The Sun and Your Skin

Just like most everyone I know, I used to try to get the perfect tan. As a child we never heard of sunscreen much less used it. I've had my share of sunburns and thought of them as just something to get used to each summer.
On a cruise I met a woman who had skin cancer so she was always sitting in the shade. A few years later my sister-in-law had a suspicious spot removed. This made me slather on the sunscreen ( so I wouldn't burn) and put on a hat but it didn't keep me from trying to get a tan each summer. That and knowing the sun causes all of those wrinkles!!
Then one of my coworkers was diagnosed with skin cancer on her face. She had surgery to remove a patch by her nose. She was out for awhile and came back to work with a red face but that seemed to clear up. Sometime later we heard she was going back for more surgery. She ended up having to do a kind of chemo on her face. It basically ate off the top three-four layers of her skin. She looked like a burn victim and felt like one too. Her face was swollen and extremely sensitive. She had to put on the chemo cream each night knowing what pain it would cause.
What seemed like a horribly long time finally passed and her skin started to heal. The only lotion she was able to put on her healing face was our own Goat Milk and Honey Lotion--unscented. I was truly happy to know we were providing her with some relief.
Her face is healed but she is being closely monitored to see if the cancer comes back. After seeing the pain and suffering she went through, there is no way I will sit and bake in the sun. I used to use the self-tanners on just my legs early in the spring. Now if I feel the need for some color I think I will go get the spray on tan. Or maybe I will convince myself that white isn't such a bad color after all.
Please take care of your skin this summer and use lots of sunscreen! A hat, long sleeves, sitting in the shade and using self-tanners or the spray on tans are also recommended. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer!
To try our Goat Milk and Honey Lotion check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Enjoy the Little Things

I have a sign hanging on my wall that says "Enjoy the small things- for one day you may look ahead and realize they were the big things!" I think of this almost everyday especially when I get an email from my son in Iraq. He will tell how the small things start to take on more importance when you are far away from home and family and the familiar. I thought of this last weekend when I watched my nine-month old niece playing with measuring cups and spoons instead of the baby toys near her.
I think we live our lives too fast and usually looking ahead. We don't stop often enough to enjoy the simple pleasures or people around us. I'm reminded of this in my classroom when I'm trying to fit all of my lessons in and one of my students will interrupt with a funny anecdote or story. Kids can take small events and make them important. We should do the same.
I used to write in a gratitude journal every night. I was pretty faithful for a couple of years and then I just sorted of got bored with it or just didn't bother with it. I'm thinking I need to dig it out again. Many of the things I can be grateful for are the little blessings that come my way each day. It's a good exercise to remember to be thankful, for some day (and I'm afraid much too soon) I'll be doing more looking back than forward!
Speaking of little pleasures--Gathered From The Garden has sweet little Petite Perfumes. These are little roll-on bottles that fit great in your purse or pocket. Check out our website for prices and fragrances.
gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Miracles
The newest addition to our family was born today. I was priviledged enough to be at his birth. When you witness a baby's birth you realize what a miracle it is. How a mother's body has to labor and change to bring that baby into the world. Even with all of our modern day technology and wonders it is still the mother who has the perfect environment for nine months to sustain a tiny life. Then it is the mother who gives birth to that precious life. I am very proud of my daughter for giving us such a beautiful little grandson.
Not that his dad wasn't a part of this special event. My son-in-law is probably one of the most gentle and patient people I know. He was at her side throughout the whole night, giving her comfort and support. I know he is thrilled with his little son. We are proud of him too!
With Easter coming up we are reminded of another miracle. That of Jesus' death and resurrection. A wonderful inspirational movie about Jesus is found at onesolitarylifemovie.com It is a short reminder of how one man's simple life has impacted so many.
Another miracle for us in Minnesota seems to be the end of winter and the return of spring!!
To celebrate spring check out Gathered From The Garden's website for some fun spring fragrances such as cucumber melon, raspberry lemonade, huckleberry and red currant and many others. We can use these in most of our products. Go to : gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com
Happy Spring and enjoy the miracles found in your life!

More Inspiration!

In the past I have written about "The Secret" on Oprah and the dashmovie website. I found another inspirational web movie. Go to natureofsuccessmovie.com It's a 3 minute shot of inspiration. These are like little dessert treats for your soul.
Life can get to be hectic and stressful. I find for me it helps to hear or read some "pep talk" now and again. Most of it is nothing new but it is good to be reminded of it. Someone once told me if you don't take care of yourself who will? I take care of myself with these little shots of
inspiration.
Another good way to take care of yourself is to do a little pampering. Check out Gathered's website for our relaxing bath teas. A wonderful way to relax!
gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

The Joy Diet

By this time of the year people are looking at their New Year's Resolutions and wondering what happened? So many people I know resolve to go on a food diet. But how about a Joy Diet?
This idea comes from Elisabeth Constantine's book The Light Diet. Instead of depriving yourself as with most diets-- with this diet you add something. Joy. Think of all the things you could add to your life to bring more joy into it. Small things like time to yourself to do whatever you wanted. Buy yourself some flowers. Get a manicure or pedicure. Go see a movie. Spend time with your favorite people. You could really amp up the joy in your life by achieving one of your big goals: building the house of your dreams or taking an exotic vacation.
Studies have shown that the more joy you have in your life , the healthier you will be. (This probably pertains to spreading joy around too.) I think as women we tend to get so caught up in being caregivers that we often forget to take care of ourselves. We really do deserve some pampering, some joy! Resolve to find time this week to add more joy to your diet--it could even become a wonderful habit.
Gathered From The Garden has some great products to help pamper yourself or to give to others to help spread some joy.
Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Thought for the Day

I have to send you to a great website: thedashmovie.com
It gets you thinking about how you are spending your life. What will the dash between the years on your tombstone represent? Life is short, we need to make the best of it. Enjoy the movie. :)

The Secret!

I taped Ophrah's show last Thursday because I didn't want to miss any of it. I knew she was going to have a panel on her show discussing "The Secret". I had seen promos on the Internet for the DVD and I knew there was a book called The Secret. But I didn't really know what it was all about.
I got my husband to watch it with me. All of the comments made by the panel members (which included the author of the book, Jack Canfield, author of the Chicken Soup books and 3 other people who are motivational speakers) really made sense and didn't seem that difficult to do. Basically they were saying that The Secret is about the Law of Attraction. (I am really going to simplify it here.) What you say, feel and do attracts positive or negative energy to you. They gave examples and talked about how they had used this in their lives to become successful. My husband said this was alot like the training he had in being resilient. It made me stop and think.
If you can get ahold of Ophrah's tape watch it! It will get you thinking how you can make your life better. I haven't read the book yet or watched the DVD. I'd like to do one or the other. Ophrah had one woman in the audience who had watched the DVD 62 times! Ophrah herself bought 30 copies of the DVD and passed it out to friends.
I am really going to try some of the tips the panel members presented. I think the power of positive thinking is tremendous. It's just going to take a little work to break old habits. I'm looking forward to really good things happening in the days ahead!
I'm thinking positive thoughts about my business -Gathered From The Garden and how I want it to develop. We'll set some goals and go from there. Check out our website and see what you think--positive of course!! :)

Just Have to Vent!

I am working on getting certified in aromatherapy. My first class started two weeks ago. As part of our grade, we have to do a project and post it on the college's discussion board site. Part of the project requires some research and then you must put it in a powerpoint format, brochure or macromedia format. I did the research, put it in a brochure format (took me several hours) then tried to attach it to the discussion site. Of course, it wouldn't attach. I called the help desk and talked to a fellow there who wanted me to disable my virus protection--he was sure that was the cause. After clicking buttons for an hour, I was no closer to getting my file attached. Someone suggested trying to make it a pdf file. So I spent another couple of hours retyping my info into a brochure format in another software program. I have yet to try to attach it.
I think I am just too old to have to deal with all the trials and tribulations of technology. I just want to learn about essential oils!! Maybe you can't teach an old dog new tricks!!
Wish me luck as I try to attach this new file. If it doesn't work, I maybe never take an online class again!

Journaling Can Guide, Inspire and Heal

I came across an article about journaling and the many kinds of journals people keep. I don't know that mine is any one kind but it sure has provided me with an outlet for my emotions.
I started journaling when my youngest was 15. She was going through a tough time as a young adult wanting more freedom than her parents were willing to give. Looking back, she really wasn't that difficult at all, just being a typical teen-ager. At the time though it seemed like she was hell bent on making my life difficult. Journaling gave me a place to vent and basically feel sorry for myself without anyone making any judgements.
After she got her driver's license life seemed so much better to her and the two of us eventually became good friends again. Still I continued to write. Sometimes to vent, other times to write down my dreams, blessings I was grateful for or just write down things I had observed about life. Sometimes I'd read what I had written before and gained a little insight to happenings in my life. Things I would do differently, unresolved issues that needed attention or
successes and challenges.
I am still journaling 13 years later. My writing now includes my business , my grandchildren and my son in Iraq. I'll continue to vent (especially about the war) and be grateful for the many blessings in my life. I don't write everyday but I do when I feel that I need to express myself and don't necessarily need someone to respond.
I would recommend journaling for everyone. It can be a tool to help you find the beautiful things in life when things look bleak. I started writing in a simple notebook but I've seen beautiful journals that would really be fun to write in. If you've never done it, I suggest you try it. You'll get to know yourself a little bit better!
I also recommend you try some products from Gathered From The Garden LLC!
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

I found an intesting article that builds on making New Year's Resolutions:

Live Your Dreams

From an article by Rosemary Molinary (Health, March 2006)

Life lists help you set and achieve important goals. Are you ready to start living your dreams?

The act of writing down a year’s worth of goals helped me move from “What if I did this?” to “When will I do this?” That’s also the idea behind life lists, which have become the power tools for helping people like me reshape their lives. They can’t be viewed as simple to-do lists, though. “A life list helps you focus on finally doing things you’ve imagined will make your life better,” says Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run International, a North Carolina–based running and character-building program for preteen girls.

Life lists can work for you, too. And these tips from the experts can help you get started.

Tap into your passions.
Before starting a list, consider this: If I were to take my last breath at 3 p.m. tomorrow, what will I regret not having done? “

Set a special day to make your list.
Each year, create your life list on a day that’s meaningful for you. Start by reviewing your previous year’s successes, accomplishments, and challenges. Then consider what you still want to have, to be, and to do.

Test your limits.
Don’t stick to ordinary tasks that you have never made time for or have avoided doing. Include challenges that take you into unfamiliar, even scary, territory.

Revisit and revise—often.
Your life changes over time, so should your list. Put it in a place where you see it every day. But don’t get stuck on the details. Being flexible allows you to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.

— Rosie Molinary is a freelance writer living in Davidson, NC. She’ll learn how to surf before her next birthday.

Here at Gathered From The Garden we are striving to live our dream of providing fabulous handmade bath and body products for you while having fun in the process! Check out our website: www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Five Inspiring Women

I was checking out a website (Health.com) and I came across a short article about five inspiring women. It got me to thinking. Who would I pick as five women who have inspired me? I've worked with lots of women, lived with lots of women (in college and at home), talked with lots of women and read about a lot of women. It should be easy to pick five.
The first one that came to mind is my best friend, Gail. She was also my college roommate. She has a wonderful sense of humor, is compassionate, smart and we have the best of times. She is an adminstrator of a school, a mother, a wife, a sister and a dear friend. She's a great role model for young girls. I'm sure she has inspired many women, not just me.
The second one is my mother. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye on things throughout the years but I am inspired by her. She is very strong in her faith and her convictions. She is compassionate, generous, talented in many areas and extremely family oriented. I am inspired by her ability to keep all of these as she ages.
The more I thought about this, the more I realized I would have a hard time limiting this to just five. I have to include all of my sisters. (5 of them !) Each one of them has some truly unique talents and experiences. They are all extremely hard-working, intelligent, funny and creative. Each has coped with adversity with strength and grace. I have been inspired by each one as they travel their own distinct paths.
I have been inspired by my two daughters. They also are intelligent, funny, creative and nurturing women. They are successful in their careers, yet are still family oriented. I have especially enjoyed getting to know them as adults. I'm inspired by their courage to forge new paths. (Something I wasn't so willing to do at their age.) They aren't afraid to embrace change.
One last woman that has inspired me is one I really didn't know very well. It's my mother's mother. She died when I was eight years old. I have heard stories about how she raised 16 children- many of those years as a widow living on a farm. I'm sure she relied on her faith, her family and her guts to see her through those tough years. She managed to keep her family together. I'm inspired that she could do all of this in a time when women weren't supposed to be the strong ones. I'd like to think that if I had to face such trying times that I would have inherited some of her faith and her guts!
Who are the women who inspire you? Mine aren't moviestars or superstars. They are ordinary women who do extraordinary things every day. I think they should all stand up and take a bow!
Some of these women have inspired me and encouraged me in my handmade bath and body products business: Gathered From The Garden LLC. I'd like to send them a big THANK YOU!

New Year's Resolutions
Another year has come and gone. The older I get, the faster they seem to go by. And the older I get, the more I seem to reflect on the past and this year is no exception. I look at the goals I had set for the year and whether or not I accomplished them. I look at all of the blessings I received and I look at how many times I was a blessing to others or could have been.
I like to set goals rather than resolutions. If I set down goals in writing, I can look at them from time to time. If I make a resolution to lose weight and then don't, it is depressing but I can get over it fairly quickly in time to eat another slice of pie. Goals on the other hand seem more attainable and worth striving for. A goal of mine could be to lose 5 pounds by May to help keep my heart healthy. If I see it written down I will be more serious about sticking to it. Just seems to work better for me.
I also like to look ahead to the New Year and all of the blessings that it could hold for me. My special person is heading to Iraq in Jan. and that just doesn't seem like a blessing to me. But I have been trying really hard to see that maybe it could be. It will make me more prayer centered and aware of what is happening to others around the world. ( I think his going to Iraq may be a blessing to the soldiers he is traveling with if he can analyze what they are doing and help them stay safe.) Each family member that I have here safe in the U.S. will be a blessing to me as they offer their support.
So I am looking forward to the New Year and all that it holds. I am wishing for all of you a year filled with blessings!
One of my blessings is also being able to run Gathered From The Garden LLC.
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Cards for our Soldiers

I found out that a very special person I know will be going to Iraq after Christmas. I have been thinking about this alot. I am concerned for this person and pray for his safety and the safety of the soldiers he will be traveling with.
I came across the Xerox Co. website. If you fill out a very short form they will send a postcard in your name to a soldier overseas. I think this is a great thing to do. It doesn't take much time or effort but I bet it will really be appreciated. I have already sent several and plan to send more. Won't you check out that site and brighten someone's day? www.Letssaythanks.com
Also check out Gathered From The Garden's website (www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com) for some wonderful products that would also brighten someone's day!

A Gift List Anyone Can Afford

It's the holidays again and most of us are busy shopping for the special people on our lists. Since most of us are looking for gifts that fit our budgets, here's a list of gift suggestions for "the large of heart and small of purse". (Sorry I don't know who came up with the list so I can't give credit...)
These gifts won't cost you a dime, but that doesn't mean they have no value. If you give one of these gifts, you will give the most priceless gift of all: yourself!

*The Gift of Listening. Psychologists tell us that one of the greatests things we can do for another is listen.

*The Gift of Signs of Affection. Take time to give your loved ones extra signs of affection.

*The Gift of a Note. Write notes to your loved ones. They can be as simple as "I love you" or as creative as a poem.

*The Gift of Laughter. Everyone loves to laugh. Give those you love this gift. Just cut out a cartoon, clip a joke, copy a riddle or save a clever article. Your gift will say "I love to laugh with you."

*The Gift of a Game. Offer to play your loved one's favorite game with him or her. Even if you lose, you'll be a winner.

*The Gift of Doing a Favor. This gift is made more valuable when it anticipates a request rather than when it responds to one.

*The Gift of a Compliment. It is great therapy for us all.

*The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition. Your gift of cheerfulness will be a precious gift for everyone--including yourself.

You could probably add more to the list but isn't this a good start? Some of these are so simple yet would really make someone's day. Hope you found the list worthwhile--I did.
If you still need help with your Christmas shopping check out Gathered From The Garden's website for great gift ideas. www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com If you'd like to receive ourweekly newsletter send an email to gatheredgarden@charter.net

Get More Energy!
This time of year do you start to feel run-down and short on energy? Do you feel like YOUR batteries need recharging? In the Dec. issue of Redbook magazine (www.redbookmag.com) top energy solutions are listed.
Go for a walk. Even a short walk will make you feel energized. For the best results, aim for 30 minutes of activity, 5 days a week.
Snack on nuts, not sweets. This sounds like a fairly easy thing to do. Sugary snacks cause blood sugar levels to spike, then crash leaving you feeling wiped out. The protein in nuts digests slowly giving you lasting energy.
Have a banana. Bananas provide potassium which helps convert blood sugar into energy.
Take a power nap. A 30-minute nap prevents energy from flagging further.
Do a mini-meditation. Sit in a quiet place, take deep, slow breaths and concentrate on a pleasing memory. Within three minutes you should feel more energized.
For more energy solutions, pick up the Dec. issue of Redbook.
You can also try using Gathered From The Garden's Bath Teas to help you relax in the tub and then try our Moisturing Mists in a delightful "pick-me-up" scent. Check out our website for other great products. www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Thoughts For Thanksgiving

I asked my students today to tell one thing they were thankful for. I was amazed at how many could not come up with anything! We live in a society that takes too much for granted. I found this article on 1stholistic.com. I think it is great" food for thought" for Thanksgiving!

Consider the following facts. Then count your blessings.

• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of people in this world.

• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

• If you can attend a church or other places of worship without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

• If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare (and your parents too!).

• If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

• If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.

• If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

Pass The Conversation
Since my husband and I have become empty nesters mealtime has changed for us. I don't cook big meals as often as I used to and we have lots more left-overs. Our mealtime is fairly quiet, a nice time for us to catch up with our day's events.
I do miss the spirited conversation that we used to have when our three children were gathered around the supper table with us. They'd share snippets of their day--often funny anecdotes about friends, teachers or how their particular sport practice went. We sometimes tried to help solve each other's problems. Sometimes we didn't all agree on issues and sometimes some of us were a little moody! But it was a time for us all to connect as family.
Now that we have grandchildren sharing meals with us some of the spirited conversation is returning. A three year-old's perspective on things can be very entertaining! We don't mind the spilled milk or crumbs on the floor! We are connecting with a new generation of family.
I read about a website that has something to help families that don't have much lively table talk. You can go to www.earthdinner.org. They have developed "creativity cards". They are printed with food-focused conversation starters like "What foods did your grandparents eat when they were your age?" (You can download free black-and-white versions).
Thankfully, our family will not have to resort to those conversation starters. We seem to have enough interesting conversations when we get together. I'm looking forward to the holidays when my children and grandchildren will all be together and we can connect once again.
Before you sit down to that meal use some of Gathered From The Garden's wonderful foaming hand soap or hand sanitizers. You can find these at gatheredfromthegardenll.4t.com

Can You Be In Love Everyday?

My husband and I just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday I was a nervous bride walking down the aisle and sometimes it seems like I've always been married. We have been blessed with many wonderful years together.
I just happened to open up the Sept. /Oct. issue of the Saturday Evening Post (www.saturdayevening post.com) to an article by Liz Flaherty. It's called "You Can't Be In Love Every Day". In it she asks what it's like to be married to the same person for over 30 years.
You know everything about your spouse, you've seen them at their worst and sometimes they're a pain in the neck. Yet the person you're married to finds the best in you and makes you smile.
Isn't that boring? she asks. Well, maybe once in awhile. Then she compares long marriages to the sun. Sometimes it's hidden under dense clouds and sometimes it shines bright during the coldest seasons. Like the sun a marriage wraps itself around you to keep warm.
This was a good article to remind me not to take my husband for granted. When you get right down to it, marriage isn't boring. It's incredibly hard at times, yet it's been more fun than I ever imagined! My husband puts up with my moods, my bad habits and the times when I'm the pain in the neck. He still melts my heart whenever he kisses my hand or brings me flowers. I hope we have many more wonderful years together.
Don't take your spouse for granted. Indulge him or her with a special treat from Gathered From The Garden LLC! Check out our website at www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com.

Sole Survivor and the Empty Nest

My husband and I have been empty-nesters for a few years now. At first, the house seemed too quiet and I really missed having our kids around the supper table. Now, I still miss our kids but Jerry and I are having some of the best times! We get to travel, go out to eat during the week and when the phone rings it's for one of us.
One very nice thing we have been doing for each other is giving mini pedicures. I found a book at a garage sale that has detailed instructions and pictures on how to give a massage. So once a week, we soak our feet, use a foot scrub and give each other foot massages. It is SO relaxing! After a hard day at work I really look forward to this! It is so simple, yet we each feel so pampered. (I haven't gotten him to paint my toenails yet).
Of course we use Gathered From The Garden's foot soak, foot scrub and massage oil. The invigorating peppermint aroma is just that! They also carry a foot spray and a foot powder. Check it out at www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

The Autumn Blues...

This time of year it's hard not to get the autumn blues. Here in MN we've lost not only our warm temps but hours of daylight. If you're like me, you might need some help to chase away those blues.
*Try lighting a candle. It's warmth and encouragement will help to add some light to the dark evenings of autumn. I like to use a fall aroma such as pumpkin spice, cranberry or cinnamon. (An alternative to using a lit candle would be to try a reed diffuser. You'll get the wonderful fragrance but not the light and warmth.)
*Make a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate. It's a pleasure just to hold the warm cup!
*Take a soothing bath. A warm soak after a chilly day is just what you need. Using oats in your bath is a terrific way to soothe the skin.
*Dig out the warm, fuzzy socks and slippers. Keeping your feet warm helps you feel warm all over.
*Keep exercising. This seems like a chore sometimes and I think I just don't have the energy. In reality, if you exercise, you'll have more energy to fight off those blues. Add some of your favorite music to get motivated.
*Spend more time with your favorite people. This is a great time to snuggle up with someone special!
These are just a few ways to make the days of autumn go by just a little faster. Soon it will be the holidays and that's a subject for another day!
Check out Gathered From The Garden's delightful bath soaks. A little autumn treat to pamper yourself! www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com