The Greenridge Herbal Thymes

A New Year, A New You

Today in church our minister talked about taking "inventory" of ourselves, our lives, and reflecting on all that we want to be and all that we don't want to be. We participated in a wonderful burning bowl ceremony where we wrote on paper things that we want to release in the coming year. It is a way of letting go of what no longer works for us. We threw away or "deleted" things from the past that we do not want to keep in our hearts, our minds, our souls. It was amazing to watch as a small piece of paper was able to symbolize such a significant spiritual transition as we make our way into the new year.

If you have time to do this, it's a special way of making room in your heart for more happiness, joy, and love. Life is so precious and one of my New Year's resolutions is to really take time to appreciate life's beauty in all of its forms. Here is a quote that I keep by my desk to remind me of how precious life is and how thankful I am for all of life's blessings:

Every life, every season, every day, every moment is a gift; precious and brief

-Anonymous

Although every day is not perfect, and there will always be ups and downs, we should always strive to find the good in each day, and in each person. Forgiveness is essential, and Oprah defines it as "letting go of the hope that you cannot change the past." Forgiveness does not mean giving in or condoning inappropriate behavior. It may inspire you to start setting healthy boundaries for you and your family to prevent yourself from being placed in an emotionally hurtful situation.

Those who wish to sing Always find a song

-Author unknown

I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year and I hope that you will enjoy much love, laughter, good health, and peace. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us!

Light, love, and harmony always,

Welcome 2008!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

May all of your dreams come true!

Apple Cinnamon Ornament Craft

Ingredients:
1 Cup Cinnamon
1 Cup Applesauce
1 tbsp. ground allspice
1 tbsp. nutmeg
2 tbsp. ground cloves
1/8 or 1/4 inch ribbon, raffia, or yarn

Directions: Mix the applesauce and the spices in a bowl. Make a ball with the dough and then roll it out between wax paper 1/4-1/2 inch. Using Christmas cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes you can and lay them on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Re-shape the scraps and repeat the procedure using all of the dough. You can then place beads in the dough - this works great on a Christmas Tree shape ornament b/c the beads look like ornaments. Take a pencil and make a hole towards the top so that ribbon can pass through it later. Lay the cookie sheets in a convenient place to dry for 4 or 5 days to dry uncovered, or bake at 200 degrees for 2-3 hours. Note: Do not bake ornaments with beads, let those lay out to dry. Or place them in a dehydrator for 5-6 hours.

When dry, thread the ribbon through the holes for hanging. You can decorate one side of the ornament either by gluing things to it or painting designs with acrylic paint. Store these in a resealable plastic bag or tissue lined box. These make the Christmas tree so festive, and smell divine. You can even do these with kids!

The Night Before Christmas for Moms

It was the night before Christmas,
when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring,
and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Dora and Diego,
flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot,
which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great," muttered the mom,
"Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat."
Appeared from thin air was the mother's new twin.
Same hair, same eyes, Same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust," She'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, Watch The Young & the Restless."
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true!
"I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night through! "

From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?! I scared... and I am wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."

The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal. "
That's my child's love, she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, "
Only one loving mother, is needed here."

The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right."

- Author Unknown