My First Garden

If you've been reading for awhile, you understand that one of my dreams is to become a master gardener. I had no idea that this dream would lead me to the organic, hippy-ish lifestyle that I have now grabbed hold of. I find it incredible, the joy that always bubbles up when I am able to spend time in creation. The truths and metaphors that you discover, the realities that show you that life can come from death (as crazy as that sounds), make me want to shout and dance and sing.In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is talking about the resurrection. I like this chapter because it reminds me of how I might talk about something that I understand, but it's the first time I'm trying to explain it to someone in depth. I can't quite make it clear, so I say the same thing over and over again, just in a different way. One of the ways he tries to explain it is like this...

That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies;and that which you sow, you do not sow the body which is to be, but a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or of something else.

But God gives it a body just as He wished, and to each of the seeds a body of its own.

How cool is it that we can be compared to a bare grain now or a dirty bulb, but the body we will have when we rise again, is like the sleek wheat stalk in comparison or the gorgeous lily. Doesn't it just make you excited about being alive? And I mean...I love life....as a grain! How much more will I love it as the fruit of that grain?! Just one more observation. Isn't it cool that the type of grain we are is the type of body we will be transformed into? The original creation and our uniqueness and distinct characteristics will still separate us from each other like they do now. We'll still be individuals, loving our Father and King more fully!

Alright, now you can climb out of the bundle of neural connections that are my brain, and I'll tell you about my garden! :) I have one! Thanks to Sarah (check out her cool blog ---> here!) Hurray! I am looking forward to growing a bunch of things, and then eating, drying, curing, canning or making essential oils out of them! I am seriously excited!!!

Here's the spot we chose for the garden in the backyard!

AND....(drumroll please) here's the garden after!

We have one plant! His name is Adam (he's the first of all the plants), and he's a chive plant. Next on the list to plant that we can still harvest this year are lettuce, kale, collard greens, and others. We're also planting garlic soon!

My Favorite Little Corner of the Kitchen

So we've been moved for a week now...I guess a little more than that, actually. Things aren't moving along as fast as I would like, but they are definitely moving and I am so grateful for everyone's help. While Evan went to work straight away on the music room, my first project was the kitchen - I mean, you gotta eat right?!

So here's the product of my labor so far. I'm LOVING it! We had little to no natural light in our old apartment and a sort of galley-type kitchen. This is so nice for us!

I have my little produce prep and herb drying corner!

Complete with a fruit fly trap...I got the idea from Lindsey at Passionate Homemaking. Just put a bit of apple cider vinegar and a small piece of whatever seems to be attracting the fruit flys (banana, peaches, etc.). Make a funnel out of some scrapbook paper and stick it in the top of a nice glass jar or bottle. I like the little glass container that I have with a spouted top and the netting. That way I don't have to tape the paper on to keep the flies from escaping and I don't have to see them flying around in there. It works splendidly!

Bear with Me

I'm trying to get this whole 3 Column thing down, so bear with me as I fine tune everything. :)

From Nature with Love

I found another great website and wanted to share it with all of you. Mountain Rose Herbs is still a favorite, but this is another one where you can get a lot of organic products for household and personal care. Check out FROM NATURE WITH LOVE for tips on soapmaking, essential oils, and even great environmentally friendly and appropriate bottles and containers!

Freebie - Deodorant Orders!

Okay, this might sound weird but ever since I posted that I was making my own deodorant, I've had a lot of people respond that they would like to try it. So...I'm going to order a bunch of containers and make a bunch! :)

Let me know if you'd like to try it. Just comment and leave me way to contact you so I can figure out the best way to ship it or drop it off. It might take me a couple weeks but I will get it to you.

Also, let me know if you'd like the unscented or scented. I would suggest the scented....because it smells great and the essential oils I use help keep bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay, but I know some people are very sensitive to different smells.

I'll let you know when I have some other "NATURALLY FREE" products for you to try

Psalm 34:1-5

This is my shout of worship today. I just can't hardly say it without my heart feeling like it's going to explode with gratitude and joy! It just makes me want to dance with a flower in my hair. Thank You dear Yahweh, my first Love!

I will bless the LORD at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul will make its boast in the LORD;

The humble will hear it and rejoice.

O magnify the LORD with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

I sought the LORD, and He answered me,

And delivered me from all my fears.

They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces will never be ashamed.

Shoe Organizer = Hanging Herb Garden

Imagine having a vertical herb garden growing on the side of your house. My hubby send me this one. It is SO cool! Check it out at Lifehacker.com and Instructables.