Eggs Inspire Local Community Buying

Every week I am able to get local eggs from farmers. It has been over a year since I have bought eggs in a store. Supporting local farmers, buying healthy local eggs. The chickens that gave us these eggs in the picture were fed non-GMO grains mixed with their free range life of picking and eating natural. Free beautiful chickens from beautiful farms. Look to where you can make a difference and shop more local from food to crafts!!! It empowers community.

Now I am off to scramble some eggs...
Debbie, Candlemaker in the Hills

Finding Practice through a Cassette Player

This year has been a mix of incredible positive experiences with some of the most difficult emotional times of my life. Through this darkness it seemed my hikes in nature lifted my spirits most. There is no doubt in my mind that the trees, waterfalls and mountains here have saved me and continue to do so over and over again. With each crunch of the leaves under my step, with each gaze up at the tall branches, with each tear shed, my joys have risen and washed over the pain.
The experience of loss, in any aspect of life, is an intense undergoing. It also seems to stay around in our hearts forever, but I realize that healing does begin to overpower the feelings. This is when some sort of practice in everyday life is of a great advantage.

I have been hearing the word practice from close friends and also teachers I listen to from afar. It is time to take a word seriously when it is close at your heels. Practice. What is a good practice for me to begin? All I got in response to this answer was a longing to use my old cassette player collecting dust on the shelf.

Yes, it is a strange way to begin a practice. So, why was I longing to use a cassette player? It is old and out of date and most would laugh at this. I mean we live in ipod world!
When I was younger I practiced meditation a lot. In my youth my excitement was overwhelming to wake every morning and greet the sun and then go to bed talking with the mystery of the night. I remember sitting outside in the winter with my heavy poncho, between two giant oak trees and practicing smudging and prayer. I had a great love for life and the experiences that came along with it. These were the days before all the big trials took over my thoughts. This happens to most of us, does it not?

So my focus was this old cassette player, as for whatever reason, brought me back to remembering my longing to connect again. Then enters serendipity as I walk into my favorite sacred store while visiting Florida. They were giving away free meditation cassette tapes!! Can you believe it? I mean, no one wants them anymore…but they were gold to me. I took a bunch with gleeful grabbing and brought them home to the mountains.

So now I have my cassette box set up in my room, along with some of my favorite rocks and candles surrounding the ancient player. The other night I began the journey of practice, listening to meditation tapes at night and in the morning. This small step I followed, so miniscule in the scheme of life, is changing me daily. It led to listening online to positive, inspirational programming. It led me to paying more attention to taste, sounds, smells, feelings. It is leading me outdoors more to spend time on this sacred land and listen to the wisdom of the trees and surroundings. The simple action of following the cassette player has led to all of these other smaller practices that bring much peace.

I know it is all strange. To find solace in an inanimate object, but it brings me great joy to follow. I hope and pray practice keeps me focused and brings me on new journeys in life. I am ready for this. Thank you good ol’ cassette player. You are empowering.

And So It Is…

Something Stirring: A Brief Interruption

We interrupt this blog to bring you an important announcement:

This is a hiccup moment, but things must be dealt with.

Something is stirring deep inside me. I confess that it is new and unusual. Every corner I turn,  inspiration is shot in my face and a great shift occurs in the heart and soul. Books, people and nature seem to be tapping me on the shoulder, turning me around, inviting me in, ever so gently. It is an enriching energy that breathes new life into me. At the same time I feel sort of frightened and awkward, not sure on how to step forward into all this and finding myself hiding as well. I am sure in time this will heal itself as the path unfolds.

With all this newness I plan to take some time next week and go into nature (and the library) to have some silent time. It will be of most benefit for this transitional energy stirring me up. With that, studying the natural world around me and my schooling is priority. To get to know my environment and from there to discover what I can do to help it. Reading, writing, and silence I am sure will help bring clarity on where this is all going and what is possible. Curiosity of the spirit rides high.

Writing is not one of my strong points, but I do love sharing with all of you and don't want to give up the journaling of what I am learning. Thank you for reading. I only hope to harness what inspires me to change and pass it on in order to help someone else find that fire in their soul.

I will now take you back to my regularly scheduled blog happenings, full of observations, sacred moments, environment and activism updates, cooking creations, candle fun, and more.

Peace,
Deb

Wedding and or Party Soy Candles are now at Full Circle

Recently I had an order for wedding candles for a customer in Texas. They came out so nice and creamy I decided to keep this going!

Soy Candles in tealight glass holders - 100% Soy Wax and Hemp Wicks. These are unscented but if someone wishes I can add essential oils. Size of these particular holders are 2" by 1.5" high. 

Make your occasion special by adding eco-friendly candles!

Check them out on my Etsy store and or Yardsellr :) Candles will be added to my website soon as well. 

Full Circle Yardsale
Full Circle on Etsy

Citronella Soy Candles in easy travel tins!!

Full Circle has Citronella Soy Candles with Hemp Wicks. Entitled Camper's Bliss! All around goodness to burn with the sustainable hemp wick. Keep the bugs away this summer with Full Circle...Camper's Bliss is in an 8oz tin for easy outdoor use and or take it camping :) Travel tins are the best!!

Citronella Candles are $7...Going on website soon but if you want one now just let me know :)

Thanks for supporting Full Circle Candles.

Blueberry Granola Bars or Shall I Say, Blueberry Cobbler?

She loves her bars with ice cream

Blueberry Bars - with a small taste missing from pan :)

I have discovered a wonderful, easy, healthy recipe to make some yummy granola bars. Old Fashioned as they are described. It is almost like a cobbler!! My daughter gobbles it up!! A great treat to make and then wrap it up and go on a hike! This recipe I got from Cascadian Farms. 

1 Egg White (local organic farmers egg if possible or free range from store!)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (you can find organic in grocery stores)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 1/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 Cups Cascadian Farm Organic French Vanilla Almond Granola
1 Bag Organic Blueberries
1/4 cup Organic sugar

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 8-inch square pan.

Beat egg white, butter, almond extract (if you want to add this) and brown sugar until creamy. Spoon or hand mixer will do.

Beat in flour, baking powder and baking soda. Stir in granola.

Press about two-thirds of the dough in bottom of pan. (sometimes I add a little more granola to fill it out)

In another bowl mix blueberries and sugar then spoon over the dough.

Crumble remaining one-third of the dough on top of the fruit.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

When it comes out you have many options. Slice them into 4 x 4 rows and create bars to carry with you. Or cut out pieced and top with ice cream (either your own ice cream or Breyers seems to have the less of additives in the store) and dessert is served!!!

This is a lovely easy dessert/snack for the family..It has taking the place of me buying granola bars :) No more needed...I am curious to add different fruit. When peached are in season I might give it a go!

Enjoy!

Hawk Fiasco by the Lake - Lessons from Nature

I went out to feed birds today and to my surprise one of my favorite birds, the hawk, visited me as well. It was so close, right by our lake, low in the trees. To my surprise a whole scene was about to unfold. 

Around the hawk, blue jays and other birds began to squawk. The sounds were small at first, but grew  got louder by the minute. Then the hawk moved to another branch, continuing this mysterious, silent quest. It was a beautiful dance. The birds were getting closer and real personal with the hawk. They did not like the hawk there in their territory. But the hawk didn't budge. It seemed to know well that it belonged there too but did not make a scene about it. 

Then I saw the hawk dodge its head a few times to avoid being hit by a jay. The jay was in it's face! I was shocked that it stood its ground but also did not place harm back to the jay. Then I got nervous. What if the hawk was getting the babies of the other birds?? I had an inner dilemma. I would hate for the babies to be taking but the hawk needs to sustain itself as well. 

The hawk moved in, closer and closer to the water. I followed, walking softly on the path through the trees. The jays were brave I tell you and made it known to the hawk that is was not welcome. But, the hawk was patient and brave as well and before I knew it, the hawk dived into the water, splashing around and then flew out with a fish!!!! It received the gift it wanted, just had to wait a bit to get it and take on some squawking. It was an all around happy moment, except for the fish.  

What a lesson to ponder today from this hawk fiasco...Thank you hawk for visiting today and teaching us so much. 

Support Your Local Farmers!!!

I remember growing up in New Jersey and visiting the local farmers market with my mom and grandma. It was such a part of life to stop by weekly and get our fresh produce. Tomatoes, plums, peaches, and nectarines are some of my favorites I remember. I loved biting into them.

Veggies from the farmers!

I am happy to be back in an area where I can have this as a part of our lives and now I have an even greater appreciation for local food. There is nothing like it. This week I really made some great purchases and meals are being made. Sometimes I do not feel like making an involved dinner and to solve this problem in the past I used to go pick up a fast food item or just use a microwave and heat up a frozen meal.

Organic Local Cabbage - $3 and will make a big pot of soup! 

Now my goal is keeping some simple healthy items on hand at all times to create a healthy quick meal instead of going out to get one or radiating some processed food. I always keep rice pasta, tofu, and brown rice in the kitchen. When I feel tired I just create a simple stir fry of local farmers veggies and mix it with pasta, brown rice, or tofu. Quick meal. Not a frozen dinner, not a fast food item, just a nice local healthy mix! Add a side salad with a quick homemade dressing (I whip up honey mustard in a minute) and dinner is served. Simple and so much better for the family.

Brown Rice Pasta with local stir-fry veggies and side salad - 1/2 hour meal to prepare

I am awaking to understanding the gift of the farmer and buying local. Now that I am a candle maker I understand the great appreciation when people support my local business.

So much of my life has been in grocery stores, buying veggies and fruits and although I do need things from them still (and in winter of course you may have to buy your live foods at the market), to support your local farmer whenever possible is one of the greatest feelings. I know where my food is coming from, I know if it is pesticide free, it was just picked around the corner so the health benefits are so much better, it is less impact on the earth to buy local, and I know someone planted that seed for the community to consume. I have even been invited to visit farms and talk with farmers to learn more. Yesterday I asked important questions to a local farmer who raises cattle and it is nice to know where my meat is coming from and what is being fed to the cattle. I feel it is local communities that will change this world.

I strongly suggest looking in your area for local goods and supporting them. From crafts to food. Local is the best energy around! You feel it when you use local goods. Back to basics!

Mollie Katzen Discovery

I feel I have found two of the greatest treasures to compliment my journey!

I am not a big buyer of cookbooks as I find so much online. However, these two books I just couldn't put down. They are both by Mollie Katzen and apparently are not new cookbooks. Been around since the 70's, or so I have been told. One is called "Moosewood Cookbook" and the other is "The Enchanted Broccoli Forrest". I tell you, each turn of the page got better and better!!

Seeing these books makes me think of my beginnings on this adventure to connect more with the earth. This journey has transformed me and I am seeing it. My new ways are looking like this: Simple gardening, buying from local farmers markets (as much as I can), eco-friendly living, riding a bike, cooking and baking a whole lot, spending time with my daughter by creating my own jobs from candle making to pet sitting. There is more on my list to transform. Hike more, meditate more, play more, graduate school, travel, open a small retreat center, and so on.

I have seen subtle changes in my body, which also affect and cause great healing for my spirit. For instance, recently when I happened to get really busy and couldn't cook much, my alternative to eating out more entered my world. Guess what? I sorta felt real sick after eating that fast food. My body reacted with a big "doesn't work anymore Deb" and I heard it. It was a good awareness for me. Now I know eating out in much more moderation and what I choose on menu's is a good practice. On top of that lesson, I have dropped some weight. I don't believe in diets one bit. I love food too much! I realized this weight loss as my underwear was sagging.  I know, TMI right? I don't really weigh myself but was curious and found I was lighter in my body. I smiled and felt really good inside. I will put the scale away again and just keep on my journey.

With all this said, I am coming to love my body more, no matter what weight it is. I am learning to appreciate my body. Respect it. My body has danced, giving birth, and taking me to such places of such beauty. I realize my body is such a gift. It is a vessel to hold my spirit in this dimension. I am understanding this more and more. I look at others, all shapes and sizes, and realize this for them too. To make good food and give my body the gift of this earth and share with others is what I wish to keep on doing.

So, to make good food these cookbooks came to me in perfect time. The recipes touched my chef spirit. It is a relationship indeed, like all other relationships we encounter. It takes time and patience. The love grows as you trust each other more.  As I fall in love with this way, I fall in love with all aspects of life. Falling in love is a good feeling to have. It brings such joy and abundance. I feel if you are missing this feeling in life, go find it!! It is so worth having no matter what. I do believe it exists in so many ways.

I will be attempting most, if not all, recipes in these two books and reporting back to you all. I feel like the young Julia character from the movie "Julia and Julia" and it makes me chuckle. I will keep sharing the journey with you. I write all this in hopes to inspire you, the reader, to find your way on this earth journey. Love, joy and simplicity really are the keys to great health for body, mind and spirit.

As Julia Child said many times "Bon Appetit"

Falling Asleep in Heaven

My Daughter at one outlook I love

Today I went to an overlook near where I live. I had a thousand things to do, but I so needed some time in nature just to listen and be.  

As I drove by one of my favorite outlooks I thought well I can see it from the car but I heard the tiny voice inside say go out and visit for a bit. So I parked, walked over to the green grass and sat down. It took me about five minutes or more to settle my brain. What I needed to do, all the candles I need to make, my busy week ahead, etc, etc, etc...

The wind from the mountain top slowly eased my busy brain and I became more and more quiet. As my silence grew my awareness of what was around me enhanced. Butterflies all around, jumping bugs which I think are the grasshoppers, the sun warm on my skin, bees carefully coming to dance around my head and a fly curious to land on my shoulder. In all of this moment of solitude I looked out to the mountain range I am so in love with and tears came to my eyes. Folks, I don't know how to explain this in any words, but it feels good. Real Joy. Raw Happiness.

As the breeze caressed my ears I began to close my eyes and prayer came easily, flowing in and out as I breathed. Then I laid down and looked up at the beautiful blue sky with dots of painted clouds. I remember. Being a little girl, laying in my backyard in New Jersey where I grew up. I remember laying their for many minutes, staring forever, wondering about many mysteries. As I laid in that sacred space today, I knew I am still that girl inside. I have wonder upon wonder and I live in a place that brings this out of me. I am excited to discover more.

As I thought good thoughts, I gently found myself closing my eyes and before I knew it I was napping in the soft, green grass. Mother Earth rocked me to sleep. It didn't last too long, as I was woken up by a screeching sound of a bird flying over the mountains. Two birds to be exact. I found out later in my research at home that it was the call of the Red Tailed Hawk. I watched them fly and dance with each other like young lovers. One would come close, the other might go off to tease a bit and then wait as the other joined them again. It was perfect choreographed dance for my eyes to watch and very touching to my soul. I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

As I knew it was time to leave and I walked to the car the red tailed hawk flew over my head, making my heart jump as its' shadow covered me. I swear it said "Thank you for visiting and come again real soon." In hawk language of course.

Peace

Homemade Crackers

Today I attempted my own crackers. Just took whole wheat flour, some unbleached all purpose flour, salt, water and oil.

The reason I did this was because walking through the store today I felt more and more removed from many of the package goods I used to buy. After picking up the crackers I do get (which are not that bad) I noticed BHT added to preserve them and I thought why can't I just make my crackers fresh when I want them. So back on the shelf they went.

I did pick up my rice crackers I get sometimes too...but they are more expensive and I realized I just couldn't get them this time at the store. So even more determination to go home and face the cracker ordeal.

Now many of you out there are probably thinking "why is she so excited?" and "crackers are so easy so what is the big deal?"...the point I am coming from in my writings on food is that these are changes I wish to celebrate. I am a person that used to eat more from boxes and or frozen microwave meals. So this is a long process for me and when I discover to do something on my own I must blog and share! I also hope that it does inspire others on the road to enjoying food in new wholesome ways. It is just so much fun and feels so good!

Out of the oven come the first batch of crackers. In my excitement I crackle the outside ones first and take a dab of the goat cheese, spreading it on and in mouth it goes. My spirit lifts! Wow! What a special delicious treat. This lightly salted cracker, combined with my down the road goat cheese brought a huge smile to my face and yes, I might have done a little jump in the air with excitement. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

As you may notice these don't look like the crackers from a box...I just cracked them a part with my hands...I sort of like the look...for sure a machine did not cut them :) and I am into modern art anyway.

The inner crackers came out a bit softer (doughy) then planned...I realize I need to make them even thinner when I roll them out to achieve all around crispy. So I will go onto making more crackers. I also have learned of adding seasonings to my crackers and seeds to add an even more delicious taste :)

You will hear about a hike I will take next week...with my crackers as a snack along side me! I can't wait to go hiking, see some nature and maybe sit by a waterfall eating some peanut butter on a cracker :)

Recipe for homemade crackers -

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (King Arthur or Organic Wheat Flour)
1 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All Purpose Flour (or Organic Flour)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil (you can find oil online that is non GMO)
1 cup water
Salt for Sprinkling (I used Kosher Salt)

Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Mix Flour and Salt
Pour in Oil and Water and mix until just blended

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface - no thicker than 1/8 inch
Place dough onto a baking sheet - not greased
mark out squares with a knife but don't cut through and then take a fork
and poke each square a few times.
Top with sprinkles of salt

Bake for 15 to 20 min. They get crisp and light brown.

After you take out let cool and then you can separate them :) Cut if you wish or break with your hands ;)

ENJOY!

Delicious Black Bean Burgers

I do love to make these burgers!! They take very little time so it is nice for a quick, easy meal. I do eat regular meat burgers (only when I get meat from my local farms in my area, free range, veggie fed and more respected) but I have cut down on my red meat intake in general. 

This is such a nice healthy burger!! I am not much for beans in general but I do like black beans. This recipe is a combo of different recipes I have researched and then I began just adding my own stuff to it. 

Ingredients:

1 Can Black Beans (or you can use some soaked black beans. You can also find Organic Black Beans in most grocery stores)

Green/Yellow/Red Peppers - finely chopped (just one pepper or mix up colors with a few smaller ones)

Some chopped Onion - Just 1/4 of onion or 1/2 depending on size. 

1 Clove Garlic - minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 Egg (Yes, local farmers eggs if you can get them!)

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Cumin

Sea Salt or Kosher Salt 

Black Pepper 

Panko Bread Crumbs 

Fresh Cilantro

Parchment Paper

Heat Oven to 350

Drain and rinse your black beans. I let them set for about 10 minutes or so to dry out a bit.

I mush up the black beans with a fork. I add my peppers, garlic and onion into the mix. I like my black bean burgers to have some nice amount of veggies in it. You can judge how much pepper and onion you want in your burgers. 

In a separate bowl I mix one egg, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. I then combine with black beans and mix up. Above I mentioned teaspoons for measurements. I always add a bit more to my liking so feel free to experiment. I believe in working out of the borders :)

I love love love cilantro so I chop up fresh cilantro and mix it on in!! 

Then add bread crumbs as you mix to make it more firm. You can use regular bread crumbs if you wish or make your own at home. I don't buy bread crumbs much anymore as most brands have high fructose corn syrup in them. I use Panko which works just fine for my burgers. Again feel free to experiment. 

I form my mix into burger patties and set them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. If you don't have parchment paper you can still do it but lightly grease the sheet as they can stick a bit. 

Place in oven and bake approx. 10 minutes on each side.

The best part is garnishing them! I love to top with my fresh guacamole, fresh tomatoes, Salsa, Mozzarella Cheese or Sour Cream or a little of both, and some more sprinkles of cilantro. It is yummy and filling!!! If you wish to put on bread consider putting it in a pita!! Maybe add Jalapenos, Corn Salsa and well, you can be really creative with these burgers! 

I make about 4 burgers with this recipe. We love them!! Serve with some brown rice and salad! 

Enjoy!! 

Black Bean Burgers with Sour Cream, Onion, Cilantro, and Salsa toppings. Side of homemade mashed organic potatoes! Yummy dinner!!

Autumn's Strawberry Pancakes

I named these Autumn as my daughter will beg for me to make these pancakes :) I adapted the recipe from allrecipes.com and then mixed in some of my own added ingredients. This was my adventure to stop buying pancake mixes. I have not bought any box pancake mix for over a year now. When people say well isn't it quicker to just get a mix I feel this states what we seem to all be looking for...fast, faster and fastest.

It takes me about 5-7 minutes at the most to put my pancake mix together. I know all of my ingredients and where they come from and so enjoy making it for my daughter. That beats out any boxed pancake mix to me!

Here it is:

Heat up your griddle and or pan.

1 Cup Unbleached Flour or Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (I use King Arthur Flour - read about that company)
1 Tablespoon Honey (eating your local honey can help you with allergies)
2 teaspoons baking powder (I always use baking powder aluminum free)
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use Kosher salt or sea salt in my recipes)
1 cup Almond Milk (or you can use 2% Organic Milk)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg (always my local farmers eggs are now used)
Sometimes I add a dash of vanilla

Mix all together. Then I take about 5-6 strawberries (organic when I can get them and if not wash really well) slice them up and add into batter. If you feel you need more depending on size of berries add more. I like them filled with berries. I sometimes add walnuts into batter or I top later with pecans. Either way delicious. You can also do this recipe with raspberries, blueberries, and chocolate chips! Sometimes I make a couple of batters and make a few of each.

Spoon out pancake batter onto your hot griddle/pan and cook both sides until crispy and browned. Serve nice and hot with real butter (no margarine here), real organic maple syrup or Agave Nectar (my favorite now) on top. Maple Syrup can be expensive so the discovery of Agave Nectar is a real gift!! You can now find it in many stores. My daughter loves these pancakes! Enjoy!!!

Sharing Living Simplicity Joys

My organic garden in the making (with sleeping peaceful kitty)

I have decided to share some of my favorite moments in cooking/baking/gardening from home. Moving to this area has inspired me in creating more fresh food for my family. You need to know that in Florida I ate a lot of processed foods. It is something I longed to change but wasn't sure how to do it as it was just easier and quicker. I mean there were stores and restaurants on top of each other where I lived. Coming to a land I feel more bonded with has slowed me down and has made it more accessible  to make step by step changes into my life. This is a very new feat for me. I don't know much about cooking this way so I have had failures along with successes and realized it is okay and fun. There are also some perks in the changes I have made.

• One, I have cut my grocery bill way down by not buying so much processed foods. 
• Two, I have cut my budget down by not going out to eat as much to fast food dining. It helps that I live in a place where not many chain stores exist and the energy of coming back to the home has taking over in many ways. 
• Three, I happen to live in where there is a flourishing farmers market which not only inspires me to support buying local but also to take on my first organic garden on the land I live. 
• Four, It is just healthier for me then what I was doing. 

Michael Pollen's books inspired me along with friends that I know that eat really well and cook a lot for themselves. Michael Pollen expressed in one of his books that if the back of the package has more than five ingredients, then question buying it. Also if the food item has ingredients you just can't even pronounce and coloring, don't buy it. This is what I attempt to practice now. Baking your own treats is better than buying the packaged items in store.

I would love to share what I am learning and hoping to inspire you to join in on the fun with your cooking and gardening life.

Namaste

My local farmers eggs with peppers and onions scramble!

My homemade flax/whole wheat breads

New Bird Spotted - Orchard Oriole

Yesterday I saw a new bird at my feeder. I looked at it closely and believe it to be an Orchard Oriole. I saw this male with a female counterpart. So glad they visited!!

Liking the Lichen

I must say it is a challenge for me to read a book by a biologist. I was awful in biology in high school. I think now why it is more enjoyable is in the presentation. This biology lesson mixed with stories of lore, life and humor make it a bit easier for me to understand the creatures being presented. I think the art of dance, writing, drama is a great way to teach and pass on knowledge.

I finished reading a chapter dealing with Lichen, which before reading I probably passed bunches on my hikes not knowing a thing about this growth. Now, I see Lichen everywhere. My relationship with Lichen is born. This picture today is of my lichen right outside my own home. The one lesson that stays in mind is learning of how the Lichen live and grow, with surrender to help the union flourish. Lichen is a combination of fungus and alga or bacterium living together. Surrender is what comes to mind. To give in to one another in order to grow.

I had a friend who expressed that Lichen can be used for medicinal uses. I decided to look up a bit more and found that this did indeed take place. Lichen was also used in dyes and perfumes and still to this day (although I am not sure if they are using it from lab creations or from out in nature).  Here is a neat sight to read about Lichen. I find the life of Lichen quite fascinating.

http://autocww.colorado.edu/~toldy3/E64ContentFiles/AlgaeAndFungi/Lichen.html

As I sit out on my porch I can see the Lichen everywhere, on trees, on rocks, on my home, and now feel like I have a new friend. I am liking the Lichen!

Myself Unseen - Following the Forest Way

On top of the multiple magical experiences I encounter here in Tennessee, another gift of the Spirit enters in. It is the book "The Forest Unseen" by David George Haskell. In this book the unfolding of the amazing world we live in as shared through the observations of a biology teacher. Mr. Haskell invites the reader on his year long journey watching over just a square meter of forest on the Cumberland Plateau and his words pass on like poetry to our souls, helping us to understand how we are all so connected, I feel, bringing science and the sacred to intersect. This book is taking me on a real good journey in bonding with my home even more, to understand it and live within it fully. The sacred does exist in nature and I intend to keep on digging into the soil even more, with science and spirit hand in hand.

The past few days I seriously questioned my move here. These are what I call dark shadow moments, full of fear and questioning. I feel it is okay to go through these times, aware it will pass and also finding the truth in the darkness. I guess I question what I choose to follow because the calls inside the spirit outweigh the reality that would say otherwise. Sometimes I simply just don't understand the path. What I do know and can hold onto is that this place engages my spirit like no other home and anytime questioning rises up the immediate, urgent reply of "yes you belong" is undeniably in my face. Isn't is so true to follow our intuitive nature and to trust when we can not see? Now, I get to read a book that takes place where I and others have passed by in our hikes. I absolutely adore that this book takes place in the home that I now live in and that the premise celebrates this connection between us and the biology of the life that is within this particular land setting. What a perfect answer to my questioning. It could not get any more clearer than that.

This book engages me to step outside more into my environment, to learn, to seek solace, to be more observant, respectful, adventurous and most important to listen as it teaches me about myself even more. I challenge you to sit outside more and look at your mandala of nature around you. What do you see, hear, smell? The ecology of your surroundings can teach you so much about who you are and what you are related to. What do you love about where you live? How can you get back to living in more accordance with your land? Do you understand the biology of where you live? These are questions I plan to dive into...and hope you can find time as well.

Please feel free to share what you see in your world of nature here on this blog.

Saving Money, Cooking More, Less Waste

A little over a year now I have been experimenting changing my life in order to take better care of myself, family and the earth better. Two goals were cooking/baking and the purchasing of a water filter. I have been going along, learning more and more recipes, especially delicious soups at the same time filling my glasses with filtered water from the sink. I have been so busy in these projects that I didn't even see what I was accomplishing. As I was jotting down my grocery store list this morning, a huge excitement filled my body.

You see, when living in Florida my list was filled with frozen quick meals, canned food, and packaged cookies, pies, and more. I probably spent $400-$450 a month on groceries. I was cutting coupons for items I would never use but followed the illusion of cleverly marketed package food that most likely not good for any of us. A big thanks to my inspirational friend Veronica and her magnificent garden combined with moving to mountains and reading Michael Pollen books has taking my life on this adventure.

This morning my list for groceries consisted of orange juice, yogurt, milk, cream, lettuce, veggies and fruit (farmers market in winter is hard to buy fresh veggies) and that was about it. I could add crackers on to the list but I JUST found two great recipes for making my own crackers. I can cross that off the list. I looked around my house but I had all the basics stocked up enough to make plenty of meals. That was it! To add to this, I had a coupon for the Almond Milk I use which will save me more money. I now only use coupons for items I will use for sure. Some weeks I do spend more than others, like when I do need whole wheat flour, meats and such, but I can see the changes taking place.

Also, I have not bought bottled water in MONTHS! My filter I invested in for around $20 has saved me a tremendous amount of money and helped me lessen my impact on plastic waste. Every three months or so I have to replace the filter and it only costs $14. I would like to add my animals are in on my experiment. I have changed them over to a much healthier food and I buy it in bulk. So they are eating better as well and I am buying less packaged pet food. I also bought a six pack of Seventh Generation dish soap online for like $18...free shipping. It lasts me for so long and instead of money being thrown down the drain, a healthier soap for the environment is. All of these steps have made a difference in many areas of life.

No doubt, my life is changing, slowly, but who is in a rush? I mean, I cook now. I really, truly cook. I make enough for our family and have plenty for leftovers. I mean, I am no Emeril Lagasse, well, maybe in one aspect. The love of cooking for friends and family. Something tasty, something wholesome, something that brings joy. That is what it is becoming for me. I guess I feel like screaming "I AM DOING IT!"

There is so much more to do and little steps and patience is what it takes. What will I do next? Well, composting is next followed by forming my first ever organic garden. I have my list of items. Tomatoes, Potatoes (Sweet and Regular), Zucchini and some herbs. In my home, instead of throwing my waste into garbage it will be composted now, in preparation for the garden. I will be sticking a rain barrel in this vision as well. It may seem simple to the advanced gardener, but it is big steps for me and we all start somewhere :).

When I leave this planet I want to look back and know I took care of it, lived and loved fully on it and most of all, to let Mother Earth know how grateful I was to call this place home.

And So It Is!!!!

Check out Debbie's homemade Soy Candles at:

Full Circle Candles

Soy Candles vs. Paraffin Candles. Why Is Soy The Way To Go?

I have noticed in my life a great sensitivity I have to paraffin candles mixed with strong perfume fragrances. I love candles so much. I have been burning them for years in my apartments or homes I have lived in. At a younger age I never new what I was burning. I just loved candles. I noticed the black that came off the wicks that sometimes left a dark spot on the walls. Sometimes I would feel congested and would also sneeze a lot when breathing in the perfume scents and soot burning off the wick. I know I didn't know better as when you love a product you just keep on with it. I realize that you can have the things you love in better and healthier ways and of course, in some research later on I found out about lead wicks and the harm in burning paraffin in our home environments.

I now only support using or making bees wax and soy candles combined with eco-burning cotton wicks and either pure essential oils or infused essential oils. What a difference it is for my environment. It is a crisper, cleaner smell, not overbearing in my home, and I know it is burning clean and not polluting my air. I like knowing my husband and daughter are not breathing in harmful toxins into their body or our animal family as well. It is good energy all around. If I do happen to be around a paraffin candle now with strong perfumes I am almost sickened by it as I am detoxed from having them in my home. It is amazing how your body reacts when you change things in the environment around you.

When I started Full Circle Candles I knew I would only make candles out of soy or beeswax...no paraffin would pass my hands. I want to so lessen my dependency on petroleum based products. One of my 2012 resolutions is to really begin to live a more sustainable way and that means supporting and creating products that are less harmful for this beautiful planet we live on. I want to practice this in my own business so I know I am taking care of the people that buy my candles. Little steps in learning help me to create a better environment and to help me step more and more away from unsustainable practices. I have a long way to go, but this little step of using Soy over Paraffin is a lovely beginning to the story.

Below is a little bit of facts on Soy vs. Paraffin and you decide on what you want to have in your home and what you actually support when buying paraffin based candles. And remember, support local, small businesses when you can!!! Farmers Markets too! We can make a difference and help each other! Go to Full Circle Candles to check out some wonderful, healthy candles to burn. And So It Is!

SOY VS. PARAFFIN 

SOY

• Soy wax is made from soybeans and vegetables, both renewable resources.
• Soy wax burns much cleaner and purer as it is all natural, non-toxic, and non-hazardous.
• This wax is biodegradable leading to reduced landfills.
• Soy wax residue can be washed away with warm water and soap. (it is so easy to clean!!)
• Purchasing soy products supports the soy farmers of America, which stimulates our economy and lessens dependence on international resources.

PARAFFIN

• Derived from petroleum, a limited resource
• The burning of paraffin wax contributes to indoor air contamination by emitting petro-chemicals causing soot deposits and carcinogenic particulate matter.
• This wax contains petroleum by-products and additives that inhibit biodegradability.
• Paraffin wax residue is quite troublesome, often impossible, to remove.
• Purchasing paraffin products not only supports our dependence on this crude oil but also supports an industry riddled with environmental faux pas.