'm glad I was able to cancel my HSN order! Speaking of HSN though, the lady I spoke to when taking my order was really nice and fun! She had to tell me that she loved my email address with the "Lunar Earth Mama" and come to find out she was Pagan. We talked about the misconceptions of Paganism with how Hollywood has warped the truth about a lovely earthy religion. It was very nice to hear someone talk about how much they love the Goddess.

So with the ice cream maker, I am so glad I don't have to wait for a freezer bowl to freeze overnight anymore. I can feed my sporadic ice cream cravings by having it soon afterwards without having to plan it out.

The other package that came today was my Dolls of the World: Princess of South Africa Barbie!

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I had tried to win her before on eBay but I gave up from getting outbid all the time and forgot all about her. It was only until the Carolina Mommas group talked about an article on a Barbie did I remember how I wanted this dark skinned one! Isn't she beautiful!? Her dark skin is gorgeous! I'm not even all that into Barbies but I had to get this one. I would really like that Secret Spells Barbie as well!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

My Type of Abundance


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This came from my grocery trip today. The corn was on sale--5 for $2! My son Gavin was excited about getting them! I love it when he is excited about fresh raw food and I love the results of my food trips, though I can't wait until the day I step outside and harvest some of what I need straight from my yard. I need to go ahead and restart some herbs in one of my AeroGardens. Along with the more common ones (like basil, mint, chives), I still have the Japanese Herb Kit that needs germinating. Hopefully I can get to that tonight.

Also today, my new tarot deck came. The Circle of Life Tarot. Absolutely beautiful and so unique. My friend Sherry thinks it's a creepy deck, which I have to admit a few of the cards are, but that's the reason why I like it! It's a circular deck which is a first for me in using so we'll see how I take to it but I don't foresee any dislikes. I'm actually looking forward to dealing with the all mighty circle. The backs are beautiful as well.

Click here to view the cards (scroll down) and read a review of the deck.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Simple Salad

My dinner tonight was a simple salad, actually just bagged salad with my special creamy dressing called Dawn Light and pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top with tomato wedges to add some flare (and flavor! yum!). When you really don't feel like doing nothing much at all, a simple salad sure comes to the rescue!

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Blooming Flowers

Today I was surprised with beautiful blooms from one of the plants that my mother-in-law gave to me a few weeks ago. Beautiful Tiger Lilies!

What's not to love about stepping outside and seeing beautiful plant life? When you think about it and really take a close look, flowers are very peculiar and interesting. Here are a couple of the better shots I took of some and also a macro shot. I love macro photography. I think it has to be my favorite type of photo--getting up close and seeing what's really there, what we may be missing or too busy to care to take a deeper look for.

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Gone Bananas!

Bananas have absolutely no reason to go bad. I know they are cheap and won't affect the pocketbook by much at all if they have to be thrown out but they are a great source of vitamin B6. Bananas are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. But best of all they allow for the best raw recipes like smoothies and ice cream!!! This was my setup last night while watching a movie:

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It makes chopping and packing the bananas for freezing less boring and allow for no excuse in storing those that will soon go bad (just do it while you're watching TV). Afterwards, I snacked on some cherries--they make the best movie food!

Isn't it irritating when you really need some bananas for a recipe, but they're either rotten or none in the house at all? Stock up and freeze!

Edited to add: WrenTwilight says, "Do not get so into the movie you cut off a finger!" :D

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit

My wheatgrass kit came today from WheatgrassKits.com. After being unable to find fresh wheatgrass nearby to buy, I decided that was a sign to finally start growing my own. I'm very excited to grow it. It makes me feel good knowing exactly where and how my grass is being grown and that I have complete control over it. Wouldn't we all like to be able to say that about all of our food, especially with these salmonella outbreaks in the news?

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The kit includes:
  • 5 Growing Trays
  • 5 Pounds of Organic Wheatgrass Seed
  • 2 Bags of Organic Growing Mix
  • Supply of Azomite
  • Wheatgrass: Nature's Finest Medicine by Steve Meyerowitz
  • Growing and Juicing Instructions
  • Free Growing Technical Support by Email
I can't wait to see it all start growing!

Below are "40 Points about Wheatgrass and its Nutritional Values" as stated on the Wheatgrass Kit.com's website:

  1. Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.
  2. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.
  3. Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.
  4. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.
  5. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.
  6. Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.
  7. Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.
  8. Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.
  9. Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anemic or low in red cell count.
  10. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)
  11. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.
  12. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.
  13. Dr. Ann Wigmore and institutes based on her teachings has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.
  14. Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.
  15. Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of Wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce, celery, and so forth.
  16. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
  17. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
  18. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
  19. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
  20. In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.
  21. Wheatgrass Juice cures acne and even help to remove scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet must be improved at the same time.
  22. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant.
  23. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet helps prevents tooth decay.
  24. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will help eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.
  25. Gargle Wheatgrass Juice for a sore throat.
  26. Drink Wheatgrass Juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
  27. Wheatgrass Juice keeps the hair from graying.
  28. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.
  29. By taking Wheatgrass Juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-being.
  30. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.
  31. Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.
  32. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
  33. Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes.
  34. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.
  35. Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll "concentrated sun power." He said, "chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs."
  36. According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.
  37. Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
  38. Wheatgrass Juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
  39. Wheatgrass Juice can remove heavy metals from the body.
  40. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.

(TO GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF CHLOROPHYLL IT MUST BE FROM A LIVING PLANT)

The Solar Food Dryer

click image for Amazon page

Ask any raw vegan foodist and they will probably tell you their Excalibur dehydrator is their #1 choice in dehydrators. I have one myself. But I can't help but yearn for another method that doesn't use electricity, but makes good use of what is free right outside and up in the heavens--the sun! Who knows, maybe it's a past life in me that yearns to dry and preserve foods in a more ancient and even more earth friendlier manner.

I would absolutely LOVE to do this project. My heart would absolutely SING if I made this thing. I must make this happen!

On to the book description:

The Solar Food Dryer describes how to use solar energy to dry your food instead of costly electricity. With your own solar-powered food dryer, you can quickly and efficiently dry all your extra garden veggies, fruits, and herbs to preserve their goodness all year long-with free sunshine! Applicable to a wide geography-wherever gardens grow-this well-illustrated book includes:

  • Complete step-by-step plans for building a high-performance, low-cost solar food dryer from readily available materials
  • Solar energy design concepts
  • Food drying tips and recipes
  • Resources, references, solar charts, and more

Monday, July 21, 2008

Dream: White Snake

I had a dream about a white snake today. I was back at our old apartment like I was cleaning up from moving away there. I noticed a white or rather an off-white snake that reminded me of just a little garden snake but just white instead of brown like the usual garden snakes. It just stared at me with its head lifted with so much attention focused in on me. Of course I was freaked out and grabbed a broom. I started to try to hit the little snake with the broom and it began to JUMP to keep out of the way. I jumping snake--how peculiar! I actually ended up hitting it one time but of course the broom's bristles didn't do much damage at all! From there I had all misses and then the snake decided to jump right at me as if to finally get me to stop attacking it and that's when I woke up and reacted in bed like I really did have a snake jump at me.

Only after waking up, did I remember a vision about a white spider that was totally harmless and only wanted to help by eating away cobwebs. Might be the same spirit...

A few dream symbol interpretations from Dream Moods:

Snake
To see a snake or be bitten by one in your dream, signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced. The snake may also be seen as phallic and thus symbolize dangerous and forbidden sexuality. The snake may also refer to a person around you who is callous, ruthless, and can't be trusted. As a positive symbol, snakes represent transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and positive changes.

White
White represents purity, perfection, peace, innocence, dignity, cleanliness, awareness, and new beginnings. You may be experiencing a reawakening or have a fresh outlook on life. However, in Eastern cultures, white is associated with death and mourning.

Broom
To see a broom in your dream, denotes that it is time to clean up your act and resolve your past issues. You need to discard what is no longer useful to you. Alternatively, brooms symbolize domesticity and the establishment of a household. Also, brooms are sometimes associated with witches and thus broomsticks may refer to the female shadow aspect of yourself.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Jewelry Material of Choice? Wood!

I can't help but love how wood feels as jewelry. I find it much more loving, natural and less harsh compared to metal. I recently stumbled upon some cool tribal-like jewelry that I am completely obsessed with now, so I know my collection is going to grow. I especially love the earrings with the posts as little separate stakes (or sticks) that keep everything together in a very primitive but attractive way. I love that tribal look for jewelry!

Below is the START of my collection:

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