The Four (Five) Agreements Installment 3 of 5

My sincere apologies for not having written this, as promised the next day after Installment 2--sometimes life gets in the way of living! As the old saying goes, "THe best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

I have just had a lot on mind, much going on in my family and life and knitting and Family Farm Seaside have been mine distractions when not working on a pair of moccasins.

Now, on to the Third Agreement--

" Don’t make assumptions Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."

Oh how true! How many times have you been in a pickle because someone assumed you were going to finish a sentence with something way off from what you were actually going to say? Or someone assumed your intentions instead of listening to what you spoke as your intentions?

Think about those situations. Were feelings hurt?

Now, think about the hurt feelings that have you caused by assuming.

Here is an aspect we often don't think about assumptions-we, as humans, place others in the position where they are are almost forced (they still have to decide to assume) because we did/do not speak or communicate what we want or need.

Mothers-we assume that the people in our lives-mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, friends, siblings, spouse KNOW we need a break from the children. We never speak up. We self-talk ourselves into believing they all know and they should offer to take the children off our hands for a couple hours. They don't. We fume.

Better solution-speak up. Tell them you need a few hours alone to re-group. Then ask, "Can you please watch the children for me on Tuesday afternoon?" or "Honey, will you spend a few hours playing games with the children or watching a movie tonight? I just need a couple hours for me."

I have always been a firm believer in asking questions. My Daddy used to tell me, "ASK! All they can do is say is yes or no, they can't eat you for supper."

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Mat 7:7 KJV)
"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Mat 7:8 KJV)

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Luk 11:9 KJV)
"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Luk 11:10 KJV)

The Four (Five) Agreements Installment 2 of 5

Yesterday I wrote about the First Agreement, you can read that blog post here. Tonight I want to explore the second agreement--

                  2. Don't take anything personally.  Nothing others do is because of you. What others say                         and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dreams. When you are immune to                         the opinions and actions of others, you won‟t be the victim of needless suffering.


You, nor i are so big or important that someone makes choices about what they do or say because of us. That's simple.

When someone insults you, think about this--they are speaking words that are their own, personal truth. It has nothing to do with you. I knew a person once that would tell me I was ugly. Not often, usually after they had a bad week. What I cam to over hear was them actually speaking to themselves-out loud, "I am so ugly." They were speaking about how they felt about the person in the mirror-not me.

Another person, very dear to me, would and still does say, "You can never make a living running your own business." As I have grown older and matured, I see so many people earning a living by running their own business. What I came to understand was this person had their own doubts & greed that caused to them to be scared. hey projected that fear out towards others.

As the old saying goes, "Misery loves company." When people have their own set of fears, doubts, concerns, need to control, insecurities and a host of other negative emotions--they project them on others.

Do not accept them as yours.

Also, when you have so-called negative emotions--work through them. Do not victimize others by projecting your emotions on others.

Not only should you think before you speak, think before you listen.

The Four (Five) Agreements First of Five Installments

Sometimes, things in your life just keep happening. You wonder, "Why?" I have come to believe it is because you have not yet learned the lesson therefore Creator God, keeps presenting it.

Recently, the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (available here The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) ) was given to me. I have read it in the past and it is one of those books worth reading. There is now a fifth agreement (available here The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery (Toltec Wisdom) ). This, i have not read, but with some research, discovered what it is.

These five simple agreements, made with ones own self, applied to your own life, are powerful. They transcend culture, nationality, religion, spirituality. They are the true reality of your own core being.

Let's explore:

1. Be impeccable with your word Speak with integrity, say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

So easy, yet so hard. We live in a society that all but demands we speak with integrity, yet at the same times we are only supposed to look a certain way, speak a certain way, think a certain way, act a certain way, have a job that pays so much, drive certain vehicles--the list is endless.

We look in the mirror at our reflection each morning as we get ready for the day and wonder how to make that illusion society wants from us a reality--or at least a believable illusion.


We begin by speaking to ourselves that we must dress to look skinny since we are not as skinny as we should be. We comb our hair into a style that will impress others around us. We tell ourselves we must use certain brands of body wash, perfume/cologne, hair products, etc. We stop at a certain coffee shop on the way to work because we must maintain the illusion we can afford it.

At work, we not only listen to the "office" gossip, we actually participate in it--even if you only listen.

This Agreement, that I believe we all should make with ourselves-tells us to speak with integrity to others and ourselves. How can you be honest with others if you are not honest with yourself?

Why do you speak "ugly" (as my Mother would say) to yourself about yourself? Creator God did make any mistakes when He made each of us. He made us in His image-therefore when we speak bad about ourselves we are putting Him down.

Ever made a mistake? So has everyone else. We tell each other, "Judge not lest you be judged!", then we start using our words against others. "Did you hear Suzy went out with that biker dude? What was she thinking?' You just judged Suzy and her date with your words. In doing so, you brought judgement upon yourself-from yourself-just wait til the drive home-you will start whispering words to yourself about every little mistake you made today.

Try speaking words of truth and love to yourself and everyone around you. Tell yourself "Good Morning!" Tell everyone you see 'Good Day." Make a positive comment, "You look nice today." After a week of this you will see such an improvement in yourself, in your attitude, in your outlook on life, in how you feel about yourself.

Consider this-[1Pe 3:10 KJV]  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

[Pro 12:19 KJV]  The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.
[Pro 15:4 KJV]  A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.
[Pro 18:21 KJV]  Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
[Pro 21:23 KJV]  Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Make an Herbal WHAT?!?

Ever get to researching on using an herbal remedy and everything you can find assumes you already know what a decoction is versus a tea?

Well, I am going to help clear that up, at least some of it. Here is a list of common ways to use herbs and how to make and use them.

Understand that different methods bring out different constituents of the plants. Do your research and know what you want to draw out of the plant. mineral salts? bitters? vitamins? volatiles?

I hope its helpful to you.

1. Cold Compress--Make an infusion or decoction (see below) let it cool off completely. Soak a cloth, preferably 100% cotton such as muslin in it. Wring it out and apply to the affected area. When the cloth becomes warm from absorbing body heat, remove and replace with another.
2. Cold Extract--In an enameled pot (make sure the enamel is intact) or glass container place 1-2 ounces of herb to each pint of water. Let this stand for 12 hours, strain and the drink is ready. Follow directions for taking an infusion (below).
3. Decoction--This method extracts mainly the mineral salts and bitters. Again, use a non metal pot (glass or enamel) The general rule for measurements is half an ounce of plant parts per cup of water. If using green (fresh) plant parts place in cold water, bring to boil, boil for 4 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let steep 3 minutes. Hard plant parts should boil about 10 minutes and steep 5-10 minutes. Strain before drinking. 
4. Essence-Research and locate a reputable supplier of food grade essential oils. Dissolve an ounce of food grade essential oil in a pint (2 cups) of 50%/100 proof alcohol. (Personally I use cheap vodka).
5. Fomentation--Make an infusion or decoction by the above directions. Soak a cotton cloth in the hot liquid, wring out the excess and apply to the affected area. Fomentations are used similar to a poultice but are less active in effect.
6. Infusion--This is a beverage made in a way that the herbs are not exposed to heat at length. This minimizes the loss of volatile oils. Usual amounts are ½-1 ounce of herb to a pint of water. Place the herbs in a glass jar, boil water in a non-metal container and pour about a pint of boiling water over the herbs. Cover and let steep 10 minutes. Tighten the lid and place in refrigerator. For drinking, strain just before. Sometimes you can add a touch of natural sweetener (not processed sugar). Generally, an infusion should be taken lukewarm to cool, the exceptions would be when trying to induce a sweat, or break up a cold or congestion-in those instances take it hot. 
7. Juice--Chop fresh plant parts (the parts that have the constituents you need) and press to squeeze the juice out. Add a small amount of water and press again. You can purchase presses to do this with or use a juicer-I do not recommend using any electric or battery operated equipment as they heat as they are being used. The heat will cause the constituents you are trying to get-to be ruined. This is the method to use to extract the water-souble vitamins, minerals, etc. from the plant. Juice only what you are going to drink immediately. The vitamin quality declines rapidly and fermentation can set in.
8. Poultice--Bruise or crush the plant parts to mush and heat. If using dried herbs or fresh that need it, add a hot, moist binder to help hold the poultice in place such as flour, corn meal, etc. Apply directly to the skin except in the case of using irritants such as mustard or cayenne. In those instances, keep a hot, moist cotton cloth between the skin and the poultice. You can apply the poultice to piece of cotton cloth, lay it on affected area and wrap it. Keep it hot and moist by placing a cotton cloth that has been dipped in hot water and wrung out over it.
9. Ointment--There are different ways to make an ointment. In years past it was recommended to add some form of benzoin as a preservative, but due to sensitization issues, that can be short lived or permanent, it is no longer recommended. 
1. Determine the herb or mixture to be used. Mix it, in powdered form, one part herb(s) to one part lard, bear fat, coconut oil, etc. (some use petroleum jelly but as it is a by product of the crude oil industry, I personally do not recommend its use)
2. Determine the herb or mixture to be used. Boil these in pure clean water until the compounds needed have been released into the water. Strain. Add the water to olive oil, coconut oil, or another oil of your preference. Simmer gently until all water is evaporated. Add beeswax until the consistency is as you wish. 
10. Powder--Obtain the dried herb(s) you need and use a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder (not used for coffee and cleaned well between uses) to grind the dried herbs into a powder. The powder can be encapsulated in veggie caps, sprinkled on food or stirred into a beverage. 
11. Syrup--Again there is more than one way to make this:
1. Make a syrup of raw sugar and water (light, medium or heavy as needed). The water for the syrup should be a tea, infusion or decoction of the herb(s).
2. Obtain organic, local honey, pure organic syrup, agave, etc and boil the herb(s) in that. Strain.
12. Tincture--Obtain 50% grain alcohol which is 100 proof (moonshine can be bought in most states at the local liquor store but Vodka will do. I do not use Everclear as it is 190 proof so must be diluted). Place herb(s) in a glass jar (preferably brown). Lightly pack a quart jar with the herbs. Cover with alcohol. The majority of tinctures will need to be placed in a dark place for 14 days, a very, very few will need to be placed in a warm place or sunny window. Shake twice a day. At the end of 14 days, strain. Tinctures will keep for a long time, if  properly capped.

This is a basic description of some of the ways to use herbs. I hope you find it helpful. Please feel free to leave comments and please do share this posting.

Oatmeal Cookies

I started making these cookies for our first daughter's first Christmas. We have done them ever since. The men and children in the family start requesting them in October. I always make these the last of my Christmas baking and make at least 5 batches. I buy all the ingredients but I use up the left over dried and candied fruits from the other items to make up the 2 cups of chocolate pieces. My brother had not been home for a Christmas, in years. I gave him a bunch of these the year he made it home for Christmas. He called me in January asking for more. He had taken ice cream and softened it, spread a thick layer between two cookies and frozen them!


6 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 1/2 cups chunky peanut butter
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons real vanilla
8 cups regular oats (I use organic oats the real big ones.)
1-cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
1 6-ounce package (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate pieces

In large mixer bowl beat eggs. Add sugars, peanut butter, butter, baking soda and vanilla; mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Drop dough from an ice cream scoop or 1/4 cup measure onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with bottom of glass dipped in sugar or, you can spray the bottom of the glass with a non-stick spray instead. Bake in a 350° F oven for 14-16 minutes. Cool cookies slightly before removing from cookie sheet; cool completely. Makes about 40 (4-inch diameter) cookies.


I have made this using shortening instead of butter and I had to start using soy butter when my eldest developed a severe and deadly allergy to peanuts.  

Define Your Supreme Being

I am going to attempt to put into words my answer to the question, "How does your religion define the Supreme Being?"

Note this is my personal answer. I do not imagine myself able to answer this question for any set "religion" or any other person.

I prefer to use the word "Creator" and will do so here. 

Creator is Supreme over all things in the Universe. Some of the Native American Nations or Tribes call the Supreme Being "The Great Mystery" because He is such.

He created EVERYTHING. He is omnipotent. He is loving and truly wants only the best for all of His Creation-Earth, other planets, the stars, moon, trees, water, all animals, and humans.

He provides everything for us through His other creations. 

He expects us to treat each other and all of his creations with loving respect and reverence. 

Questions On Spirituality We Should All Answer for Ourselves

I began reading "Native Wisdom: Perceptions of the Natural Way" by Ed McGaa, Eagle Man. I only read a few pages. I read enough to understand that the book had come out of an invitation to speak, along with others of differing belief systems, at a college. He was addressing a Humanities class and they had submitted a set of questions they wanted to be answered by each speaker.

I turned to the back of the book and found the list of questions. Reading through these I realized that it would be truly beneficial for every person to answer these questions for themselves about themselves. 

In reality, how many of us can calmly, rationally and convincingly answer serious questions about our own Spiritual Beliefs?

Most of us were taught things like, "Never discuss religion." 'Never argue about religion."  and "Never discuss religion and politics in the same conversation."

I have never understood these idioms and I prefer to use the word Spirituality as opposed to religion. Your Spirituality, or claimed lack of it, affects every aspect of your thinking and living. How are we to ever understand and accept each other, if we do not discuss it?

These questions presented to Ed McGaa are divided up into sections, the sections reflecting a general category that the answers would fall under. He addresses each section of questions in a separate chapter of the book. These are as follows:

1. Who is God?
2. How did you become involved?
3. Worldwide Philosophy
4. Good, Evil and Afterlife
5. Beseechment
6. Miracles
7. Rules, Restrictions and Conflict
8. Hierarchy, Matriarchy, Patriarchy
9. Government and Social Issues
10. Followers of the Natural Way (note the sub-title of the book)

My plan is to answer the questions under each heading/chapter, for myself and where better to do this, than my blog? I would truly love to have a true conversation here on my blog, with my readers about this. Please do join in.

I make no promises about how often I will write but will try my best to write each week. 

Grannie's Oatmeal Drop Cookies

I love these cookies. Used to make them for my children all the time.

2 cups sugar
6 Tablespoons Cocoa
1½ teaspoons cinnamon powder
½ cup milk
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3 ¾ - 4 cups Oatmeal


In a medium saucepan mix the dry ingredients well. Stir in the milk very well. Add butter. Heat over medium heat to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it boils, boil for 2 full minutes.

Remove pan from heat and add oatmeal.

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Let cool completely, about 4 hours.

Helping Brings Blessings

We all need to learn, rich and anything above poor, to give. It matters not how much money we have or the government takes from us, if that is shared with the less fortunate.

We can help in many ways, time--go donate a few hours to a soup kitchen or Habitat for Humanity or go fix that broken porch or leaky faucet or the single parent in the neighborhood or the widow or the elderly couple or the kid just of school that is on their own now.

Next time you go shopping buy a bag of bath soap, toilet paper, feminine supplies, shampoo, etc. and some groceries and go leave it on the door step of someone you know needs it--and you do know!

The surplus from your garden, do you preserve it or toss it? Why not share it.

Ask the harried parents at church or in the neighborhood if they would like a couple hours without the children and take their children to McDonald's for an hour or the park or to come watch cartoons with yours and pop some popcorn.

Set up a clothing and toy exchange in the neighborhood and make sure the family that has nothing to exchange does get something for each child and parent.

Sew? Offer to mend someone's clothing. Not everyone knows how to sew.



What we do for others, be it good or bad, will come back to us and our children-for 7 generations--

Are you blessing or cursing your great grandchildren??

Cranberry Salad That is absolutley DIVINE!!

With all the holidays coming up and so many never having eaten a good cranberry salad, I thought I'd share this tradition from my childhood family.

Cranberry Salad--Easy and Sweet

My mother and I used to do this twice a year, Thanksgiving and Christmas, in an old hand grinder. We clamped it to the table and one of us would feed the cranberries in and the other would turn it.

I now make this all year long. If you leave the pecans off, it is great on turkey and chicken sandwiches. It goes over well at most potlucks, too.

1 bag cranberries
1 large box gelatin (any flavor)
1 whole orange
2 cups boiling water
1/2 to 1 cup sugar
nice Pecan halves

Puree cranberries and entire orange(peeling and all) in blender. Stir gelatin and sugar into boiling water until dissolved. Stir in pureed fruits. Pour in to a square pan or casserole. Chill just until set. Remove from fridge and gently place one whole Pecan half in center of each serving sized square. (Do not cut the squares until firmly set.)