Hooked on a Feeling

Pull up a chair…I know I look tired, but I feel good…I got your messages…this week has been running at a break neck pace…here, enjoy some pomegranate juice and I will fill you in…


Massage has been great…I have been helping new therapists start their own business and trading information with others…I love my old Dean Martin CD…it is a 72 minute run and every client this week has let me work through the whole thing…the energy has been great…

Chris and I will be ready to release a special project at the end of next week…He and Rose are getting ready to tape Chapter 2 of the ‘Family, Friends and Funerals’ book…I am awaiting the demo copy of book 2 (Chronicles of an American Boudica, Love is Like an Onion), as soon as I approve it they will release it…my fingers are crossed that it will be perfect...

School has been difficult…I thought I would breeze through the computer class…Thank Goddess for a great teacher…I learned many new tricks and programs…I have to admit it was NOT easy….the meltdown I had with the Excel program…learning excel sucks…knowing excel is very useful…then for my final tests, the computer kept kicking me off causing me to fail…the teacher let me take them from a different computer and I was back to passing…my streak of A is still happening…YEA!!!!! My new class is American literature. I am very excited as this will teach me many new writing skills.

This was a great week for the Circle of Boudica…the Induction Ceremony was beautiful…I was honored by the presence of Lady Sabrina…since it is a very private thing there is not much I can say…however, I would like to thank those who sent wood from all over the world…the fire sparkled and smelled beautiful…the moon was clear and bright and I felt like the Goddess hung it just for me…I had to pinch myself…I now hold the title of Lady Dorraine…I now have members to our community and this community’s Book of Mysteries has been started…the first priestess training class starts October 1…I will also be preparing the young mothers on how to make the Samhain holiday fun for the kids…Samhain will be our first full service around the bon fire…I am attempting to hook up the webcam for those in our community around the world to join us…for any information please contact our Bard, Mr. Bilton...

Today I turn 45…what a wonderful feeling…often times in my younger years, I did not think I would make it this far…it took many people working hard to get me here…I work hard everyday so all their work is not wasted and in hopes to make them proud that they gave someone a chance…life is good and I have been blessed…my birthday wish is for all of my friends and family to feel so blessed…

Recipe for Herbal Tincture

1. Chop the fresh or dried herb and place it in a sterilized mason jar. The more finely chopped the herb becomes the more easily the plant material will be extracted. Coffee grinders are ideal for grinding dried herbs into powder. Food processors and vitamix blenders are often used for chopping or grinding fresh herbs.

2. Determine the amount of alcohol to add by determining the weight of the plant material. Alcohol should be added at a 1:5 ratio for dried herbs and 1:2 ratio for fresh herbs. One ounce of dried plant material would require 5 ounces of alcohol. One ounce of fresh plant material would require 2 ounces of alcohol. Pour the alcohol into the jar covering the herb. Vodka is commonly used alcohol for making herbal tincture.

3. Seal the mason jar with a sterilized lid and place it in a cool dark place. Label the jar with the date of preparation and the herbal contents. Shake the herbal tincture each day for two weeks.

4. After two weeks, strain the plant material from the herbal tincture using cheesecloth. Herbal tinctures should always be stored in dark colored, glass bottles. A dropper is ideal, as it will allow the herbal tincture to be dispensed at specific ratios. Label the dropper bottle with the date and type of herbal tincture.


May your week be wonderful…please take time to let me know how you are all doing

D

P.S.
I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful Harvest Moon

Don’t Eat Yellow Snow

How many times have those words come out of my mouth…from the time I was 17…I have had children and commands flew out of my mouth on a regular basis…each one thinking I was being a complete bitch


Pick up your room…rinse the glass you just used…pick up your shoes…we do not use make up on the dog…do your home work…switch the loads…no, the cat does not need nail polish...sweep the floor…do not put the goldfish in the tub

I would make any company commander look like chump change

For most of my adult life I was a single mother…I always had a house full of children…weather they were mine or just children I was blessed with…for this reason…time and money were both a heavy thought…safety and security were also big factors

Since money was always tight…I worked 2-3 jobs 6 days a week…Saturday was usually my day off…I was recently reminded of ‘cleaning day’…anytime I was not at work, there was always so much to be done…

I was always very open with my children…many times I was told I should hide things from them…Now looking back, I am glad I was open with them…each one has hit the ground running

Do I still want to yell? Yes…now more than ever…it is no longer my job though

How do you say it…if he doesn’t want to meet your parents, he is not serious and doesn’t respect you…paying someone else’s bills is stupid…drinking is just dumb…pay your bills on time…bring the kids to visit…call at least once a week

You don’t…you sit on your hands and shut your mouth…you wait and pray…just like you made your mistakes, they must make theirs

When they call or come by…you treasure it…you have to give advice only when asked…when they hurt you hurt…when they are happy…you do your best to be happy for them

Reality states that things never go that easy…mine all have this streak of independence, I don’t know where they get it from…my true rule is, if I feel strongly about something, I will speak my mind…it always amazes me that my family tends to forget that…each one of them counts on it though…they also know I have their back

As a parent, you always wonder how much really sinks in…I have been listening when each has called, sent mail or e-mail, seeing video…they may never admit it, but you can hear yourself in them…you can see yourself in the choices they make (this is not always a good thing)…you can start to see things in view of the full circle

You can somewhat relax…it is now time for you to live your own life...you will worry…it is okay…they will find there way and learn life lessons along the way…no need to shout commands any more…you can now be the person of love…May you all be so blessed

Meltdown on the little red planet...

Merry Meet,


How are you? I am doing much better now…on my trip back from the little red planet…I managed to calm down. This has really been a hard month. Put your feet up, get comfortable and let’s talk…



Massage has gone well. I love my job. Breaking the body down is fun. My clients get into some of the most interesting conversations with me…the conversations go every where (history, money, medicine, politics, art, death, life, computers, etc)…after the massage is over, I really feel much better about life. I have the best clients and they make me a great therapist.



School…well, I had a major meltdown this week…I had to bust my butt the week before to catch up and was quite proud of getting the work done…I have learned quite a few new tricks in Microsoft office…then we started learning about Excel…by Tuesday Walt was asking if I wanted a wig since I had ripped out my hair…lol…on top of this we had a ‘Team Project’…it was well announced, but I had somehow missed it…I felt quite stupid…I was also upset that no one had contacted me from my team until the last minute…the teacher in this class has been great… if I have not said it today, I love my school…the other students who saw my meltdown called or e-mailed and tutored me…once I calmed down it all became clear and I was able to handle it.



England has been having some sporadic weather keeping Chris and Rose in the house…Chris and Rose have the Chapter 2 video all planned are just waiting for a break in the weather to roll film…I have been updating the computer with all of my new programs for publishing…Don is off on his other job at the moment….we all hope to be on point again next week



This month had me at wits end…first, I got sick…lightening blew up many appliances on the property…the mouse wars, the mice lost…though my house stunk…you would think that would be enough…last night a breaker popped…no storm, only my computer and a few lights on…hmmm…why would the breaker pop…my air condition unit went down…this is Florida and we still have 95f heat…I was so burnt out from drama all I could do is laugh…poor Walt thought I had really lost it…all I could picture was having to buy a new unit and where was the money going to come from…I called Dolphin Air, they are from Wesley Chapel…they are quick, clean and do not try to rip you off…the mice had chewed through a wire…the guys had it fixed in about 20 minutes…Walt may have won the war, but the mice got the last laugh



I love my age…I am soon to turn 45…I think it is so cool…a number of people (myself included) have worked quite hard for me to get here…it was not easy for any of us…I have always been blessed with wonderful friends and family…up until the last 2 left home, I was always the hard ass…I had to be…now, I get to be me…relax…enjoy life…I have always worked for the family…Now, I feel blessed because I am young enough to do the things I have always wanted…best of all…I can still rock the bikini and I am older enough not to care about the stretch marks…lol…they are my battle scars…I won…I am still here



My twins will turn 21 tomorrow…that is rocking my world a little…it seems like they were just little girls yesterday…today, they are beautiful, educated, loving young women…neither one is pregnant…I must have done something right…lol…they were the last 2 at home of the 38 I raised…OMG, it’s the end of an era of children…I was 17 when they started…28 years of dedication…I wish for my girls a wonderful day…I hope the night is exciting…Tristan is out of State and Dansir is in Orlando…So I will not get to see them…I am making a big chicken dinner with cake and ice cream to celebrate for them…I will make them a video in hopes to make them both feel at home…I miss them



The garden is changing for fall…Cooper’s roses have started to bloom in a vibrant red…Cosmo’s Rose has turned a pale pink…the bird house crumbled when lightening hit it…I will keep my eyes open for another one…the day before my birthday I will be weeding and feeding…I will share pics



The animals are well…the sugar gliders have been happy to play with me…the dogs have been going through dry skin…I crush banana leafs and apply to affected areas…when I was up north I used Vaseline…I also use mayonnaise…when in the bath, after we shampoo, I used conditioner on them…the cat is acting like wonder slut…I try to brush him once a day while he is shedding…Walter’s work uniforms are Pepsi blue and we have a shedding white cat…instead of getting upset…I lay out the clothes and wrap them in a towel and Walt can only put them on when he is ready to walk out the door…lol…yes, as a matter of fact our animals do own us….



In the Circle of Boudica we have been busy…the preparations for my induction ceremony are almost complete…the pieces of wood have been coming in from all over the world…I am so excited…this is sure to be a magical evening…since the Feast of Ingiving is on the same night…there is much cooking to be done…


Cold & Flu Tea

This is the time of the year that many of us are being bothered with a cold or the flu.

Use equal parts (use a tea ball)-

Peppermint

Elder flowers

Yarrow

This tea increases perspiration so you sweat out the fever. I drink 1/2 of a cup every 1/2 hour until I start to sweat. Then I drink 1/2 cup every one to two hours. I usually don't stay sick too long using this tea.



As usual, sleep is something for the dead…I am thankful for the ability to keep up…I feel richer than Martha and Oprah combined…they only have money…there is no dollar amount worth what I have…I have true friends and a very loving family…they have seen me through thick and thin and I them…I work for and with a great group of people…privileged am I to be getting a great education…I feel beyond blessed that the fellowship in the Circle is growing and strong…My wish for you all is to be so blessed…please remember laughter is the best answer to the hardest situation



Blessed Be,

D

Busy Times

Come in…sit down…relax…it has been a ‘hit the ground running’ type of week…I have fallen for the Simply Raspberry Lemonade…I will pour some over ice for you…I am feeling much better this week, thank you for asking…



My massage business has been hopping…I was really feeling the flow…the clients were happy as each massage went over by 10-15 minutes…I really enjoy seeing them feel better when they leave…okay lets talk business…since our business is one of a personal nature, marketing is a tricky issue…I have spent a lot of money over the years and some of it was truly NOT worth it…postcards were one of those bad ideas…only 1 in 9 appreciate it/ 3-5 of the same 9 will actually get upset…if you run an advert in a local paper…please be careful, you may entice more than clients…I have a cool little flyer that I advert in at times and have gotten great results…I used to try the local major paper- this brought me a lot of freaks and police (either way not a good thing)…craigslist is not a great idea either…I used to advert on there until almost every call from there was a freak or a cop…massage is my passion and I love my job…I want to work on people who need me and not play childish games with people who waste my time…


School has been a catch up this week…the computer class is great…though I wish I had a typist stand to hold the book up while I am trying to do my work at the computer…I have learned a lot of new tricks around Microsoft office…I have even built my first power point…Thank Goddess for an understanding teacher…he has allowed me to make up the work from last week…it feels good to be getting caught up


Waiting for the release of book 2 is like being pregnant and waiting for the baby…I have 2 more weeks to go…I am in love with the updated video that Chris has done with Chapter 1 of Family, Friends and Funerals…the sound is something we are working on…we are new to the video shoot game…thank you for having patients with us…Rose and Chris are out shooting Chapter 2 this weekend…I am not thrilled with how my massage videos turned out, but I have many ideas how we will make them better…Don has been helpful…even though he has started a new job, he has made sure to call and has started applying new knowledge so that he will help us make a great website…so very cool


Okay…so now you want to know why I look so stressed…we are currently in hurricane season…this means rain every afternoon with a lot of lightening…a bolt dropped down on the street beside our house…we are all fine, but it did damage in both homes on my property…at the folks- mom’s computer got fried, dad’s computer had the Ethernet card blow, on the back of his house the flood lights blew, his water heater blew up too…at our house the modem for the phone got blown up, the computer one went sideways, and 2 new holes popped in the roof…with work, school and Boudica- lets just say I was ready to hurt people…dad went to best buy and got a new Ethernet card…I told mom to call the home insurance about her computer…Walter replaced the water heater for dad…Heckle and Jeckle in Home Depot…this was truly a laugh riot…Walter rewired the flood lights…Brighthouse was quick…my phone was only down 2 days…they replaced the modem and sent signal to the other…Walter, Don and Dale will be climbing on the roof to lay down the new membrane…so everything got handled, but what an unholy orgasm…and of coarse mom is in Maine this week


The animals are shedding…all the dogs have short thin hair…so when we get to this point of the year they all look so bald…the cat is leaving white hair everywhere…when I sweep, due to the high amount of animal hair, I take it out to the back yard and dump it beside the compost heap…this way the critters out there can build their winter nest…the pond fish are putting on their winter weight…their colors are so bright…my bird house got blown out of the tree in this weeks storm…funny, we used deck screws to put it up…they are still in the tree…a mouse family tried to move into the house…Walter suddenly became the hunter…he tried glue traps…that was a waste of money…I showed Walter the glue trap and said, ‘It looks like Ming’s Chinese Theatre’, and pointed to the little foot prints left in the glue…he then tried the old snap traps…he got one…he was so happy…after a few more days he got some decon…I do not like that stuff for several reasons…he got the rest of the family, but God made him pay for it…they died in the walls and my house has stunk to high heaven all week


The garden and pool have been a happy place…the heat has broken and the flowers are starting to pop out…it is quite beautiful…we have had swarms of butterflies…I wish I could paint…I know where the renaissance artists’ got their inspiration…my little blue jay has been patrolling the air above the roof top and fighting with any bird who tries to enter the yard…I get a huge belly laugh out of it, because he usually loses…the osprey couple has come in early this year…it is good to see them…the female hawk is still hanging out…I think she has a thing for dad…my Cosmo rose has started blooming again and has taken pink to a whole new level…Dad’s front box has every flower in bloom right now…it looks like they will spill into the yard…we have had a pair of parrots hanging out too…I think someone let them go…sadly that happens a lot here in the country


Thank you to all of those who have been sending wood for my Induction ceremony…I feel as though I am ready for this honor…the first meeting of The Circle of Boudica will be 9/28/10 at 8 pm…if you can not make it all e-mail/letters will be read to the group unless otherwise requested…Our Bard Chris Bilton will be handling the news letter…please contact him if you wish to receive a copy (biltonwords@hotmail.com) …We will be getting ready for Samhain and praying for a bountiful harvest


The kids are doing well…the grandkids are well…my friends are outstanding…I still do farmtown on facebook…even though we are scattered all over the world now, we get to play…it is fun, but I do miss everyone…I am thinking on renting a house in NC for a week this winter…I know, I have not left Florida in 10 years…I will be close to all the girls and grandkids…Dansir is hoping to go with me…then we can have a really good time…I love the words road trip…I have been streaming a lot of Netflix…I love it…NO disks to mess with…At my table the games we play the most are- cribbage, chapel rummy, phase 10, scrabble, Yahtzee and Darts (these are on the wall)…we have a game going almost every day…I have Othello that the others play…I got to the point where I could not loose, so it became boring…Endless Ocean is a great educational game for the Wii…it is only one player…I enjoy it…you really feel like you are there swimming with all of these wonderful creatures…I just got finished reading The Art of War…I found it interesting and applicable to many parts of my life…


Want to boost the immune system for fall and winter? I have the best recipe…

Stuffed Peppers

1 Garlic- whole clove (roasted)

1 Onion (chopped finely)

1 lb Hamburger

½ lb Pork (ground)

1 Can stewed tomatoes

1 package Knorr Spanish rice

4 Large peppers (make sure they can sit flat)

6T Parmesan cheese

2C Mozzarella cheese

1 Jar tomato sauce

1/8 t of the following spices marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano and basil


Cut around the top edge of peppers, clean and put on to boil

Put a little olive oil in a fry pan and add the onions, cook until soft

Add hamburger, pork and garlic and cook until brown

When brown, drain and place in mixing bowl (cover with towel to keep warm)

Put Rice on to cook (In a bowl mix spices and add to rice)

Line baking pan with tinfoil and add 2C sauce to the bottom

Drain peppers and seat them in the sauce

In the mixing bowl, add parmesan cheese and stewed tomatoes with hamburger and pork

Add rice and mix again

Spoon mixture into the peppers

Add ½ C of Mozzarella to cap off the peppers

Cook at 350f for approx 30 minutes

I am so glad you came to visit…I know you have a busy life and must be on your way…I am going to listen to Bob Marley and clean the pool…May your day be blessed

D

The little critters took over

Merry Meet,


I am glad you came by…I have been hearing from everyone about not answering calls/e-mail for a week…let me explain…Wednesday afternoon the little critters in my stomach went ballistic and for 3 days I was on my knees…I did the best I could to keep up, but it was very difficult…the fever kept making my eyes water which made trying to see the computer a bitch…I kept washing the house in bleach trying to keep Walter from getting sick too…

In massage the first part of last week was quite busy…the clients have kept me hopping in nutrition…I am doing research with each client to personalize their treatment…I expect this week to be busy…glad I had a long weekend to get healthy…

School has been difficult…the teacher has been great…the class is not hard…I was just having a hard time being on the computer too long last week…I started playing catch up today…I got a whole lot done, but still have quite a bit more to do…

I was too excited…my friend Don is joining Chris and I at American Boudica Publishing…he will be helping Chris get the website up and ready…Chris was kind enough to record chapter 1 of ‘Family, Friends and Funerals’…I think he did a great job


The animals are feeling full of themselves…the pong fish have been jumping every time I go out to feed them…the dogs have been ultra playful as of late…Ramses has been wrestling with Shinara or Chewy…the gliders are very happy and playful…Walter will soon be sealing up my office so I can bring them out of the cage to play…how cool is that


As the season starts to change, so has the garden…for Dad’s Christmas present we are getting him a bee hive…he is very excited…we will have beautiful flowers and veggies…fresh honey and wax for candles…the crape myrtles have taken to their new homes very well…I will be making compost tea in about 2 weeks…call and let me know if you need some…

In the Circle of Boudica…we look to the upcoming harvest…I have a great ‘Feast of Ingathering’ recipe and it is also a good herbal remedy…the honey helps boost the immune system and has an almost homeopathic effect to aide with change of season allergies…

Sea Turtle Wisdom Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tsp. honey (should be local)

• 3/4 tsp. sea salt

• 2 tsp. olive oil

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

• Raisins

• 1 egg

• Water

• Green food coloring (optional)



Method:

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Whisk in honey, sea salt, and oil. Slowly fold in flour, as it becomes harder to stir, turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop and dust the dough with flour. Knead the dough by folding it in half and pressing it with the palm of your hand until it springs back when you poke it lightly with a finger. Form into ball and place in lightly greased bowl. Dust dough with flour and cover it with a clean cloth towel. Let it rise for 30 minutes.

After the dough has risen once, punch it down and form balls for the shell (6in. diameter), head (3in.), and legs (2in.), and assemble on a greased cookie sheet. Etch a crisscross pattern on top of shell with a knife. Use 2 raisins for eyes. Let rise for 30 more minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush lightly with egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbs. water and couple drops green food coloring) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 2 turtles


Well I am glad we had a moment to visit…I will be back later in the week…I hope all of you are well…may you all be blessed with good health

Blessed Be,

D

Fall Garden 2010

The garden has shown many shades of green this year.

Much of the foliage has been highly productive, but flowers were not happening much this year.

As you can see dad's screen, which is normally covered in blooms now hardly has any.

It has grown very healthy, just very few blue flowers.

Along the foot path can be found little bits of color popping out.

They seem to pop against the deep green background.

This is the best flowering plant on the property.

It's showy white blooms cry to be put in your hair.

I have been wondering if the severe cold snap of last winter caused the flowers to stay hidden this year.

Melon Salad with Pansies or Violas

Serve this salad at a ladies luncheon or breakfast. It will certainly create a lot of talk. I keep them growing in the kitchen all year round. Great for head aches (non-migraine) and constipation.


Ingredients

•¼ cup vegetable oil

•2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

•½ teaspoon sugar

•dash of salt

•dash of fresh ground pepper

•3 cups assorted melon cut in ¾ inch pieces

•2 small cucumbers, sliced thin

•Salad greens

•Pansy or viola flowers

Directions

1.In a tightly covered container combine vegetable oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.

2.Shake to combine well. In a bowl combine melon pieces, greens, cucumber, and pansies or violas.

3.Right before serving pour on dressing and toss to combine well.






May you all be enjoying a walk in the yard.

Blessed Be,

D

Good Morrow My Flower

Merry Meet…you seem a little flustered…come sit with me…I made some citronella candles to keep the bugs away…how has your week been?


It has been a relaxing week…I got quite a bit done just the same…

The massage room has been deep cleaned and all padding washed…I pulled out and tested my paraffin tank and table heater…I will be placing my sombra order next week…if you need some let me know…it has been a busy week…I am looking for purple sheets…if you see some please let me know

We have opened the American Boudica Publishing Youtube page…tomorrow we will be taping and uploading…I am very excited

I have not found any good contracts up to bid on, but I am keeping watch

I have been on summer break this week from school…my next class up is computers…I am really thinking this will be cool…classes such as this teach some really cool tricks

I have started my seeds for fall crops - Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)…it has rained for days…it is good as the ground can use it…I like the idea of the crape myrtle hedge to block the sun from the house…I will keep you posted as to how it works…

Since we have had so much rain, pool time has been limited…when I do get to go…the water has been freezing…this left me time to go through mail (snail and e) and autumn clean…I fixed hubby’s computer, made some great meals, washed the dogs and have been enjoying my time with friends

The stuffed shells were awesome…Walt felt special when I made him stuffed peppers…with so many fresh veggies around, I have started cooking ahead…pack it and stick it in the freezer…when I need instant food, pop it out of the freezer and into the oven…This way I cook 5 meals at 1 time…saves money and time…also because you cooked it, you know what is in it…I got into this habit when the kids were small and it has stuck with me…many meals lend themselves to this (meatloaf, casseroles, lasagna, stuffed shells, etc)…the herbs and spices really get the chance to penetrate…so if you are new go easy…

The Circle of Boudica is getting put together…I am happily awaiting my time…I feel really good about life…it is a unique experience and I am glad I get to be here at the start



Dill is a marvelous herb to the stomach and is really cool how its’ phytonutrients promote good skin…it is a strong herb…I love how the flowers pop like fireworks…very easy to grow in a semi sunny window



Dill Dip

3/4 c coarsely chopped fresh parsley

1/3 c chopped fresh dill weed (or 1tbsp dried)

1 c low-fat cottage cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 c light sour cream or low-fat plain yogurt

1/4 c chopped green onion

1 tsp salt

freshly ground pepper

1Tbsp Honey (optional)


Well…it is time for me to go to bed…when you have time come visit again

Blessed Be,

D

Looking to the Clear Moon

I am so glad you came by…here fill your plate….I know the stuffed shell came out fantastic…the ‘Ragu Organic’ has amazing flavor well worth a few extra cents…I picked it up by accident…we know there are no real accidents…the steamed zucchini is drowning in butter…yes, the lady at Publix had fresh garlic bread made today…let me get you a napkin


You have questions about my comment the other day…I understand…I am sure science has some really cool reason for it…when you listen to nature you find different answers…what some dude with a PHD states might be true, but it is far from the only truth…

When you walk outside at night and the sky is clear with white poofy clouds…look at the moon…if it looks like it is covered in a transparent haze…it means that bad energy has been released and is going to enter the atmosphere…this was no exception

My husband’s overtime getting canceled was no big deal…he has been working so hard he deserved the time off…on his way home, the fuel line blew on his car…by the time he got home we lost ½ tank of gas…the gentleman who was supposed to help me with the video had disappeared…the next day, a man came to me with an animal that a young lady took from me…she so cruel I was really stunned…she had taken 2 gliders…one is MIA…she did not tell them man the nutritional requirements, so the animal was suffering malnutrition…I spent most of the weekend nursing him back…thank goddess for the gentleman who had stepped in or the animal would have been dead…some cats started fighting in the back yard which sent some mice into the house…thank god for a big cat in the house…I wish he could have got them before they tore up the kitchen…it has rained most of the weekend, so very little pool time…

There are clouds thick and deep tonight and no visible moon in sight…I have been chanting with positive energy to try and keep the damage a minimum…I have been burning purple sage around the house…

We are coming into the time of Harvest…The Feast of the Ingathering will be the same day as my induction (September 23)…this year it will be private…the feast is one to celebrate the hard work of summer…it is a time to start the winter preparation…you will find it is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and God during the winter months….the colors of this holiday are green, yellow and brown

The ‘Circle of Boudica’ is open to fellowship on September 1, 2010…we will be holding prayer circles through out the month of September…my plan is to have everything ready for Samhain…Samhain is considered by Pagans as a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died…In some rituals the spirits of the departed are invited to attend the festivities…this is one of my favorite holidays…the colors of this holiday are brown, orange, red and blue…classes in Pagan study, herbology, religious study for adults will not open until the first of November…we will excitedly be starting the kids studies in December…since Yule will land on December 21…I feel it is a great time to get the kids involved…it is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the god and the goddess passing from crone to maiden…the colors for this are blue purple and white…if you are looking to join our fellowship please let me know…

I was able to get the YouTube for American Boudica Publishing today and the videos should be posted by the end of the week…we are very excited…I can not wait to hear the reading by Chris…it will be neat for others to hear him…you see every time we write together, I have him read it back…to listen to him animates the story by 10 fold…The 'massage FAQ' video we have worked on together…I think it will be enjoyed by not only people who give massage, but also everyday people who would like to or have gotten massage…

Lavender Herbal Jelly
Spread this on whole grain white for a nice way to relax…I used to make kids a sandwich of this when I wanted them to be calm or take an afternoon nap…the leftover lavender water can be used in a tub to calm skin and an excellent aromatherapy source…

• 1 1/2 cups fresh lavender flowers

• 3 1/4 cups water

• 1 box powdered Pectin

• 4 cups white sugar

• 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1. To begin, sterilize 5 x 1c jelly jars, rings and seals, and find a medium to large sized pot.

2. Bring the water to a boil in a pot, place in the lavender, and cover with a lid.

3. Lower heat to simmer for 5 min, and then remove from heat. Don't peek! Steep for at least 20 mins or preferably overnight.

4. Strain and measure 3 cups of the lavender brew and place in deep jelly making pot.

5. Whisk in pectin crystals and vinegar, bring to a boil, and whisk in sugar.

6. Keep pot boiling until it is at a rolling boil that can't be stirred down (about 1 min.)

7. Remove from heat, and let sit for 5 min. skim the top if necessary.

8. Quickly bottle and seal before it jellifies. Let the jelly age 1 month for best results.



Thank you for stopping by…I am glad I was able to fill your belly…it will be a busy week…I am here if you need me…may positive energy surround and protect you…

Blessed Be,

D

Feeling Quite Purple

Thank you for making time to sit with me…it has been a great week…here have a glass with ice, I have gotten hooked on Simply juices…I have lime or raspberry lemonade…which would you like?


Let’s start with all the updates…

As I have been feeling quite in tune lately, my massage clients have really felt special…I have worked in detail on their bodies…we have been speaking on nutrition and moving in a positive direction…we have been looking for more natural ways of dealing with minor complaints…I have now used Homeopathy on 3 different situations (2 human and one dog) and found it to be effective part of treatment…my hands have been gliding in the muscle…I feel like the muscles just want me to be there...I have been getting into some old Peter Gabriel…as you can see, I really love my job…

School is amazing…I just finished ‘The Herbal Medicine Chest’…I have another A…I hope this old girl can keep it going…this is really a great way to go to school…the class is challenging and the other students keep you thinking…our teacher was waiting on his wife to have a baby the last 2 weeks…I think the whole class was pulling for her…lol…my next one up is a computer class…I wonder what new goodies I will get there…for the next week, I am on summer break…

American Boudica Publishing is a busy place…since I have next week off we will be working hard…Chris will be getting a video reading of chapter 1 From ‘American Boudica, Family Friends and Funerals’ posted…I will be posting one called ‘Massage FAQ’…we should have ‘American Boudica, Love is like an Onion’ on the shelf by 9/15/10…The website should be ready by 10/1/10…it is a lot of work…I am so glad for all the helping hands…Chris and I have gotten the Skype down to a science…often makes me feel like I am on that cartoon ‘ The Jetson’s ‘ with my video phone…some things are just amazing…I can remember when that was a futuristic thing, Damb am I old…yea, but I am still cute

I will be banging down some more doors to try to get more government contracts…I have been on hold with this as I had so much else going on…so much for a summer break…people going back to work is more important than me sitting on my ass…so I will not complain;)

I have started seeing the change of season…fall is on the way, but the heat is not abating…the flowers and bugs have changed…this has been the colorful grasshopper year…we have had green, red and yellow ones hopping and flying everywhere…their nightly song does not come through an MP3 player and is very comforting…I will be kind of sad to see them go…I am getting ready to cut down the lilies…the crape myrtles’ have taken well to their new home…I have 3 more to plant…I also have 2 extra if you want them

The kids are well…mom has been home for a few now and is getting back into the swing of things…dad has the yard looking right again…he had to rip up his tomato from the turvey thing because a caterpillar ate it…the heat of the summer, after such a cold winter…made some things beautiful and made other look half dead…I think it amazed us both how much came back…isn’t nature cool

We have let everything around the pond grow tall to protect the fish…the water stays clear and cool when the sun does not shine directly on it…I like to stand on the deck and watch when they eat…They have been liking all the bugs jumping in the water…you can here the snap across the water…their orange and white colors have been shining this summer…must be all the grasshoppers…

The cat has been wanting to be brushed a lot…he is starting to shed again…the dogs have been liking their weekly bath…chew bitems is so small when he shakes off, the tub does not even get wet…when Shinara shakes off, she soaks the whole bathroom…Draco just sits there and gives me the evil eye…he loves to get in the tub and hates to get out…the gliders have been quiet since the others have been gone…the last few nights they have been letting me play with them again…I guess I am forgiven…all in all not bad at the moment

I have been enjoying the new TV…I do not get to watch very much…as a matter of fact, I DVR everything…so when I do get to sit for a few, I can fast forward through commercials, I can watch 3 half hour or 2 one hour shows in and hour…it is quite cool to stream the Netflix…I have had great luck with it…the Wii looks quite cool on the screen too…it has been a lot of fun

The pool has been a challenge…a friend of mine mentioned a pool service…I was a little green with envy until I went out the next morning…cleaning the pool may not be everyone’s thing, but you can learn about the area you live in by what happens with the water…it’s clarity can speak to you of what is in the air…the bugs you remove let you know when to plant or cut…the back yard has been much greener than the front due to the humidity the pool gives off…I am addicted to my pool…lol…I still try for twice a day and for at least 20 minutes…it has really helped me keep going in this heat

I have been gathering wood for the induction ceremony…I am very nervous and excited

There was a haze across the moon tonight…this is never a good thing…I will pray t passes quickly…Walt called me about a broke fuel line and overtime has been called off…I will keep faith and make the best from it…

Are you in need of sleep…if so you can go to most local grocery store vitamin isles and find Valerian…as always ask you doctor, but it has been working for 100s of years…no need for heavy prescriptions doing damage to the body…it is also a pretty plant

Life is good…I accepted the fact many years ago sleep is not a requirement, life is…I have really felt great about where life is right now…its not perfect, but good none the less

It is my hope that this finds you with a smile…some good thoughts of your own…may you find at least 3 blessings in you life today (small ones count)…

Blessed be,

D, Cooper-Rooney, LMT

A time of resolution…

Merry Meet,

In the last few years, I have walked with my heavenly parents to find my way from the pain of the past to the happiness of the present…the goddess has taught and nurtured me…the god has protected me from the pain…I sit here, a child befuddled in amazement…


As we have spoken of before, many people who were and are very cherished in my life have found their way back to me…with this in mind, I had a few people I wanted to call and say thank you to…when I was getting ready to leave Virginia…a few women who saw what was happening reached out to help me…they were all my age…they wanted me to start a new life without abuse…I honestly feel it is because of them I am alive…It has been 14 years since I spoke to any of them…one of them was Becky Richardson…she was the wife of a Baptist Preacher…her husband, Oscar, and she went out of their way for me and my twins…through the wonder of the Internet…I found a number to their old business, called and left a message…I wanted to hear her voice and celebrate with her…I wanted to tell her how special she was…like a child wanting a parent to be proud of how hard they had worked…she was a big help in attaining a new life…she and Oscar had a real marriage…I learned from her a lot about stability and how great family life could and should be…she helped me protect my children when I had more bruises than clear flesh…never once did she stand in judgment…I am quite proud to call her friend…today I got a call from a sweet woman, Lois, who explains that the company was sold and that Oscar was in India preaching…I was in shock…it took me a minute, I began to explain why I was looking for them…she continued on to tell me that Becky was dead…my heart stopped…she continued on to tell me that their son still worked there…at this point, my mind raced to the point the sound barrier broke…she was only a few years older than me…what happened, my voice was breaking and tears falling…I guess Lois picked up from my pause, I was reeling from the news…she told me Becky had an aneurysm of the brain and died suddenly…Lois continued to say that Becky was with Jesus…my mind shot to the kids playing in the yard…her daughter looked so much like her…Lois said she would try to get word to Oscar and we hung up…I was thankful to Lois for calling back, but I suddenly felt lost…my heart suddenly broken…during some of the darkest points of my life this woman was the angel sent to be my foot prints in the sand…and now she was gone

It is my long held belief that we are reborn until we get it right…those who die young are taken to whatever you call heaven…Becky is proof of that…she was a beautiful, selfless soul and gave love in abundance…I am blessed to say she was part of my life…I thought about our last conservation, I am very thankful that she knew I loved her and that I was thankful to call her friend…

Let people know how you feel…you may never get another chance…I am happy she did not suffer and is in a better place…my heart hurts though…

I am now a grandma…a few weeks ago I was reunited with 2 of my foster daughters…this was a true gift and they were both married…they each have 2 children…I am so proud of them…I knew this day would come…I have to admit, I am a little stunned…true fact- time stands still for no one…at 44, I am now a grandma…

Work has been going well in all directions…In school I have my final for ‘The Herbal Medicine Chest’ this week…I feel like I am doing well here too…it has been a little hard to focus…with the induction ceremony fast approaching…I think Walter, Chris and Dale would say their spirituality has been tested over the last few weeks…ha, ha, ha…

I feel good…I feel the Goddess is walking me through and preparing me for what is to come…I was thankful to God to feel safe enough to make those calls…to be able to say thank you for helping me change my life…not many people get to be a mom…I am now gifted enough to be a grandma…I was shown what happened to Becky, but not until I was strong enough to handle it…

My resolve is for The Circle of Boudica to be an open loving place for all…a place built on acceptance and not judgment…a place to share the open hearted kindness that has been provided…



News on frankincense…

Did the three wise men suffer aches and pains from their long camel ride? Luckily, they had frankincense, aka Boswellia, a traditional Ayurvedic medicine for arthritis and joint injuries. In a study published in Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Egyptian researchers gave people with osteoarthritis of the knee Boswellia and turmeric or a placebo. After three months, the herb group showed significantly greater relief from knee swelling.



In my holiday bonfires, I have explained to people that the ashes rise to heaven…they carry your thought, hopes, dreams…I found the following poem and thought I would share…

Light-winged Smoke, Icarian bird,

Melting thy pinions in thy upward flight,

Lark without song, and messenger of dawn,

Circling above the hamlets as thy nest;

Or else, departing dream, and shadowy form

Of midnight vision, gathering up thy skirts;

By night star-veiling, and by day

Darkening the light and blotting out the sun;

Go thou my incense upward from this hearth,

And ask the gods to pardon this clear flame.

HENRY DAVID THOREAU - Walden (1854)

Earth, Air, Water, Fire…In this Circle we Conspire…a blessing of a true friend is my wish for you…So Mote It Be, So Mote It Be, So Mote It Be.

Blessed Be,

D. Cooper-Rooney