Blue Sky Blog

HAY There!

2011-09-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

View from our front yard this morning, hay bales in the field across the road are being loaded onto two tractor trailers.

View from the fence across the road.

Another view, as a last bale is loaded onto the trailer.

Jim's Articles Now Reprinted

2011-06-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

NOW you can read or browse through ALL of Jim's weekly organic gardening and organic issues/foodie columns written for the Clarion-Ledger statewide Mississippi newspaper.

GO TO SHOOFLYFARMBLOG

Summer Solstice Farm Report

2011-06-12T13:14:00.001-07:00

Here are a few things we are harvesting now. Summer and winter squashes, Chinese noodle beans, peppers, cukes, baby carrots, french flilet beans, some surprise gourds (gourd-gous!)....and more coming. It has been a rough season so far--a drought and blasting heat has devastated parts of the garden, others things are hanging on, with watering and tlc. Production is down 75%. That is just the way it goes sometimes, and a risk everyone is aware of when thye plant a seed...the weather or other natural conditions may not cooperate to bring it to fruit. We enjoy the process of farming, so all is not lost! This season we have enough to feed ourselves very well, and a few friends, not always enough to offer for sale.

Ever Seen These?

2011-06-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Probably not, unless you have a catalpa tree.

These are catalpa worms, a caterpillar of the hawk moth, that hatches out in the tree, and eats the catalpa leaves exclusively--stripping the tree bare! The people who built this house loved to fish--so they planted several catalpa trees on the property so they could collect the worms. (There are many hundreds of them on each tree.) Evidently, fish love them. We tolerate them, and the tree does grow its leaves back. Its a weird phenomenon, as you near the tree, you can hear the munching--its loud! The two caterpillars in the photo have strayed to a blueberry bush--lets hope they have not abandoned their strict diet!

We're Leafing! Fall Garden Update

2010-10-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Cold Fames with Prayer Lodge in the background.

The bees are still very active!
We feel it is important to leave large areas for native plants and animals
to flourish rather than mowing everything/destroying habitat. We are happily un-lanscaped.

Tokyo Bekana and chives.

Broccoli!

Rainbow chard...What is one of the best survivors of the winter garden through spring?
The chard remains...haha pun intended.

A robust mustard...

Lettuces...

Mizuna going wild!

Purple Mizuna...

A sea of Red Giant Mustards...

Here you can see the spiral shape of the garden...

Cover Crops-peas, cow peas and oats, coming up in one of the "fallow" areas...

Turnips turning up!

Beautiful 'weeds'!

Leaf-ing A Legacy Necklace

2010-10-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sterling silver leaf pendants, leaf bar and toggle clasp, dalmation jasper, mookaite jasper, brecciated jasper, peridot and sterling silver rondelle beads. Design Copyright 2010 Annette Waya Ewing, All Rights Reserved.

My grandparents inspired me to appreciate the beauty and variety of nature, when I was a tot. Fall was the time when we would collect leaves and press them in wax paper to preserve their lovely colors for a while. Sometimes my grandmother would lacquer or paint the leaves and grandad would arrange them in one of his handmade frames; I still have one of those. They understood that Fall was a time of a certain nostalgic sadness, glorious harvests and blooms were over...so such durable relics as seedpods, gourds and bittersweet branches were brought inside, just as the focus of daily life turned inward for the winter season. This necklace was inspired by those memories as well as the sights, sounds, smells...the warm spices and chilly mornings of autumn.

Fall colors with spots and flecks, and sparkles of green peridot like dew here and there. This is a good necklace to wear to help keep you grounded and light while everything around you is shifting and changing. The cube-shaped beads represent the Four Directions, plus Heaven and Earth.
If you are interested in purchasing this necklace, please email me at bisonsmile@bellsouth.net.

All materials in this necklace are available from Artbeads.

Artbeads links:

Main Site: http://www.artbeads.com

Gemstone beads: http://www.artbeads.com/stones.html

Pendants:lhttp://www.artbeads.com/pendants.html

Disclosure: Some of the materials used (not all) were kindly provided free of charge by Artbeads.com within the framework of Artbeads.com's blogging program. The author of this blog has not received payment from the above mentioned company. The post above represents only the opinion of the blog author.

More pictures: Ceremonial Weekend on Buck Island

2010-09-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

Please see previous blogs for background on the weekend. Pictures by Carolyn Bright Star Myers.

Island dunes and dry pools...

Heart to heart conversation...

Mississippi mud caked and flaked.

Packing up...

Another Heart for Madalene, and All

2010-09-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Jim brought home a book last month for me, "Monday Hearts" by Page Hodel. We both turned the pages and enjoyed the book together, marveling at the beauty, creativity, and heart.

Page Hodel met the love of her life in 2005, Madalene Louise Rodriguez, who died less than a year later. Each Monday Page created a new heart, to show her love for Madalene, and continues to do so. The hearts are all unique and mostly temporal. Now many are published in the book, for all to share.

Grace arrived here from Boston for the weekend Bear Dance ceremonies, and brought shells from her beach in Nantasket. She saw the book and was moved by it. We wrote to Page, who graciously answered back and gave us her blessing in using the shells to make another heart for Madalene, and all those people in the group had lost. What an honor, and opportunity for healing ourselves and sending love and healing outward...

So, Sunday morning after Bear Dance and our other ceremonies, we took the mussel and clam shells to a nice little place on the shore...where the river was sure to claim whatever we created. Grace quipped, "Hey, the heart is a mussel!"

People brought treasures to add, a "beaver cud" a heart shaped chunk of gnawed wood, many gemstones home-tumbled, special stones and found objects, many quite small, adorned the heart. Though it is not nearly as artistically ambitious or sophisticated as Pages'...it was created with love.

After it was completed, we all held hands (incidentally standing in a heart shape around the heart) and spoke our prayers for those who have passed and those in need now.

Next year we will start the heart when we get there, and work on it all weekend.

Please check out Page's website and book.

The completed heart.

Bringing in the materials.

In progress...

Still in progress...

Group photo.

Another view.

In Memory of Sean:

...I gazed down in the river's mirror
And watched its winding strum
The water smooth ran like a hymn
And like a harp did hum.

Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself 'neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum.
-Bob Dylan, 1964/65

Ceremonies on Buck Island

2010-09-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a weekend of healing ceremonies, sending out blessings, prayers, compassion to all beings in need. We stayed on Buck Island in the Mississippi river, and hour paddle from John Ruskey's Quapaw Canoe Company Outpost in Helena, Arkansas. We set out in the Junebug wood laminate expedition canoe handmade by Ruskey and his team. We travelled to an inlet where spring water flowed out through the sand and out into the big river. The island is now part of a nature conservancy, and has no camping facilities, which was fine with us! We did many ceremonies, and sent many prayers...Bear Dance, an Eagle/Condor ceremony gifted by a Curandero from Peru, a Heart ceremony in remembrance of Madeline and inspired by Page Hodel. More on that later.

We took no photos of traditional sacred ceremonies; as per protocol. We did take pictures of the other activities and the new making-a-heart ceremony. Documenting was a group effort, we will add more images as they come to us.

Our first canoe-view starting out in the early morning, and last view of civilization.

The vast Mississippi is calm smooth in the gentle morning light and breezes.

Grace's face reflects what cannot be expressed in words.

Peter, in contemplation, Grace floating, BJ looking on...

Jim enjoying the cool water.

Grace contemplating the stars, on her birthday.

Orb over dance arbor, Sunday morning.

A busy morning on the beach, owls hooting, river otters scampering and diving.

Sunrise over our tent village

Our favorite (coffee) bean soup brewing.

See the eagle in this picture? We had a visit by an eagle later in the day.

Most of us, gathered for a talk and prayers.

Preparing to depart.

Prayers of Gratitude on the water, as we begin our journey back.

The Mother Drum, transported.

Picture Show: Assembling the Fall Garden

2010-09-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

This Saturday and Sunday we put in our main Fall garden.

We planted: Collards, red kale, mizuna, purple mizuna, spinach, rainbow beets, rainbow chard, orange chard, red mustard, red turnips, purple top turnips, golden turnips, white turnips, red lettuce, red romaine, bibb lettuce, iceberg lettuce, hong vit radish, french breakfast radish, red cabbage, purple carrots, orange carrots, radiccio, broccoli and arugula... Designed to feed us, friends + neighbors and some will also go to the new Parlor Market restaurant in Jackson which features local foods.

As you will see, the soil is very dried out. To prep the garden a week before we tilled in some 'green manure' cover crops and whatever weeds were growing. The soil has a very high clay content so we have to add tons (literally) of organic matter each season.

A perfect day to plot a garden.

What? You think we garden in straight rows?
The first layer of compost in a river squiggle and spiral row pattern.

Me and and a load of 4 year old horse manure...
We told our friend's Caroline and Wayne
(who graciously allowed us to dig into their 'mountain')
"You are they only people in town we gladly take sh*t from"...

Jim and his Hoe...

Tilling in the compost and manure, organic matter and organic fertilizer...
T-Shirt says: "A Century of Women on Top" Smith College Centiennial

Prepping the rows for seed....
Or maybe that was when my contact fell out...

A giveaway, many handfuls of beautiful semi-precious gemstones and beads,
scattered, going back to the Earth, as a way of giving Thanks.

A Blessing for All Beings...

Sowing seed...

Watering in...

A much needed rest, in the shade with some iced tea...

This garden should be producing well into December, by then we will be harvesting greens from the cold frames or hoop house, which will take us through February, then March we start the spring garden!

A Food Post...

2010-08-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Harvesting mizuna mustard micro-greens, late one night. They are very easy to grow, delicious, nutritious and hip!
These are true micros, harvested before the 'true leaves' appear--not baby greens.

People often ask us what we eat, assuming we are vegetarians. We are omnivores, the meat we eat is either wild deer, hunted in a good way, or organic chicken, fish, or grass fed/finished beef or bison. We don't eat meat every meal, and usually it is used more in a flavoring capacity. We try to eat real food-a la Michael Pollan, unprocessed--from the edges of the grocery store, as they say. The important thing to us, with anything consumed, is to be respectful and grateful. We always eat at the kitchen or picnic table, and enjoy light conversation---unhappy stories or projections are forbidden!

Here is a poem (or a piece of doggerel, if you are an academic!) written for me in 1967 by my grandfather, accompanied by a hawk feather, it explains a little of my eating philosophy-life lives on life!

The Hawk

This feather from my last year plume
Floats down as I soar high at noon
So you might see the stripe and shade
of my new one coming soon.
A sharp look out I always keep
For some live thing I like to eat
Sounds bad I know and call me then
A devil and a sinner
But when we stop and think, my dear
We all enjoy our dinner. -F.W.Zimmerman, 1967

We eat "local" as much as possible.

The lunch we just finished was typical: Homemade kamut pasta, with tomato sauce with home grown tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, garden herbs and garlic, salad of romaine with home grown micro-greens, home made pickled okra, home made spicy lacto fermented veggies (like a cross between sauerkraut and kim chee), with mixed herb iced tea harvested and dried from our garden. Lunch is our big meal of the day, dinner is simpler--but always contains something raw, something fermented with beneficial bacteria, something cooked, whole grains...

We try to eat a wide variety of whole foods, so that we don't need to supplement with vitamins. We use unrefined sea salt that has a wide array of minerals. We listen to what our bodies 'want', and that changes with the seasons and from year to year.

Recently I discovered that making pasta is simple, easy and quick...It has a different character than store bought pasta, and we like it much better.

Kamut* Pasta Dough

3 eggs, beaten
2 cups whole kamut flour
1tsp olive oil
half tsp sea salt

Mix salt and flour in large bowl. Make a 'well' in the center, add oil and eggs. Mix with fork or hands until it forms a uniform very stiff, but kneadable dough. (add flour or water accordingly) Knead for a few minutes, divide into golf ball sized sections. Cover in a bowl or plastic wrap for 20-30 minutes. Lightly dust flour on a clean counter top and roll dough out thinner than you think possible, then cut into strips with a knife. Drop into boiling water, cook until it floats...usually about 2 or 3 minutes. Toss with a spoonful of olive oil...serve with any sauce. To eat later (uncooked), air dry overnight, or wrap and freeze.

For spinach pasta: lightly steam 5oz (large package) spinach, squeeze out excess liquid and puree well in blender or food processor. Let cool and use in place of one egg in the recipe above. You may need to add more flour to compensate for the water content of the spinach. Any kind of greens can be used. Finely chopped herbs can also be added to the dough.

Our Farm Site: http://www.blueskywaters.com/shoofly.html

*Kamut is a mild, buttery-tasting grain rumored to have originally cultivated in ancient Egypt. It has more protein, vitamins and minerals than wheat. The whole grain flour is less grainy (but still has a lot of fiber) than whole wheat flour--making it a good choice for noodles. The flour is available in most natural food stores.

Kamut is a trademark name for khorasan wheat. It has been trademarked to preserve the integrity of the grain:

The following specifications are laid out by Kamut International Ltd.

KAMUT® brand wheat must:

1. Be the ancient khorasan variety of wheat
2. Be grown only as a certified organic grain
3. Have a protein range of 12 – 18%
4. Be 99% free of contaminating varieties of modern wheat
5. Be 98% free of all signs of disease
6. Contain between 400 and 1000 ppb of selenium
7. Not be used in products in which the name is deceptive or misleading as to the content percentage
8. Not be mixed with modern wheat in pasta
-Info from www.kamut.com

Working on Book Number Five

2010-08-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
Over my desk is a sign: Read Write Run
That's my mantra these days, as I'm working on Book No. 5.
I don't like to speak much about books I'm writing, so I don't spend the energy so to speak of talking about that which I'm supposed to be writing. But I thought I'd let my regular readers know what's up. Here goes....
BN5 is supposed to be out next fall. A lot of people would say, "Oh, you've got plenty of time." But that's not so, in the book business. In fact, I'm staring at a major deadline just after Bear Dance in November. So, I may disappear for a while, and only appear here and there intermittently.
It all started last year when Spirit abruptly told me: Stop doing long-distance work. I always do as Spirit tells me, so I stopped. Didn't know why I had to stop, just did it. I enjoy doing long-distance healing work for people, and have been doing it for a long time. It also helps pay the bills. Most folks don't know how time-consuming it is. Generally, it takes me three days to a week to care for someone in this way. The "pay" is small compared to the time and effort, more of a side benefit. The interaction with the people is what's important. But Spirit said to stop, so I stopped. (I still treat people hands-on, and teach, do our ceremonies, etc.)

Another Book?
After a while, I started thinking that I'd like to write another book, basically, one that draws on the classes I've taught over the years, the questions people ask that are not covered in the previous books, and areas that maybe aren't very well explored elsewhere. The more I thought about it, the more I thought it would be a good idea to write such a book.
Then, out of the blue, my publisher (at Findhorn Press) wrote and inquired if I had any thoughts about another book. I wrote back my thoughts and he said, great, get started! I did and now have followed through on doing the "paperwork" involved in getting a book out. In the publishing business, an author will fill out a rather lengthy questionnaire called a "Title Evaluation Form." It outlines the proposed book's chapter headings, the subject matter, who might be interested in reading it and why, how it differs from books on the market, how many pages it is, and when it will come out. The publisher adds information about the pricing and other issues, and then it's sent out to all the trade publications, along with the other line-ups publishing houses may have for their catalogs for the next year.
In other words, it's a "heads up" that Jim PathFinder Ewing has a book coming out next fall, and here's the gist of it, so all you book sellers can order copies in advance to sell. All that's in the works, and promotion of the book will start in a few months.
Between now and fall 2011, the book will go through several edits and rewrites before it's set to type and distributed.

Daily Routine
At the moment, I'm still writing and rewriting. My late friend Willie Morris used to say that "great books aren't written, they're rewritten." I'm reminded ofWilliam Faulkner who got so incensed over his editor's handling of his book "Sanctuary" that he said he would burn it rather than see it published. But, posthumously, his unedited version was published and I can say with certainty, without editing, it was incomprehensible to anyone except maybe Faulkner himself. The edited version was a thing of beauty which added tremendously to his body of work that culminated in his winning the 1962 Nobel Prize forLiterature.
Perhaps my goal isn't as lofty as winning a Nobel Prize (to write a book people will read, learn from, and enjoy) but it still has many writes and rewrites to go through. The first editor's edit (outside my hands) will be after Bear Dance, then I'll do some more rewriting into spring; then, it will go through a publisher's read/edit, then perhaps some more rewriting; then, it will be typeset and printed next summer, so it can be distributed literally around the world in the fall.
It's not easy writing a book. That's why I have the Read Write Run to remind me over my desk!
I have my daily routine: First I first do my morning meditation, seeing what the energies are for the day (using the Mayan Calendar). Then, I read The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post and, of course, the local newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger. I post a few items on Twitter(http://twitter.com/reikishaman) that I think are interesting, and check myFacebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-PathFinder-Ewing/19604582873). Then, I call up my book and start adding notes I've written to myself all day, sticking them here and there in the manuscript, and deleting sections and rewriting sections, or putting some items in notes. Sometimes, I'll write three or four pages, then the next day, boil that down to a few paragraphs.
Then, I go run. I'll run 2, 3 or 4 miles, or actually, run/walk/jog. That gets my head clear and also provides me with more thoughts/ideas to jot down in a little notebook I carry for the next day's work on BN5.
That's my book-writing routine.

'Finish Line' In The Distance
As folks who have read my books know, I'm no Faulkner, or John Grisham either. Unless you're a Grisham, whose every work sells millions of copies, writing books isn't a big moneymaker. That's especially true if you're writing about subjects that aren't mainstream, like Reiki, Shamanism, Energy Medicine and Native American spirituality. It's something of a limited audience (although I do write all my books to appeal to mainstream readers).
Most people who actually write a few books will agree it's an arduous task with little reward, but you do it because you enjoy it, believe you have something to share that people will enjoy, and are accomplishing something important and good in life.
So, just as each I day I go out and run for 2, 3 or 4 miles each day, enjoying the sky and the breeze and the footfalls toward a distant goal, I also write and rewrite at my desk. The "finish line" may not be until next year, but it's the landscape, thoughts and emotions along the way that are the true reward.
I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share my thoughts with people around the globe, and provide something good in their lives. It is wonderful joy to have readers with whom to share ideas.
It is a great blessing, and I thank you!

Running: Another Miracle!

2010-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

With two 5K races under my belt, I guess I can now call myself a “runner.”

More precisely, though, I’m a run-jog-walk kind of guy.

Saturday, as with my first 5K on July 4, I came in near the end of the pack of runners, if not dead last. My official time was nothing to brag about. But, I was, and am, giddy with excitement about this feat.

In 1992, I shattered an ankle falling out of a tree. After surgery and rehab I was able to walk, but still had residual pain. This is what led me to reiki, which took care of the pain, so it was a blessing in disguise. I still favor the ankle, and never thought I would be able to do anything like run a race.

You Need to Exercise!

Last January, during a routine physical exam, my healthcare provider (nurse practitioner Linda, who is also a Bear Dancer), observed that my blood pressure was too high. She suggested medication to keep it in check. I asked, “Isn’t there any way I can avoid drugs?”

Linda said I could try exercise and weekly BP monitoring. She suggested 30 minutes moderate-pace walking three times a week, minimum.

Thus began my exercise regimen.

I started out rather timidly, walking to a woodland area about half a mile from our house and back. The first thing I noticed was how utterly out of shape I had allowed myself to become. I couldn’t run 50 yards without my legs giving out and gasping for breath. “This is pathetic!” I told myself. “How did I get so out of shape?”

The culprit was gradually settling in to a sedentary lifestyle. Lurking around in the back of my psyche, too, was the lingering Western idea that there is a disconnect between mind and body in the mind/body phenomenon.

I had plenty of time to think of this, as I did my daily walk to the woods (and sometimes through the woods) and back. And as time went on, I began lengthening the distance, and, also, on some days, would walk a little/jog a little. Pretty soon, I was walk/jogging 1.5 miles, then 2 miles each day, with a day off when it was raining, so that I was exercising 3-6 times a week.

Met Unofficial Goal, Signed Up

By the time Summer Solstice and our Bear Dance came around, I was actually jogging most of the way to and from the woods and had met a sort of unofficial goal for myself: to be able to jog/run all the way to a hill and back, a distance of 1.5 miles, without stopping or slowing down to walk. I did it! And was happy with my 2 miles per day.

Then, a few days before the Fourth of July, Annette noted that here in Lena, a 5K “fun run” was scheduled, and why didn’t we enter it together? (She walks daily, too, and has for years, and easily outdistances me.) I thought, “5K? How long is that?” I had to look it up: 3.1 miles. I told Annette, “I couldn’t possibly do this. The most I’m doing now is 2 miles; this is a mile longer.” But, as I thought about it, it seemed doable. It’s our hometown, so nobody would “make fun” of me if I was a slowpoke, I reasoned. And I could run a little/walk a little. If I “gave out,” I could still just walk to the finish. So, we both entered.

The Big Race

I had a rocky start.
Whereas I had thought that the race would be just local folks, it became increasingly obvious in the moments before the race that this surprisingly large crowd of people was composed of a lot of out-of-towners, some of whom were obviously big-time runners.

When they said “go,” I was left behind in a cloud of dust, bringing up the rear.
I didn’t know it would be so dramatic.
I trotted faster than my normal pace for the first .1 mile and knew I’d give out if I tried to keep it up; but there was a police car trailing right behind me, blocking the traffic on the road from the rear, and everyone else was pulling ahead swiftly.
I thought, “I’ve made a big mistake.” I felt embarrassed. “I’m not a runner,” I thought. “What am I doing here, humiliating myself in front of all these people. What was I thinking!”

I wanted to just stop running, go over to the side, give up and just walk back home.

I was feeling pretty low. I was just plodding along, looking at my feet, with the cop car behind me, the crowd of “real runners” pulling away ahead.
Then, I “felt” something. I looked up and there was a blue heron flying low, right in front of me. It came from nowhere, following a creek off to the right. It was crossing the road at eye level. I watched amazed as it flew not 15 feet in front me, gliding along with its ponderous wings, then turning upward, sailing away out of sight.
I was in utter awe. I held my hand out to the departing bird, in blessing, gratitude and sharing. “Thank you!” I said, “You are beautiful! Thank you!”

This incredible bird had given me its blessing, saying: “Hey, look at me! I’m ungainly in flight, just plodding along, but I, too, can soar!”
I felt invigorated: Inside, my inner voice said: “Just run your run. Don’t worry about anyone else. Enjoy.”
And I did.
As if on cue, the cop car passed me as I made the turn into the next leg of the run, and I was left with my own thoughts, running my own race.
By the time I made it half way (which was the road in front of our house), I was in stride, and enjoying the run, confident I could make it.
By the time I was trotting down the little country road I ran/walk/jogged every day, less than a mile to go, I was singing ancient Cherokee songs and thanking the ancestors!
I sang the whole final mile.

We Have a Winner!
When I crossed the finish line, dead last in the running division, I held my arms up like winning The Boston Marathon. There was a lady there with a camera taking pictures of the runners who looked at me like I was crazy. But I kept my arms up, and smiled the biggest smile I could muster.
As far as I'm concerned, I “won.”

As icing on the cake, wonder of wonders, I came in Third Place in my age division! They gave me a medal. Annette came in Second Place in her age/gender division, also dead last, as she kept a 'fully loaded' backpacker-in-training company during the race.

But the biggest “win” of all is that I finished. I couldn’t believe it. Nearly 20 years ago, I was told that I would never walk normally again.

And here I am running a 5K race. And finishing.

It was a miracle.

More Research

Since then, I’ve done a lot more research into running. Annette has been an eager partner in this. She’s a miracle runner, too, having survived a car accident 35 years ago where they put steel rods in both of her legs.

We use a treadmill on stormy weather days, and also ride our bikes as a way of "cross training". I’ve started a training regimen so I don’t injure myself; following a prescribed exercise routine for beginners like myself, running 1.5 miles some days, 3.6 miles others, mixing it up with flat terrain, hills, sprints, etc., with rest days between them.

A Cause for Peace

But the greatest benefit in all of this is that it has increased my spiritual practice. Now that I run/walk/jog routinely, without even having to think much about it, I look forward to the time with nature and Creator. From the start, in my walks, I would do what I called a “prayer walk,” where I would sing songs, or speak to the animals I saw (you would be surprised at the deer, eagles, foxes, and other animals that come out of the woods when there are no cars around, and you are focused on Spirit), or simply give prayers while swinging my arms and breathing. It gave me great cause for peace.

Inevitably, I would return eager to write down the insights given to me, or add them to my journal, or direct me to search out new topics or ideas.

Now, this daily ritual of exercise has become integral to – and integrated with – my spiritual practice. It is a tremendous force for gratitude and an inner compass for orienting myself to the outside world.

The Finish is Just the Beginning

So, today, as I write, my legs are sore from pushing myself in yesterday’s race. That tells me that I have a ways to go in my training.

But that’s not the point, for me, anyway. By entering 5Ks, I give myself goals to work toward. Each race is not measured by the finish, but is the beginning of a new set of goals – measuring my level of fitness and where or how I need to improve. It keeps me moving forward.

I’m not competing against anyone; but I’m measuring myself for myself.

It is good.

Aho.

For more reading:

Here’s an interesting article from The New York Times, which presents the case for “slow” running:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03well.html

Photo: By April Simmons, Courtesy Mississippi Track Club

You Go, Grill!

2010-06-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here in Mississippi, where the temp has been reaching 100 degrees, people are saying it is too hot to use the grill. We say, "It's too hot to cook in the kitchen!" instead. We may even save energy by grilling.

We invested in a small, inexpensive gas grill, and found it is very fast, efficient and inexpensive to use. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes on the lowest setting to cook our meals.

We use a grill wok (stainless steel square with holes everywhere) to create great stir fries with veggies that would fall through the grate.

You can grill a cheese sandwich or panini if you lightly brush oil on the exposed bread, cover with a small plate and weight it with something heavy--a flat rock or ?

We marinate meats, chicken and fish to greatly reduce HCA's and other carcinogens caused by grilling. (Veggies don't produce HCAs.) Be sure to use anti-oxident rich ingredients, such as rosemary, turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, red wine, balsamic vinegar and marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Or... brief pre-cooking in a micro wave (one minute) brings HCAs out with the 'juice' which should be discarded before grilling. Grilled chicken has the highest HCAs, and fish also develops them.

Here is a link to an article in the New York Times that may expand your idea of what is grill-able.
101 Fast Recipes for Grilling by "The Minimalist", Mark Bittman.
Note: This link may not work for long. After a few days you may have to do a search for the article.

Necklace Testimonial

2010-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am publishing this with permission of the writer, who shall be known as JK. She felt her story was to be shared. It is true that a necklace can serve to remind one of one's inner strength and resilience. I have edited a bit for length. We hope you enjoy it!

I want to share with you the joy, healing and light that my necklace that I purchased from you has brought. Your role in this life-story was significant- LITTLE DID YOU KNOW AT THE TIME! Firstly, I must tell you, I am an 25 year old unemployed student who does not have (but does not necessarily miss) alot of extravagance in my life. I don't usually ''treat'' myself to expensive necklace form the other side of the world.

When I saw this necklace, it really struck me that my thoughts were not of ''would I like to buy a necklace?'' but rather ''that necklace is for me, HOW do I get it here?'' It is not very often that these thoughts-streams catch me off-guard, I am usually pretty in-touch with my inner-guide but the feeling and drive was so intense that to not bring that necklace to my neck (regardless of earthly finance and logic), just never even entered my thoughts.

After I made the order with you and made sure the address was confirmed, I thought no more of it because I didn't know when it would arrive so I trusted in that.

The following day I found a lump under my arm and suddenly, every thought and positive intensity from the day before was no longer able to register with me. I cannot describe just how caught up I got after visiting a doctor and having to wonder whether my life (and therefore my death) was something I now needed to contemplate as a whole (rather than a process). It truly is an all-enveloping experience that I would not wish on any soul. Samples were sent to labs, medical histories were taken and considered, and then waiting... a long long wait.

During this ''limbo'', I tried to create opportunities to sit and meditate with my Self. Usually in crisis, I held a pattern of throwing all positive practices of well-being out the bloody window, throw my hands up in the air and hysterically question 'Why God? Why meeeeeeeeee?' I don't know what was different this time. It isn't something that I can even now pin point. It was one of the few times (in crisis) in my life that I accepted (even acknowledged) and was comforted (!) by the co-creative relationship that i KNOW exists between God and I. (Sometimes I have chosen to forget this knowledge- after all, I'm perfect in my flaws).

All the physical indicators (and furrow lines on my doctors face) I was experiencing had suggested to me that rather than fearing a result that I hadn't even gotten yet, I needed to accept the process I was going through (almost regardless of the result!). I needed to know that I was still Standing in my own Power, and always will be - if I can accept and acknowledge, that a medical diagnosis of cancer or otherwise, cannot change Who I Am. Of course this realisation only came to me about a day before my appointment to get the results of the tests.

Stay with me now, I'm getting to the reason why I decided to write to you!

I did go to the doctor. I don't have cancer. She had said that it was the first time in her medical career that someone with similar physical indicators and blood tests got a test result that she did not foresee. Some tests she sends off with results unknown until she receives them, but my tests she had suggested ''had been mere formality as far as I was concerned''; that she had already ''known'' the outcome...

When I came home that day (having not been able to talk for an hour and rambling around the city instead), my house-mate came to me and said, ''Oh, by the way, a package arrived for you around lunchtime yesterday but I knew you were meditating so I didn't call you. Here you go...'' And of course, you can guess it, it was my beautiful necklace :-)

On reflection, now that I can share this story, I can equate the arrival of my necklace into my personal space (even if not around my neck at that time) with the moments of realisation and acceptance that helped me realise an immense inner-strength and resiliency that I had never tapped into before! It was a moment of sincere realisation of MORE of my potential TOWARDS my FULL potential.

When I ordered this necklace, none of this health scare had started yet. Little did I know how my spirit had already started the process of sending me the help, symbols and healing that i was ABOUT to need during that time! I often wonder if I hadn't trusted my spirit (and this necklace), what lesson would the Universe have given me to learn? If the lesson I learned was about co-creation of life and Standing in my Own Power (and if I hadn't learned it in that time)- what would my medical test results have been? Would it have then taken a severe medical condition in order for me (my Spirit) to REALISE (i.e. make real) these lessons/potential? I can't say that it wouldn't have taken that.

The catalyst, I truly believe, was the synergy (and energy) that came with this beautiful necklace- that step, that little listening (and accepting) of Guidance that I had taken, redirected my life-path (and cut out a few cul-de-sacs on this life-journey). I feel like I've been re-connected with my Spirit and that I'm learning to accept and hold the easy lessons and the Universe is co-creating that with my by no longer needing to send me harder lessons to learn though (e.g. cancer).

I've no doubt you have heard many stories like mine before but I felt truly drawn towards sharing this with you anyway. Thank you for being part of my learning process, even if you weren't even aware of it at the time. I'll never take for granted the tiny ripple that your hands made in the huge wave of learning that my life has become... and is becoming!!

So thank you... and some day, I may even thank you in person! -JK

Yes, you can share my story with others. Please do! Story-telling is how we know we live- reacting, resounding and reflecting our lives from and to, one another. It connects us. Maybe this story will in turn become the tiny ripple in someone else's huge wave of life? Wouldn't that be wonderful??? :-)-JK

New Ready To Wear Gallery

2010-06-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

NEW GALLERY Ready to Wear Necklaces ADDED TODAY≥
Horse Dance Necklace with carved bone pendant, bone, turquoise and Wild Horse jasper beads.
Fox Medicine Necklace with hickory jasper, faceted unakaite, and Picasso jasper beads. SOLD
Hemimorphite Collar, with black jasper and antique natural red coral beads.

Watermelon Drink

2010-06-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

We love watermelons, and sometimes grow them... but often there is no room in the fridge, or it's too rainy to eat outside...for whatever reason... they hang around uneaten for a while. Now we make lemonade out of them! Cut watermelon into chunks, add to a bit of water in a blender, blend until pulverized. Strain out seeds with a strainer. Add water, sweetener, and lots of lemon juice to taste. (Or put back in the blender with ice for a slush.) Refreshing! Watermelon is one of the most nutritious fruits with the least pesticide residues. Leftover drink keeps for one day in the fridge.

Photos: Annette Waya Ewing, and Kitchen Collage.

Quick Preview: New Necklaces

2010-06-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

Here are a few new necklaces. They are not posted for sale yet, but will be a part of a new gallery coming soon. If you are interested in purchasing one, please shoot me an email.

Necklace descriptions:

Homage to Dr. Seuss? Pewter cat-fish and antique natural red branch coral , wirth sparkly blue goldstone, and green-stripey zebra jasper beads...

Goddess in Amethyst Chevron amethyst goddess pendant with wolftooth amethyst and brecciated jasper beads.

Intricately Carved Owyhee Jasper Eagle pendant, with owyhee jasper horse-eye, quartz crystal, lapis lazuli and smoky quartz beads.

Spiral Heart with shell heishi, purple impression jasper, white buffalo turquoise (magnesite) and sterling silver beads.

READY TO WEAR NECKLACE GALLERIES>

Great Summer Condiment to Try

2010-06-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

As we begin the summer's fresh veggie harvest, I look for quick and simple ways to dress them up. Ume Plum vinegar is one of my favorites. This is the blurb from Eden Foods:

"A festive condiment rich in organic acids. Treasured by-product from traditional pickling of EDEN Umeboshi Plums with sea salt and shiso (beefsteak) leaf. Ruby red, tangy, very salty. Sprinkle over cooked or steamed vegetables, add to salad dressings and dips, and use for pickling. 4.3 percent acidity. Amber glass bottled with a functional dispenser cap and is refillable."

Ume Plums and their vinegar, are well known for their health benefits, and an integral part of the macrobiotic diet. Known as the "king of alkaline foods", it has antibacterial, digestive, and tonic qualities.

It is perfect on sliced cukes, tomatoes and any steamed veggie, even sweet corn. It can be used in salad dressings. (with added vinegar--the ume vinegar is quite salty--a few drops will do it.) It is not recommended for use during cooking--the flavor fades.

Widely available in health food stores.

Mimosa, Tree of Happiness

2010-06-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

Mimosa is a common invasive amazingly fast growing incredibly prolific 'weed tree' that is a part of the landscape in this area of the country. Its exotic good looks don't earn it any points with the locals.

On the other hand, many consider it a great gift to humans. The Chinese have been using the bark and flowers for millennia, as a remedy for grief, anxiety and depression. We have used it as a support for grieving friends and relatives, and have found it works quickly and without side effects.

Please read this article by herbalist Michael Tierra, if you are interested:

http://www.planetherbs.com/specific-herbs/albizzia-the-tree-of-happiness.html

Always consult your physician before taking herbs. This article is not intended to treat, diagnose or advise.

Phoenix Rising: Update

2010-05-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Phoenix-rescued-from-the-fire kitty has many fans asking for a progress report. He is now our biggest cat, and still growing. He is happy, healthy, playful, sweet and of course very much loved.

Here is Shadow, they are best friends, living up to his name:

And Isis, in the tipi, helping out with a class.

Phoenix photo: Annette Waya Ewing, Shadow and Isis by Robin Walker.

In Search of Wild Blackberries

2010-05-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying the wild blackberries in our yard. This morning we went to the nearby woods to look for more..the bushes there are loaded but not ripening yet. We had a wonderful walk, though! The woods and spring fed ponds are home to beavers, deer, owls, hawks, herons, ducks, bald eagles, armadillos, turtles, bob cats, coyotes, frogs, fish, kingfishers, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, skinks, snakes and an amazing array of insects. It is quite hot here, we are wearing long sleeves in the woods--deer and horsefly protection! You will see that PathFinder lives up to his name, literally.

Quick Wild Blackberry Cobbler

Make one half recipe of corn bread, any will do

(or 1 package of Jiffy Mix, but don't tell anyone!)

2 cups or more berries

(works with any type of berry, add a little lemon to blueberries)

raw sugar or honey to taste

tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch

Mix berries with sweetener and flour/cornstarch, then pour into greased pie pan. Add corn bread batter on top. Bake in a 375 degree oven until berries are bubbly and corn bread is done. Serve warm with milk, ice cream, whipped cream or yogurt...

A Love Story

2010-05-30T07:04:00.001-07:00

My mother, who is 88 and almost blind, lives alone in an apartment with help from relatives and friends. She and her kitty Minx were very happy with the arrangement. When Minxie crossed over in April, at age 18, mom was very grateful for their time together.

A few days ago I asked her if she was ready for another kitty friend. She said yes. So started looking online at what was available in Cincinnati area (we live in Mississippi)--and it seemed every good prospect had already been taken...but there were a handful of cat shelter people looking and holding the intention. I told them that there was no hurry, the purrfect companion cat would come along.

Then last night a friend of my brother (who lives in Cincinnati) happened to mention seeing a cat in Petsmart that 'talked' to her on the weekend, and felt sad that she couldn't adopt the cat, as it clearly wanted a home. She didn't know mom wanted a kitty. My brother told mom, then mom called to make sure the kitty was still available. She then sent reiki to the kitty and the message that she would only have one more lonely night in the pet store.

Itty Bitty is home at last! She is a kittenish 12 year old tuxedo girl--whose family took her to the vet to be euthanized after her elderly owner died. The vet refused, saying the kitty was too healthy to be put down...she then went to a foster home, and then to Petsmart...and was soon slated to go to research! Aiiieeeee!

Mom is overjoyed. She and Itty are getting to know each other and having lots of fun--Itty said "hi" to me on the phone...and put her paws on mom's back when she was eating lunch...then shared lunch with her. She loves Minxies old toys and catnip, and likes to watch and be with mom whatever she is doing, and sleeps next to her at night. Itty's coloring is perfect because she is black and white--the contrast helps mom to see her.

Mom says it looks like Itty is interacting with another cat at times. Itty asked mom to put her water bowl where Minx liked hers, an unusual place. We think Minx is helping Itty get settled.

So begins a tale of two old biddy buddies--Little Betty Biddy(mom) and Itty Bitty Biddy.

Aint love grand?

-Annette Waya

Prayers for the Oil Spill

2010-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Prayers for the Oil Spill

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

We’ve had many people ask us what to do energetically about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s no an easy question to respond to, so I’ve been saying to them, simply: Pray!

(And join in local clean up efforts, of course, if you live nearby.)

And further, Pray for the Highest & Best Good.

But, perhaps, a greater explanation is in order.

First of all, this is a manmade disaster, so any specific outcome you pray for may be offset by manmade actions. Thus, if you pray with your left (rational) brain, it will probably be less effective. Though, I hasten to add: Any prayers sent in a positive way are good!

The facts are these:

1) The oil spill is far worse than BP is putting out. BP is not allowing scientists to measure the leak. Reputable scientists who measure such things have said that the oil leak is at least 5 times worse than is being reported (according to The New York Times), based on the size of the oil slick. It’s understandable BP would want to try to downplay its adverse impact on the environment; it’s less understandable that the government would go along with it. Since taxpayers will pay the price, regardless of the legal “damages” BP pays, the government should insist on an accurate measurement, hopefully that will happen in the weeks to come.

2) As we all know BP has used “dispersants” – toxic chemicals – under water at the site of the spill to cause it to not come to the surface and damage beaches. This has twofold effects, in that it makes the spill appear smaller on the surface, seeming to have less of an impact, while at the same time adding more toxic chemicals to the Gulf waters with untold potential environmental effects in the short and long terms. Plus, BP will not reveal exactly what chemicals are being used, claiming it is proprietary information, so the short and long range impacts of unknown toxicity cannot be known. So the disaster seems to keep being compounded, and profits are being made at the expense of the ecosystems.

3) Our prayers are needed, but will be largely ineffective if “outcome” based. Consider: the person who loves sea life will be praying for sea life; the person whose livelihood is fishing or gathering oysters will be praying for their harvests; the person who owns a motel on the beach will be praying that their family business doesn’t go bust …. Etc.

So, what is the answer?

I’ve noticed that a lot of people on Facebook, etc., are calling for simultaneous prayers. That’s fine. It’s been verified by several studies that simultaneous prayers can have an impact on events. But note: It’s not necessary. All prayers have Power, because prayer is non-linear, nonlogical, and exists in multi-dimensions beyond the physical world. The saying about faith the size of a mustard seed moving mountains was no idle talk. As outlined in my book, Healing Plants & Animals From a Distance: Curative Principles and Applications (Findhorn Press, 2007), our prayers while uttered in this confined and confining 3-D world exist in All Time-No Time. They are not limited by clocks or physical impediments or any rational thing; indeed, they are not rational, but holistic, and encompass the rational.

Rather, the hope we may have is to create an overlay of a new reality based on prayer.

This can be done by anyone, or any group. It is the way medicine people have always effected change. Of course, the result of such a “miracle” is that no one realizes the miracle has happened.

I’ll explain: If you pray that the oil spill is cleaned up with the highest possible good, you may have a reality that is this, as it is now: 1) there is an oil spill; 2) it becomes worse through manmade actions; 3) there are terrible environmental effects for decades.

But you may also have a shift in reality from the timelines you live in now that predates the current moment so that: 1) there is an oil spill; 2) it is quickly cleaned up; 3) there are few environmental effects. How would you know the second occurred if you were not living and observing the first outcome? And if the second outcome were the result of your prayers, how would you know or even think that the first outcome were possible?

The way medicine people have always effected change is by simply allowing the miracle to happen. You cannot pray “for” a miracle. But you can pray behind or in support of a miracle. In other words, consider: When we pray, we pray before us, above us, below us, behind us, thanking Creator, the angels and divine beings for allowing us to appreciate the many miracles around us. We are grateful for the highest and best good regarding this event in the Gulf, that all may benefit from it in the best way possible.

Give your faith to it, and let it go. Let Creator have it. It doesn’t belong to you.

So, for those who ask what to pray for in this disaster, this is it. Allow an overlay. Allow Creator to work for the highest and best good, lending our thoughts and prayers toward that, and let it go.

Our Dream of the World is a collective view. We are not responsible for every part of it; but are responsible for our individual role.

Give your prayers. Pray for the Highest & Best Good.

Allow it to happen.

Many Blessings!

Jim

Annette's Addendum:

True compassion is not an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. -Dalai Lama

To build on what Jim has written, we are responsible for our individual role:

As physics proves to us, thought is energy...our thoughts and intentions do not stay 'in our heads'...but go out constantly into the energy 'soup' of the world. That is reason enough to make an effort to stay positive, and not give in to forethoughts of doom, so to speak. It is tempting to join in a small talk conversation, say, at the post office or grocery line, that becomes a voicing of anger, frustrations, fears, and negative projections...all in the guise of connecting with friends and neighbors. This kind of commiseration, I would suggest, may project a powerfully amplified (yet unintentional) negative 'prayer' into the world. As the Dalai Lama so succinctly defines, compassion is not suffering for others. Perhaps the best we can do is to come to terms with our own despair over the many man-made disasters, so that what we project into the world will be healing and balance.

Bear Berry Y Necklace

2010-05-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Summer berries are starting to ripen here, a favorite bear food. These centerpiece 'beads' of green opal from Artbeads, reminded me of ripening berries, with their purplish, green, and red tones. They are 'knitted' beads, strung together to form a hollow sphere. The Black Bear is intricately glazed clay, other beads are faceted unakite, jet, brecciated jasper, red jasper, carved quartz crystal (leaf), carved rainforest jasper(rhyolite) and sterling silver.

95.00, posted in the new readymades gallery. Click here to view>

Artbeads links:

Main Site: http://www.artbeads.com

Gemstone beads/knitted beads: http://www.artbeads.com/stones.html

Disclosure: Some of the materials used were kindly provided free of charge by Artbeads.com within the framework of Artbeads.com's blogging program. The author of this blog has not received payment from the above mentioned company. The post above represents only the opinion of the blog author.

New Readymade Necklaces for Sale

2010-05-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Spring cleaning of our website has led to the re-vamping of the "readymades" page into two easy to browse galleries,

and spring's creative push has led to posting nearly 20 new necklaces for sale.

TAKE A LOOK>

All designs and Images Copyright Annette Waya Ewing, Bear Walks with Wolf Studios, 2010

Spring Sprung Necklace

2010-05-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

Spring inspiration has arrived!

Artbeads has sponsored another necklace--here it is:

This necklace is a celebration of spring, to wear all year long. Thai Hill Tribes sterling silver charms, with peridot heishi, red jasper, genuine sugilite nuggets, and sterling silver beads. The actual color of the peridot is softer than the scan, iot is truly a deiicious clear green. Sugilite is one of those stones that is said to radiate love and light and is good for healing. All of these stones have great qualities, and the necklace has a happy feel to it.

"What a pretty ‘Spring Sprung’ necklace! I love your wonderful combination of Hill Tribe Silver and the gemstones. The natural earthy colors are beautiful. The Sugilite chips are very dramatic in this design and the contrast in colors and shapes beautiful. See how wonderful purple is! I really love seeing your work as it is so unique and your designs always have a lot of depth and personality in them." -Duchess Erickson

TO PURCHASE OR SEE MORE CLICK HERE

Artbeads links:

Main Site: http://www.artbeads.com

Charms: http://www.artbeads.com/charms.html

Gemstone beads: http://www.artbeads.com/stones.html

We All Live Downstream

2010-05-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

This from our friend and Firekeeper, John Ruskey:

Hey you wonderful people!

The drum is making its rounds on the rivers this year, from the Lower Miss to the Gulf of Mexico, down the Atchafalaya, the Missouri, the Meramec, the Bourbese & of course the big mothah of them all, the Mighty Buxom Lower Mississippi River!

See below for a neat documentary about the Sunflower River that was made with the drum as star!

Watch Video>

John is referring to the drum that I painted for him--which is seen and heard throughout the video. (Such an Honor!) You can see that the Remo drums that I paint stand up to high humidity and possible overboard adventures--because they are made of a wonderful synthetic material. We have many hide drums, and still use these for workshops as their sound is so powerful.

This wonderful video is truly worth watching, we hope it will inspire all to honor the River, within and without.

Title: We All Live Downstream

A Film By: Hilary Cline & Lori Garrabrant

Produced By: Barefoot Workshops, Inc

Instructors: Julie Winokur, Teddy Symes, Yoni Brook & Chandler Griffin

Sponsors by: Canon USA, Sennheiser, Bogen Imaging, Lowel, Litepanels

Created: February 2010, Clarksdale, Mississippi
------------------------------------------------
Synopsis: A documentary film about a journey along the Sunflower River and the four individuals from Clarksdale, MS who are trying to save her.

MORE ABOUT THE DRUMS

Please email me if interested in a drum.

John Ruskey's Great Website

Psychopomp, Healing Energy for Haiti

2010-01-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

A number of people have written requesting guidance in how to respond to the crisis in Haiti from a shamanic perspective, or as practitioners of energy medicine.
Psychopomp, or helping souls to the afterlife, is needed; those who practice Reiki can also give long distance Reiki to the area; and those who practice Reiki Shamanism can do both.
Last Saturday, while teaching the "Riding The Drum in Prayer" class, I and my students journeyed shamanically and sent healing light and love to the affected area. (This is discussed in my book, "Reiki Shamanism: A Guide to Out-of-Body Healing," Findhorn Press, 2008.)
We saw the souls of many of the victims wandering lost and confused by the sudden trauma of the event. By using the drum, focusing on the divine light above to orient them, we were able guide them in the right direction, to 'cross over'.
For those experienced in journeying, this is an excellent way to assist. For those not practiced in journeying with the drum, you may do so in Dreamtime, during nightly dreaming by asking your guides, angels and power animals to help you in assisting these souls.
What you are likely to see, if our experience is any indication, are what appear to be light bodies "waking up" or walking dazed and confused in the rubble. Some may appear to be sleeping. If they stir, you have only to use your intent to focus on the light above. It may be useful to use the phrase "go toward the light, go toward the light."
It is a natural process for beings to go toward the light when they shed their bodies. Sometimes, a person may refuse, and that is the soul's right. That person will go toward the light eventually, in most cases. Normally, a soul lingers for about 72 hours after death. Some may be earthbound due to being held by family members' grief. But that normally doesn't last very long, either; a period of days or perhaps a week or so. They will transition.
Your job, if you choose to do this, is to merely assist in orienting the soul; to act as a "ground," if you will, so that the energy body may align itself properly.
If seen en masse, the souls going toward what I call the Crack in the Universe, or the place from which they came, appears as a gentle shower of light going upwards.
If you choose to do this psychopomp, keep your power animal(s) with you. Remember: Don't Leave Home Without It!!!
Your power animal will always know the right thing to do and will guide you. Do as your power animal suggests, and all will go fine.
Remember to clear yourself afterwards; ask your guides and angels to remove all footprints and debris from you and from those you have come into contact with and to return them where they belong. You do not want to "take on" any unwanted energies.
If you do not feel up to doing this, do not feel as though you have the tools, or inclination, that is fine, as well. Sending Reiki and/or prayers is much needed!

Sending Reiki is a powerful way to help.
Simply lay out a map of Haiti, or draw a rough sketch, and perform a Reiki session on the map as if it were a client, with the long-distance symbol.
Instructions: Ground, center, shield (for more on this see the Web page, Healing The Earth/Ourselves, www.blueskywaters.com under articles, "Grounding, Centering and Shielding"). Draw the Reiki symbols on your hands.
Draw the long-distance symbol in the air over the map.
Perform a standard 30-45 minute Reiki session on the map, allowing all symbols to come through intuitively, as they present themselves.
You may use crystals to amplify the energy, and also to work as a "bank" releasing energy over time. Come back from time to time to reenergize the Reiki "bank." (For more, see my book, "Healing Plants & Animals From A Distance: Curative Principles and Applications," Findhorn Press, 2007).
Joining with others to do drumming or Reiki sessions is a powerful way to help, as well.
During the Riding The Drum in Prayer class, we saw people from all over the world praying for the victims of Haiti. We joined in the stream of energy with our prayers, using our drums, to help those in need, offering love, light, healing and support.
The best advice for anyone wanting to help is to: 1) Send a donation to a reputable relief organization, such as Doctors Without Borders; 2) Offer prayers for the people, land and all beings, for healing, health and wholeness; 3) Offer whatever energy modalities you have to help effectuate this healing.
Remember, your journeying in psychopomp is merely a method of visualized prayer.
Prayers are always helpful, for anyone, anytime.
Go as guided. Osida!

Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

Healing The Earth/Ourselves

www.blueskywaters.com
Lena, Miss.

The nose have it

2010-01-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

This may be of help to those who don't like taking OTC sinus meds, in this sinus challenging season. My pediatrician always recommended 'slurping' warm salt water into the nasal passages for sinus infections, colds, and winter dryness. It works very well--but a neti pot works much better. It seems hard to believe that plain salt water can help chronic or acute sinus misery--but it does, when used daily over a period of a week or more. It can even help relieve the runny-face sneezy phase of the common cold. My nurse practitioner friend Linda adds, "Don't forget to gargle with salt water as well." this helps to soothe and clear the eustachian tubes and throat.

Help for Haitians

2010-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

Doctors Without Borders
is an organization with a long history of cutting through bureaucratic tape and getting to work right away helping people. They are on the scene in Haiti now and need donations.

The U.S. section of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural and man-made disasters, and exclusion from health care.
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001-5004
(212) 679-6800

To read their first report on the situation in Haiti Click Here.

Phoenix Rising

2010-01-13T12:39:00.001-08:00

We have a new family member. Phoenix has literally risen from the ashes. Thank You to all the people from all over the world that sent prayers and reiki, and visualized him drinking water that first critical night (it worked) we are very grateful.

His Story:
We rescued him from a burning somewhat derelict house in our rural neighborhood. All humans were fine, they took their dogs, but they left behind puppies and a kitten, the puppies didn't make it. Phoenix was all wet, shivering, gasping from the smoke and in shock. We brought him in and dried him off, and Jim held him on his lap in front of the fireplace all afternoon, giving reiki, then 'slept' next to his cat carrier all night.

The next morning the vet said he had malnutrition, severe diarrhea, was full of parasites and a virus-and would have soon died without care--even if there had been no fire. His first week was full of health challenges and vet visits as he/we worked through the layers of his healing. Once he started eating, he has been insatiable--his former owner said she didn't 'believe in feeding animals'.(!!)

He "walks like Bo Diddly and he don't need a crutch" (B. Dylan) due to trick knees in his hind legs. It doesn't slow him down, he is feisty and fast-very vocal-always asking for food or complaining about the service! He likes computer keyboards and even somehow called up Richard Gere's Facebook page and the "favorite" option while Jim was out of the room. Hmmm. He seems to have good taste!

The other kitties are not fond of him yet--but that takes time. Another post will follow on the great results we have had/are having from friend Nancy Boyd's Bright Wings Flower Essence therapeutic formulas.

Phoenix relaxing with the ceremonial Wolf and Bear skins.

New Pouches

2009-12-21T11:08:00.001-08:00

PROTECT AND HONOR Your Tarot, Power Animal, Medicine, or other cards in a custom made pouch.
This pouch is made from microsuede lined with red flannel.
(Red cloth is traditionally used to wrap and protect sacred objects/objects used in rituals.) �
This pouch is adorned with an Inukshuk, a kind of guidepost used by Inuit and other far north indigenous peoples. An Inukshuk is created by piling rocks up to resemble a human form from a distance. Since divination is often the revealing of 'guideposts' or things to focus on along your life path, it seems an appropriate symbol for the pouch. The bottom of the pouch is adorned with tin 'jingle cones' turquoise nuggets, and a gemstone bead for each of the Four Directions/Four Winds of the Medicine Wheel. It is stitched in gold, the color of growth and fruition. It has a simple snap closure, and the inside has multicolor bead fringe stitched with synthetic sinew. (Shown with Jamie Sams Lakota Cards-cards not included.)

All pouches are custom designed, other colors, stones, centerpieces, shapes available. Medicine bags and other style available. All start at $50. and up, depending on complexity and materials used.
To order/inquire click here>

Silver Bells! Ring in the New Year!

2009-12-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

The folks at Artbeads have sent me some sample beads again,
as I am on their team of Blogging Designers.
I was inspired...as it transpired, three necklaces have come forth with silver bells...
two very sparkly, and all three full of light and joy.

A sterling silver flower bell dangles from a sterling silver bee, Swarovski cut crystal beads represent the colors of the chakras, with rainbow obsidian, obsidian and sterling silver bead accents. The bee is an archetypal symbol of the divine feminine, dating back to the Dionysian mystery cults. A great necklace for those working with balancing their lives from the inside out.
$90.00. available on my Readymades Page>

Sterling silver leaf with sterling ladybug bell, rich royal purple and mint green Swarovski crystal beads, with faceted hematite, round hematite and sterling silver bead accents. Ladybug was named in the Middle Ages for the Virgin Mary, as "beetle of our Lady" . Another symbol of the divine feminine. This necklace is a good companion for those wishing to get out of their own way and (re) connect with Spirit. Hematite is often worn for its protective qualities.
$85.00. available on my Readymades Page>

The aragonite turtle with a sun carved into his back is cheery enough by himself;
but also has a real ringing sterling silver flower-stamped bell dangling beneath him, and some great companions above, bear, horse, bison and eagle, with turquoise, red jasper,rainbow obsidian, crazy lace agate and obsidian beads. This necklace is grounding, protective and helps one to honor and enlist the nwvati (good medicine/energetic qualities/divine) of the power animals represented.
$90.00. available on my Readymades Page>

Disclosure: Some of the materials used were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.
For Artbeads great collection of Swarovski crystal beads, and more>
For gemstones>

Fo

Some New Examples of Custom Necklaces

2009-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some examples of custom necklaces I have completed recently.
Horse totem necklace with spiral wrapped agate pendant, silver medicine horse, jade, obsidian and chiastolite beads.
Rose quartz and pink opal bird totem necklace with aventurine and rose quartz beads.
Two variations on a Honeybee and Butterfly totem necklace. This one with Soochow jade and peridot.
This one with unakaite and freshwater pearls.
Long wraparound Owl totem necklace, with pink opal, Russian amazonite and bone beads.
Badger totem necklace with turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty mine.
This is a Nazca Lines Hummingbird design, with Russian seraphinite and lapis beads.
This a a more conventional animal totem necklace, with carved bone fetishes, turquoise and antique coral.
A healing Bear necklace, with unakaite, jade, dumortiorite and rhodonite beads, and silver butterflies for joyful transformation.
Carved bone Eagle, with bone, rhodochrosite and turquoise.
Whale totem necklace with aqua-terra jasper, picture jasper, aventurine and antique red coral pieces.
Lapis, with calming Russian amazonite and garnet, perfect companion for a stressful, demanding humanitarian occupation.

And the critter of the season, Polar Bear!

To order a custom animal totem necklace, please go to
http://www.blueskywaters.com/animaltotemnecklaces.htm

Custom Necklaces start at $75.00 plus shipping.

A number of ready-made necklaces are available, price range $40.-125.
http://www.blueskywaters.com/rm.html

All designs Copyright Annette Waya Ewing, 2009, All Rights Reserved.

What's this white stuff all over everything?

2009-12-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Some people in other parts of the country may not find this blogworthy; but last night in Mississippi we had a SNOW EVENT!
Cause for celebration! Here, many winters pass with nary a flake...Jim arrived home from work at 11p.m. last night.
Perfect timing.
We went for a walk in the night fields
enjoying
the snow-muted crystal sounds,
the delicious cold flakes melting on our faces,
the requisite laughter and chasing snowball 'fight'
...afterwards enjoying hot chocolate by a warm fire.

This bright morning it is all melting away, we hope you enjoy the images.

New Ready-Made Necklaces

2009-11-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

I've been busy this fall working with some gorgeous new stones, and have posted some new ones online. I will be posting more periodically this month...
Here is a taste. For more, please CLICK HERE.

Cranes Necklace

Heart Healing Necklace

Arrowhead Necklace

All Designs Copyright Annette Waya Ewing 2009, All Rights Reserved

Playing for Change

2009-10-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

Bear Dance

2009-09-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful, moving, powerful Bear Dance Saturday (Sept. 19) at Oxford, Miss., where it turned out to be the 2nd Annual Oxford Bear Dance. We had planned to dance on an island in the Mississippi River between Mississippi and Arkansas (with Quapaw Canoe Co.), but Creator had other plans for us!
There has been a large tropical air mass over the Southeastern United States that has been hovering like a giant water wheel dumping water from the Gulf of Mexico (and causing flooding in some areas).
This tropical low pressure system -- surprise! -- became stationary directly over the spot where we had planned to dance!
Due to the heavy downpours, and especially the lightning storms, the weather prevented us from making the trek by canoe to the island to dance.
Luckily, we had a "Plan B," in case we got "de-furred"! Everyone converged at the home of Susannah Furr, who lives in Oxford, and is a longtime friend of the Bears.
We had a beautiful Dance, dedicated to the waters of the world...sending prayers out for the Earth Mother and all beings, and the weather harmoniously cooperated, with only a gentle cleansing shower during one round of the dance. That night, in fact, as we did ceremony, the skies cleared in a perfect dome over us, showing the stars.
All the prayers that were sent were danced over (and sweated in the Inipi/Asi here in Lena beforehand) and given to the sacred fire.
We are most grateful to all who participated, near and far.
Our next dance is here in Lena, Nov. 7.

New Necklaces, One Available for Purchase

2009-09-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Magic Sevens Necklace, $70.00
Available on my site CLICK HERE

This beautiful set of matched jasper beads is woven into an adjustable braided synthetic sinew cord. We use this stringing material for necklaces designed to be worn continuously--as it withstands everything with grace, and just gets softer and more comfy over time. (Like some people we know?) Jasper is a companion stone for all who work with energy medicine modalities or shamanism. Its traditional qualities are protection, and is said to facilitate connection to one's natural self, non-local intelligence, and balanced union of mind, body, spirit.

The following necklaces were custom made for individuals.

To order a custom necklace click here.

Base price $75.00

Lapis, amber and peridot double necklace.

Reverse relief carved amber Jaguar face, with amber, carnelian, golden flash obsidian, red kyanite and nuummite.

Amethyst/smoky quartz geode pendant with amethyst, smoky quartz,and serpentine/snakeskin agate beads.

Horse theme necklace with wrapped amethyst included quartz crystal, white jade carved horse, moonstone, red malachite, amethyst and red zebrastone beads.

Wrapped agate generator pendant, sterling silver embossed medicine horse, jade, chiastolite and onyx beads.

Honeybee Bells Totem Necklace

2009-09-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Honey bee reminds us to gather the sweetness of life, Honoring your Nvwati/Good Medicine (divine spark), establishing firm boundaries, connecting with your natural self, Goddess and Earth energies, speaking in your true voice, working with spirits of nature, and social networking. The flower stamped bells are sweetness in both sound and image. Some traditional meanings of the stones: Lapis: Helps with expanding awareness and intellect, objectivity, clarity, protection, creativity, organization, insight into dreams, and release of emotional baggage. Jade: productive dreaming, wisdom in facing challenges, attunement to the needs of others and ones own well-being, confidence, resourcefulnes, abundance. 'Just the thing to help you carry the sweetness of summer into the cold months ahead.

The Honeybee Bells necklace is the second necklace I have created as a member of the ArtBeads jewelry designer blogging program. It was made with Hill Tribes Silver 3-D honeybee and flower stamped bells, plus lapis lazuli, honey jasper, olivine jade, sterling silver rondelle and Soochow jade beads. Strung on medium ZambaPro nylon coated stainless steel beading wire.

This necklace is available, for $90.00-$100, depending on length, plus shipping. (Clasp is not shown, as the length will be determined by the buyer. Please click here to go to my readymades page, if interested.

Green Your Printer!

2009-08-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

You may recycle your ink (and toner) cartridges...and use partly recycled paper for printing...but now there is something better, coming in September from ECOPAPER It is $5.95 per ream. Request it at your local big box office supply store, and you may be able to get it cheaper and help the industry. It is made in Costa Rica, so it is shipped a long way..but maybe it will become a new agribiz here if it catches on.

Bagasse (agricultural waste fiber) paper pulp requires less bleach than wood pulp to make a bright white paper. One conventional ream of printer paper uses 6% of a tree.

From the Ecopaper site:

Want 100% Tree Free, pure white paper? This sugar cane paper is environmentally superior to virgin AND recycled paper but indistinguishable. It's actually even better for copiers.

This package of paper you are seeing contains the most environmentally friendly high production multipurpose copy paper available anywhere in the world today. It is made from 80% sugar cane waste, or “bagasse”, and 20% Certified Plantation Fibre instead of trees from our forests. It is fully biodegradable and recyclable and was made through a sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing process.

Positive Impact

17 trees stay in our forests, supplying enough oxygen for 10 people
6000 pounds of wood are not used
8750 gallons of water are saved – that’s 250 10-minute showers
17 million btu’s of electricity are saved, enough to power an American home for 160 days
2200 pounds of greenhouse gases are not emitted – the equivalent of parking your car for 20 weeks
460 Gallons of Oil are not used

Facts

This package of sugar cane copy paper is produced to the highest standards of quality. It will perform flawlessly in desktop printers, standard office printers and copiers, high speed duplicators, and commercial printing equipment. Because it is produced primarily from sugar cane fibre instead wood fibre, you will find that the dust that commonly builds up in your copiers resulting in service calls is greatly reduced. This Cane Fields copy paper is 80gsm (22 lb), 92% brightness, acid-free for archiving, and size 8.5 x 11. As you look at this paper, the only difference you will see is a great reduction in environmental impact that you can be proud of and future generations will thank you for.

Preview #2 Readymade Necklaces For Sale, More on the Way

2009-07-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Zebrastone with sodalite and obsidian. This is a longer/larger necklace, the pendant is approx. 2.5" at the longest point.

All designs copyright Annette Waya Ewing 2009, All Rights Reserved
This is a fossil jasper centerpiece, with snowflake obsidian, coral, Picasso jasper, sterling silver and lapis lazuli beads. It represents dolphins/whales and bears.

All designs copyright Annette Waya Ewing 2009, All Rights Reserved
This has a wonderful freeform moukaite centerpiece,with a small tree agate Zuni bear, garnet, wood agate, rainbow hickoryite, sterling silver and deep red garnet beads.

All designs copyright Annette Waya Ewing 2009, All Rights Reserved
Owl hangs out with this vividly patterned crazy lace agate centerpiece,with cool aqua apatite chips, crazy lace flat oval, faceted carnelian and sterling silver beads.

All designs copyright Annette Waya Ewing 2009, All Rights Reserved
The scan doesn't do justice to this beautiful piece of chysocolla, with a 'true path' white lightning bolt running through it. With imperial jasper, azurite, brecciated jasper, dumortiorite, leopardskin jasper and sterling silver rondelle beads.

All necklaces $75.00 plus shipping. Please email if interested.

New Jewelry Preview #1

2009-07-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Midsummer Greetings!

I am getting ready to post new readymade jewelry and another gallery of custom designs on my website, Bear Walks with Wolf, within the next week or so.

Here is the first preview of the work that will be available and/or displayed. I have been chosen by the beading retailer, Artbeads, as one of a group of designers who will "blog" about their products. I will post a link to their blog once I post there. This is fun for me, as I have been using Artbeads products for years. (All of the silver beads, for example.) All components of the Dragonfly necklace below came from Artbeads.

This necklace is available, for $85.00 plus shipping. Please email me if interested.

The Dragonfly necklace was made with Hill Tribes Silver dragonfly and butterfly, plus carnelian, ocean jasper, peridot, goldstone, sterling silver rondelle and blue topaz beads..and strung on medium ZambaPro nylon coated stainless steel beading wire.

It was made to honor, transmit and convey the qualities and energies of dragonflies and butterflies. Dragonflies are flexible and quick--responding to their changing environments with great sensitivity and skill. Butterflies represent joyful change, transformation. 'Good allies to have in these challenging times!

Keywords for the major stones used:
Ocean Jasper: Protection, soothing, patience, interconnection, peace of mind, heart chakra.
Peridot: Protection, abundance/prosperity, healing, compassion, harmony, heart chakra.
Carnelian: Protection, creativity, courage, relief from fear/anger, root and sacral chakras.

Swine Flu and Factory Farming Link

2009-05-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Life -Threatening Disease is the Price We Pay for Cheap Meat

Modern factory farms have created a 'perfect storm' environment for powerful viruses
By Johann Hari
The Independent - UK, May 1, 2009
Straight to the Source

A swelling number of scientists believe swine flu has not happened by accident. No: they argue that this global pandemic - and all the deaths we are about to see - is the direct result of our demand for cheap meat. So is the way we produce our food really making us sick as a pig?

At first glance, this seems wrong. All through history, viruses have mutated, and sometimes they have taken nasty forms that scythe through the human population. This is an inescapable reality we just have to live with, like earthquakes and tsunamis. But the scientific evidence increasingly suggests that we have unwittingly invented an artificial way to accelerate the evolution of these deadly viruses - and pump them out across the world. They are called factory farms. They manufacture low-cost flesh, with a side-dish of viruses to go.

To understand how this might happen, you have to compare two farms. My grandparents had a pig farm in the Swiss mountains, with around 20 swine at any one time. What happened there if, in the bowels of one of their pigs, a virus mutated and took on a deadlier form? At every stage, the virus would meet stiff resistance from the pigs' immune systems. They were living in fresh air, on the diet they evolved with, and without stress - so they had a robust ability to fight back. If the virus did take hold, it would travel only as far as the sick hog could walk. So if the virus would then have around 20 other pigs to spread and mutate in - before it would hit the end of its own evolutionary path, and die off. If it was a really lucky, plucky virus, it might make it to market - where it would come up against more healthy pigs living in small herds. It had little opportunity to fan out across a large population of pigs or evolve a strain that could be transmitted to humans.

Now compare this to what happens when a virus evolves in a modern factory farm. In most swine farms today, 6,000 pigs are crammed snout-to-snout in tiny cages where they can barely move, and are fed for life on an artificial pulp, while living on top of cess-pools of their own stale faeces.

Instead of having just 20 pigs to experiment and evolve in, the virus now has a pool of thousands, constantly infecting and reinfecting each other. The virus can combine and recombine again and again. The ammonium from the waste they live above burns the pigs' respiratory tracts, making it easier yet for viruses to enter them. Better still, the pigs' immune systems are in free-fall. They are stressed, depressed, and permanently in panic, making them far easier to infect. There is no fresh air or sunlight to bolster their natural powers of resistance. They live in air thick with viral loads, and they are exposed every time they breathe in.

As Dr Michael Greger, director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at the Humane Society of the United States, explains: "Put all this together, and you have a perfect storm environment for these super-strains. If you wanted to create global pandemics, you'd build as many of these factory farms as possible. That's why the development of swine flu isn't a surprise to those in the public health community. In 2003, the American Public Health Association - the oldest and largest in world - called for a moratorium of factory farming because they saw something like this would happen. It may take something as serious as a pandemic to make us realize the real cost of factory farming."

Many of the detailed studies of factory farms that have been emerging in the past few years reinforce this argument. Dr Ellen Silbergeld is Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. She tells me that her detailed, on-the-ground studies led her to conclude that there is "very much" a link from factory farms to the new, more powerful forms of flu we are experiencing. "Instead of a virus only having one spin of the roulette wheel, it has thousands and thousands of spins, for no extra cost. It drives the evolution of new diseases."

Until yesterday, we could only speculate about the origins of the current H1N1 virus killing human beings – but now we know more. The Centre for Computational Biology at Columbia University has studied the virus and now believes that it is not a new emergence of a triple human-swine-bird flu virus. It is a slight variant on a virus we have seen before. We can see its family tree – and its daddy was a virus that evolved in the artificial breeding ground of a vast factory farm in North Carolina.

Did this strain evolve, too, in the same circumstances? Already, the evidence is suggestive, although far from conclusive. We know that the city where this swine flu first emerged – Perote, Mexico – contains a massive industrial pig farm, and houses 950,000 pigs. Dr Silbergeld adds: "Factory farms are not biosecure at all. People are going in and out all the time. If you stand a few miles down-wind from a factory farm, you can pick up the pathogens easily. And manure from these farms isn't always disposed of."

It's no coincidence that we have seen a sudden surge of new viruses in the past decade at precisely the moment when factory farming has intensified so dramatically. For example, between 1994 and 2001, the number of American pigs that live and die in vast industrial farms in the US spiked from 10 per cent to 72 per cent. Swine flu had been stable since 1918 – and then suddenly, in this period, went super-charged.

How much harm will we do to ourselves in the name of cheap meat? We know that bird flu developed in the world's vast poultry farms. And we know that pumping animal feed full of antibiotics in factory farms has given us a new strain of MRSA. It's a simple, horrible process. The only way to keep animals alive in such conditions is to pump their feed full of antibiotics. But this has triggered an arms race with bacteria, which start evolving to beat the antibiotics – and emerge as in the end as pumped-up, super-charged bacteria invulnerable to our medical weapons. This system gave birth to a new kind of MRSA that now makes up 20 per cent of all human infections with the virus. Sir Liam Donaldson, the British government's Chief Medical Officer, warns: "Every inappropriate use in animals or agriculture [of antibiotics] is potentially a death warrant for a future patient."

Of course, agribusinesses is desperate to deny all this is happening: their bottom line depends on keeping this model on its shaky trotters. But once you factor in the cost of all these diseases and pandemics, cheap meat suddenly looks like an illusion.

We always knew that factory farms were a scar on humanity's conscience – but now we fear they are a scar on our health. If we carry on like this, bird flu and swine flu will be just the beginning of a century of viral outbreaks. As we witness a global pandemic washing across the world, we need to shut down these virus factories – before they shut down even more human lives.

READ A GREAT ARTICLE BY MICHAEL POLLAN, who bought a beef steer and followed it throughout it's life. Here>

Jims New Drumming CD

2009-03-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that Jim has just made a drumming CD for shamanic journeying.
It is $12.98 plus s&h.
Please go to our site for more info.

Chicha Morada, drink purple!

2009-02-20T08:45:00.001-08:00

During one of our exploratory tours of a local Mexican/Hispanic market, we tried a bottle of a Peruvian corn drink, called Chicha Limonada. It was as purple as concord grape juice, and very good. It intrigued us, so we have been making our own. (Much better!)

It turns out that purple Morado corn has more potent anthrocyanins (purple super anti-oxidants) than blueberries, so may do everything blueberries are now proven to do, and more? It may be yet another "superfood", and is now available in pill form! This silly marketing term seems to apply to most naturally grown/raised, unadulterated foods.

We like its rich color and taste. We are growing it this year in test plots, to see if this Incan maize is adaptable to humid Mississippi. Last year our entire corn crop was devoured by deer and raccoons overnight--every single kernel--after a storm blew the stalks down. We laughed and laughed--this year we know to plant much more to feed the neighborhood and have some left over for us.

Chicha Morada Recipe

This is a version of a very ancient recipe:
Remove the kernels, and use both cobs and kernels of two or more ears of dried purple corn. Cover with a gallon of filtered water and soak overnight, then simmer for up to an hour with a few clove buds, a dried star anise, and a cinnamon stick, trimmings from a pineapple (Don't use the skins if it is not organically grown.) a chopped green apple or two. Stain the liquid. Cool and sweeten to taste (we use stevia) and add fresh lemon, or lime juice to taste. Serve thoroughly chilled. The amount of water is variable, to taste, as well.

All of the recipes we have seen say discard the corn after straining the drink. We have found it is delicious in stews, and worth the trouble of picking it out of the fruit pieces...

A good source for for Maiz Morado:
Amigo Foods in Miami

New Custom Necklaces, Light Worker Companions

2009-02-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Green jasper lightening/true path pendant with carved tiger eye bear, blue, bronze and green kyanite, turquoise, tiger eye, pietersite, and white howlite beads.
Sterling silver butterfly, with travertine/turquoise, red jasper, silver, paua shell, charoite, hematite and amazonite beads.
Sterling silver eagle feather and 4-Directions beads, with turquoise, Sedona river stone, aqua terra jasper, poppy jasper, blue tiger eye (hawk's eye),
Sterling silver owl feather with flying owl, butterfly, wolf and snake with green kyanite, green snakeskin agate, turquoise, brecciated jasper, labradorite, red tiger eye and imperial jasper beads.

Our Thoughts and Prayers Go Out

2009-02-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

Out thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the massive wildfires and extreme heat wave.

Here is the Australian Red Cross web site address http://www.redcross.org.au
It is quite busy, but you can make a secure online donation.
Keep trying if the site doesn't come up.

Just last week a friend of ours sent these pictures of a koala seeking relief from the heat. Her explanation is below.

... here in australia - but fortunately not where i live on the 'upper half' our continent ... there have been massive heatwaves [we've actually had a cyclone 'up north' of here and ourselves just wonderful blessed rain ] ... anyway

i received the email below of a poor little koala [which is a marsupial not a bear as is sometimes mistakenly thought - they actually give birth to very immature embryo babies which crawl into mumma koala's pouch and attach to a teat where they happily and safely stay til they've grown and got fur before emerging blinking and frowning into the wider world] ... anyway, koalas are usually literally 'up a gum tree' and only come down to move trees or find a girlfriend ...

this poor little fella was so very very hot he couldn't resist the temptation for a quick dip .. they don't usually drink water either by the way, they get all their nourishment from particular types of gum leaves and end up kind of tipsy on the leave hence their sleepy dosey approach to life...

Ready-Made Necklaces Now Available

2009-02-04T20:44:00.001-08:00

Seraphinite and fancy jasper...SOLD

Fossil jasper, turquoise, and black-webbed jasper.SOLD

Sodalite and silver reiki necklace.

Blue Panther Energetic Essences Now Available

2009-02-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

From Nancy Boyd,
Flower Essence Master:

After a grueling day last Monday working for more than 11 hours on the Master Formulas, I'm pleased to announce that the Blue Panther Energy Essences are almost ready. (This is after 3 months of preparatory work,) Annette Waya Ewing had previously sent me some red shiso she grew in her own garden down in Mississippi, and on Sunday I tried my hand at making a batch. I thought it would be nice to use them for this series, since the Ewings are my partners in this venture and because they were the ones who first asked me if I could make the formulas for them.

The red shiso turned out to be the BEST I've ever had! I was thrilled. So these new Energy Essences not only contain reiki energy of multiple shamans, they also contain an excellent, robust base of Mississippi-grown red shiso.

The formulas are also stabilized through a rainbow aura crystal that was used in the shamanic reiki infusion ceremony. I have that here now, and it will continue to provide power and stability for the formulas.

There are 16 individual formulas in this collection. You can see a preview of them here at Jim and Annette's web site, Blue Sky Waters

If you're into reiki and shamanism, you will also like Jim's book on the subject, which is available through their web site.

BLUE PANTHER ESSENCES:

* Energetic essence, not
fragrance
* Unique, nothing like it available
* No Alcohol
* Powerful emotional/energetic support for healing self and others
* 16 formulas:
Bear
Deer
Eagle
Wolf
Bison
Butterfly
Turtle
Spider
Panther
Hawk
Dolphin
Mouse
Owl
Frog
Horse
Grandfathers/Stone People
* Made with plant and stone energy, no animals used!

"The flower essences are actually an etheric imprint held in the medium of water, which then speaks in a subtle language to the human psyche or soul."
-- Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, Flower Essence Society.

HERE ARE A FEW DESCRIPTIONS:

* BEAR Healing, protection, inner strength
Assists:igniting the fire within-ones own power, nvwati, connection to spirit
awareness of ones unique powers and abilities,
calling in spirits to assist in protection and healing
stamina and endurance
Some Uses: For healing self and others, and for accessing the light within when the outside world seems to be in chaos.

* TURTLE Ground, Center, Shield
Assists:Preparation for reiki or other energy work or ceremony
Grounding, connection to Earth energetically
Centering, connection to highest self, core of consciousness in the body
Shielding, creation, through intent, a protective energy layer around you
So that one operates with balanced awareness
Some Uses: To help prepare for energy work--facilitates balanced awareness and connection to the magnetic forces of Earth and Sky.helps shielding, so that any negativity encountered in the energy work is deflected off the aura, and positive energy flows freely. Can also be used before ceremony, or whenever it is important to be energetically 'poised'--as well as during everyday situations, where one may be prone to feeling energetically drained or challenged.

* DEER Calm, comfort, nurture
Assists: In promoting feelings of security and protection
Relaxation after traumatic or stressful event
Emotional balancing
Some Uses: This has similar uses to the popular Bach "Rescue Remedy", however, its formula is different, it invokes totemic Deer etheric energy (this is energetic, not animal) and does not contain alcohol. It is used to ease fear and balance the emotions and calm the mind, so that one is more open to healing, higher self and Spirit helpers

* EAGLE Mental clarity, perspective, detachment
Assists:In gaining perspective; seeing the bigger picture and lessons in all situations
In seeing situations in the hard light of truth, discerning facts
In living through 'difficult' times without getting drawn in to the ambient negativity
In being compassionate without suffering for others
In allowing your spirit to soar
Some Uses: Can be used with other essences to ease the after-effects of trauma, and foster recognition of persistent/reactionary negative thought patterns and associations. Can also be used to aid clarity in decision-making, so that decisions may be made in traditional Native way; with consideration of the impact on the welfare of seven generations to come. This is a formula that is targeted to our difficult times of war and economic crisis; to assist one in staying on the side of hope, positive change and responsibility for one's own attitudes and emotions.

BLUE PANTHER ESSENCES>

Newsletter Tidbits #3

2009-02-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Ascension Test: Each Moment, by Jim PathFinder Ewing

What is a moment, a week, a year? Is it not an opportunity to express who you are? Each year, you are giving another revolution of the seasons to spiral into your becoming. Each month, you are allowed the risings of each day to grow into weeks, becoming you will be. Each moment, you are allowed the exquisite possibility of following the path that has led you where you are, or taking new path altogether. It is you. It is now. It is.

Aho.

Newsletter Tidbits #3 Jaguar Necklace

2009-02-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Mayabn Jaguar Totem Necklace, comissioned by a shamanic reiki healer.
Quartz crystal sword, moldavit, tektite and Libyan desert glass meteorite pendants,
custom cast Mayan glyphs, scarabs,with carved quartz leaf, carved garnet leaf, honey
aragonite, grossular garnet, moonstone, and golden rainbow obsidian beads. 2/09

Words from the person who ordered this custom necklace:

Oh my goodness! Even the package hums...Jaguar is gorgeous! Big, powerful,
strong, mysterious, and so much more!!! I am thrilled for sure! And a little
speechless. Thank you for all of your hard work, and as I gain my ability back
to communicate his beauty, I'll email more...Thank you so much Annette-really,
it's magnificent!!! -K.

More comments when she has had a chance to work with it... �

Newsletter Tidbits #1

2009-02-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

To reduce duplication, we are no longer reprinting the free monthly newsletter on the Webpage, though of course we continue to send it out to those who subscribe to it (sign up at www.blueskywaters.com). We are offering a bit of it here.

Zooming Toward Spring

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

February may be the shortest month on the Western calendar, but it often seems to be the longest month.

Here where we live, it is usually cold, wet and dreary. It seems to weigh down on one’s bones.

Among the ancient Cherokee, the time was called “Boney Moon.” It was a time of doing medicine for people, as illness and disease often cropped up. Silent vigils, long hours in the Asi, or “hot house” (sweat lodge) and other purges and purgatives were the way. Among the Choctaw, around where we live, it was called “Little Famine Moon,” for the same reasons. The larders of grown food from the previous year’s harvest were growing thin, as were the people; it’s too early to plant, and the animals in the area were by this time wary of the enticements of hunters.

This is the time, during long winter nights, when the elders would sit around the fire sharing stories with the young people, giving their wisdom to be handed down.

It also was a time of hope, and little clues that vigor would return to the Earth Mother again.

As we are writing this, it is the cross quarter of the Medicine Wheel of the Season, squarely between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. The Celts called this Imbolc, which this year, astrologically, is Feb. 4.

We prefer to call it by its Gaelic name, Brigid (also known as Brighid, Bríde, Brigit, Brìd). She is the goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft, associated with holy wells and sacred flames. In olden days, this was a time for honoring her, by looking in wells (water) and prognosticating the future. It’s this influence that is celebrated with our modern Western, groundhog day. Brigid herself was one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, or divine beings. Some consider them to be half-human/half Star Beings, left over from the time of the Third Sun, and there are reports of the de Danaan descending on cloud ships, through the air and mists. They were said to have come from the star system Pleiades, which also is said to be the source of Star Being ancestors of the Cherokee. The descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann became known as the Daoine Sídhe, the faery folk; similar to the nvnehi, Immortals, of the Cherokee, and “little people.” In Celtic history, they have intervened in human wars on the side of justice and righteousness, armed with invisibility, flaming lances and magical white shields. In Cherokee legends, the Immortals have similarly surrounded and defeated invaders, cloaked the people in protective invisibility, or led foes to their doom, before disappearing into the sides of mountains until they chose to intervene again.

It is a good time to pay homage to Divine Beings, Goddesses, Angels and Power Animals. And a good time to meditate on your course in life, where you want to go, and how you want to get there.

Spring just around the corner

We are zooming toward Spring, in the Medicine Wheel of the Seasons, toward the Eastern Gate: the time of renewal. We will be Awakening The Bears March 21. Please let us know if you are interested in attending. WRITE>

White Fang: Dentifrice

2009-01-31T16:28:00.001-08:00

For years, my father worked for the director of the American Dental Association. His wisdom from being around the dental professionals boiled down to this--you need to disturb the plaque on your teeth at least once every 24 hours, to keep it from sticking and proliferating. That is one reason why flossing is so important. He was ambivalent about fluoride.

Now that we know that many of the ingredients in commercial toothpastes are harmful, it makes sense to make your own.

Here is a recipe that not only brightens teeth, but helps keep plaque from sticking, kills nasty bacteria, freshens breath and can cure gingivitis with regular use.

1 Tablespoon Sea salt
1 Tablespoon Baking soda
Powder from 4 cranberry(only) capsules
a few drops peppermint essential oil
a few drops tea tree oil
a drop clove bud oil
a few drops myrrh oil

Shake all ingredients in a small jar, until mixed well. Empty a small amount into your palm, and dip your toothbrush in it , brush teeth gently and thoroughly for 2 minutes at least twice a day. Rinse well. Keep jar tightly closed.

A Warming Winter Drink

2009-01-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

Tired of the same ole tea and hot chocolate drinks?
Try these Native American corn drinks for a delicious change.

Use whole kernel corn, the best you can find--red or blue corns are tasty--and grind into a fine meal in a coffee grinder. In a pinch, store bought corn meal can be used, the results are not as flavorful or full-bodied.

Pinole (Mexican, Native American)

Roast corn meal in a dry skillet, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, until very lightly browned.

Per cup: In a pot, heat a cup of milk, soy milk or water with one heaping tablespoon of the roasted corn meal. Add sugar, maple syrup, agave syrup or stevia to taste. And a dash of cinnamon and/or other sweet spices and a dash of sea salt. Simmer slowly for 15 minutes.

Sofkee (Seminole, Miccosukee)

Grind the whole corn as above, but do not roast--simply add cornmeal to water and simmer slowly. A little sea salt can be added if you must! This is a very bland, but surprisingly addictive delicious drink. It is comforting to an unsettled stomach.

Note: Grind corn meal as you need it. Whole corn meal becomes rancid very quickly, due to the oil in the 'germ'.

A Sea Change

2009-01-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as we prepared to drum for peace in this new era/administration,
I thought of one of my favorite Nick Lowe lyrics.
It was written in 1974,
and at last it seems, thankfully, to be a part of another paradigm...
as we dare to release the deadly cynicism of recent times, and embrace hope with open eyes and hearts.

Read them yourself, to see if they still fit:

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.

I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside,
Theres one thing I wanna know:
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes

So where are the strong,
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry.
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding?
HEAR SONG

I was in college when this song came out, and my passionate involvement in political causes, Chicago Peace Council, NAACP, and Students for Environmental Education had faded as Watergate unfolded and a new cynicism seeped in.

Voltaire defined a cynic as one who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing. Cynicism fueled voter apathy, and a paralyzing passivity in our country for so many years. We became passive consumers, imbibing images rather than substance, and leaving others to perform our personal civic responsibilities for us. Our politicians became just what we expected them to be. So when President Obama, quoting the Bible, asked us to "put aside those childish things", and take responsible action, I knew that a sea change had come.

It is a different kind of sea change. It is a challenge to evolve. To take back responsibility for ourselves and All Our Relations. To walk the talk, and no longer justify inaction with lack of faith in our leaders. Obama understands, and acts on the fact that we are all related.

What we used to do--to sit back and wait to see if this new administration fulfills its promises is simply not relevant in this new political climate, it is one of those childish things (we have been called ) to leave behind.

Jim reminded me of how Reverend Lowery epitomized this change in his benediction. Starting out with
"God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou, who has brought us thus far along the way..."
and ended with
"...and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask You to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy, say Amen."
WATCH INAUGURAL BENEDICTION

-with Light, Hope (and Elbow-Grease),
Annette

Drumming For Peace

2009-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Drumming for Peace

Noon Tuesday, January 20

We will be Drumming for Peace here in Lena, Miss., for 15 minutes at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, as a way of prayer to coincide with the inauguration ceremonies of the 44th president of the United States of America.

We invite everyone to join us wherever you may be, and send prayers to turn the world from a culture of war to a culture of peace starting with the inauguration of Barack Obama as the new president of the United States on Jan. 20.

We wish to manifest a sound ceremony to create a vibration of peace and healing to be carried around the world. Singing crystal bowls, didgeridoos, drums, rattles, flutes and other sacred sound instruments are invited to unite people of peace for a the 15-minute ceremony starting at 12:00 (noon) Central Time, U.S., or at twelve noon your time, wherever you may be.

If you cannot drum, rattle or sing, take a moment of silent prayer, or voice out loud that yes, Creator, this is a time for peace, and a new way for all beings on the planet.

We offer this up in a good way for all to consider as a gifting to the universe.

Thank you! Wado!
Many Blessings! Wisatologi Nihi!

Jim PathFinder (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

and

Annette Waya Ewing

Healing The Earth/Ourselves

www.blueskywaters.com

Please forward this to whomever you believe would be interested in joining in this ceremony.

Not All Energy Saving Light bulbs are Created Equal!

2009-01-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from the Environmental Working Group website:

Over its lifetime, a single CFL can save the consumer $80 or more, depending on local electric rates.

But all CFL bulbs aren't equal. Some have lower mercury content than others, and some last much longer. Unfortunately, you can't tell the best of the best by their labels - or the U.S. government Energy Star logo. Some Energy Star labelled bulbs could not be legally sold in Europe due to excessive mercury content.

An Environmental Working Group investigation has identified 7 bulb lines made by Earthmate, Litetronics, Sylvania, Feit, MaxLite and Philips that trump the rest. These bulbs, listed in our Green Lighting Guide contain a fraction of the toxic mercury allowed by Energy Star, reducing the mercury contamination from a broken bulb. All last 8-15,000 hours, dramatically longer than the Energy Star standard of 6,000 hours, and also offer high efficiency.

Introducing the Center for Earth Jurisprudence

2009-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

"What major shift of consciousness, what social transformation has not been born of frustration and anger – even, at times, despair? What new movement has not sunk roots in the soil of wild, mighty hope? This is where we, at the Center for Earth Jurisprudence (CEJ), stand today. As a newly emerging field of law, Earth jurisprudence is working toward a groundswell, a surge in consciousness that will fold an acknowledgement of the rights and interdependence of nature and the inhabitants of Earth into decision-making at all levels – personal, governmental, global.A joint initiative of St. Thomas and Barry universities’ law schools, the CEJ is the first – so far, only – such organization in the United States to work actively toward such a sea change in legal awareness. Such ideas have a long history, however; they permeate indigenous cultures, the deep ecology movement and world spiritual traditions..."

To read more please click on the link below.

Excerpted From:
Groundswell
Center for Earth Jurisprudence
Re-Envisioning Law and Governance from an Earth-Centered Perspective
Winter 2008, vol. I, issue 1

Why Take Vitamins?

2009-01-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

If you read nutritional studies, as I have, since the 1970's, you will undoubtedly run into the paradox that has been getting a lot of 'ink' in the last ten years, and has spurred the development of "whole food" vitamins and nutritional supplements. The foods we eat are complex, interrelated 'symphonies' and even multi-layered synergies, of chemicals and energy. To isolate an 'active ingredient' for study assumes a false picture of reality. All is related, yes?

We are reading studies now about how this vitamin or that natural chemical doesn't do what it is purported to do--doesn't protect from inflammation or disease, and so on. This is not surprising. The chemicals used in the studies are isolated from their natural context(food) and often synthetic. This is partly because to study the whole food is too complex an undertaking, with too many variables and unknowns.

So, perhaps a different method may be called for. More people seem to be are looking at, and trusting traditional uses of foods and plants as "kitchen medicine". One great living knowledge base, among many, is Susun Weed, who has a website full of very generous information on many plants and their uses. Despite the airy-fairy look of the site, her work is responsible, and grounded in sound principles and what good science exists, in the study of plant foods and medicines.

She recommends (eating well, of course and) drinking your vitamins and minerals--by infusing herbs overnight. Drying herbs makes the nutrients more bioavailable. So start with a cup of dried herbs to a quart of boiling water. Let steep overnight, then squeeze them out well, and refrigerate the infusion. We add it our mint tea, which we make daily, and drink throughout the day and evening. She recommends single herbs, one at a time. We rotate every few days. Variety is the key to good nutrition.

Some traditional nutritious herbs to try: red clover, oat straw, stinging nettle leaf. There are more on her site, with specific nutritional information. Many grow wild and can be gathered and dried easily.

We think that this, combined with eating a wide variety of fresh local foods, (fresher, more vitamins...) when possible, is more fun--and possibly more effective-- than popping pills!

Caveat: As with anything that can affect your health and well being, use common sense, research for yourself, consult your health care practitioner, keep taking prescribed meds, and so on. In some cases, foods do not provide the quantity of vitamin that is needed, of course, and supplementation is necessary.

Food For Thought: Krishnamurti

2009-01-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

The late Sir Laurens van der Post once said that the great sickness of our age was that we regularly confused thought(ideas) with action.
(i.e. everyone is "for' a healthy environment, and peace; but many do not live sustainably or peacefully.)

Here are some thoughts on the relationship between thought and action, by the late Jiddu Krishnamurti:

Action means doing, moving.

But when you have idea, it is merely ideation going on, thought process going on in relation to action.

If there is no idea, what would happen? I am what I am. If I am uncharitable, unforgiving, cruel, thoughtless... Can I remain with that?

If I do, then see what happens. When I recognize I am uncharitable, thoughtless, what happens when I am aware it is so? Is there not charity, is there not intelligence?

When I recognize uncharitableness completely, not verbally, not artificially, when I realize I am uncharitable and unloving, in that very seeing of what is, is there not love? Don't I immediately become charitable?

If I see the necessity of being clean, it is very simple; I go and wash. But if it is an ideal that I should be clean, then what happens? Cleanliness is then postponed or is superficial.

Action based on idea is very superficial, is not true action at all, is only ideation, which is merely the thought process going on.

-posted by Waya

Our Kraut Update

2009-01-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

We opened up the first batch of kraut, (see below) and the results are very good! It was not as tart as we like it; that is due to the short fermentation time recommended by the company that sells the set up.

Yesterday we spoke with our friend Todd from Rainbow co-op in Jackson, and he said leaving it longer is fine, and it will also improve with time in the fridge. They started out using lacto-fermentation as a way of using up veggies that were past their selling prime but still good. They now have 10 assorted Harsch crocks--about 30 gallons of veggies going at any given time.

We have refilled our gallon bottle system with sliced beets...so soon will be reporting on our Sauerbieten!

From Sauerkraut to Our Kraut

2009-01-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

Shadow eyes our first batch warily, before it went into a cool dark cupboard for a few days.

It started last year. I was curious about the bright, multi-hued jars of preserved veggies lined up above the produce bins in the Rainbow Food Co-op in Jackson. So I tried one, a sauerkraut with hot peppers. Jim and I were both surprised at how delicious it was, not mushy or malodorous! 'Nothing like the store bought, pasteurized (dead) kind. Then we tried the beets, and many other versions of lacto-fermented veggies, all yummy and addictive. We eat it as a small side dish with dinner every night, much like the Koreans do with Kim Chee.

Then I read how Dr. Weil makes his own sauerkraut. He extolled its ease and virtues. Kim Chee, a close cousin (lacto-fermented) of sauerkraut, was recently studied as a cure for Avian Flu--and found to be effective, in birds, no human studies yet!

"Fermenting does some of the digestive work for you, so it makes a lot of foods more digestible and the nutrients in them more bioavailable," says Dr. Weil. So unlike other methods of preserving foods, lacto-fermentation actually increases nutritional value.

Sauerkraut is a perfect alternative source of acidophilous and other friendly micro-flora, for those who prefer not to eat yoghurt. (Vegans in particular.) These flora aid digestion, boost the immune system, and help to keep your digestive system balanced and detoxified.

Sauerkraut fed the workers who built the great wall of China over 2000 years ago. The Mongolians, whom they were trying to keep out, stole the recipe and took it to Europe with them, where it has nourished people through famines, and kept sailors from getting scurvy on long voyages.

Now I am doing my small part to keep this great legacy alive. This morning I unpacked by kraut/pickle maker (pictured above) and filled it with a mix of veggies from our prolific winter garden; red and white cabbage, carrots, onions, hot peppers(dried), kale, collards, grated fresh ginger and turmeric roots, sea salt and some "live" sauerkraut juice to use as a starter. Now it is bubbling away in a cool, dark cupboard. I'll let you know how it tastes in a few days!

-Annette

Some New Custom Necklaces... Readymades Coming Soon!

2008-12-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

Purple Sage Jasper, rainbow amazonite, turquoise, rhyolite and sterling silver.

Rose quartz bear, peace jasper, green aventurine, amethyst and sterling silver.
Obsidian bear, bauxite, hematite, black jasper, dark green aventurine, amethyst and sterling silver.
Sterling silver Medicine Horse, Owyhee Jasper, turquoise, red jasper, and Wild Horse Jasper.

For information or to order, go to Bear Walks with Wolf.

Reiki Wonders Never Cease

2008-12-31T12:07:00.001-08:00

My mother is 87, legally deaf and blind, on meds for a heart condition--but still living in her own apartment, with the help of family members. I gave her a Reiki attunement a few months ago. She has practiced Reiki faithfully ever since, giving it to herself, her kitty, and the world every night. She is very much involved in growing the light within, working to find balance and peace by releasing negativity and patterns that no longer serve her. In my experience, when one is working in such a way, Reiki is a perfect companion--it seems to support and accelerate the process.

Today she called and told me that she had given Reiki to a social services worker who had come to help her with housework. Diane had arrived late, with a headache and angry over some bureaucratic snafu. Mom sat her down, gave her a glass of juice to drink, and asked her if she wanted a healing treatment to help calm her down. Mom then gave Diane a brief Reiki treatment. She (Diane) became so relaxed she nearly fell off the chair, and her headache went away in a few minutes. Naturally, mom was happy to help, and very grateful to be a vessel for the Reiki energy to flow through.

So, you're too old for what?

For Your New Years Resolution to Stay Energized and Calm

2008-12-31T07:56:00.000-08:00

Try Yoga (again?)
On the Yoga Journal site, you may watch or download over a dozen 20 minute yoga classes-everything from a wake-up morning program to an evening program that helps one to release the stress of the day and prepare for a restorative night's sleep. The programs are offered free, with no sign up or subscription--a wonderful gift! The programs are appropriate for beginners or advanced, and are easily combined to create longer, customized workouts. Having practiced yoga on and off since the late 60's, I have one caveat: To avoid injury, you have to monitor yourself to make sure you are doing the asanas correctly, and stay within your comfort range.

Winter Solstice Miracle

2008-12-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

These narcissus bloomed near our Asi/Inipi (sweat lodge)--
over 3 months early,
on the day of our Winter Solstice ceremonies and celebration.
Their happy 'faces' and wonderful sweet-fresh fragrance were such a blessing!

Christmas Tree Tea?

2008-12-23T07:52:00.000-08:00

Nope! Not unless you know whether the tree has been sprayed...

This is a good time to dig out an old post, on Pine Needle Tea.

Enjoy a taste of the wild!
Pine needles make a delicious and nutritious tea...

A little background first:

All species of pine tree are sacred to the Cherokee, and pine needles and inner bark are used in traditional ceremonial as well as medicinal teas. Pine wood and its ashes are used in sacred fires, along with other woods and roots.

Cherokee Creation Story
From James Mooney's History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees

When all was water, the animals lived above in Galunlati but it was very crowded and they wanted more room. Dayunisi, the little Water-beetle, offered to go see what was below the water. It repeatedly dived to the bottom and came up with soft mud eventually forming the island we call earth. The island was suspended by cords at each of the cardinal points to the sky vault, which is solid rock.

Birds were sent down to find a dry place to live but none could be found. The Great Buzzard, the father of all buzzards we see now, flew down close to the earth while it was still soft. He became tired and his wings began to strike the ground. Where they struck the earth became a valley and where they rose up again became a mountain and thus the Cherokee country was created.

The animals came down after the earth dried but all was dark so they set the sun in a track to go every day across the island from east to west. At first the sun was too close to the island and too hot. They raised the sun again and again, seven times, until it was the right height just under the sky arch. The highest place, Gulkwagine Digalunlatiyun, is 'the seventh height'.

The animals and plants were told to keep watch for seven nights but as the days passed many begin to fall asleep until on the seventh night only the owl, panther, and a couple of others were still awake. These were given the power to see in the dark and prey on the birds and animals that sleep at night. Of the plants, only the cedar, the pine, the spruce, the holly, and the laurel were awake to the end and were therefore given the power to be always green and to be the greatest medicine, but to the others it was said: 'Because you have not endured to the end you shall lose your hair every winter.'

Men came after animals and plants. At first there were only a brother and sister until he struck her with a fish and told her to multiply, and so it was. In seven days a child was born to her and thereafter every seven days another until there was danger that the world could not keep up with them. Then it was made that a woman should have only one child in a year, and it has been so ever since.

In the Far East, pine needle tea was used by Taoist priests to promote longevity.

Today we know that it contains significant amounts of vitamin A and C, as well as tannin. Tannin is an antioxidant. Pine needle tea has been used all over the world to prevent scurvy in the winter.

Wherever you live, this can be a fruitful addition to a holiday walk in the country:

Any species of pine or fir tree needle will make a good tea, and they each have a distinctive flavor. Take fresh pine needles from near the tree trunk. Some recipes use the fresh green needles at the ends of branches--if you do this, be sparing--this may impair the tree's growth.

Do not collect from trees situated near busy roads, as they may have picked up exhaust chemicals. Also: be aware that pines sold as Christmas trees may have been sprayed with pesticides and/or flame retardants.

Gather pine needles in sacred manner. Center yourself in the moment, be attentive. Ask permission, be respectful. Say a prayer of thanks to the tree, for its sacrifice for your healing and well being, then pick only what you need. Leave a tobacco offering if it seems appropriate. We all know from popular literature (and physics!) how important attention and intention is; collecting pine needles in a good way will affect the quality of your tea--and your actions affect all. When I was teaching art in college, I always stressed the importance of process over product; quality comes from being fully engaged in process--not from focus on the end product.

Pine needle tea has a mild taste, and is a soothing drink, it is also good cold. To prepare it, chop pine needles and add a few tablespoons to a pot of boiling water. Let steep, covered, for an hour. The tea can also be boiled, but loses Vitamin C content. If you like a stronger flavored tea, mix it with any other tea. Honey and lemon can be added for a throat soothing cold remedy.

Its traditional uses are for relief of cold and flu symptoms, and as a mild diuretic. As with any herbal preparation, employ common sense and moderation.

A Message From Bennie LeBeau (Blue Thunder)

2008-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Bennie E LeBeau, Sr., Elder, spiritual leader and advisor, is an enrolled tribal member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, Wind River Indian Reservation, Ft Washakie, Wyoming.

HOPE

Harmony comes from within. Teach only the truth, for the wisdom of true beliefs will shine and radiate through the

Openness of those who wish to join those true followers who walk upon the sands of time. Each footstep is placed upon the carpet of

Pureness given from the blessings of Mother Earth’s heart. Golden threads line each step trodden to enable all life to continue along the walkways of

Existence
Spoken Truth - Brother to All – The Great Spirit of White Eagle

************************************************************************

Many words of hope, a large amount of gratitude, and many thank you’s go out to the community members world wide who have supported the Earth Healing Ceremonies. As humanity now recognizes the need for the Indigenous Nations spiritual leaders and organizations to come together, at this time it is very important to continue supporting the efforts of the Earth Healing Ceremonies. The gatherings of all Nations in the past ceremonies in America have brought a great awareness about what a few like-minded people can do to heal the environment and restore the water --as rain and snow, in springs, lakes, and rivers-- to its original purity. The Grand Teton Medicine Wheel Ceremony in May 2004, The Big Bear Medicine Wheel Ceremony in Nov 2004, the Dolphin, Whale & Bear Nations Ceremony May 2006, and the Atlanta Georgia & the Australian Medicine Wheel Ceremony May 2008 brought teachings to widespread groups of people united by the intention to bring water for life, healing the Sacred Sites, and calming the earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts that are healing our wounded Mother, the Earth.

As the hearts of the people heal their differences, nature heals simultaneously, bringing peace into the human and natural environment. Many Sacred Sites have been hurt by mining and development projects in the name of greed and materialism. Attacking Mother Nature’s Sacred Sites prevents the water from flowing and all nature from working in harmony.

I, Bennie “BlueThunder” LeBeau Sr., thank each and every one of Mother Earth’s Children of many cultures and traditions for coming forward in the past years. I honor everyone that has worked the Medicine Wheels. I thank the many others that will join us for the future as we bring more awareness to the protection of Mother Earth’s Sacred Sites in the present tense. I thank each and every one for supporting the Universal Spiritual Laws, the Wisdom and Knowledge of Mother Nature. Thank you for supporting some of these original instructions in the stewardship of Mother Earth; in doing so we have showed in the past that we can bring the snow and the rain in the present and activate the springs and water tables for the future.

This Winter Solstice Energy of December 21st, 2008 will help manifest our intentions to help bring water and moisture that will be so needed in the coming months in many areas of the Americas. If humanity will continue using the Equinox and Solstice Ceremonies and other favorable times in Nature’s calendar, we will begin to see that we do have power in our thoughts and in the actions we take as a result. Asking right now for the rains for the Spring and Summer months ahead means that many will get what their thoughts generate. When the communities remember to heal Mother Earth’s Sacred Sites that have been mined and developed they are practicing the necessary stewardship to heal all that is within Mother Nature. Becoming Practioner’s healing Mother Earth. As the Prophecy of the Rainbow Warriors states, those that have joined in the ceremonies are now bringing the water that forms the rainbows in the skies and fills the mountains with snow and rain, activating the springs and the rivers to flow and the grasses to grow.

The ceremonies help educate us all on how Mother Earth has been affected in many different ways in every area of the globe. Equinox and Solstice Ceremonies have been given to humanity to use to heal all Mother Earth’s plants, animals, and beings. At these powerful times one person assumes the power of 6,000 people rolled into one body to manifest his or her thoughts which attract healing to Mother Nature in that area. At these times when strong energy bombards Mother Earth from the sun, moon, stars, and planets it is especially effective to use our thinking patterns to heal our areas and fix what is not working the environments. Remember just about every square inch of the surface of Mother Earth has been affected and now understanding how to use the ceremonies will repair the damage done by the past actions of humanity in your areas.

Many will see how powerfully the frequency of peace works to ensure the future of our environments worldwide. For if humanity refuses to take responsibility to choose peace, they will see that the gifts Mother Nature provides will be taken away. The trees, the rivers, lakes, springs, plants, and foods will vanish and therefore health will deteriorate everywhere. Now is the time not to take anything for granted any longer; this present time in history has been gifted to us to give songs of gratitude in love to all of Mother Earth’s Life Force Creations that sustain our very existence. Many will begin to remember to make peaceful intentions in all relationships, because working together in peace means being able to survive the future ahead. The many nations and cultures of Mother Earth are being asked to consider healing the environments they live in and work in. Now is the time to think about giving love equally clearing and blessing to the Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water for they sustain our every breath of life we take.

Humanity will begin to remember that we are made from Mother Earth and that our existence and livelihood as part of Mother Earth is in our hands. Remembering that we owe our lives to Mother Earth and if we continue to disrespect her, we will be disrespected by tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, floods, fires, ice storms, illnesses, viruses and other destructive forces in nature. Humanity will become the hunted by Mother Earth as she heals herself, as nature’s forces teach lessons to every individual upon Mother Earth, asking each of us to take care of her.

Many mountains and valleys have been reharmonized in many areas of the United States and abroad. I thank those that took the time and effort that have worked with myself and others in healing Mother Earth. We are retuning and reharmonizing Mother Earth with the sacred sounds of the drums and songs, utilizing the thirteen sounds from our voices and sacred instruments throughout the lands we worked upon. Due to these beautiful ceremonies, the water has reappeared with the falling of the snows and rains, filling the lakes, streams, and rivers as the springs were rebirthed into existence.

May the Great Spirit and Mother Earth continue to come to our aid as we are blessed in our intentions to bring harmony to the mountains and valleys. As nature heals, so does the family relationships, working together like never before in history and for a long time coming, as heralded by the Indigenous Prophecies. I have mentioned in the past predictions about what would be the outcome after our ceremonial intentions. In the ceremonies I predicted the water would run uphill, as the water pressure was restored the water tables rose also. Let this be understood that we can bring the water in rains and snows back to Mother Earth.

Remembering these sacred words:

“WATER SUSTAINS ALL LIFE. HER SONGS BEGIN IN THE TINIEST OF RAINDROPS, TRANSFORM TO FLOWING RIVERS, TRAVEL TO THE MAJESTIC OCEANS AND THUNDERING CLOUDS AND BACK TO EARTH TO BEGIN AGAIN. WHEN WATER IS THREATENED, ALL LIVING THINGS ARE THREATENED.”

Indigenous Declaration of Water, July 8th, 2001

I Thank You All for your continue service to bring about peace, love and harmony.

A BROTHER WORKING FOR THAT PEACE, LOVE AND HARMONY
BENNIE E. LEBEAU aka BLUETHUNDER, EASTERN SHOSHONE
WIND RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION, FORT WASHAKIE, WYOMING
DECEMBER 19TH, 2008

Peace walk’s within Mother Earth

Sands of time follow beside those who believe and walk with me. Each footprint leaves a mark upon which belief moves slowly within to enhance the balance laid down by all who wish the pureness of peace and harmony to flow freely.

Time itself moves swiftly amongst Nations of today. Release all doubts and bring forth a new beginning to enable followers to treasure the gift of mother earth’s love.

-White Eagle Spiritual Messenger

Happy Solstice!

2008-12-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Solstice!

Greetings!

TSISA UDENV GOHI IGA! (MERRY CHRISTMAS!)

From Jim PathFinder & Annette Waya Ewing

The Solstice: A Time of Dreaming

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

Across the world, indigenous peoples celebrated "Mother Night," the Winter Solstice, in various ways, for it is the shortest day and longest night.Some ignited bonfires to hold the darkness at bay.Others drummed and sang and told stories in their lodges by the winter fire's light.This, the time of the North in the Medicine Wheel, is the time of greatest inner illumination. The plants that grace our Earthly Mother here in the Northern Hemisphere appear dead, but their power is in the Mother Earth, only slumbering, gathering strength for another season.
All across the landscape, the Earth is sleeping.It is the time of the Ancestors, who speak to us from beyond the veil, in Dreamtime. It is the time of the Wolf, who lopes across the landscape after its prey, its lonely song echoing across the frozen wastes. It is the time of the Eagle, who sees far, knows much, views where we have come from, where we need to go, and is the emissary of Creator. It is the time of the Bear, dreaming the World, until it awakens with the roar of Creation in Spring.It is up to the People to go within, and see their dreams, to offer their songs, in concert with the Creator's and that of all Beings to the Dream of the World.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, we will hold our Native American Medicine Wheel Drum Circle Prayer Ceremony here in Lena. Join us wherever you may be in this Solstice Season sound ceremony to create a vibration of peace and healing to be carried around the world. Singing crystal bowls, didgeridoos, drums, rattles, flutes and other sacred sound instruments are invited to unite people of peace for a 90-minute ceremony starting at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, U.S. (5:00 p.m. Eastern, 2 p.m. Pacific).

Join us from afar, or if you are near, you are welcome to join us in Lena, please RSVP by email (bisonsmile@bellsouth.net) and bring food to share if you would like to partake in the post ceremony meal.
We will begin ceremonies at 11 a.m. with purification (Asi/Inipi) or sweat lodge.(For more information, please write.)

We wish you Many Blessings!

Aisv Nvwhetoheyada ale Nvwedoheyadv

(May You Walk in Peace & Harmony!)

Osida! Aho.

Here's Rufus!

2008-12-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

Rufus the red-nosed bison (?) Here to make you smile and lighten your way...by A.W.E.

Wise words from Wm Lee Rand

2008-12-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays...a reminder to all those who have Reiki attunements...it helps with seasonal stress/family issues!

William Lee Rand (www.reiki.org) is the founder of the International Center for Reiki Training. This is an excerpt from his newsletter.

Trusting in Reiki
by William Lee Rand

Life has its ups and downs and there are times when we’re required to deal with issues, problems and challenges that seem difficult to us. Perhaps the situation is new and we have no experience with it or there may be multiple factors including many people to consider and deep or complex feelings making it uncomfortable to think about. Or there could be pressure from a friend or relative to choose their way or to keep things the same as they’ve always been, which you may not want to do. The smooth flow of life can sometimes be interrupted by unexpected events that require us to make decisions and it’s important that we remain focused and use our best thinking when dealing with them.

However, during times like this our unresolved distress often gets triggered making the situation more difficult. Feelings of fear, doubt, worry, anger and shame can cloud the issue and interfere with our ability to think clearly, to make wise decisions and to take appropriate action. As we focus on the problem, we can be pulled more deeply into our own distress and feelings of panic can develop further limiting our ability to function. While we may have the personal resources necessary to solve our problems, the secondary feelings that arise can sabotage our ability to do so.

The experiences we have in life have a purpose; this includes the difficult situations as well as the easy ones. The purpose of difficulty is to offer us the opportunity to learn about ourselves, to heal and to grow. To fulfill this purpose, it’s necessary that we decide to do so; we need to make the conscious choice to face the unhealthy feelings our circumstances bring up, heal them in a compassionate way and develop the skills necessary to resolve the issue. Doing this consistently creates a life of confidence, satisfaction and success.

Reiki can help you do this, often in an extraordinary way. Reiki healing energy comes from outside our personal consciousness and therefore isn’t affected by the feelings of distress we may have. It is a pure form of higher consciousness and contains the potential to help us heal our personal issues and solve the problems we encounter. It’s possible to turn our problems over to Reiki and allow Reiki to solve them. This is a higher path to personal achievement and goes beyond the usual way people deal with life.

We attract to us and also amplify what we think about. When we’re experiencing something that is causing us emotional distress and we focus on the difficulty of it, rather than this helping us solve the problem, we’re drawn more deeply into the distress. It’s been said that worry is like praying for something you don’t want. So, when you’re experiencing a difficult situation, rather than focus on it, a better choice is to focus on the peace and healing energy of Reiki; turn the problem over to Reiki and let it go by keeping your mind on Reiki. By doing this you’ll attract Reiki energy into your aura and emotions and the Reiki energy will heal your distress. This process can work with your personal healing issues and also with situations in the outer world.

One way to shift your awareness out of the distress and into the healing energy of Reiki is to use affirmations. If you’ve got a difficult situation you’d like help with, try repeating one or more of these affirmations over and over for several minutes. Return to your affirmation several times a day whenever you have time or are feeling the need.

I am the peace and confidence of Reiki

I surrender to the safety and protection of Reiki

I give my problems to Reiki knowing they are solved

I am the abundance and prosperity of Reiki

I am the freedom and joy of Reiki

If you’d like to fine tune this process to the specific experience you’re having, take a moment to identify the distressful feeling(s) you’re experiencing and think of the opposite positive feeling or state. Then create a Reiki affirmation using the positive concept. Here are a couple of examples: If you’re feeling fear you could create an affirmation that states: “I trust in the loving care of Reiki.” If you’re feeling doubt, “The confidence of Reiki fills my entire being.” The important thing with this process is that you choose the affirmation that is opposite to your negative feeling and feels good to you. You’ll know if it’s right by how you feel when you use it.

By using Reiki affirmations in this way, you’ll be shifting your awareness away from the distress and toward Reiki. By doing this, you’ll stop contributing to your negative feelings by not focusing on them and you’ll be calling in Reiki to heal the problem. As you follow this process your mind and feelings will open and the loving energy of Reiki will flow in. You’ll learn something important about yourself, heal and become stronger in important ways, and create the atmosphere in which any outer difficulty can be easily resolved.

Reiki comes from an unlimited supply and is always available to help us. Its loving wisdom is present to heal and to make our lives happy and prosperous. Always remember to use Reiki and your life will be filled with joy.

By Popular Demand

2008-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

I have improved my "Crone Polish", mentioned in the last post. The new improved version will be available for shipping next week. It is in a 1 oz. pump bottle, that holds approximately 180 applications. This is better than the cream version, as one isn't dipping ones fingers in it! I have modified the formula so it is more suitable for all skin types; will still soothe and smooth winter skin, and has even more anti-aging ingredients. It also screens UVA and UVB rays, is non-comedogenic and anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory.

It has an argan oil base (an upscale natural cosmetics company, Josie Maran uses this oil alone, as their all purpose moisturizer) with Helichrysum (used in L'Occitane serums, and calls it Immortelle) essence oil, pomegranite seed oil, red raspberry seed oil (sunscreen), rose otto (expensive and worth it) , rose hip seed oil, sea buckthorn berry oil (good for fading scars), carrot seed oil (basis of Burts Bee's anti-aging line) white camellia oil (Geisha's were never without it) vegetable squaline (draws moisture to skin), hazelnut oil (firming and light) borage seed oil, jojoba oil(unclogs pores) and evening primrose oil.
If you are interested, email me

Snow in Mississippi

2008-12-11T14:34:00.001-08:00

Photo by James Ownby

Today it snowed here, a rarity! It alternated with rain, but still has accumulated a few inches. The resident cardinal clan, who were fledglings this spring, are now glorious adults in full plumage. There are a dozen--6 each males and females, roosting in a cedar tree outside my window--you can imagine what a beautiful sight that is.

Our cat, Shadow, walked in snow for the first time in his life, and didn't much like the way it made his paws spread. "Ok, mom, you can carry me NEOW!"

Walking down the country roads in the wet flurries this morning, I saw a great blue heron in flight, and many people stopped to offer me a ride, though I was so bundled up no one recognized me.

Carved quartz crystal bison, silver falcon, fish vertebrae, lapis lazuli, blue kyanite, green kyanite, turquoise and wildhorse jasper.

In making a necklace for a woman recovering from back surgery, I included a vertebrae, found on the walk this morning. A small synchronicity.

I mixed up an organic face cream, all of the best healing, rejuvenating, moisturizing oils, no chemicals, preservatives or fillers. It works beautifully; no more flaky, irritable winterskin. I call it "Crone Polish". (Ha!Ha!) I was not willing to buy anything with parabens or other everyday toxins that are present in all drugstore and dept. store products...or pay a lot for natural skin cream with only a small amount of active ingredients. It's not difficult or time consuming to make yourself...email me if interested.

Now the sun is setting, no words needed!
Many Blessings...A.W.E.

Kitchen Medicine

2008-11-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many 'ordinary' herbs and spices are used in cooking to produce what is called "kitchen medicine". These are used traditionally as immune stimulants, tonics, adaptogens, de-toxers and so on, for wellness; and to alleviate symptoms of illness. Before the influence of Western medicine, the role of the TCM doctor was to make herbs and treatments available to his 'patients' for maintenance of their wellness. When patients fell ill, the doctor didn't get paid!

By making kitchen medicines part of the diet, wellness is built in. I am offering some delicious kitchen medicine recipes of various cultures that we enjoy during winter months.

Beef Tagine
This dish is Morrocan, and is traditionally cooked in a tagine, a special ceramic stewing pot that really transforms the dish. I don't have one; the stew comes out well if cooked in a covered pot on the stove. It smells wonderful when cooking, and works to enliven and comfort winter-weary friends and family.

The ras el hanout is a complex blend of spices, that can be approximated by making this dry mix: 1tsp: cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, ginger, and a dash of cloves and hot pepper) I use fresh turmeric when I can find it--it is delicious and not bitter, like the dried version. Turmeric is being hailed as having more health promoting effects than ginger, as studies are being completed.

1# or so organic, preferably grass-fed organic stew meat, (beef, bison, lamb, venison...)
1 onion, chopped
2 tbs good olive oil
1 cup pitted prunes,or unsweetened unsulphured apricots, mangoes, cherries
2 tbs ras el hanout
2 cups broth (approx)

Saute the chopped onion, meat and ras el hanout in olive oil for a few minutes--it is important to lightly saute the spices--then add the fruit and broth, cover and simmer very very gently for an hour or so, or until meat is very tender. Check every now and then and add more broth if needed.

Some people like to add a spoonful of honey at the end, and/or reserve half the fruit to add 5 minutes before serving. Taste and decide, adjust to achieve just the right balance between the many flavors-it should not be primarily sweet or salty. Serve with basmati rice or cous cous.

Winter Greens with Northern Indian Spices
3 tbs or more good olive oil
2tbs brown mustard seeds
2tbs sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Cook chopped greens(drain liquid), or green beans, or carrots, or broccoli...and set aside. Saute the mustard seeds and sesame seeds in a covered frying pan over medium heat until they start popping--quickly add garlic and saute for a few seconds, then dump on veggies and mix, add sea salt to taste. Serve immediately. Its good with some hot pepper added too!

My Time-Tested Curative Chicken Soup
Chicken Rule:
Everything pink stays;
anything yellow, icky or hanging goes. Unless you need the fat.
Ingredients:
Chicken
Water
Onions
Celery
Carrots
Brown Rice
Fresh Ginger
Fresh Garlic
Fresh Lemon
Fresh Herbs-any
Hot Pepper Flakes or Fresh Jalapenos or Habanero Peppers
Tomatoes-fresh or canned
Other herbs, veggies, spices
Sea Salt

Simmer chicken slowly in water to cover, add chopped onion , celery, garlic, a few slices of ginger, a dash of allspice, some herbs, the tomatoes and no salt yet. Crock pot is OK for this step.

When chicken is falling off bones, remove all solids from broth. Chop up the chicken and squeeze the liquid from the veggies back into the pot. Some people like to break the bones and add them back to the pot with some lemon juice--to mineralize the broth. Just be sure to take them out before serving!

Chop up some more onions, lots more ginger, carrots, celery, fresh herbs, hot pepper flakes and any other veggies (peas, green beans, cabbage, and greens of any kind) and add to the broth. Chop chicken into bite size pieces and add to the broth. Add some rice—or other starch-potato, squash, hominy, noodles, whatever. Simmer until veggies and rice are tender but not mushy.

Add just before serving: Sea salt to taste, fresh squeezed lemon juice, minced fresh garlic. Fresh cilantro or parsley can also be added just before serving.

This is excellent for treating colds, flu, or the winter ‘blahs’. Nearly all herbs have some anti-bacterial, or anti-viral activity. Garlic, ginger, hot pepper jump-start the immune system and are so good for you they should be eaten every day. In Chinese Medicine they are "hot" which means they help to balance the system if you are taking "cold" substances such as antibiotics, pain medicne, or vitamin c, for example. They are also good for "sweating out" a virus.

Best quick curative chicken broth
To canned, boxed, or reconstituted broth, add more cloves of garlic than you think is sensible, hot pepper flakes, dash of allspice, a couple of whole cloves, dash or two of lemon, a few chunks of fresh ginger, chopped green onion, and any fresh herbs you have around, minced. Simmer very very slowly for 5 to 10 minutes. Keeps nicely in a crock pot, for gatherings, as an alternative to coffee or tea. I have been told by many, here for ceremony, that this was the best broth they had ever tasted.

Ginger Tea
Add 2 tbp of grated fresh ginger into a teapot, add boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon if desired. Or your favorite herb tea. If you have fresh turmeric, add a tsp of it , grated, as well for an all purpose daily wellness drink. Can be served cold. The plain ginger tea can be added to a hot bath if you are sweating out a cold--it works very well!

With best wishes for your happiness and good health!
-Waya

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

Photo by Laiane Wolfsong

We wish you a restful and restorative day.
We count our blessings every day,
and have regular feasts with friends...
But today we can indulge in sentimental memories of past Thanksgivings,
and eat too much,
take a walk,
then eat some more,
fall asleep in front of the fire,
wake up and eat more still!
I am thankful I have an excuse to cook a truly indulgent meal,
with beautiful food from our garden,
which is still going strong in spite of the morning frosts.
We are having Chive Turkey (yes the pun is intended)
baby beets, sweet potatoes, greens, salad and turnips fresh from the garden,
with the usual other accompaniments, flavored with garden herbs, with a dessert of local blueberries picked this summer and frozen.
We are grateful that we have a bit of land to grow on, and a place to hold ceremony. Sunday we will hold Asi/Inipi, and give thanks again. We are thankful for so much, and we send our happiness and love out to All Our Relations.
-Jim and Waya and Shadow and Isis and Earl(ess) the Squirrel and a Host of Donkeys and Cows and Birds and Mice and Stone People and Plant Beings and , well, you get the idea!

New! Waya's Chunky Necklaces for Fall and Winter

2008-11-19T11:32:00.001-08:00

Large sterling silver butterfly with Crazy Horse Jasper, Prehnite, paua shell and blue flash feldspar.

Here are some of my recent custom necklace creations, using larger stones, for the seasons of sweaters and heavier clothing, as well as the 'going within' time to balance, heal and renew self.
This necklace is for grounding, centering, and shielding when doing energy work, or as needed. Jaspers, agates and pietersite.
This necklace has sacred seven stones at center and back, with green and other colored tourmalines, prehnite, amethyst, blue topaz and chatoyant larvikite.
White Bison necklace, with seraphinite dangle, chiastolite cats-eye and jade beads.
See more>

Bears Put To Bed In A Good Way ...

2008-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

We put the Bears to bed on Saturday....

It went wonderfully....

The day before, came a cleansing rain. The day of the dance the winds raged all day, with big gusts, from each direction, the winds of change. Then, just as the dance began, the winds quit, the sun came out, revealing a stunningly beautiful sky with ragged clouds of red, pink, purple and blue, and golden rays extending into the heavens and down to the ground. During the dance, it was calm and quiet, the drum's beats rolling off into the countryside. Dancing, it seemed as if we were riding the wind, dancing in the clouds, for the Earth Mother and all beings. Occasionally, we'd be buffeted by the energies, the needs of people for healing, that would almost knock us down, but we'd glide again above into the sky, dancing with the stars in our hair and the mountains at our toes, around and around the whole world to the heartbeat of the Earth Mother, the drum.
It was good. Osida!

We will awaken the Bears in the Spring.

Many Blessings!

PathFinder