We finally filled up our bird feeders today.  The wind last week broke one, but the others survived.  (Notice how the wind peeled the lattice off the deck.  I fixed that today, too.)

The big feeder sits outside our den window, so we watch the birds in the morning after breakfast while we’re drinking our tea.  Squirrels, too, because the feeder is not squirrel-proof by any means.  But, we don’t mind the squirrels getting some of the black, oiled seed as well.

Our local Southern States farm co-op is not far from our house, so we picked up a 25 lb. bag of seed the other day.  We keep the seed in a galvanized can under the potting bench.  This winter we’ve seen lots of cardinals, small finches, tufted titmouses (or is it, titmice?), and a bunch of other birds we don’t know the names of.  Oh, the other day we also saw a bluebird.  So, the bluebirds are back, or maybe never left.  We watched a robin chase the daddy bluebird away from the dogwoods in our front yard all the way into the neighbor’s yard.  Nature is rough!

Helping us feed the birds today is Pretty Kitty.  If you don’t know Pretty Kitty, you can read all about him on Debbie’s blog, Goodthoughts.  He’s the neighbor’s cat, but makes his rounds on the street visiting one and all — especially if there’s food to be had.  Pretty Kitty would like to be a “bird feeder” too, but we discourage him from that.  He did bring us a mole the other day.  Laid it right on the front walk as a little parting gift.  So far the birds are safe, as Pretty has put on a few pounds this winter.  All those handouts, I suppose.  If you look closely at the photo, you can see Kitty licking his lips!

Debbie and I started a new blog, Eden’s Path, to chronicle our journey toward a sustainable, simple life. The name Eden’s Path is taken from a old Celtic Christian saying that living in this world is like having “one foot in Eden.” We thought that summed up what we were trying to say. At Eden’s Path we’ll explore ways to live more simply — spend less, enjoy it more, slow down, and live our lives in the rhythm of God’s grace.

This journey started when we turned off our cable TV, and began to use that time to think, read, talk, cook, and generally try to live our life “mindfully” as the Buddhists say. Of course, Jesus said something similar when he said, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.”

There is also a monastic component here, too. Two words described the life of monks — orare et laborare — to pray and to work. So, that’s what we’re trying to do within the limits of our ability. And if it sounds way too serious and grim, we’re actually having a lot of fun! If you’re interested, stop by Eden’s Path, and leave a comment or some helpful hints. We need all the help we can get! — Amicus Dei

I have only heard positive reviews about Kate Somerville’s skincare line.  In this video, Kate is demonstrating her own homemade facial recipies and techniques.   I love how easy and simple this facial is!

All of the ingredients for this facial can be found at your local grocery store: 

• plain yogurt (lactic acid for chemcial exfoliation) 
• ground flax seed meal (for physical exfoliation)
• Brewer’s yeast - eliminates oils, stimulates skin cell, and kills bacteria
• avocado - provides natural oils, moisturizer

Kate describes that we have different “Eco Systems” of the Skin. 

• Only use the Brewer’s yeast mask where you have acne and are oily.  
• Kate does not recommend using avocado directly onto acne-prone skin; only use on areas of your face where you are dry and needing moisture.

Caution:  Natural products can sometimes cause skin allergies, always do a patch test, and do not try new products like these shortly before a big outing or event (like your wedding, a big date, or the Oscars)!

Have fun with this homemade facial and let me know how things go!