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Hello and welcome back!
Lately, I have become enamored with the idea of a self-sustainable lifestyle. Rainwater harvesting. Raised bed gardening. Eco-friendly living. I know. I know. We hear all these words but what do they mean? I think that for me the first thing was this image of Little House on the Prairie...with no electricity or running water...and outhouses. Yikes! But that isn't what I am talking about. I don't want to eliminate modern conveniences. I just want to find a way to live in the world that makes more sense. In an environment and a house that doesn't kill me, my children or the environment. I am willing to learn new ways and I believe we as American people can do SO much better than we are. I am still doing lots of research into things like straw-bale houses, manifold rainwater collection systems, solar and air energy, composting and the value of chickens and rabbits. For example, one of the things I learned about was the idea of having chickens come in 2-3 days after cattle have grazed in a field because the chickens disperse the cow manure to cover and fertilize a wider area. This was based on observation of wild animals in nature realizing that birds always surround and follow natures herbivores. Fascinating stuff!
Living off the grid is something lots of people think is too expensive or hard to achieve but if we all take little steps every year, we can get there. What an adventure! Repairing the Earth itself! I am including a picture of Jason and I's small step toward a more eco-friendly self-sustainable lifestyle. Jason built three 4'x4' garden boxes. We also planted some fruit trees on our property. We have a long way to go but we are on our way! I want to point out that in this month's edition, I added some helpful links to the bottom of the Empress Tree Updates page. I encourage you to read up on this wonder tree. It is helping save the planet...and I have one in my backyard!
Fig tree 4'x4' garden boxes apricot tree
[The publishing company received this in the mail. I am posting to share with my readers.]
Hit the zoom button on your computer to read the pamphlet better. For more information about the Travis County Bridge Project, call the Hotline at 512-351-7597
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"He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he provideth a kindness for many generations, and
faces that he hath not seen shall bless him." Henry Van Dyke
Presidential Meadows in Manor, Texas
William Harrison Street -- various houses
furniture, tools, gadgets, materials and much more!
Saturday Only!
May 19, 2012
| New! Children's Book in print & Kindle e-book versions |
"I began drawing the pictures for this
book in October of 1999. Back then, my son was two years old and being a
single mom he was my absolute joy and everything. During the
afternoon, he would nap and I would so treasure those brief moments of
solitude and quiet. During October when the weather is starting to cool
here in Texas, I would often sit outside on the back porch and sketch..."
READ MORE... |
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| New! Poetry Book in print & Kindle e-book versions |
Grouped into five mini-clusters that relay the overall narrative/theme of that particular life season, this collection of early poetry by Seguin, Texas native, Lisa Santiago-Tyler covers the time period in her life between her late teens and her early thirties.
The image on the cover is that of a closed church gate as during this time period there was a strong sense of separation from God and self.
Read a poem from...
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There is an old English proverb that says that "every man's neighbor is his looking glass."
Sometimes, the Bible's advice to love your neighbor as yourself isn't always as easy to do as it sounds.
I talk about a conversation God and I had on just this issue. You can read all about it in...
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Did you Know?
The beautiful white Easter Lilies that you buy at the store can be planted in the ground and will return (and multiply) ever year!
First, the flowers will die, then gradually the stem...but the root system is very much alive. The bulbous root looks kind of like a giant garlic --- but just plant it and water it. Next year, they will return just as beautiful as ever! You'll never have to buy another one again. |
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Spiritual Fasting:
How I Became Re-acquainted With The Body I Live In |
Trusting God Series:
The Letter |
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Cleansing the intestine during a fast...
Learn how to make the
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"I
hate that I am not perfect. It bugs me to no end. Why do I have to be
so flawed...so weak in some areas...so prone to undermining the very
highest ideals of my own aspirations for myself? Am I so broken by life
in general that I cannot get up inside whenever I really want to? I
mean up...all the way up. Standing tall...the highest prayer. The
evidence in regard to this question in my life leaves me not
satisfied..."
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