Heading for Goldendale Washington…
Posted by msterilinn on Jun 20, 2008
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
~
Time for camp and Ceremony again…
Posted by msterilinn on Jun 11, 2008
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.
Today is Earth Day… Celebrate Life!
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 22, 2008
Although I am mindful of this wonderful and beautiful Earth each and every day, today is as fine as any to create awareness. As folks celebrate world-wide, I send out my heartfelt prayers for the healing and preservation of this Sacred planet.
We lost a Great and Ancient tree to the machinations of modernization, just recently. My daughter and I have loved to walk a path through the trees near a river by our home. Along this path lived a beautiful Cottonwood tree, the largest I have ever seen, standing watch over all the smaller plants and trees nearby. Each time we passed this Ancient Spirit we would stop and touch it, giving a prayer of thanks for the air we breathe and the wonderful shade provided during hot days. Although we love all that is green and natural, this Ancient One held a special place in our hearts. It had been here for much longer than the ugliness of some places nearby, and brought a timeless beauty to this place.
Last week we were walking across the river from this favourite tree, and I stumbled when I looked to see this tree. I could not seem to catch my breath and tears came to my eyes. My daughter grew concerned and asked me what was wrong. When I could speak I pointed across the river with a heavy heart. Our dear and beautiful tree still stood, yet all of it’s branches had been cut off. This still-living tree was about to be cut down, for no reason that I could see. It was still healthy and strong! I felt the pain of this quite deeply, and was so sad!
We crossed the river the next day. I truly dreaded approaching the part of the path where this Great tree had lived for so long. It still stood, and I swear I could feel the pain of this poor tree as it stood, with all of its branches full of new life, lying in piles around it. My daughter was very sad as well and asked me why. Why had they done this to a tree in a place where nothing was to be built and the tree represented Life, and was no danger to folks walking? I do not know why… so I approached the tree and offered tobacco to the spirit of this Ancient One. I cried and prayed and asked forgiveness for man’s folly. We said goodbye to this wonderful tree that had given us such pleasure and comfort on our many walks. This place no longer brought me pleasure, and I am not certain we shall return. I prefer to stroll in the wild places that man has not touched.
Each day it is good to take time to honor Life, and all living things. We do not own this planet… we are just here for a little while. The Earth is Ancient, and generous in her gifts. It is only right to be thankful for what we have been blessed with, and to teach our children to be caring and thankful as well. This is part of the great Balance. So each day, let us promote Life by planting seeds, and nurturing our gardens and forests. Let us care for each other as well.
Here are a few helpful tips to get started…
Reduce - Reuse – Recycle; bring your reusable grocery totes. If you must buy disposables, buy paper products rather than plastic or Styrofoam. The manufacture of Styrofoam depletes the ozone layer.
Conserve water, waste not and fix leaks.
Use fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants, and dispose of them properly.
Try to use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps.
Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand.
Save your kitchen scraps for the compost pile.
Boycott tuna or buy only “dolphin-safe”
Use Seafood Watch to choose seafood that’s good for you, and good for the oceans.
Volunteer your time to conservation projects.
Participate in stream and beach cleaning programs.
Become more involved in marine environmental issues.
Vote for candidates that share your sentiments.
Write your legislators when you have an opinion about pending legislation on environmental, land use and other issues.
Plant native, insect resistant, trees and shrubs in your backyard to provide food and shelter for birds and other creatures.
Pull weeds instead of using herbicides.. Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to pesticides.
Use public transit.. Ride your bike or walk instead.. Drive a more gas efficient car.
Fifteen Ways to Bring Nature Indoors
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 31, 2008
Today I would like to share a special post as shared by a friend of mine. Our health and our lives are greatly enriched when we embrace the gifts of Nature. We are surrounded by too many man-made products which are made from harmful materials and chemicals. Decreasing these deadly objects from our homes and increasing that which is natural, will bring forth harmony and balance to our bodies as well as our Spirits. Let us love, honor, and respect our beautiful planet Earth.
Adapted from The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner (Chelsea Green, 2002)
In earlier times, when nature was perceived as alive, with intelligence and soul, people bonded with nature much as people bond with their pets or family now. This bonding process engendered a certain kind of attitude toward nature. It is an aspect of what Edward O. Wilson calls biophilia - a genetically encoded or innate emotional affinity toward all other life-forms on Earth. It means a deep fondness for, connection to, and love for life forms and living things.
We can begin to undo the cultural conditioning that teaches children that thinking defines their value, that Earth is dead, that other life-forms intrinsically possess less value. Bringing nature indoors is one way to begin bonding with life.
Here are a few ideas for welcoming the natural world into our homes.
Simple Solutions…
* Stones, rocks, pebbles. Placed in bowls or in a ring around a vase, heaped in a small cairn or put singly in a special place of honor, the infinite variety and solid beauty of stones add grounding and stability to our homes.
* Plants. Many potted plants need very little care, and they repay a minimum of effort on our part with so much benefit: plants filter the air we breathe and add vitality and good green energy to our rooms.
* Sunlight. Cheering, uplifting sunlight is such a necessity for the human body, mind, and spirit. Open the curtains and let it stream in.
* Windows to the elements. What do you see when you look out of your windows? If you are fortunate to live in a place where nature isn’t overpowered by buildings and concrete, consider opening up a wall to create a window overlooking a special scene. Annie’s bathtub is surrounded by windows: when she bathes, she soaks in the spaciousness of sky, the majesty of trees, and the freedom of wild birds in flight.
* Gifts from the animals. Some of us find special treasures when we walk in nature: a feather, a cast-off antler, a shred of snake-skin. Consider bringing these inside to honor the animals.
* Seasonal reminders. We can bring bare branches indoors, place them in water, and watch the new leaves emerge in Spring. In Summer, we can put a handful of lush grass in a vase to appreciate. A few nuts and colorful leaves connect us to the spirit of Fall, and pinecones and evergreens help us celebrate Winter. Find your own ways to mirror seasonal changes inside.
* Tabletop fountains. It isn’t difficult to create small water fountains for our home. The gentle sound of trickling water is soothing and the principles of feng shui say that fountains create good energy. For easy directions, see /greenliving/good-fortune-fountain-how-to.html.
* Tabletop gardens. Fill a pretty container with soil and use it to create a miniature garden in your home. These can be both seasonal and fanciful: in Winter, for instance, you could imagine a gnome garden with moss, evergreen twigs, and quartz crystals to evoke ice.
* Flowers. Flowers are an instant cheer-up, such lush reminders of the natural world. If you compost them when they begin to fade, you won’t waste them: they can help to nourish your garden. We like to choose organic flowers, since most commercial growers rely on harmful pesticides.
* Decorate with food. Many of us love to put a bowl of cheery oranges, lemons, or apples on the table, or heap a few pumpkins and squashes on the countertop in the autumn: food makes a lovely natural decoration, as long as it isn’t too quickly perishable, that connects us to what we eat. Be creative: there is so much beauty in food!
* Birdfeeders visible from your window. We may not be able to let the birds inside, but placing a birdfeeder where we can watch it from indoors makes it feel as if they are in the room with us.
* Fresh air. If the air in your area is fresh, open your windows as often as possible to let it in! And be sure to use all-natural cleaning products, furnishings and building materials so your air is fresh even when the windows are closed.
* Nature-themed artwork. The next best thing to being there is having a painting or photograph of a natural scene or wildlife on the wall.
* Companion animals. Sometimes we forget that pets are part of nature (as are we), but when we watch a cat stalking its favorite catnip-filled mouse toy, or a dog worrying a bone, we can see the wildness peeking through!
* Choosing natural materials. Using all-natural household products, bedding, building supplies, and furnishings all add up to a home that resonates with nature — and is more healthful for you and your family.
Delight your true Love with Organic Chocolate
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 22, 2008
Everywhere I look these days, I am surrounded by so many ideas of romantic gifts to enchant and delight ones true Love. Since days of old, the traditional love letter, at times accompanied by flowers and trinkets have served to bring smiles and blushes to lovers all around the World. Naturally, a delicious assortment of sweet and fancy candies are always a favourite treat.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my favourite candy is… you guessed it… chocolate! I absolutely love chocolate in all it’s delicious forms.
And seeing as Valentines Day is a special day set aside for lovers, I would like to share a wonderful idea which is certain to bring delight and enhance those most intimate moments. Organic Chocolate Massage Oil is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Totally organic and made with pure chocolate, and including Organic Palm Fruit & Sunflower Oil, Apricot Oil, Light Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Natural Vitamin E, and Cocoa Absolute, this is a natural gift that is certain to bring sweet pleasure to ones romantic moments, and may be added to your bath as well.
I found this totally romantic gift at Kate’s Caring Gifts, where you will find a wide selection of Earth friendly, and sustainably manufactured gifts for friends, family, and yourself. Oh yes, as an absolute must for the Vegan in your life you may wish to see what you think about Kate’s Organic Vegan Chocolate… yummm!
Well, as you know, I am always on the lookout for these great places to enhance my natural lifestyle, and am truly happy to share. I have made it a point to bookmark this site, and you can be sure I will be visiting often.
Enjoy!
Fresh Soy Candles… Breathe Easier Naturally
Posted by msterilinn on Dec 7, 2007
It’s no surprise that the use of soy candles is becoming increasingly popular across the nation. Candle aficionados now know that selecting soy candles to decorate and liven their home environment is not only a more financially and environmentally conscientious decision, but is a much healthier option as well.
Many of us know about the traditional benefits of candles. They are often used for relaxation, stress relief, decoration and even romance. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and scents. We all have our favorite preferences, and many people even stick to just one brand. But what many do not realize is that it’s now become imperative to make sure that the candles you’re burning in your home aren’t putting your health at risk. How can you be sure?
This is where soy candles come in.
Soy candles are made of soy wax, a mixture of hydrogenated soybean oil. This means that they burn clean into the air, as opposed to common paraffin wax candles, which have been known to produce soot and other inhaleable toxins such as formaldehyde, acrolein, benzine and acetaldehyde. It’s important to realize that these toxins have been known to clog and damage the lungs, and can sometimes even lead to emphysema—not unlike the effects of second-hand nicotine smoke. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some of the chemicals found in paraffin candles are not only toxic, but are carcinogenic and neurotoxic as well, and could cause issues with not only the lungs but also the heart, circulatory system and nervous system.
Sound a bit scary? Well, recent research has shown that the use of soy candles in the home increases the surrounding air quality by a staggering 90% as compared with traditionally produced paraffin or petrochemical based candles.
If you’re a candle lover, you’ve probably noticed the effects of paraffin or petrochemical based candles in your home. When you light it, you may notice that there is black smoke that emits from the wick. It stains the jar or candle holder and, after using for long periods of time, can even stain your walls, air vents, ceiling and other areas of your home. If you sit too close to burning paraffin candles, you may even notice a bit of soot accumulating on your skin or clothes, or in particle-collecting areas of your body such as your nostrils. And if you think that’s bad, just think of how it must look in your lungs.
Take charge of your health by burning soy candles instead.
By purchasing soy candles, you’re also making a stand in promoting the health of the nation’s farming community. Nearly 60 kilograms of soybeans are used to create just 10 kilograms of soybean oil, and the soy candle industry has the potential of using nearly 110 million bushels of soybeans annually, or one-quarter of the nation’s soybean crop. This is opposed to paraffin based candles, the chemicals for which are most often produced with foreign oil sources. In fact, the recent rise in popularity of non-food based uses for soy, such as in candles, has contributed to a significant rise in the economies of soy-producing areas across the U.S.—including Iowa, the home of more than 110 soy candle manufacturers and the self-proclaimed “Soybean Capital of the United States.”
But personal health and environmental sustainability aren’t the only reasons why consumers across the nation are making the change toward the use of soy candles. Another selling point, it seems, is the value.
See, one of the key reasons as to why soy candles burn so cleanly and safely is that soy wax has a lower melting point than the paraffin wax that is used in traditional candles. This means that soy candles burn cooler, as well as up to 50% longer. Cooler burning translates into quicker scent dispersion, for an even more amazing scented candle experience. And, it brings up yet another side benefit of soy candles: a longer burning time means more bang for your buck.
Soy candles are also much easier to care for, as they are completely water-soluble. Gone are the days of attempting to scrape off paraffin wax from the carpet or furniture; if a soy candle were to spill, all it takes to clean up the mess is a bit of soap and hot water.
Purchasing soy candles just makes sense. By making the change from traditional paraffin wax or petrochemical based candles to soy based candles, you’re making a solid commitment to your environment, your wallet and, above all else, your health.
Whilst searching for a great place to replenish my candle supplies, I was quite impressed with a certain company. Here is what they have to offer…
Our fresh soy candles are 99% SOOT FREE because there is NO PETROLEUM WAX in our fresh soy candles. We use fresh USA grown 100% soy wax in all our fresh soy wax candles.
Most high End gift stores or companies will use a SOY BLEND, soy wax plus Petroleum based paraffin wax in their candles… just so they can say the word SOY on their candles. Any paraffin wax will pollute your home with soot and pollute your homes air.
Naturally clean SOY WAX,
- 99% SOOT FREE
- Burns to the bottom
- No wick loss
- No tunneling
- HTP natural wicks
So Relax & look through our 100% all natural fresh soy candle collections and give someone special, or treat yourself, to a superior quality fresh soy candle like no other.
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“If you try a travel lodge instead of the usual hotels you stay at, you can save much more than you would by going on cheap flights. Anything saving measure is using car rental. Even for cruises, similar methods can be employed.”
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A sweet and cozy low impact Woodland Home
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 27, 2007
It has always been my dream to build a home that personifies nature and natural living, blending in perfect balance with my surroundings. Living in such a way brings such a feeling of oneness with nature, and total satisfaction in knowing we are creating a very low impact on our environment.
I love gardening and feel that growing our own food and herbs feeds not only our bodies, but our spirits as well. This is true of our surroundings. The place we dwell within is a reflection of our true selves, and while not all people love nature as I do, those who do may appreciate these quaint and cozy little homes as this family in Whales has built.
You can learn all the details, and step by step process, of how these homes are built and what future projects these folks have in mind. Not only is this a sweet and cozy dwelling, with the added bonus of learning how to build this for oneself, can you even imagine the feeling of joy in knowing you have created this charming space with such love to fill your home, as you shelter within? Is this truly how folks once lived as a rule? How could we have strayed so far from such a natural state?
You can be certain that I shall endeavor to build such a home for my own family, and those who shelter within my little earth home will feel the love and peacefulness surrounding them in a gentle embrace.
Take a little journey into one families adventures in building the home of their dreams at A Low Impact Woodland Home.
Here you will learn of their experiences, as well as step by step visuals and plans of how their enchanting home was created from the earth up. I found the entire process fascinating and hope that you will too… enjoy! 
Herbs and Plants of the Zodiac
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 26, 2007
I recently went questing in search of the herbs and plants relating to my sign in the Zodiac. I truly believe there is a direct connection between our bodies, our health in general, and the plants and herbs associated with our birth sign. This is a belief of many scholars throughout time. I have always been passionate about natural health, and have tried to follow a dietary regimen according to my belief and trust in Nature. After getting seriously ill about a year ago, my journey to find a way to healing my body through natural means brought many new insights.
Health and healing is a realm best approached as naturally as possible, and this can only be accomplished by studying healing plants and herbs which have been tested throughout time. We have lost so much knowledge which once we learned as a natural part of life. Once upon a time, my great-great grandmother could have probably offered advice concerning my health problems before they became so serious. My great-great grandfather may have been able to help prevent much suffering, by showing me which herbs would strengthen my immune system and bring my blood pressure back down to a safe level, or perhaps taught me which herbs should be taken to maintain good health from the beginning.
It is not suprising I have had such a hard time digesting my food properly, considering the poor quality of most food on the market today. We are hard pressed to find truly natural and highly nutritious food, which at one time we took for granted. Luckily, there are herbs which can help us digest our food, yet one truly wonders how much nutrition our bodies are actually digesting and converting into natural energy and nutrients essential for optimum health. It would be ideal if we could all grow our own gardens, and maintain an essential amount of herbs for adding to the preparation our meals, as well as maintaing health and vitality. In a perfect World…
Well then, I will mention that I no longer have high blood pressure. And I was pretty scared when I realized that my blood pressure was EXTREMELY high for at least a year. I finally admitted to defeat in curing this on my own, and went seeking the advice of my friend who is a Naturapathic. Through prayers and the natural herbs administered by my friend, I found my way back to good health. My energy level has increased dramatically, and I can still play tag with the kids! I thank the stars for the gifts in Nature abundant in Mother Earths storehouse of natural remedies. And I hope more people wake up soon and discover just how precious these herbs truly are to living a long and healthy life; which, by the way, some folks consider weeds and indiscriminately destroy each and every day.
So… if you are anything like me, and wish to discover for yourself which plants and herbs are related to your birth sign of the Zodiac, I would be happy to direct you to a few sites I found interesting. You can decide for yourself how you feel about this information, and do some research on your own. I would love to hear any comments or suggestions on this subject, and sincerely look forward to any feedback you have to offer.
Honor Mother Earth, and the bodies we dwell in, with good health and an abundance of Life!
Herbs of the Zodiac by Astrogardener
Herbs ruled by Zodiac Signs and the Nine Planets
Birth Flowers at SunFlower.com
Enhancing Wilderness and Survival skills with Kamana
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 13, 2007
Organic Landscaping and Organic Lawns…
Posted by msterilinn on Jul 26, 2007
I found this interesting..
QUESTION FROM ORGANIC BYTES READER: (reference: Organic Bytes #113 ” How to Have the Best Looking Organic Lawn on the Block”) — You make good points about how to have healthy organic grass, but you should provide your readers with more information on how to rid of conventional grass lawns altogether. Are there more options?
RESPONSE FROM THE OCA: This is definitely true. As noted in our article, more than a third of urban water use is soaked up by grass lawns, and 67 million pounds of pesticides are used each year on these lawns. While converting your conventional lawn to an organic lawn is a HUGE positive step in reducing chemical and water use, even greater conservation can be achieved by transitioning your grass lawn into a low maintenance and diverse landscape of native plants - called “naturescaping. For those interested in taking their lawn beyond organic grass, PlantNative is an excellent website about naturescaping, including an excellent how-to section and directory of native plant nurseries.
Note to readers: If you have questions or comments about issues covered in Organic Bytes, like the reader above, please post them in our Organic Bytes forum here:
Organic Bytes Forum
