MY BLOG IS BACK: NOW...WITH NEW AND IMPROVED JOY!!!

It has been nearly 7 months since my last blog post! It has been a crazy, wonderful time.
Late last winter, I was feeling a strong pull to do a lot of soul searching. My husband's office here in Michigan closed down and he was out of a job, the Michigan Winter just kept relentlessly dragging on (if you don't live in Michigan, March is a huge month for Seasonal Affective Disorder here!) and I was feeling generally stuck in all aspects of my life - cutting myself off from others.
After a great deal of personal reflection, I realized I was sticking myself (wait, that doesn't sound right - LOL!). I realized that part of getting myself "unstuck" was to stop feeling sorry for myself for feeling so stuck in the first place. To stop internalizing everything going on in my life and start living outward - living forward. Taking the time to live. Looking for and seeking the joy.

What is more joyful than a unicorn?!?

I found it in so many things over the past months. Things as simple as face painting with my daughters, hanging with the chickens in the garden, laughing with friends on my front porch, freezing in the woods in 32 degree weather, eating wild blueberries by the lake, finding a nest full of duck eggs, burying my face into my dogs stinky fur!
I have also found much joy in learning during this time. I have continued my aromatherapy studies as well as herbal studies with the fabulous Jim McDonald (www.herbcraft.org). I have completed my Peruvian Shamanic studies with the kind and loving Nicole Gabriel at the Maya Center (www.themayacenter.com). And I continue to find comfort, guidance and inspiration from the gifted DK Brainard (www.wordsforthepeople.com).
But the biggest lesson for me recently is that this life is beautiful and it is to be shared. We need to connect with each other in joy to fully experience this life. So, I have set my intention today to share my blog again...NOW... WITH NEW AND IMPROVED JOY!!!
Not only to I plan to continue sharing my experiences with skin care, product reviews and handmade cosmetic recipes, I also plan to include posts on people and places that have changed my life (and could change yours), information on ways that you can find joy and balance in your life as well as occasional ridiculousness, because we also need to remember to laugh! It is part of the journey.

Much love to those reading this and I hope to see you back here soon!