Do you remember when we where kids and the choose your own adventure books where all the rage? I do not think I understood the parrallel of these books in relation to life itself until a very short time ago. I remember reading them with passion, trying hard to make the right choice to see where my character would go to next. As an adult I have realized how we do this on a daily basis without ever really knowing that we are.

As we enter 2010 I encourage each of you to embrace your life and turn it into your own Adventure book. Every choice we make in our lifetime leads us to a new path. Following your passion, reconnecting with an old friend, making a new one, all these avenues open opportunities for new discoveries and accomplishments.

This past year for me in particular has been bittersweet. The death of my brother due to an accidental overdose opened wounds and doors that I did not realize existed. Getting clean from my own prescription drug addiction and realizing how much I had lost out on during my 6 years of living in my head was earth shattering. Major events with outcomes unexpected that took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some days it seems as if I am still on that ride, falling and rising waiting for it to end. On those days though I remind myself that the ride truly never ends. We are all riding our own personal roller coasters, going through good times and bad times.  In the end, however, it is up to us to cower in fear till the next drop or we can choose to throw our hands in the air and go with where the ride takes us next.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you my friends. Choose wisely and remember your next adventure is just around the bend, enjoy where it takes you.

Merry Christmas to all of my friends here on the net. Here is wishing you a safe and happy holiday and hoping that the new year brings each of you joy, love and prosperity. It has been a year of challenges and growth for me personally but I am confident that 2010 will be the year I shed my cocoon and finally spread my wings onto my new journey.

Last night was a very tough night. My sweet little Rocky was in serious distress. I walked past him and heard his horrific cries and realized he could not get any air.  All I could do was hold him and rock  him and let him know he was loved. For 2 hours I walked, coaxed and cuddled him while he took what I was certain would be his last breaths. At one point I found myself brought to tears during our long vigil when during a small window of easier breathing, he took a moment to lick my hand as if to say Thank You.

Rocky is one of my pet rats. He has been with me since he was 2 months old and abandoned in a shoe box along with his 4 brothers. I took all 5 of them in and over the last 3 years have sadly watched them one by one succumb to old age and illness. Three of his brethren have passed this year. Rocky and SpideyRat are the only 2 remaining.  Some might immediately think, your kidding right? pet rats? but over the last 7 years I have learned more about myself and human nature in general raising rats than many other things. You see rats are a lot like people. Often misunderstood, maligned, even discounted outright because they do not fit a traditional mold or sensibility.

My passion for these intelligent and sweet-natured animals began 6 years ago when I walked into a pet shop and out of curiosity put my hand into one of the cages. Suddenly out of the blue this curious, sweet, gentle baby crawled right into my hand with no fear, and up my shoulder where he immediately and promptly licked my ear. That day my first pet rat named Patches came home with me. For almost 4 years he and his subsequent brothers where a source of amusement, joy and love for me.

When Patches became ill with cancer, it became clear that my heart had been touched in more ways than I had ever realized. He fought so hard to stay with us. Putting him to sleep was beyond difficult, it quite truly broke my heart. As the years progressed I had other pack members, yet none seemed to have that connection that my first sweet little boy Patches and I had.

That was until Rocky came along. He looked like his twin, the same long black streak down his back, the same need to cuddle, to lick my fingers, sit on my lap. Now sadly that same long vigil has started once again. As I held Rocky in my arms last night and tried to help him find some relief, I realized that his time is coming to an end. My heart is heavy with the idea of his loss and I know my house will be a little less vibrant without his sweet and caring energy. I am, however, so grateful for the time I have had.

It is a funny thing I guess to eulogize a rat, but when you think of it, in many ways we all go through a “rat” phase in our lives. We find ourselves misunderstood, or encounter those who may not like us because of our looks or beliefs. We run into situations where a single glance, or preconceived perception of what is right and acceptable automatically keeps us out of a situation on sight. I think though that it is what we do when we have a “rat” experience that determines who we become in the long run. Like my Rocky, many have been shocked or fearful of him on sight, yet he never,ever stopped loving, caring or changed his personality.  So Rocky my sweet boy, this post is for you. You are the perfect example of looking beyond the surface to see what is beneath. Putting aside prejudice and misconceptions while seeking the truth and providing love without condition. Here is to you my pet and to the “rat” in all of us. May we always rise above what we encounter and find our way into the light in the end.

This post tonight is a bit of  a ramble but I wanted to get out my thoughts before they went into that netherworld I call my mind! Sorry in advance!

So tonight I watched this fascinating documentary on those who believe in Evolution vs. those who believe in Intelligent Design. It really got me thinking and I thought I would share some of my thoughts while they where still fresh in my mind.

I’ll start by speaking of the religious or creationist side of the debate. I do believe that there is something greater than ourselves that is beyond our ability to understand. I think that faith is what helps us get through life from day-to-day, the concept and comfort that perhaps this long path we call Life has reason.  Where I do not follow the mold, however, is the concept of putting a single specific name to what that might be. Some of us call him God, others Allah, others Jehovah. I think though what it comes down to in the end is that we all, regardless of our specific beliefs are seeking the very same thing, meaning and understanding for our existence.

On the evolutionist side, however, there is much argument to prove that we did indeed evolve. I cannot deny science that proves we’re seperated genetically from Chimpanzees by only 1%. I cannot deny the existence of dinosaurs or the almost daily news reports of a new species of animal having been discovered yet again. Without science the very accomplishments humanity has made would have come to a stand still so long ago.

I wonder, however, why there is not room for both. After all since the beginning of time it has been in our very natures to question, to learn, to grow. Think back to 10, 20, 40 years ago, the accomplishments and breakthroughs brought by each new decade seemed like dreams in the decade before. Science has driven us, faith has sustained us. They are opposing sides of a coin but the one side in many ways completes the other. I have to believe that  both have merit, have value, and deserve respect. After all fanaticism on either side only leads to the spread of more hate, more hurt, and more ignorance on everyone’s part.

In my every optimistic view on life, would it not be great if rather than tearing each other apart for what makes us different, we instead took the time to embrace what makes us the same. Our need to grow, to learn, to have hope in a better tomorrow. Regardless of what “side” of the coin you fall on, I like to think the middle is a much nicer place to meet.

Caught in a power struggle
Between who I was and
who I am supposed to be.
Trying to make sense
of my life.
Often confused
Never fully understanding.
Looking for meaning
an endless search.
an explorer on a voyage
with no end in sight.
Am I the girl I knew?
or the woman I want to become?
6 years gone in a flash
Spent high, lost.
6 years of thinking one way,
now starting over from scratch.
Caught in a power struggle.
Who will win?
The girl I was or the woman I am yet to be?

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Get the great effect of a decorated shot glass. Using Armour Etch Cream, decals, stickers and other materials you can design your own shot glasses. Great for having company.

Materials:

• 15-0150 Armour Etch Cream, 70-9001 Sand Etch Kit or 61-5020 Pencil Bottle Blaster
• Assorted decals, stickers, labels (optional)
• 31-0401 BeigeVinyl masking
• Straight sided drinking glasses
• Pencil or marker that will write on the vinyl masking
• Craft knife
• Sponge brush
• Old credit card or letter opener
• Scrap or sheet of computer paper
• Popsicle stick
• Thick towel (optional)

Steps:

1. Wash & dry glass in hot soapy water prior to applying stencil.
2. Cut a piece of vinyl masking slightly longer and wider than the length & circumference of your glass.
3. Wrap the piece of vinyl masking completely around glass, applying and smoothing in one direction as you go, leaving no gaps or air bubbles. This may be easier to do if you lay the glass down on its side on a thick, folded towel. Trim masking at the top & bottom.
4. With a pencil or marker, draw horizontal & vertical for the stripes or broken squares. Stickers can be used as a templete to cut the circles.
5. Cut out one stripe or block at a time and peel away a section. This will be the part that will be etched.
6. Take a piece of paper and lay over remaining masking. Take a popsicle stick, letter opener or old credit card and rub over the paper to smooth down the vinyl. Examine every strip of masking remaining and make sure every edge is tight to the glass. The better the masking is bonded to the glass, the better your results will beEtch the glass with your preferred method. If you are using the Etch cream, do not apply the cream on the stripes like your painting (straight strokes). It will come out streaky and blotchy. Instead, pat the cream on randomly with the sponge brush, going back around to fill in any spaces until every spot of glass is covered.
7. Rinse glass under warm, running water until all cream or sand is off the glass. Remove masking and rinse again.

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Let the angels be with you. This cute and unique blue angel can be yours in only a few easy steps. All you need are some beads, a pin and some angel wings. This project comes from Angie Beauchamp of the Charm Factory.  Making your own angel charms is fun and easy to do for yourself or a great gift. You can use round beads of your choice in a variety of colors. This angel utilizes a sterling silver angel wings bead and blue cat’s eye beads for color.

Materials:

• 1 1 ½” long head pin (Use a 2” long pin if easier to maneuver)
• 1 4mm round bead
• 1 6mm round bead
• 1 4mm Bali style flat flower bead
• 1 angel wings bead from the Charm Factory
  (http://www.charmfactory.com/angel-wings-bead.htm)
• 1 pair round nose pliers
• 1 pair flat or needle nose pliers

Steps:

1. Slide the 6mm round bead onto the head pin to make the body.
2. Slide the angel wings bead on next.
3. Then put the 4mm round bead on to make the head.
4. Next the 4mm Bali style flat flower bead goes on to make the halo.
5. Take the round nose pliers and grab the head pin right above the halo. Wrap the pin around the pliers to make a circle.
6. Hold the circle you just made with flat or needle nose pliers. With your hand, wrap the pin around the circle three times. This will keep the beads tight together.
7. Cut off the excess pin length with the needle nose pliers.
8. Add a jump ring or spring ring to attach your charm to a bracelet, other jewelry, etc.

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You may quickly fall in love with the natural smell and warm burn of beeswax candles.

Materials:

• 2 Beeswax Honey Comb Texture Sheets
• 20” of Wick
• Craft knife
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Take one sheet of the beeswax and fold it in half, just at the edges, on the short side. Be careful not to press too firmly and mash the texture of the beeswax. Unfold and use a straight-edge blade to cut directly across to make two 4” x 16” pieces of the beeswax.
2. Lay a 5” length of the wick along one of the short ends. Firmly roll the edge of the beeswax over it and press to secure the wick there with your fingertips.
3. Slowly roll the wax to form a cylinder candle.
4. Gently press the end of the wax sheet in to secure the raw edge to candle body. Hold the candle in your hands for a few moments. The warmth of your hands will bond the wax and help it keep the candle shape.
5. Repeat Steps 1-4 with remaining wax. Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than other waxes.

Amazing and Edible Chocolate Body Scrub

Who would have thought you could not only eat chocolate but you can use it as a body scrub? This amazing craft is yummy and helps out with your skin. Make as many as you wish and give them as Christmas gifts in a jar. It works best at the end of a hot bath.

Materials:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cocoa nibs
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened
• cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup jojoba oil
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil

Steps:

1. Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats into a powder.
2. Add the cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, salt, almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil.
3. Hit pulse a few times to blend.
4. Store in a glass or plastic jar, and scoop out for use with a spoon or a seashell.
5. Massage the scrub into skin, then rinse with warm water.

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus….he lives in the hearts and minds of each and every one of us. As a parent there is no better time of year than now to teach our children the true value and meaning of what the holidays are all about. It feels as with every passing year, the commercialism of this holiday grows and the true spirit behind it diminishes. We all feel it. The pressure to give more, give bigger, give better. Keeping up with the Joneses is no longer a concept but a reality for many. Commercials, shows, advertisements, will all have you believe that your child will simply not make it another year if they do not get the hottest, latest and greatest item on the lists.

I am not advocating to not celebrate Christmas or not buy your child what they ask for. After all there is a magic that comes with seeing the joy on their faces and the light in their eyes. I do advocate, however, in teaching our children the value of giving back and giving too those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Below are 5 simple things that you can do today, tomorrow or anytime before Christmas, to give you kids the ultimate gifts this year. The gifts of understanding, compassion and altruism. These truly embody the Spirit of Santa and teach our children what the holidays are about.

• Every city has a local Children’s Home, a place where primarily tweens and teens who are orphans live year round. Many of them are often forgotten during the holiday season because of their age. Call your local home and ask for the names of 1 or 2 kids there who are not going to receive a gift this year.   You will be amazed at how little these kids truly ask for. One year our ‘group’ asked only for socks, body spray and deodorant! Set aside $20 of your holiday money and get them so basics and maybe a little extra treat like a CD or a basket with lotions etc…. Your children and you will feel so good about brightening someone elses day.

• While out and about with your children take $3.00 and convert it into change. Tell them that their ‘mission’ today is to put all of their change into the donation baskets they will see around town. Make sure you get dimes, nickles, quarters etc…for a younger child this will seem like an awful lot of money and they will feel so good as they spread Christmas cheer throughout the day giving donations.  Use this opportunity to talk to them about the kettles, collections jars and let them know what these programs do for others.

• We all have them, old DVD, vidoes and children’s books sitting around our house. Did you know that the children’s ward of the hospital is ALWAYS looking for these items to restock their libraries?  Gather your kids and a box of your kid appropriate movies and books and make a trip to your local hospital. Get in the spirit and wear Santa hat’s as you play helper for the day while delivering your gifts. This is something that will be enjoyed year round and it does not cost you a penny to do!

• Have a Card making party this weekend with your child and their friends. Let them make cards not only for Christmas but for every day in general. Take a trip to a nursing home, a hospital or VA and deliver your Spirit of the Holiday messages. They can be distributed throughout the year and is a gift that costs only your time and the purchase of some crayons and paper.

• Give each child a $5.00 limit and take them to your local Walmart, Kmart etc… allow them to select one toy within their limit and purchase it themselves. Next take them to the closest Toys For Tots drop off box and allow your child to place the item in the box. They will feel so grown up and good about themselves for having given to someone else.