It's nice to be noticed.

I recently ran across this article on organic clothing. I was please to notice our website listed on it.
The article is quite interesting. I've been saying the same things.
Go to:

http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/eco-clothes/organic-childrens-clothing.htm

Getting back to my center.

I'm usually a pretty laid back type of individual. Not many things upset or rile me. I also can be the blunt of many jokes. Ask my family. I've given them plenty of material. I usually laugh the loudest.

But, every once in a while, I allow disappointments to bother me. It's been one thing after another. Yikes, is the whole world against me??? Answer: "Probably not."  Second answer: "So what if it is?"

I like both answers.

When I feel a little blue or overwhelmed, I turn to my Oracle Cards.

They never let me down.

One of my favorite authors and spiritual guides is Sonia Choquette. Man, she is one happy person. I would recommend any of her books. She also published Soul Lesson and Soul Purpose Oracle Cards. It's a 63-Card Deck with a guidebook. Just pick a card at randon and read the guidance. I always seem to pick the right one for my current mood.

These cards are also fun for a group. You can get them at most book stores or online.

I'm already back to my old lovable self.

Update on Lucy:

She's feeling great!!!!! Her left "false" eye looks better all the time. Amazing how she adjusted to seeing with just one day.

Back to School Sale!!!

All short sleeved organic T-shirts currently on sale!

30% to 60% off!

This sale includes all plain tees in various colors; in sizes 2T to Youth Large.

Also included are Animal Tails short sleeved tees in sized 2 to 10 yrs.

Shop now at http://www.rubij.com.

Sandy's List: Vinegar

Who doesn't love vinegar? The best household item in the world. It's been in my laundry room forever. I've always add it to my rinse cycle to remove the last of the detergent.

Daughter Stef told me she add started using vinegar in the wash cycle. Well, I quickly told her how wrong that was. "It's suppose to go in the rinse cycle." Of course, she agreed with me. After all, I am her all knowing mother. I have since learned it can also be added to the wash cycle to help with the cleaning, deodorizing and static cling. I keep forgetting to tell her of my mistake. I know how she idolizes me.

Sorry, Stef.

I stop using fabric softeners and sheets years ago. I had read they sometimes were skin irritants. And, it did help with my rashes I sometimes suffer through. But now I know there are greater reasons to not use them. The chemicals.

Softeners and sheets are meant to cover your laundry to make them softer to the touch. Here's a list of the chemicals that are rubbing against your body:

• Alpha-Terpineol
• Benzyl Acetate
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Camphor
• Chloroform
• Ethyl Acetate
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Pentane

"Google" these chemicals and find out for yourself what you and your children are absorbing.

My clothes are soft and don't have static cling. (Another tip: don't over dry.)

This is just one little step to remove chemicals from our bodies. Painless and a lot cheaper.

Writer's Block

I know I haven't blogged in a long time. Didn't feel good. Now I'm feeling great, but I've discovered I have nothing to say, of any interest anyway. It might be "writer's block". If I was a true writer, I'm sure that's what I got.

I've been researching different subjects. For instance, I was going to explain all the differences of sweeteners, how each metabolize in the body and which one would be the most healthy. This was all going to make us wiser shoppers. After about two days of dedicated study and note taking; about the only bit of knowledge I gleaned was sucrose came from maple syrup, beets and sugar cane and frustose came from fruits, vegetables and honey.

Let's try something else.

I subscribe to several online medical news. One day I learned from a research study of over 120,000 people stretching over 25 years that potato chips can make you fat. The study didn't say it quite so bluntly, but the meaning was there. I'm going to pass on the details of the study. Why learn more about something we already know?

I could talk about my gallbladder surgery, but even I'm bored by it.

My dog, Lucy, had surgery also. Her left eye was removed and a prosthesis implanted. She is doing great, also.

I have the feeling some of our friends think we're nuts spending that kind of money on a mutt from the shelter. Yes, we are nuts, always have been. But, here's the thing. When we adopted Lucy, she became a member of our family - a valued member. If you're a dog person, you understand. If you're not a dog person; sorry, no amount of explaining could help you understand.

Now, who couldn't love a face like that?

Sticks and stones are nothing!

We've all heard the expression: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me".

Oh, how I wish this was true. But, alas, words do hurt; and the wounds sometimes never heal.

How do I know this is true? Ask any adult about a physical trauma during their childhood and you will probably get a play by play on how they broke their arm in two places or how many stitches it took to close the hole in their head. Good stories, no doubt; even a few laughs. But notice, please; but emotional flashback.

But now, let's get to the subject of words that hurt. It's never laughed about; it still hurts. We don't talk about how we were humiliated in 5th grade by the most popular girl in the class; the shame is still with us. It doesn't even matter if that girl became an outstanding, caring adult; we never forget that moment. We can't let go. We've been damaged.

What I'm trying to say; words do matter, and people never forget emotions.

So, let's get to the positive side. People never forget kindness. Don't you want people to remember your kindness instead of the hurt.

They will feel good about you; and so will you. As Martha Stewart would say: "It's a good thing".

The cloud has lifted!!

Hi everyone. Missed me? You haven't? Well, I'll tell you anyway.

Lucy (that's the pretty brown dog in the picture) and I have been on medical leave.

Me: gallbladder attack (have to get it out) and pneumonia. No biggie. Thousands a day.

Lucy: Glaucoma. This is so much more serious in dogs than us humans. We've been working with meds for the last 6 weeks. No go. Tomorrow, surgery to remove her left eye. When we adopted Lucy from the Shelter, we made the committment to be her best friend and take care of her. She is a VALUED member of our family and we will do everything to make her comfortable.

Wish us luck tomorrow and say a little prayer. Thanks.