Some days I just wonder how we manage to live in a natural and healthy way. Unless we grow and produce all our own food, it is always uncertain exactly what is inside, even when claims are made as to the wholesome and natural aspect of a given product. I tend to stay away from prepared foods as often as possible, yet I am not the only member of my household who does the preparation and cooking, so I am always concerned with what my family is consuming. My shopping cart looks like a giant fruit and veggie mobile, and I love to go to markets when the season permits.

Organic foods are avidly sought after items and my cupboards are loaded with what I hope are truly natural food stores. It costs me more to eat this way, as I am very picky about what passes through my mouth, and I only use pure maple syrup on my delicious oat and grain pancakes and when we need a great natural sweetener in our recipes. We only cook with olive or grapeseed oil, and corn oil seems to last forever as we only use it upon the rarest of occasions.

Still, I always wonder at the quality and true source of the food grown. Is the soil safe and clean? Are we getting true nutrients from the food grown? Is it handled in a responsible manner so we are not given harmful germs or viruses? Why are we still getting deadly diseases such as cancer if we are following our instincts by living as naturally as possible?

I woke up today after a night full of disturbing dreams. My dreams tend to tell of things to come, as I have dreamed true dreams of events before they occur on many, many occasions, so I pay very close attention to them for this reason. I dreamt of a terrible accident involving a loved one, and it put me in a strange mood upon waking. Of course I was upset, so I performed a calming excercise to give myself a chance to consider the implications from a place less full of the panic of my waking moment. I decided to just keep my senses aware and my eyes and heart open to events, and possibly avoid a dangerous situation which may or may not occur. The world is a very unsettling place to live in, so this is how I walk forth anyhow, yet I vowed to keep extra vigilence of my surroundings and in watching out for my loved ones.

I have experienced so much loss in the past few years, and most of these losses occured through preventable causes. Cancer and health related issues have taken several family members and friends to the other side before their time, in my eyes and heart. I am very close to the age of these dear ones who have crossed, and I am blessed with excellent health. I have always striven to take good care of this body the creator has blessed me with, and try to set good examples for those I come into contact with, or those who enter my sphere of influence.

Yet what about those who cannot afford to do this? And those who are not aware of the dangers surrounding them… how can we truly know what is safe and what may be potentially toxic?

I do not wish to experience the devastating feeling of grief and loss of losing a loved one through either neglect, or blatant disregard of our fellow humans health after consuming what they think is a pure and natural product. Most people do not seem to realize that they are stocking their homes with a whole lot of poisons and cancer-causing products, from household cleaners to soaps, shampoos, lotions, scented sprays, and even make-up. The list is huge, and I am always grateful when someone points me in the right direction by informing me of dangers inherent in a certain product, either consumed or applied to my body. Cancer is so ugly and dark, and I have no wish to allow it entry into my life or that of my loving friends and family. I am not afraid to speak out in a firm, yet gentle way, when I see people walking forth in ignorance to the dangers surrounding them. That is what Love is.

I am also deeply concerned when it comes to our four-legged furry friends. We have four guinea pigs, five rats, a dog and two cats. They get the same treatment as other family members, as they are family too, and we feed them as naturally as possible as well. They get plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, and a diet which is appropriate for them. Dogs and cats have not survived through the centuries from food out of a bag, full of fillers and goddess knows what else, which may not be prepared with the care most loving animal friends may think. Our furry friends are given the best we can find and supply, and are healthy and happy for it. We do not mind the extra time it takes to ensure quality, and the efforts to prepare healthy snacks and meals are well worth it. The balance in our home brings such a good feeling, and at the end of the day I feel good about doing what I can to keep my family happy, safe and healthy.

Well then, Happy New Year! It always gives me a sense of starting upon a new Journey when the Seasons change, and when the days start to become longer. Although we are having many real Winter moments of snow mixed with rain (we usually get mostly rain here in Oregon), I feel a freshness in my Spirit and am looking forward to each new moment with a spring in my step. I have a strong feeling that this year will bring many new changes around the Earth, and some will not be so good. Yet I am ready to walk forth with courage and am up to the sometimes overwhelming challenges we will need to face, and I shall keep my faith that we can save the wild places and creatures that the creator has placed beside and around us. I wish to explore this planet, and it is my goal to travel to new and beautiful places, enjoying many new adventures.

As I look back I am reminded of how far I have come in the past year, and this serves to encourage me to set new goals. Although I am still young, I am the Matron of my family and my actions serve to create a certain positive energy which flows to all of my family members. This is a great responsibility, yet there are so many teachings yet to evolve, and in these uncertain times we need to all be aware of what is at stake on this planet as a result from our actions. We cannot sit back and let fate just take its course… it is up to each of us to put forth our intentions in a good way and follow through. My warrior spirit guides me to honour and protect those around me, and I can do no less.

Human beings tend to fall into the trap of focusing inward, which is good at times to keep our bodies and spirits in balance, yet we need to focus on the world and happenings around us in order to help create the positive changes which will help us grow and develop as human beings. We all have choices to make as our path unfolds, and sometimes it is vital to take the harder path in order to encourage others to follow suit in honoring this planet and all her gifts. There is much peril and danger unfolding for humans as well as all the living beings that inhabit this world. Keeping our eyes open and our senses aware of the changes around us may spell the difference between life and death, or circumstances which are totally unacceptable to live with.

I will, as always, keep my thoughts and actions positive. In doing so I will be doing my own small part in creating a world in which Life on this planet is worth living. I will be aware of my surroundings and that which I am called forth to do in helping to restore the Balance. There will always be the good and the bad, the Ying and the Yang, as this is what the Balance means. Yet I am hopeful in bringing back the balance on this beautiful Mother Earth, as the balance has become distorted and there is more bad than good at this time. I do not wish to see this planet as only bad to help the Balance elsewhere in the Universe, as this is home to many billions of creatures who need to survive in a good way. We can all do our part if we set our minds and hearts to this task, as honourable stewards of this planet, before it is too late and the Earth decides to take matters fully into her own actions of cleansing.

So today I wish to set forth my intentions of staying alert to the changes around me, and stepping forth on my path with a good heart. I shall honour the true friends I meet as they help to Light my Path. May we each honour the Earth and walk softly on this wondrous and Sacred gift of a planet we have been placed upon to call home for such a short time. May each moment create a new feeling of Love for our fellow beings, and let us walk forth with excitement for just being alive!

Pilamaye,

Teri
~

Just so folks know why I am not around, it is that time of year when we head out to go camping for two weeks. We have an Isnati Lawanpi (young girl to woman ceremony), a memorial for a beloved family member who crossed last year, and our Sundance to attend. We choose to follow the path of the Lakota peoples, as this is a natural way, with respect for the Earth and all her inhabitants. This is such a special time for us, as it is always good to gather together with family and friends in this way. So, I just wish to say that I hope folks enjoy each moment and each other… our time on this plane is so precious.

Pilamaye,

Teri
~

Today I am reminded how precious time truly is. We have one and a half weeks until we leave for Goldendale WA for Ceremonies and camping for two weeks. We Love to camp! There is something about living outdoors in the Summer that brings Nature into a truer focus, and helps us to honor the Land in a more intimate way. It is still quite cold at night, and the wind seems to blow often, yet for some reason we do not seem to mind those things. We just bundle up, prepare to get dirty and remember how precious fresh water is. There is just something about connecting with the Earth and utilizing her natural resources to survive that brings out the best in me. Some people love the City… I love all that is pure and natural about the great outdoors which brings about such a wonderful sense of freedom!

During this time, we all work together setting up Teepees, preparing sweat lodges, cutting wood, gathering fresh water, and getting evergreen bows for the Sundance shade arbor. My little S and I have our own special place, in the shade of an Oak tree, in which we camp each year. This sweet little spot is very near our main camp… although some folks have individual camps, there are several main camps in which we set up to cook, eat and socialize together. The greatest thing about this whole adventure is how well we all work together! Everyone pitches in, so no one is overburdened, and there is such a great feeling of comraderie. Even if we haven’t seen some people in a year or more, we just seem to come together as if it were yesterday since we last saw each other. There is so much Love, hugs and sometimes tears, and we just feel so very grateful for these lasting friendships which carry us through some difficult times.

Well then, time to get back to organizing our camping gear and supplies. We still have to some last minute things to attend to, and I need to finish up the beaded medallion of a horse, which will be presented to one of our beloved Elders at a camp meeting before Tree Day. We are honoring each of our Elders with a medallion to show our Love and Gratitude for the Wisdom they share with us, and I feel blessed to be chosen to bead one for a very dear friend who has touched my heart many times throughout the years.

So you see, about this time every year I am reminded just how precious our time together is… S and I treasure every moment spent with our friends and family who live far away. This year we have an extra special focus on the Children and teachings for them, as well as learning more about the plants and herbs around the Land, and certain survival skills. There should be some very interesting discussions and plans for the future, which I am looking forward to. I am very happy to see such positive growth. I wish to send out prayers for safe travels for our friends and family who are preparing for this journey as well.

I truly love Valentines Day. It is a great opportunity to get a bit festive, and express our Love for each other. Even though I do this sort of thing often anyway, it is great to have this theme to go by during our chilly month of February.

As I endeavor to search for lots of wonderful gifts to share with family and friends, I am always mindful of our Environment. When I found a place with fair trade gifts for valentines, I jumped right on it. This is fantastic! Not only did I find Organic Gifts and Natural Gifts, yet I found Planet Friendly, a healthier green alternative to birthday, anniversary, romantic or just everyday gifting. What fun it is to browse through a wide selection of organic gift baskets that overflow with tasty treats, fresh products, natural ingredients and the knowledge that what you buy is helping keep this planet user-friendly for years to come.

Organic Foods…
Produced by farmers who are careful to conserve soil and water, and enhance the environmental quality of the land around them for future generations, “organic foods” use no synthetic or artificial means in their growing process. Farmers also avoid exposure to toxic chemicals or pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water or food supply. Many believe that organic foods have a better taste and are overall healthier for you since the produce is natural and fresh and levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus tend to be higher in organic foods than processed counterparts.

Planet Friendly carefully searches for products that meet the various needs and desires of their customers. They know that you want healthier alternatives and look for the freshest fruit and widest variety of products to meet all your gifting needs.

As an example, I am totally delighted with the huge assortment of gourmet organic snack foods to be found in their Organic Ultimate Gourmet sampler! Inside a stylish natural basket with drop handles, discover delicious 100% organic snacks such as pretzel sticks, chocolate cookies, ginger cookies, cheddar cheese crackers, a chocolate coffee bar, chocolate-cinnamon crisps, dark chocolate espresso-vivani, banana chips and cherry oatmeal cookies. To complete this spectacular sampler, they also included 100% organic spicy brown mustard, grape jelly and sweet and spicy herbal tea sachets. What a great selection!

How splendid! Just what I need to satisfy my total Valentines Day experience.

Well then, I do hope all my friends and family enjoy a wonderful and Loving Valentines Day!

Let’s just take a moment to be thankful for our gifts in our
Family and Friends as we venture forth into a New Year.

I was yet again reminded, quite profoundly, how precious our
loved ones are. A very dear friend and brother crossed over
just recently. This man has one of the biggest hearts I have
ever had the honor of knowing. He was not old, yet he had
lived a full life helping others and touching the lives of
all who knew him, in a good way. His was the first “viewing”
I have ever attended. I did not truly know what to expect,
so when I entered the chapel and took in the scene I broke
down. Of course I had already cried for this loss of my friend,
yet was grateful that another dear brother and friend was
guarding the doorway with a strong shoulder to cry on as my
emotions burst forth yet again. As I made my way forward to
pay my respects, I marveled at how peaceful my friend looked.
I did not look closely, mind you, yet a quick glance told me
much. He crossed peacefully. We sang songs for our brother.

He firmly believed there is more than this Life, and that he
would be venturing upon a new Journey when his time came to
cross. I felt sadness at my loss, yet joyful at the same time..
it is not easy to describe this feeling. Yet I knew my friend was
in a good place and would always be watching over us, as he
loves us.

So, I will say to treasure your Family and Friends before they
slip away…

Let 2007 be a year of laughter, joy, songs, sharing and adventure!
If there be tears, let them be cleansing and not consuming. And
most of all.. be Thankful!

Enjoy each moment and each other.

Teri
~