Children are the Heart of our Circle
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 28, 2008
Having a few days of down time has served to give me the opportunity to reflect upon my Path, and my thoughts and feelings surrounding those near and dear to me. We celebrated my daughters birthday, and she is now at that age between. Not quite a small child anymore, yet not quite a young woman. Although we have, and always will have, a very close relationship, I feel a definate shift in the balance. She feels this too, and in many ways she is sad and excited all in one. ‘Tweens find themselves in a confusing place at times, especially during this time of chaos in the World. In one way she wishes to stay a child, so she can just play and not let any of the adult world of stress and responsibilities intrude. Yet in another she feels the pull to do new things, setting aside her treasured childish games, seeking her own style and place in the balance of things. She feels a new sense of Self, and it is so very important to encourage her as she grows in new ways. She tells me she is lucky because I am so young at heart, and I seem to understand her so well. What an honor to feel her trust and respect. We both are very lucky and blessed to share such a strong bond.
Yet when we look around, it is not this way with a lot of children. Although we find many loving families, there are those children that are not held in the center of their Circle. They find themselves drifting along and get caught up in the Chaos. Either their parents or caregivers are too busy, or they themselves are caught up as well. Can they not understand that the most important part of our lives on this Earth are our Families, Friends and Children? Those who journey with us are what gives this Life substance and meaning.
And when my children, grandchildren, and even those other children who feel my Love, look up at me with such Love and Trust in their eyes, it makes the hard things in Life totally worth enduring. To me, there is no greater Joy, and we must always honor this trust and present our best selves in the face of things. The examples we set are meant to guide and teach. Let them be good ones.
There are Circles within Circles, and in the center of all there are the Children.. and they are the Heart of our Circle.
Pilamaye
Venturing into the Spiderwick Chronicles
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 17, 2008
Today I just have to give a glimpse into a personal adventure, in which is shared by my daughter and myself. We just so happened to read the Spiderwick Chronicles together a little over a year ago. At the time, we had just discovered a new trail by the Clackamas river, and we took turns reading out loud after finding an absolutely lovely tree filled and flower strewn spot perfect for such adventurous imaginings. We both absolutely love tales involving the world of Faerie, and this particular tale fit perfectly into our adventurous natures.
The reason I mention this today, is that we celebrated my little Stars birthday with our annual tradition of hitting the movie theatre, with a glimpse into the Spiderwick Chronicles. And we were not disappointed! From the ancient and mysterious old house, to the resident house Brownie named Thimbletack (who, incidentally, turns into a nasty old Boggart when upset, so beware of misusing this little creature), this fun little movie draws one right into the intrigue and mysteries of the invisible world of Faerie. We were especially impressed with the giant Ogre named Mulgrath who, by the way, experiences quite a fitting ending.
Alas, this enchanting story shall always hold a special place in the hearts of both my daughter and myself, and we highly recommend it to those adventurous souls who love the world of Faerie as much as we do. With Goblins, Trolls, Elves, Sylphs, Fairies, and even an unlikely ally in the form of a flying Gryphon, and so much more. I have no wish to give away any secrets, so I will just leave it up to any visitors to enter the mysterious realms of the Spiderwick Chronicles at your own risk.
Enjoy!
Creating a personal Greeting.. simply perfect!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 14, 2008
Above all else, I am into Family. My entire family is quite secure in the knowledge of my Love and devotion to all things connecting us during our lives here on Earth. I am totally into creativity and personalization when it comes to just about everything, for any occasion or just because, including gifts, cards, calendars… you name it. I always prefer adding a personal touch, as this truly shows my Love, and how important my family and friends are by the mere fact of taking the time to create something special. I am never too busy to give special thought to giving my loved ones, and even those whom I do not know very well, gifts that are truly given from my heart.
Along with these lovely homemade gifts, the perfect form of personalization are Photo Greeting Cards. My particular favourite is the borderless full color photo card as can be created through CardsDirect. These premium folded photo cards are printed on thick 140 pound (14pt) white card stock using state of the art digital color press technology. Upload or email us your high resolution digital photo, and we will print it on the front of the cards in stunning digital full color. The finished product is a full sized 7 7/8″ x 5 5/8″ (Horizontal or Vertical orientation depending on your photo). Inside the photo cards, you can add one of our verses plus your personalized text, or create your own custom verse a choice of typestyles and ink colors at no additional cost. You will receive an electronic proof via email showing you exactly how your cards will look before your photo card order is printed. Lined envelopes are included and can also be custom imprinted with your return address.
Simply perfect!
Seeking a Real Match in your chosen field
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 14, 2008
Today I will touch upon a subject that is a bit personal. My eldest son had a great job managing the business where he had been employed for over 7 years. Due to unforseen circumstances he was laid off as the company made some changes in location and structure. Needless to say he did not go back to work for them, and has struggled since to find suitable work for his level of skills and pay level.
He has done the job search and matching thing, with very little luck thus far. Surely he is willing to try a new place to find his ideal career to match his skills. I have discovered such a place and do hope he will give it a serious try.
Matching technology is replacing keyword search technology as the most efficient way for job seekers and employers to connect. The problem with using keyword search technology to locate jobs is that most job seekers don’t know what keywords to use in order to unearth the best jobs for them. Since everyone has a unique set of skills, a technology company called Realmatch developed a proprietary taxonomy which allows everyone to define themselves. Job listing with this advanced technology brings choices of entering your chosen field to a whole new level.
Fortune 500 companies like Pfizer, New York Life, Home Depot, Kraft, Time Warner Cable and many others have adopted Realmatch as their new generation recruiting platform. Business Week is calling Realmatch “Scary competition to Monster” and I can see why.
The Lion and the Rose.. the “Jewel of Montford”
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 13, 2008
Ever since my daughter and I stated our intentions to travel, as she is older now, we have had so many great choices presented to us. We are quite adventurous, and both enjoy a bit of old fashioned atmoshpere to balance out our natures. So when we journey forth, we shall seek that which fascinates us in modern convenience, along with a bit of Old World style. There is just so much to be said about the quaint charm of a true Bed and Breakfast such as I have found in The Lion & The Rose.
The enchanting gardens, and luxurious interior of this lovely and romantic Asheville Inn would truly make a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. There are five elegant and delightful rooms to choose from, and the gourmet breakfast is anything but standard, being the pride of resident inkeeper and chef, Jim Palmer. Jim and his wife Linda (and Harvey and Cedric) have created a beautiful atmoshpere sure to bring pleasure to our treasured time away from home.
And where might this delightfully sweet little Inn know as the The Lion & The Rose be found, one might ask? A place where we have friends that would love a visit from us, and that would be Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is surrounded by the natural beauty of the oldest & most lush mountain range in the world. But natural beauty is just part of its charm. The city itself, often referred to as “the Paris of the South”, is packed with art, crafts, antique shops, music, entertainment, varied & unique architecture, and many excellent independently owned restaurants. The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast is four blocks from downtown Asheville and just three miles from the Biltmore Estate.
Well then, I would be most happy to relate the wonderful details after a visit in person to this most enchanting little beauty known as the “Jewel of Montford”.
Enjoy creating our own Natural Soaps and Balms
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
This would be so perfect! My daughter and I have been lucky to find some quite lovely natural and homemade soaps, lip and face balms, as well as bath salts through family giveaways during Ceremony. Yet we have seriously considered learning how to make our own. We have several family members who can teach us, and one thing I had wondered about was where to find the best place to purchase supplies.
And now I have found one such place! Elements Bath & Body soap making & toiletry supplies company was created in 2001, and is family owned. Some of the items they carry include waterproof vinyl labels, lip balm tubes, twist-up tubes, organza bags, beeswax, disposable pipettes, cloth bags, lavender buds and flax seed. When you’re formulating your own soap, body lotion, lip balm, bath salts, or perhaps a special flax seed pillow, it is wise to find a place with wholesale prices.
My daughter has especially dry lips, and we are always seeking natural balms to keep them moisturized. If we can make our own, with a nice supply of lip balm containers, we can make some for our own personal use, as well as stocking up as a great gift idea.
Imagine how much fun we can have creating our own natural bath soaps, lotions, balms, and herbal spritz’s with giveaways in mind as well. What a lovely idea!
Homeschoolers have the Right to Free Choice!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
As a homeschooling parent, this really hits home with me. We have the right to choose how, when, and where to educate our children. It is totally appalling to deprive us of our rights as free human beings. I take the teachings I provide or seek for my children quite seriously, and will fight to give them the best education, as all loving parents should. Unless I am causing true harm to my child, no one has the right to take this away from me, or my child. The reason I am bringing up this subject, is a recent development concerning homeschooled children in the State of California.
Let me show you a recent press release..
Reverse The Ruling - Homeschoolers Unite
(PRWEB) March 11, 2008 — Homeschooling activists across the nation are calling to “Reverse the Ruling,” targeting the recent opinion published by California Justice H. Walter Croskey that parents “do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children.”
On www.ReverseTheRuling.com, education activists have been separating fact from fiction, and schooling the general public on the recent events relating to homeschooling in California, as well as working with homeschoolers all across the nation to gather over 100,000 petition signatures demanding that this ruling be reversed.
“Homeschooling has been a freedom practiced long before the Constitution captured our inalienable rights, with many of the Declaration of Independence signatures coming from men that were homeschooled. Our opinion is quite clear,” said Mimi Rothschild, leader of ReverseTheRuling.com “Parents are responsible to train their children to the very best of their ability and to teach them all they believe to be true. Parents are blessed with children, and obligated to care for all aspects of their children’s lives, including who, what, where and how they are educated.”
Since release yesterday, the ReverseTheRuling.com petition has been inundated with signatures, Ms. Rothschild and other activist are encouraging those that oppose this ruling to be active – signing as many national petitions as possible, gathering information and writing about their experiences on such sites as www.ReverseTheRuling.com
About www.ReverseTheRuling.com:
ReverseTheRuling.com is the one-stop source of information for homeschoolers across the nation to learn, spread the word and be heard regarding the recent actions and events that affect homeschoolers throughout the state of California. Please visit www.ReverseTheRuling.com to learn more about the issue, and see how you can participate in reversing the most shocking ruling to hit homeschooling ever.To schedule interviews with Mimi Rothschild, nationally known education expert specializing in Homeschooling, please contact:
Michael Broome
T. 215.487.3700 ext. 67266
mbroome@LearningbyGrace.orgMimi Rothschild
Mimi@LearningbyGrace.org###
Sorting Fact From Fiction, Opinion From Opposition with ReverseTheRuling.com
It is very important to get involved, and see for yourself the awesome support for homeschoolers and everyone who believes in free choice. Educate our people, and let our voices be heard!!
May I have a spot of Organic Tea please?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
There is nothing like a delicious and highly nutritious cup of tea. Amongst my favourite herbal delights, drinking tea has got to be my top form of consuming natures finest. Not only for the wonderful aroma, which brings it’s own pleasure, yet the feeling tea gives me when I truly need a few moments of relaxation. Of course I have my own personal preferences, which include the lovely flavors of peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, chamomile, lemon grass, tila flowers, catnip, and hops, just to name a few. My daughter also has her own favourite… Madagascar Vanilla Red, which is made with rooibos and vanilla bean.
My family knows that I am quite enthusiastic when I recieve tea gift baskets. This is a form of giving that shows how much one cares, as it is a gift meant to pamper the person recieving the gift.
So, whether tea is offered and consumed in the form of ceremony or for the simple pleasure, remember that special person with a wonderful and lovely selection of tea gift baskets available for our own choosing.
Connecting with the World beyond the limits
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 8, 2008
As we hope and plan in the very near future to move to a place of our own choosing, there are several major points which go into consideration. First, we would love to live outside the city limits, no matter where we finally land. My daughter and I wish to have many animal friends to keep us company, either adopted, or whatever our Path brings to us. So we need enough space to live comfortably with our four legged friends. There must be clean and beautiful water spots nearby as well, as we are both part water sprite and love to swim and play near water.
Another consideration, which is quite important, is that I work out of my home via my computer. I do not wish to be limited to my choice of living space through the lack of proper connection to the World Wide Web. I have endured the agony of dial-up in the past, and while I sympathize with those who are still wading through the sluggish waters of snail pace connections, I refuse to go back. My lifeline in the financial realms relies upon my abilities to create, and test my creations, as I learn new ways to improve upon my online presence.
If we wish to live beyond the bounds of high speed cable broadband, we will need to look beyond the land, to the sky. This is where providers such as Hughes Net comes in. Hughes Net uses satellite technology, not your phone line, to give you a super-fast, always-on Internet connection. While we shall definately explore our options, it is heartening to know that there are alternatives and choices, so we have a greater chance of realizing our Dream.
