All Good Things Must Come to an End

Dearest Readers,

Like the snake sheds it skin and the baby bird spreads it wings, to soar high up in the sky, it's time for me to do the same with my blog, at least for a season. After two and a half years of sharing my thoughts at this blog, I realize it is now the time to leave this writing behind, as a satisfactory ending to a chapter in my life has been reached, with my husband's safe return home. As I type surrounded by moving boxes, a few weeks shy of beginning life somewhere fresh again, I realize how much I've changed since I began my blog, since Peapod has grown from a four month old baby to a little girl who is about to turn three, since he deployed again, and I know when I think of a portion of my readership, we're no longer on the same page as we once were.

As my proverbial wings have spread, new conclusions about my life have been made, different choices for our future have resulted, and mistakes have been corrected thanks to the slap in the face that only experience can bring about. As I've attempted to share my evolving thoughts on my blog, I've come to the harsh realization that my growth may not be welcome in the section of the blogsphere that has been my home, that I am perhaps becoming too different from a portion of my readers--or at least those who choose to share their thoughts and express their offense at what I share. Hurting people and causing discord is the very last thing I seek to do with my blog. As I wish no ill will towards anybody who has expressed their dismay, upset, or offense with me, my life choices, or my writing, nor do I want to waste precious time--mine or theirs--overcoming issues that just aren't that important in the grand scheme of life, the most graceful route to take has clearly become leaving the Clothesline behind as I leave the southern heat and humidity. Heat isn't something I much enjoy, what can I say. :P

I've also been wrestling with just how much to share, out of respect for Peapod, concern for the safety and privacy of my family, and out of my deep appreciation for the principles of OPSEC. I'm sure 99% of those who take peeks into my life would never do me or my family harm, but as the anonymous comments have turned nastier and sometimes outright evil, I can't help but feel my fear grow. Sometimes I've shared more than I should have and with increased frequency, I'm being asked to share more than I am comfortable through emails that come to my inbox but to which replies are never sent. I thought perhaps no longer posting pictures of Peapod would be enough of a boundary to ease my feelings but this has not been so.

I also can't help but wonder how offering such a fragmented glimpse into my life might bode if somebody ever googles me. ;o) Let's face it, the narrow focus my blog has can make me come across like quite a boring, one dimensional person. Oftentimes many people who know me in "real life" and read here chuckle to see the conclusions that are made about me, or to think of what could be thought about me, with a lack of perspective of everything I stand for, my sense of humor, and just who I am personality wise. I'd hate for this weird picture of me to bring about discomfort or embarrassment for my husband or Peapod one day, taking me to the "end the blog" conclusion that everything else has pointed to as well.

Penning this blog has been a fun experience, one that has stretched me much and forced me to open my eyes and question assumptions, convictions, and sacred cows I once held dear, much to the detriment of myself and others. I've developed friendships with many dear souls, several that have extended into real life even, and been touched by the kindness, generosity, love, and compassion of many, many, many more. I thank y'all for reading, offering your thoughts and being the proverbial iron that has helped sharpen me. To have so many strangers find something interesting in my writings, in my simple life, and in the ideas I have shared is truly humbling. Thank you to everybody for everything you have shared with me. What a blessing it has been to cross lives with all the interesting and beautiful people in Blog Land! May the Lord bless y'all richly and maybe we will "meet" again with a brief update, here and there. I have pondered perhaps an update or two every month, but have yet to decide if this idea will become a reality.

Before I close this post, I did want to extend an invitation to my private blog. I know many dear ladies have been following my blog almost since the beginning and an invitation to continue only seems proper. Sixty invitations are available still and I'd be happy to pass these along to those who have been longtime followers, especially those who have made themselves known to me through blog comments and emails. Even those with whom I've debate and had my brain picked by through email. hehe. Please feel free to either leave me a comment or email me clotheslinealleyATgmail(dot)com and let me know of your interest. :o)

~Much Love to Y'all~

Amy

ETA: All invitation spots have now been filled. Sadly, Blogger only allows 100 readers on a private blog, so I had to make do. :o( Thank you to each and everyone of you who has sent their kind words in the many, many emails I have received. I've read every message and sincerely appreciated each one.

Inside the Granola Mama Medicine Cabinent

This post is a re-run from a guest post I wrote for my friend Shannon's blog earlier this year. Enjoy. :o)

Sickness and injuries are among the unpleasant issues that came crop up quickly and take us by surprise in life, no matter how much we may to prevent them. And as we all know, especially the parents among us, when a tummy bug erupts or an ear infection strikes, it will always be quickly, with a vengeance, and usually in the middle of the night. ;o) While we cannot prevent these little attacks, there are little ways to make a bout of illness much more pleasant for your family with a bit of planning ahead for the inevitable. For me this planning has encompassed many things: an icky sicky basket full of activities for my daughter should I be the one to be ill; provisions of health promoting food and nourishing liquids to help one's body best cope with illness; comfort measures in the form of hot water bottles & rice bags, and a medicine cabinet stocked full of herbal, homeopathic, and natural remedies galore, many of which can safely pair with allopathic counterparts, providing relief for poor bodies in the throes of discomfort.

Among the many remedies abounding in my medicine cabinet, there are a few standy-bys for the most common of ailments that I find myself turning to, again and again:


*Arnica- This is a homeopathic remedy, derived from the flowering plant of the same name. Available in dissolved tablets, topical oil, balm, gel, and tincture form, arnica is a wonderful treatment for bumps, bruises, and muscle injuries of all kinds. The sooner arnica is placed on the injured area, the better the results will be.

*Catnip Tea- As the daughter of cat lovers, the first time I heard of catnip being used for people, I couldn't help but giggle. The image in my head of tipsy cats rolling around in catnip toys just seemed to funny to give this herb medicinal value, but that value it does indeed have. Catnip tea can be used for the treatment of many ailments, but is especially useful for fever and teething discomfort. When my daughter was very small, I'd brew the tea and then freeze into ice cubes, to be rubbed on her puffy little gums. Once she was old enough to enjoy a cup of tea, I switched to serving this tea, lukewarm with a hint of sweet raw honey.

*Rescue Remedy- A blend of several much enjoyed flower essences, Rescue Remedy provides relief for the emotional traumas of life. When an injury, illness, or upsetting circumstance has left a child (or adult) in the throes of emotional upset, a dose of Rescue Remedy can help them calm down and best handle the upset they are feeling at the time.

*Rose Hip Syrup- This syrup boasts a higher dose of vitamin C than a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice and provides an astringent cleansing to a body trying to fight off infection. At the first sign of illness or immediately after possible exposure, rose hip syrup supplies a much needed boost of immunity to a system on the offensive. The syrup can be given as a cough syrup, stirred into tea, or drizzled over waffles or similar food.

*Slippery Elm Gruel- This highly nourishing food is an ideal meal during a bout of stomach upset. Slippery elm provides lubrication and comfort to a GI system in distress, as well as anti-nausea benefits, to help your precious one get on their way to healing very soon. This herb can also be consumed in tea form, providing rehydration and many important nutrients, to a sick person who may be dehydrated.

*Garlic Mullein Oil- This comforting oil is a must have in the medicine cabinet of every family with wee ones. Garlic Mullein Oil is a rich oil that provides a natural antibiotic effect to help prevent ear infections that may be developing or treat a minor infection that is already in existence. The oil is warmed in a cup full of warm oil and then a few drops placed in the ear of the suffering patient, providing almost immediate pain relief to the poor fiery ear.

*Elderberry Syrup- This rich honey sweetened syrup is to my medicine cabinet what Triaminic was to my Mom's. Elderberry syrup can be used to ease the discomfort of flus, colds, and other respiratory issues, while providing the immune system with a sorely needed boost of nutrients and antioxidants, allowing the body to best treat itself.

This list provides but a brief glimpse into the large world that is natural health care. I wholeheartedly encourage everybody to look into this topic a bit more and would love to recommend a few favorite books, for anybody who might be interested in becoming the best Doctor Mom they can be. :o)

Several books I recommend:

Laurel's Kitchen Caregiving
The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook
Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal

Disclaimer: Please use caution with all of the remedies I have discussed, especially with small children or while pregnant and/or nursing. I am not a medical doctor or expert, but simply a mother with great interest in natural health care.

The Value of Family Meals

I am a big proponent of the value of family meals. Around the table, we share far more than food and nourish far more than hungry tummies. Conversations broaden our minds. Taste buds become acquainted to strange new tastes. Lives are shared and history woven. Family culture is founded and grows. A poor soul might be nourished, loved and accepted by those who may not be family in name, but our family in faith and spirit. God is glorified, as we celebrate the rich bounty we have been blessed with, having "enough" in a world that is sadly not so giving to every dear soul. Much goes around the dinner table, regardless with whom we share the meal.

To me, time spent around the table is best done slowly and with the utmost of care and respect. Even when I've had to eat alone for a few days, weeks, or months here & there, I always was sure to sit down at the table with placemat and proper table settings and eat my meal. Perhaps a newspaper, book, or magazine would have been nearby, but respecting the routine of meal time, acknowledge this should be a nourishing experience and not a time to rush, has been a standard I've striven to uphold. I firmly believe doing so is important to a person's well being no matter what, but especially when they are living through a time in life where the punctuation of routine is particularly uplifting.

Even when it was just the two of us, Peapod and myself, during this past deployment year, we were sure to eat all three meals together every day; usually around the table, sometimes out on picnic blankets, and occasionally "camping dinners" under a tent blanket on the living room floor. Several days a week, we share meals with family and friends, and this is always such a treat. No matter who is joining us, or not, the table is set by Peapod, with placemats and the works. We light beeswax candles or enjoy some other centerpiece and try to make the meal the same special occasion it is when Daddy is home or guests shall be joining us. The special breakfast juice glasses come out every morning. The cloth napkins, ironed and scented faintly with homemade linen spray, are part of every meal. And 'mommy and me' placemats are a special way to celebrate the many meals that have been shared by just the two of us.

This simple act oftentimes seems so mundane, the significance of this routine buried under the general rush that is often life. Yes, nourishing our bodies is essential for life to be lived but so, too, is being sure the rest of us is nourished as well. Our spirits yearn for connection to our loved ones. They long to sing the praises of the One Who blessed us with the food we're eating, the roof over are heads, all else we have to be thankful to even when the storms of life might be rolling in. In times of trial, chaos, or general anxiety, the same ol, same ol of this mealtime rhythm can truly be an anchor in the dark and a light that helps you find your way. Meals aren't only about food on plates but roots firmly planted, growing deeper and stronger, as nourishment quenches our thirsts and eases our hungers, that growl about in our stomachs, souls, and spirits.

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Signs of the Amateur

"On every level of life from housework to heights of prayer, in all judgments and efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience are sure signs of the amateur."
~Evelyn Underhill

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New Poll

After recently watching a NOVA episode online, about the Dover, PA court case on intelligent design being taught in the public school classroom, I've found myself wondering what others believe about the origins of life on earth and the processes that have brought life to the point its at today. Considering I have a diverse readership, I've become quite curious about what y'all might believe on these matters. Two polls have been added to my sidebar on these subjects. One asking your beliefs on how life has developed here on earth, from creationism/ID alone, with all life having come about at the same time and originally in the form we observe life in today, from evolutionary theory without a creator, or from a mix of both, perhaps with an intelligent designer overseeing the process of natural selection. The second question is for believers in creationism/ID, inquiring about your beliefs on the age of the earth. Is the earth "young" at just 4000 years old or do you believe the age to be greater, and hence live on an "old" earth?

As with all polls here on the Clothesline, please feel free to elaborate on your thoughts on this post, if you feel so led.

A Treat To Beat The Heat

For my birthday gift last year, Sean sent me a Cuisinart ice cream maker that has quickly become a favorite appliance in our kitchen as this nifty machines allows me the means to make an array of food allergy friendly frozen desserts. From simple vanilla ice cream paired with the ripest southern peaches to frozen fruit juices and sorbets, a little bit of everything frozen goodness has been enjoyed during the hottest days this summer. I recently decided to give homemade gelato a try and had opportunity to find a recipe for chocolate hazelnut gelato that is scrumptious and fairly easy to make. This ice cream can be enjoyed on its own in a bowl or sugar cone or can be part of a fancier dessert to follow a special dinner. A bit of gelato in a mug can be topped with some piping hot espresso, a bit of freshly whipped cream, and a garnish of biscotti. What a sweet treat to end a meal on balmy summer night!

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The Daddy-Daughter Reunion

I'm taking a break from my post-deployment bliss to share the "airport story" for those of you who have been wondering how Peapod handled the big event. As you might recall, back during R&R in February, Peapod did not remember her Daddy right away and was confused for nearly a good hour before she finally warmed up to him. This time I am thrilled to report that she not only remembered him but took off running across the airport to jump into his arms. She even dropped her sign halfway through her run and hasn't left his side since. After all my anxiety about how the initial daddy-daughter reunion to go, this was a most welcome event.....and one that made my eyes tear up with happiness.

Today, much to Peapod's delight, we're heading off to her favorite park for a picnic lunch and to feed the "quack quacks". She's most enthused to have opportunity to show off her new found climbing, jumping, and swinging skills and even set out her outfit, all on her own, the night before. Words cannot adequately express the joy in my heart to once again share in person the mundane everyday bits of life with my husband. Believe it or not, there are blessings that come with deployments and better appreciation of your spouse, all they do, and what you share together, especially during the most normal of moments, is among the deployment lessons I am most thankful for. :o)