I loved reading all the post holiday blogs! Warms my heart :) ... and with all this talk about gifting and receiving, not to mention tax time fast approaching I am once again put in mind of Gifts of Service. Truly wonderful, loving and practical gifts and great deductions!

With so many worthy causes accepting monetary donations, it's hard to just pick a few. But if you're like me, long on concern and short on cash, lol... you really have to narrow it down. Here are two that are close to my heart. Out of the many worthwhile choices... they stand out, to me.

The Sevia Foundation; www.seva.org

"Working in nine countries in addition to the United States, Seva Foundation supports projects in the area of health and wellness, community development, environmental protection and cultural preservation. Seva currently works to prevent blindness and restore sight in India, Nepal, Tibet, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Tanzania and Guatemala.
Help indigenous communities in Guatemala and Mexico develop their capacity to meet basic needs and create solutions to poverty and injustice.
Support Native American projects across the U.S. in the areas of health and wellness, community development, environmental protection and cultural preservation.
Seva's work is made possible by the generosity of donors, foundations, volunteers and friends - all joined together in the spirit of service. Seva Foundation is a nonsectarian, nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. read more... "

PlayPumps International; www.playpumps.org

"PlayPumps International's mission is help improve the lives of children and their families by providing easy access to clean drinking water, enhancing public health, and offering play equipment to millions across Africa. PlayPumps International is a NGO registered in South Africa and a sister 501(c) 3 organization in the U.S. read more... "

~This is a most amazing and heartwarming story that first caught my attention back in '05. Made me cry, it's soo perfect! http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2005/10/south_africa_th.html

This Yule, for my family, was the most subdued, in the gifting department, we've ever had. After 20 years of tactfully and tirelessly working to exercise the commercial aspect of the season from my children this is the first ever that I'm convinced 100%, that I have successfully passed on the concept AND practice. No one stressed about shopping. (I haven't for years) No one went into debt. If a gift was given, honest to goodness thought went into it. They volunteered locally without prompting. They even enlightened a few of their friends, co-workers and in-laws! This was the best gift I could've ever hoped to receive :) Don't get me wrong ~ the slippers weren't bad either, lol... but the feeling of love, accomplishment and pride I feel doesn't even compare.

Thank you to all who sent me wonderful cards and greetings! I wish I could have reciprocated but buying postage lately is a luxury :( I am sorry, I was hoping it would be different.

Blessings of the new year and much love to all :)

xxx ooo

I've spent the weekend caring for my youngest daughter, who is having a very difficult preganancy (in and out of hospital) and her two boys... Andrew 2yrs and Aiden 10 mo. Amber has more than her fair share of health issues and the baby isn't developing as he should. She's not due till February and I'm more than a little concerned. I'm scared.

I'm also a bit frazzled, as I've not cared for toddlers and infants for many years... I'm exhausted! I've never been so happy to see a Monday come, lol... the boys are in a lovely daycare program just around the corner from my house :)

Could you please keep Amber and her children in your thoughts for a bit? ...and I surely would benefit from whatever you can send along. February seems like a long way off right now...

I wanted to get a list going of the web address' for the artisans here on covenspace. If you have an Esty, Ebay, personal site, etc... could you please leave the web address in a comment here? I have a few already but I know there are lots more of you guys out there!

Well, that's where I am. Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

What did you think of that amazing moon? She always lifts me up and carries me away. I needed that.

xxx ooo

I've plugged this site before but it has such a wealth of information and especially useful and viable alternatives for the holidays, I feel the need to share again.

Simplify the Holidays

I also wanted to say Congratulations to Nat & Jason... living proof that love is, most assuredly, where it's at. For me, that is a most comforting testament. Best wishes to a beautiful couple who, I felt to my toes, was meant to be. A June wedding... Can I do the flowers?!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I send good wishes and blessings to all...

xxx ooo

Just a thought... There are so many talented artisans right here on CS. Great gift ideas are just a site away! Not to mention you'll feel good about supporting a pagan artist :) How cool is that?!

Hi,
I came across this alert, and I thought it might interest you. It is from the Organic Consumers Association.

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ALERT: USDA SAYS ALMONDS LABELED AS 'RAW' CAN ACTUALLY BE PASTEURIZED

Under pressure from industrial agriculture lobbyists, the USDA has quietly approved a new regulation that will effectively end distribution of raw almonds, while putting many family farmers out of business.

The rule requires pasteurization of almonds, including organic, yet allows those same almonds to continue to be labeled as "raw". Nutritionists point out that raw, organic almonds are far superior, in terms of nutrition, than pasteurized almonds.

One of the FDA-recommended pasteurization methods requires the use of propylene oxide, which is classified as a "possible human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is banned in Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.

Organic and family-scale almond farmers are protesting the proposed rule, saying it will effectively put them out of business, since the minimum price for the pasteurization equipment is $500,000.

The USDA claims pasteurization is necessary, since there have been two food contamination incidents with raw almonds since 2001.

But both of these incidents, in fact, were the result of blatant mismanagement on large industrial-scale almond farms.

Please take action now to demand that the FDA re-open this proposed rule to public comments:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6747.cfm

I just wanted to let everyone know about New American Dream. It's a great web resource for getting more of what matters in your life. I put many of their suggested practices to use over the holidays (ie; gifts of service, etc..) and continue to use their suggestions every day. Every person who makes the commitment in their lives to reduce waste, reuse/recycle & reject the commercial poisoning of our children will be doing a service to our environment that is beyond measure.
New American Dream can help you live consciously, buy wisely and really, truely make a difference.
Check them out! http://www.newdream.org/index.php