COFFEE CHAT & SPIRIT CAKE!

Soul Purposes . . .

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:46:00 GMT

We help choose the purpose of our earth selves . . . it's a divine free will, ongoing and transformative . . . and a blessing.

We help create a plan of action prior to birth and spend our lives working with this opportunity given us - of life- to fullfil our chosen unique purpose and share the gifts we bring.

We have soul groups we belong to who are folks we feel very familiar with and who offer themselves as teachers and students in our lives. We are not alone . . .

A soul purpose is always evolving. For example, we might choose poverty and illness as a soul challenge through an earth life to overcome certain obsticles. Our soul purpose for the life might be that we are here to share with others the gift of free spirit through dance or through being an awesome cook or through example to others by overcoming the tragedy of disease.

Free will always has a part in everything that occurs. If our soul chooses the challenge of illness and suddenly our free will evolves us to a point where we can create a miracle in our lives and heal, that soul purpose can be aborted through free will, and replaced with a new one. Maybe overcoming, living with, or teaching others through illenss was what we chose.

Or we can live with a disability and learn certain lessons, teach others certian lessons, and our souls can, through free will, change the plan. It's our plan after all! We can work with God in all ways, both on this side of the veil, and on the other.

Soul Purpose never releases the need for choice/free will. I have spent many years tapping into the soul gifts and chosen soul purposes of individuals who have chosen to be born on this earth and live out a life plan . . . our souls decide this w/ our soul groups/communities, and with the Great Spirit, God/Goddess . . . . or who ever, what ever, you choose to label this guiding energy we pray to . . .

Sometimes souls enter earth having the greatest of intensions . . . and their lives, through free will, become side tracked and can even turn out negative and scary when their soul self originally planned a different script to play out. What remains the same are the 'sign posts' we set up for ourselves along the way during a life time, which que us in to what will occur or who will appear at certain times . . . or offer a chance to make an 'Out', a U turn, or renewal.

We are ageless, immortal, & with unlimmitted opportunity to create and expand our lives every moment in physical life and in spirit. There are always choices we are making, and everyone has a divine connection and plan which we helped create and our higher selves help direct.

At a certain level, humanity has agreed to go through what it has gone through so far, to evolve and learn. Even Bush has a soul purpose and he came to share his gift. He has soul goals and a design with free will. He has failed in some, and he has succeeded in some . . . with spirit consequences he will face through lessons learned by various choices.

We all have been faced with hardship and suffering on various levels . . . so we may know how to grow spiritually, to heal and to transform. The Obama soul purpose is not any more important than your soul purpose, or mine. This awareness makes it easier to comprehend, maybe.

Shamanic practice is so very powerful, I love it! I teach workshops with it, enjoy grand circles of friends with it . . . it is for all of us to learn. It's psychic, intuitive, sacred, humble and so very self healing . . . for me. Thanks for your correspondence. I enjoy sharing with this topic much :-)

It's Back! Passion Passion Passion

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:34:00 GMT

Hot tamale!!! The theme this year is Passion- yeah! This year it falls on the first weekend in October (3rd, 4th and 5th) and women who attend will have an opportunity to rekindle, express, discover, or uncover their PASSION through several workshops.

It's coming closer . . . the Second Annual Women's Wellness Workshop. I had such a great experience last year and will be traveling across the US from Oregon to KY soon, just to do it again.

My best friend, my 90 year old great aunt, and maybe my roommate from college back in the 80's will attend with me.

There will be one of my faves this year . . . Woman Words Writing Workshop with Normandi Ellis who is the former president of the National Association of Poetry Therapy. She leads workshops in writing for wellness, personal development, and creative writing. Her recent book, Fresh-Fleshed Sisters, was a fiction finalist for the 2007 Kentucky Book Award. A well-respected scholar in ancient Egyptian mythology and women's studies her other works include Awakening Osiris (translated from hieroglyphs), Dreams of Isis: A Woman's Spiritual Sojourn, and Feasts of Light: A Celebration of Women's Festivals in Ancient Egypt.

Her workshop was one of my all time favorites because it woke up and stirred up certain parts of my soul self . . . parts I'd not felt in years.

Shamanic Journeying, with ME, yes, I teach this part of the workshop and it's a popular one. I teach self healing techniques and how to journey . . . this year I'll introduce soul purpose tapping which is a powerful method of finding one's bliss and life path. I've been a practicing Shaman since 1988: Institute for Shamanic Studies; Soul Retrieval work as taught by Sandra Ingerman; and ongoing advanced healing work with Colleen Deatsman who is an awesome friend and teacher.

AND-

N.E.T (Neuro-Emotional Technique) with Dr. Theresa Pigott: She says,"After trying to find my purpose through other career avenues, I had a dream which lead me to become a Chiropractor. I trusted and followed that path, one which has brought me tremendous joy, fulfillment, and a "knowing" that I am home. This profession gives me hope for the future and a way for me to share my passion for holistic health care with others. I was the first Michigan Chiropractor to be certified in NET (Neuro Emotional Technique) as well as the first Chiropractor to be on national television promoting this incredible, life changing technique."

Well, I can't say enough about this form of healing. I was thrilled to find real transformation from what she did with us. So much so that I found her in Michigan at her practice and went through some life changing personal sessions.

Kyrai Antare is the founder of this weekend, and our awesome caterer She's a depth psychology specialist and Woman on Earth Program Leader. She authored the book Finding a Break in the Clouds in 2001, and has a private practice in Berea, KY. Kyrai specializes in the unique treatment of disordered eating and body image issues, as well as the creative reclaiming of the feminine principle in everyday life. We'll be enjoying her workshop, Freedom Movement

My dear friend of many years, Jane, will lead us in Tai Chi. Jane Post has been a Massage Therapist for over 12 years, a Tai Chi instructor & Martial Artist for over 20 years, and a Culinary Artist and Gardener almost her entire life. She has been living in the Berea area since 1974 when came to Berea College and studied ceramics. She a Goddess, I love her!

We'll be enjoy some Restorative Yoga with Tracy Briney who has been studying and practicing yoga for the past 10 years. She began studying Anusara Yoga with John Friend since 2002. Her most current studies have been with Senior Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher Laurie Blakeney. She loves the devotion of Anusara and the amazing and brilliant art of precise alignment in the Iyengar method. She has also been studying Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga for the past two years with Dr. Paul Dugliss, M.D.

We'll be blessed by the presence of Susan Holt who will lead us in Brain Nutrition and Passion. At the age of seventeen, Susan began studying how to heal all kinds of common health problems using targeted nutrition. Over the years she has developed a workable knowledge of specific nutrition for ailments, dietary health in general, homeopathy, herbal usage, yoga, weightlifting, guided meditation, charka clearing, and energy work.

Other really awesome experiences, besides the good company of amazing women and workshop facilitators are- a
depth-oriented film discussion group, friday night bonfire and song/rhythm circle, delicious, homemade, vegetarian meals,group art creation and Woman on Earth Marketplace where all who come can sell or trade wares.

This will take place on the beautiful Berea College Campus, a famous craft capital . . . with great view of the foothills of Appalachain Mountains. The cost is only 350 dollars for all workshops and meals . . . I believe we are offering a discount this year for those who register early and folks who attend can stay at historic Boone Tavern or at one of the other affordable motels in town.

This year folks who have been touched by cancer . . . immediate family . . . can offer what they can to pay and the cancer foundation will cover the cost of the rest. One woman is paying 50 dollars and the rest of her bill for the weekend is paid for. I love it!

I am from Berea, a resident for over 23 years before I began to travel and learn in other places. I still own land there, and have many friends in the Berea Community. I graduated from the college, grampa was a professor there . . . and it's still a big part of my heart.

Corpses, Crab Legs and Sea Lions . . .

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:31:00 GMT

The card game of corpses
A gatehouse of the Fortress of Malines in Belgium, was blown up when lightening struck 2,000 bags of gunpowder. it was dug into three weeks later by workmen who found inside four soldiers "playing cards" and a fifth still standing behind them! The five soldiers were instantly killed by the explosion, but the blast had created a vacuum that preserved their bodies intact. The goup was later buried in a single grave with the players still clutching their cards! Believe it or not!

Yes, we visited Ripley's today . . .

Today is a special day in our family. It's my son's birthday here in OR, my daughter moved into her college dorm in KY, and my great aunt is celebrating her 90th birthday with tons of family, in MI. We went to Newport to celebrate and enjoyed an underworld sea show where one of the attractions was a funny big crab . . . so Galen decided some crab legs would look yummy on a plate . . . for his birthday dinner. This sort of thing has the opposite effect on me . . . I usually don't want to eat animals I laugh at or find endearing. We ate on an outdoor deck overlooking numerous sea lions who had recently migrated from California.

They put on quite a noisy show for us with their fighting, snoring, complaining and pushing each other off the deck. They even tipped themselves ALL off the deck once which was a laugh out loud moment.

. . . and we ran in to Johnny today . . .

. . . if you touch this electric formation, it will gravitate to focus on the palm of your hand.

Over all, after icecream cake and bionicle toys, we called it a well spent day. Time to save up for the next adventure!

GO FLY A KITE

Ms Claritynow — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:49:00 GMT

We all went beach camping and the kids decided to enjoy sand climbing . . .

I drooled over this kite surfer because he looked like he was having so much fun - this is the real meaning of 'go fly a kite!'

And it looks like an awesome way to spend a lunar eclipse.

Today we went to another POW WOW, this time in grand Ronde. This father had a baby on a baby board and was also pushing her in a stroller. He has a big headress on but it was cut out of the photo.

. . . and here are the proud teenage Indian Princesses waiting in line at the food vendor.

Gateways of Light

Ms Claritynow — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:17:00 GMT

If you are concerned about what is happening on this earth and how we are ever going to transition through it all . . . this is something to take a few minutes and watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbsuzIXR6-0

Pacific Pow Wow in Siletz Oregon- Photo Journal

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 05:04:00 GMT

Well as you can see . . . there are colorful people in a beautiful grove of trees.

With pretty spirit dancers and-

Elders who share their tribal passion.

This sweet girl was trying to sell her last pack because she was hungry to buy food from the vendors visiting her rez.

Children playing, dancing, eating, laughing and crying . . .

Looking really cute-

This place served the most delicious elk stew with fry bread. There was also buffalo burger, salmon- and of course snow cones.

I love the energy of this woman who is hugging the girls.

Oops, I wasn't supposed to take this shot before he danced!

There were several really awesome drum circles with amazing voices.

Tribal feathers . . .

Free Spirits

Moving Scam and My Teddy Bear

Ms Claritynow — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:10:00 GMT

I have been de-cluttered in a most interesting way. Intuitively I decided to pack a U Haul full of my most precious items and not give them to the movers. It was a message from my heart, or that 'still, small voice' deep in my unconscious, which kept me focused on the fragile things like artwork, pottery, teddy bear . . . and glass doll that grandma made for me on my 11 year old birthday. I decided to take the computers, one of the television sets, and some important alter items I love so much. As a last thought, I threw in a big box of photos from the selection of over 22 albums and assorted boxes of photos- but left all my personal journals.

I spent hours going through items to give to Good Will and even took a truck load of children books and toys, including a precious antique dresser from grandma, down south to family. I gave to my best friends my stereo inherited from dad, an entertainment center, a home made favorite book shelf and other miscellaneous items.

To the movers, I gave our prized collections of things. Many I loved and admired but never used. 15,000 dollars worth of sentimental things were packed with the stuff I had for the movers, including any photos I ever owned of my father, baby pictures, my grandfather’s unfinished manuscript and all the record albums I inherited from him (he was the first professor to teach jazz for college credit in the US). A ton of things I would never in a million years give away or get rid of.

The movers scammed me. Deep in my soul I must have known this or why would I have taken such care to separate out what I love the most? I will never know. As I go through these early days of wondering if I’ll ever see our belongings again, I shake my head in confusion and awe at how the universe works!

I had to drop my stuff off in Arizona on the way to Oregon because the U Haul was too heavy for my car over the Rockies. So now my precious belongings are in Sedona, the movers have stolen the rest and it’s just me, my children and our pets who live with sister and bro and their kids.

I have a new job which I really like, it’s awesome. I live in a home with simple style, a large family dinner every night, no television in the main room, a big urban garden and lots of outdoor camping, tubing, paddling, climbing, hiking sorts of activities every week. It’s all new and fresh and simple. It’s what I have been praying to have all my life.

My new nursing job will send me to an orientation ‘rah rah’ party as a new team mate initiation. They are sending me to Arizona near where our belongings are, how ironic is THIS? They tell me I will get a free plane ticket there, and can drive a U Haul truck back here again.

There are so many things happening right now that are akin to doors opening up for me . . . and yet I have this cloud of ‘movers’ lingering overhead- reminding me that I either must pursue a lawsuit or let go. My emotions are mixed.

Thankful am I for all my prayers answered, for the fact that I had the intuitive guidance to set aside all that my heart TRULY loves, safe from the movers. There is a glass claw foot piano stool, antique, which my grandpa used that I miss- but maybe we’ll still get our belongings back, yet! And if we don't, I'll camp at the pow wow on the reservation and spend all night in ceremonial 'letting go' of those things I have lost . . . and the glass claw foot piano stool which he sat on and I spun on as a child, and which grandma knit a cover for- well, it will be more real for me as I ceremoniously let it go.

No matter what happens now, my soul has learned what is most important - happiness, health and environment. Because ‘stuff is stuff’, and even if it is worth a lot of money, it is no substitute for a beautiful alter filling my home with positive energy, a garden of lettuce . . . or a peaceful family dinner with love and laughter!

I could be one of those who have been scammed and sit in an empty home with nothing. I cringe and cry for the others who this has happened to! I will press onward to communicate with the legal authorities what I can to get their attention regarding this matter, it is important.

I am so thankful and so blessed, with help from others in legal positions right now who are willing to investigate. I realize that being listened to when movers scam you- is not normal- and most cops won’t even take a report. The law doesn’t protect us in this area. For some reason, I am getting a lot of help and I can only believe that I’m a channel to help others in this same situation.

Years ago when I was about 12 years old, my mom and I went through a hard time and we ended up in a homeless shelter with all we owned in boxes. She told me that I had to pick out just two things to keep. I looked at all my record albums and clothes, my dolls and books . . . and chose my teddy bear. I almost didn't, but I love Teddy and couldn't imagine leaving him behind.

I still have Teddy!

Light,

Fawn

PANDAS DISEASE AND YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR (repeat popular blog)

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:30:00 GMT

PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

Obsessive compulsive, tics, tourettes, ADHD, 'ants in pants', oppositional &/or defiant, clingy, mood swings, bed wetting, impulsive, compulsive . . . at least five of these? Sudden onset at around or after age 4 years old?

You may be dealing with more than your garden variety hyperactive child, this may be PANDAS whose source is rooted in a streptococcus illness which your child has had. He may no longer have the active strep in his body, but will be REACTING to the strep neurologically and behaviorally all the same!

If you feel so drawn, check out the following links and information:

http://intramural.nimh.nih.gov/pdn/web.htm

http://cbtny.com/pandas

"PANDAS is a disorder that typically begins in early childhood (ages 4-10). PANDAS symptoms include tics, obsessions and compulsions, mood swings, temper tantrums, attention difficulties, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and unusual movements called choreiform movements. PANDAS has an episodic course which comes and goes with the strep infection. However, the child may or may not have strep symptoms so it is often difficult to tell if you are dealing with PANDAS or not. In fact, many individuals never experience acute strep symptoms, and exacerbations can occur immediately following or several weeks after acute strep symptoms disappear. Symptom exacerbations are often rapid and dramatic, while symptom remissions are often slower."

http://intramural.nimh.nih.gov/pdn/recent_publications.htm

http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/links_pandas.htm

"What are the diagnostic criteria for PANDAS?
Pandas is diagnosed if there is an episodic history of the following symptoms associated with strep infections.

Presence of Obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or a tic disorder, ADHD symptoms or oppositional behaviours
Association with neurological abnormalities (motor hyperactivity, or adventitious movements, such as choreiform movements)
Paediatric onset of symptoms (age 3 years to puberty)
Episodic course of symptom severity. (symptoms come and go)
Association with group A Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection (GABHS)
GABHS evidenced by either a positive throat culture for strep or positive for streptococcus serology (ASOT or AntiDNAse-B)
A history of Scarlet Fever or Rheumatic fever "

http://www.adhd.com.au/PANDAS.htm

Filed Under: Vizualization &Transformation, Spirit Cake

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# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Thursday, May 17, 2007 5:25 PM by Rosalea

Thank you this is really exceptional information. Keep up the excellent work!

Rosie

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Friday, May 18, 2007 6:53 AM by Elizabeth

My child has been diagnosed with PANDAS, with almost no hope forthcoming (including a major university medical center) we found hope in Chicago. If you think your child may have PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) check out http://www.webpediatrics.com/ and click on PANDAS. This physician saved my child's life. Have a beautiful day. PS, if you need to chat get back with Ms. Clarity Now and she can hook us up.

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Friday, May 18, 2007 6:53 AM by Elizabeth

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Friday, May 18, 2007 6:58 AM by Ms Claritynow

Thanks Elizabeth!! I'm sure you can be of great help to someone who reads this!!!

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:46 AM by Travis

How do I reach Elizabeth to discuss this with her?

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Saturday, September 08, 2007 6:37 PM by Allison

I too would like to chat w/Elizabeth. My son was just told he has PANDAS this Friday.

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Wednesday, October 17, 2007 9:11 AM by KellyASmith

How do I get in contact with Elizabeth concerning PANDAS?
Kelly DKRE@verizon.net

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Wednesday, October 17, 2007 9:15 AM by KellyASmith

Actually, anyone with experience with this disorder, (PANDAS) please contact me. Elizabeth...Please contact me, I also have been in touch with Dr. K in Chicago. I am wondering what your experience with him has been, we are considering going out to see him. (we live in Pittsburgh)
DKRE@verizon.net

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:04 PM by Leslee

My son also has Pandas - we are also patients of Dr. K - who is the most amazing person as well as doctor -

I had thought I lost my son - (2 years ago sept) - Today Dr. K states he is "cured" - I will continue to watch and worry - however my son - is back

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Thursday, January 03, 2008 11:29 AM by Ms Claritynow

Hello all, I wish I could get you in touch with Elizabeth I have no information in order to give you. It's blocked with keen information rules. However I do want to report that my friend with her son who went through treatment is doing great!

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Monday, January 07, 2008 8:17 PM by Kerrie

My son has autism and was diagnosed with PANDAS last month. His PANDAS profile is a nightmare!! This follows a strep infection in August.

My world is falling apart. He came so far with his autism and now I think this is worse. It's ruining our lives.

Do you have to go to Dr. K for this or can this be done anywhere

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:32 AM by Elizabeth

Contact me at junemurray2000@yahoo.com, I apologize to all those trying to get in touch with me. I am new to blogging and after the first few days I never thought to go back and look at the responses. I hope any who have tried to reach me will get in touch. It is a terrible disorder and anyone who has encountered it needs all the support they can muster. Sincerely, Elizabeth

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Tuesday, January 08, 2008 8:16 PM by Leslee

I wanted to send a note to Kerrie - that Dr. K - Dr. Kovacevic
Also specializes in Autism!

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Thursday, January 10, 2008 6:56 PM by Elizabeth

Kerrie, other doctor's can do the IVIG but it is tough to get them to do it. We were at a major university medical center and they wouldn't do it. They wanted our son to try a bunch of different psych meds first. Please contact Dr. K. He will work with your child's pediatrician. The cost can be prohibitive but he talked to our insurance company and they paid the whole thing even though it was not covered initially. Even if you don't use Dr. K he does consultations which can be helpful.

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Friday, January 25, 2008 6:13 PM by michele

My six year old son has PANDAS. He was diagnosed at Shands clinic at Florida by Dr. Tanya Murphy this fall. He has been suffering from this for five years. He is curently on Omniseph daily. I want to know how to treat this in the future if he continues to have episodes and get worse. He suffers from OCD, emotional liability, tics, fixed interests and frquent urination. Each episode seems to get worse and last longer. Is there someone out there that can talk to me that has been through this and has found treatments that work? How can I get him better? Thanks for your time.

michele_223@hotmail.com

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Monday, February 25, 2008 12:22 PM by Billie Greenfield

I am thrilled about all comments. My son is 11 and was diagnosed 8 months ago. This has actually been hell on earth! Hopefully someday I will have my "old" child back.

# PANDAS DISEASE, A HIDDEN REASON FOR YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR

[Remove this Comment] Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:09 AM by COFFEE CHAT & SPIRIT CAKE!

Obsessive compulsive, tics, tourettes, ADHD, 'ants in pants', oppositional &amp;/or defiant, clingy,...

# PANDAS DISEASE, A HIDDEN REASON FOR YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR (re-post)

[Remove this Comment] Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:15 AM by COFFEE CHAT & SPIRIT CAKE!

Obsessive compulsive, tics, tourettes, ADHD, 'ants in pants', oppositional &amp;/or defiant, clingy,...

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:30 AM by Billie

Elizabeth, I emailed you at Junemurray200@yahoo.com and it keeps coming back. Do I have the right address? Thanks Billie

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Saturday, March 01, 2008 11:22 PM by Ms Claritynow

Junemurray2000@yahoo.com

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Monday, March 03, 2008 1:11 AM by June Murray

Anyone who would like to talk to me about my experience with PANDAS or Dr. K. please feel free to e mail me at junemurray2000@yahoo.com or jumurray@umich.edu.

# re: PANDAS DISEASE: A hidden reason for your child's behavior!

[Remove this Comment] Friday, March 07, 2008 9:14 AM by Nancy Matera

Both of my sons, now 9 and 12 have Pandas. I've been understanding it now and dealing with it medication-free for a few years. My younger son was 5 when diagnosed and I never understood it, now I do..if any questions...please email me at wncoury@gmail.com

Magical Herb and Vegetable Garden . . . photos

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:06:00 GMT

Today was a beautiful day . . . which started with my son announcing in my bedroom door that boy Chris and Josie had picked blackberries and were making pancakes with homeade blackberry syrup. With hot coffee and sweet berries on the cakes, I woke to see that Crissy already had her painting overalls on and had begun organizing her paintings in the garage studio. Over breakfast we discussed whether we should hike to the top of a mountain or stick around the house. Finally we decided to first do some shamanic journeys while Josie and Chris took a bike ride, and then garden. We took off to visit the most beautiful herb farm I've ever seen and bought dozens of edible beauties for half price! Josie above decided to help plant some geraniums. Galen chose some purple sage to plant, because sage is his middle name and he loves purple.

Also in the backyard are two fig trees which produce AMAZING tasty fruit!

No matter how long we stand picking black berries, there are so many blackberries bushes outside our house that it would take days and days to pick them all. I call it the endlessly abundant berry patch.

Here's our pear tree, and down the way is an apple tree . . .

We call this sweet plant our 'peanut butter tree' because when you squish the leaves they smell like peanut butter.

Beside our door are herbs like lemon balm, lavender, parsley, cilantro, rosemary and more.

We planted today, several kinds of basal, sage, camemile, curry, sweet grass, lemon grass, cilantro, sorrow, skull cap, mugwort, lungwort, a tea tree, greek tea . . . and about twenty more edibles not named! Also here are carrots, potatos, tomatos, peppers, oregano, lettuce and so much more. This is URBAN AGRICULTURE in our city backyard!

This shows our grape plants with manure soil in the box there.

All around besides the edibles are flowers, such as these on our garage.

This fire pit will soon have a cob bread oven beside it! We plan to make this ourselves soon.

This is the front yard with multiple kinds of roses and other flowers . . .

Amber is checking out the three hens and one rooster . . . his name is ICE CUBE lol. Next to them is the compost pile.

Here are some vehicles and above this on the porch roof are more pots for planting.

. . . A bay tree and some awesome smelling flowering plants.

This side yard is full of flowers.

Our shady artichoke corner of the garden . . . and we are getting an oil press to make tea tree and lavendar oils. We are going to learn how to make tinctures of things like skull cap- and just learn all we can about these amazing edibles. Also will plug some stumps with mushrooms next week.

Boy Chris cooked us the most incredible authentic Indian dinner with tofu bits and mushroom curry on brown rice. It was heaven . . . then out again to the garden with our hard ciders and shovels. This weekend has been heavenly- and our small sweet city in the valley here in Oregon feels like a garden of eden. In fact it was named one of the top five cities to live in by the Outdoor magazine. I know it will rain for months and months starting in the fall . . . but with vitamin D suppliments and trips somewhere away for sunshine now and then, we'll enjoy our cozy home, and this garden all winter.

I'm still waiting for our belongings to appear . . . as we sleep on make shift mats and borrow things we need (sigh)!

I wanted to share my day- and the joy of Urban-Ag at it's best!

Fawn

Digging In

Ms Claritynow — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:39:00 GMT

Today we drank wine and started breaking up the earth for our fall and winter seeds to grow. This fortress inside our backyard fences . . . these tall trees and bushes surrounding a gorgeous ornamental playground outside the back door- create a magical enchanted garden effect.

We took three kids to the Portland Airport for a week visit in San Fransisco. Tomorrow I start training in one of my jobs as a nurse at a psych hospital for children.

I so enjoyed the 'digging in' day . . . after all this endless limbo with worry over scamming moving companies and 'stuff' we don't have, yet. It feels good to plant potatos and plan for lettuce- to decide where to put some bee hives and let the chickens roam around the yard for a while. We'll have an awesome herb and healing garden, with peppers maybe pumpkins, too!

I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert- which I recommend to any woman, especially if going through a difficult break up or divorce.

Have a blessed week!!

. . . and now OREGON in this gorgeous Ring of Fire

Ms Claritynow — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:13:00 GMT

. . . end of the trail.

The beach is about an hour from our new home.

There are some long challenging hikes and lazy sightseeing hikes.

Jo is having fun wading with her daddy.

Sometimes the sunlight creates such beauty on the water!

There are giant star fish clinging to the sides of rocks, and sea life is everywhere. These rocks are all petrified lava that we're walking on.

It's great to have a sacred coastal area so close to home. Check out my willy wonka sun glasses lol They are from a play my son was in- Charlie and The Chocolate Factory-the oompa loompas wore them. When I bought them from the kids at the production, it was like, yea! Score!

Trees around the beach have personalities and many want us to climb up and sit for a view. We'd have to work at it with ropes and such to make it to these tall branches.

The misty fog recreates an Irish environment . . . electric joy.

So I wanted to share these really nice beach shots in our new home state, it's a great place with lots to do. I even took a KEEN call on the shores of this beach yesterday, it was a very lovely place to tap into source and help a client!

Deep Lesson in Faith

Ms Claritynow — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:06:00 GMT

The Universe Provides . . .

I have been reading a book called Adrift, Seventy Six Days Lost at Sea by Steven Callahan, a true story. He capsized in a small boat and lived on a small rubber raft (Rubber Ducky), alone. In the part at the end when he finally reaches land and is pulled aboard a fishing boat in the Carribean, he watches the fishermen continue their jobs and looks down at the dorado fish he spent long, hot, thirsy days only in the company of and staying alive by eating them . . . he can finally drink more than a pint of water a day now-

I feel compelled to share these next two powerful paragraphs with you which he wrote:

"I camly open open my water tins. Five pints of my hoarded wealth flow down my throat. I watch the dorados below me, calmly swimming about. Yes, we part here, my friends. You do not seem betrayed. Perhaps you do not mind enriching these poor men. They will never again see a catch the likes of you. What secrets do you know I cannot even guess.

I wonder why I chanced to pack my spear gun in my emergency bag, why Solo stayed afloat just long enough for me to get my equipment. Why, when I had trouble hunting, did the dorado come closer? Why did they make it increasingly easier for me as I and my weapon became more broken and weak, until in the end they lay on their sides and right under my point? Why have they provided me just enough food to hang on for eighteen hundred nautical miles? I know that they are only fish, and I am only a man. We do what we must and only what Nature allows us to do in this life. Yet sometimes the fabric of life is woven into such a fantastic pattern. I needed a miracle and my fish gave it to me. That and more. Theyve shown me that miracles swim and fly and walk and rain down and roll away all around me. I look around at life's magnificent arena. The dorados seem almost to be leaping into the fisherman's arms. I have never felt so humble, nor so peaceful, free, and at ease."

This story is a reminder that when things happen to us, we are tested to find the silver lining . . . to see the beauty in miracles that surround us. We are receiving gifts from everywhere and need only recognise the magnitude of this and accept.

DAVINCI DAYS

Ms Claritynow — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:14:00 GMT

These zany contraptions are to be able to race in sand . . ., through mud, on land and/or in water!

Except for the musicians . . .

and kids who want to ride, play, run, explore the multiple booths of education and hands on art . . .

. . . or play with the wild animals-

Corvallis- in site of Oregon State University has a certain kind of hippy geek segment of personalities who like to invent contraptions every year for the Davinci Festival.

They all peddle, but this one blows fire!

It's made out of household things like baking pans and such!

He likes to ride high in a tree down the road.

This dude looked like he was having fun most of all as he peddled down the river in his motorcycle boat with a teddy bear mascot.

. . . of course the magic peace bus!

People do like their teddies here.

Very fun.

. . . and the jugglers enjoyed the festival, too.

Bikes everywhere in this town . . . and bio or electric cars . . .

The man with the whisk was dad to those peddling in this contraption . . . which in fact won the road, mud river race today.

Slug came in a close second or third.

Go go go!

End of Our Oregon Trail!

Ms Claritynow — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:30:00 GMT

The day after we enjoyed the Tetons it was evident that all of us wanted to get to Oregon. We drove all day and all night to arrive in Corvallis by about four am the next day! It was a journey up through Portland, first, and then down to Corvallis, so by moonlight we checked out Mt Hood and portions of the cascades. The first day we rested and unpacked, had awesome food cooked by 'boy Chris' and settled our weary bones. Our cats were happy to see us and our dog was happy to be out of a car, finally.

When we entered Oregon from Idaho while driving west, I noticed a nice change in the energy which resonates so well with me. Our last stop was to eat at an Oregon Trail restaurant and from the border onward we didn't pump our own gas. The mountains were awesome to see, and the energy of the earth powerful and flowing. I can't describe it another way at this moment.

On Friday 'girl Chris' took myself and cousin Phil to Portland- to drop Phil off with his cousin and then to take me to lunch at a fun little place called Cup and Saucer which serves great coffee . . . she tells me it's difficult to find a bad cup of coffee in the Portland area. We checked out the Lion King exhibit at the museum and then a bookstore that was ginormous!

We drove back through Salem where my new job will be and then after a dinner of homemade pizza we had a blast at Oregon State University- just a short walk away- at the first night of a weekend DaVinci Festival -where we danced and laughed by the full moon to http://www.rosebudus.com/tourdates/beausoleil.html Beausoleil - some most amazing fiddle and string cajun music.

I really love Oregon- the people, nature, attitude . . . it's beautiful here. In fact, I keep pinching myself to make sure it's real. For me, it's all I've wanted in a community atmosphere and natural environment . . . easier to live my ideals- even healthier . . . a joy to simply be ME. As we begin to settle in, we're already planning a meteor shower camp trip to Mt Hood, a few days among the giant red woods and how we're going to plant our winter garden. Our home is awesome and able to provide shamanic circles and yoga nights, long lazy days of writing during rain season and good coffee lol.

There are dogs, cats, chickens and happy children. On Wednesday we walk to the park to meet some new homeschool friends for Galen. He already loves it, too.

This double gemini with aquarious moon is celebrating!

I found 'my people'.

Yea!

Photo Journal 5- Utah and The Grand Tetons

Ms Claritynow — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:38:00 GMT

We stayed in East Canyon, Utah, at a very nice camp ground and we were hungry when we arrived late after our driving. We heard that a restaurant was available around the lake so Katie took Amber for a swim and Phil, Galen and I drove to the resort place but it was sunday and had closed early. An old man sat in front of the door and told us it was closed and that the nearest town for food would be about 40 miles away. After driving all those winding hills and setting up camp, we didn't want to budge, but were un prepared. He asked, "What kind of food do you want?" Well, we didn't know how to answer, I guess it was just any store for some food. He told us that there were 'lots of rolls that will go to waste if not eaten' at his condo where his family stayed nearby. He got up with his cane and insisted we follow and for some reason we did. He led us to his place where his family sat around a table, his wife in a tie dye apron got up and started going through the refrigerator, we were so uncomfortable. I told her that we didn't intend to take anything from her kitchen, but she said that they had a huge family reunion that day and had too much food! So she and her son and husband gave us tons of ham, noodle salad, rolls, water, organic carrot baggies, cookies and grapes. They were Mormons who lived just outside of Salt Lake City. It was a picnic dinner we had by our fire, from these awesome, kind, folks!

As we were leaving we saw all these lost sheep on the side of the road with their sheep work dogs nearby.

Onward to Idaho to stay at the Teton Cabins, just outside of the National Park in Wyoming!

This is Lake Jenny and we waded, had a picnic and went boating . . .

Phil on his kayak.

Day 15 and tomorrow we head across Idaho to Oregon . . . our final stretch!