Natural and Sustainable Gifts

1. Lichen and Rock Ornaments-

Buy empty/DIY glass ornaments at Hobby Lobby, fill with your choice of the natural world.

2. Holiday Wreaths with stick frame and holiday decor from the neighborhood.

How to Make a Eucalyptus Holiday Wreath by Elizabeth Beeler and

----->http://www.myhomeideas.com

c'est magnifique.

How many ways can you say Merry Christmas???

Marlo: A Very Merry Christmas! Week 64 Christopher Browne A list from the Huffington Post,

Merry Christmas in German:
Frohe Weihnachten

Merry Christmas in French:
Joyeux Noël

Merry Christmas in Italian:
Buon Natale

Merry Christmas in Portuguese:
Feliz Natal

and many, many more...

Additionally, how many December celebrations are there around the world?

At this time of year, six kivas from the Zuni Tribe will be dancing and giving a house they have built to six families from their tribe. This is the time called Shalak'o. Much as Santa Clause visits us, the Shalak'o visits the house which the men in the village have been building year round. On the first day, the Shalak'os descend together on the village by walking from the top of DY down. The Shalak'os will dance for a week straight, race each other, and do giveaways at the Plaza. I have had the honor of experiencing two. It is definitely something I will do again as well as recommend.

It's easy to get wrapped up (hopefully not in wrapping) but in many obligations, what we want and giving as many people as possible the perfect gift. Overall, I think it's important to realize this is a universal time, to sacrifice and to give others what we can, whether it's time, a handmade gift, a card, confessions of love, treating yourself to something special or everything on their list. Give what you can and be thankful for what you do receive.

So without further ado, many miracles to you this holiday season and Happy, Happy Shalak'o, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice!!!

2 videos, 1 picture, and thank you to lulu lemon!!!

Parker and the orginal downward facing dog

Surprise bonus with a great class at Yoga Circle, lulu lemon made a guest appearance and gave out new yoga mats to all participants.

***** Five stars from me and here's a link to where to get them, thickness a plus, and double-sided textures which allow you choice depending on what type of yoga you are doing,

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-yoga-mats-and-props/The-Mat-32428?cc=9815&skuId=3430422&icid=hp;middleband;discovermat;110811

Also create a profile on Australia-based my green profile's website.

http://www.mygreenprofile.com

Here is a recent video of their's...great message!

Rejuvenating exercises from the Tibetan monks...

"Keep calm and carry on."

From Africa to Birmingham... Happy holidays to all!!!

Janine, Tombizanele, and Ziyanda

South Africa, 2004

Add to the One Campaign's 2015 quilt and fight AIDS worldwide,

------->http://www.2015quilt.com/p/28727

Test your hunger IQ at the following link as well and feed ONE student a warm meal,

-------> http://gifts.wfp.org/quiz

Also begin playing Food Force, the first Humanitarian Video Game,

-------> http://www.wfp.org/how-to-help/individuals/food-force

Thank you also to my book club for a great discussion of the Poisonwood Bible...

Questions and Quotes for discussion:

1. Which daughter to you most identify with and why?

2. How do you find your heart again?

3. What themes of redemption are in the book?

"To live is to be marked, she said without speaking."

"The power is in the balance: we are injuries, as much as we are our successes."

"You get to find your own way to dig out a heart and shake it off and hold it up to the light again."

Other topics, a Mighty Heart movie, http://www.amyjomartin.com,

Ted Talk: Annie Murphy Paul, "What we learn before we're born"

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Twilight, Hunger Games, and Saved by the Bell.

Food: Hummus and Cucumber dip, Cous Cous, Zoe's Potato Salad and JVUF Field Greens, with Lime Sacred Cornmeal cookies for something sweet.

Allison, Tanya, Meaghan, and Emily