Community Within the Animal Kingdom

They say when someone within your village goes through a challenging time, that the village comes together for support.  They pull all their resources together, they consult to the Medicine Man or Medicine Woman of their tribe for natural, healing modalities.  This is such a comforting thing, to know that an entire village will stand by each other to ensure that all are supported.  A comfort that is beginning to flourish within our village.  It's also comforting to know that this is the case for our furry animals, as well.  Because even in a village, animals are treated with respect and all living things live in harmonious energy with one another.  It reminds me of that wonderful and heart-warming movie, Avatar.  And how truly inspiring this vision of interconnectedness they had with all living things.  Our society is starting to shift towards this movement - where barriers are released, where humankind will wake up and treat each other, animals and Mama Gaia with gentle consciousness.  And I definitely envision the Family Love Village being a part of that movement. 

For now, I would like to share a piece of what community can create.  My heart is swelling with tears of gratitude to all the loving souls that continued to give us support for our beautiful girl Chachi.  Dalmacio and I wanted to share our story to the village because well...when there's community by your side, it truly helps to get through the challenges a little bit easier.  I wanted to share to you about the unconditionally loving community that was built around their love for a white and brown-spotted beauty.

Chachi's sweet smile

It is with great sorrow that today at around 12am, we had to put our beautiful girl Chachi to sleep.  It was a very hard decision but we just didn't want our pretty girl to suffer anymore.  It had been over a month that we were taking care of her.  From making homemade organic baby food (although Dalmacio didn't like calling it that - out of respect for Chachi so let me rephrase that - organic Chachi food) to eco-friendlier cloth pee pads that Dalmacio made (I just couldn't take another moment of using those disposable pads to add to our landfills) to exercising her to Daddy sleeping in the living room with Chachi for a whole month to be near her if she needed anything..to researching and giving her as much holistic & alternative medicines and therapies that we could, as well as giving her Reiki and Quantum Touch healings almost every night. To us, all of this wasn't a have-to, it was just what we believe in and wanted only the best for our daughter.  Yes, our daughter.  To us,  Chachi and her two cat sisters (Dartagnia and Star) are family.  And what beautiful family members they truly are.  Laurie Reyon, one of the pet communicators that we were honored to connect with said the most empowering thing to us.  That dogs are here to model to us humans unconditional love and that cats are here to model to us self-love.  Us humans can definitely learn alot from these special beings about this empowering feeling.

What began as a possible herniated disk (the actual cause still unknown) had crippled her hind legs.  Yet there was still hope, especially with the wonderful donation that the Ozzy Foundation had given to us to get Chachi her own wheel chariot from Eddie's Wheels.  But tonight was the night that we just knew...we just knew that the hope that she still wanted to stay in her snowy white vessel was getting too difficult to withstand.  Earlier in the day, I had asked Chachi to let us know whether she wanted to stay here (previously she kept communicating through the pet communicators that she wanted to stay) or if she was ready to transition to the Other side.   I had asked her to please make it clear to us what she wanted and what would be in her highest good.                                                                                        

Oh my sweet, sweet Chachi...she was the epitome of unconditional love...even with her protective growls towards some people that she didn't know too well, it was all just her trying to act like a tough girl to protect Andrik and myself.  She was all show and bark.  Oh but once Chachi got a full sense of your genuine energy, it was all over, she was nothing but ALL LOVE!   You couldn't get rid of her once you walked through that door.  :o)  Little do most people know is our cat Dartagnia is the Alpha of our house.  Whenever we would call Chachi over and she wouldn't come, it was most likely because Dartagnia was blocking the hallway and Chachi was too scared to pass by in case she would get swiped by Dartagnia's claws... It was actually quite funny seeing a 65lb Pitbull scared of a 10lb cat!

This is how I like to remember our beautiful girl. Smiling and standing strong

But even through the sleepless nights and this deep heartache, Dalmacio and I are in such deep gratitude.  We are thankful to Ramsey and Buzz for asking us to adopt Chachi.  We are so honored and still remember what Ramsey said over the phone: "we can't think of any better parents for Chachi than the two of you."  Such sweet words that echo in my heart now...thank you Ramsey and Buzz for entrusting us to create a loving home for her.

We are grateful to alot of beautiful souls.  For the continuous healing energy & monetary support from our family and loving support from friends...for Sandy Smith with her special gift to communicate with Chachi along with her reference to Evey Gold who consulted with us on natural remedies and for introducing us to two wonderful specialists: Pam Holt who gave Chachi the most relaxing massage ever and Suzanne Weed who gave Chachi Acuscope therapy the last 2 weeks of her life.  To Laurie Reyon for her spiritual insight and gift to communicate with Chachi.  To the Ozzy Foundation (as mentioned above) for their loving generosity to donate money to get Chachi a wheelchair.  To my friend, Renee Stonehocker from Capitol Drugs for her suggestions on homeopathics.  To Jennifer Kelly with her suggestions on essential oils.  To the wonderful staff at the Holistic Vet Center for their genuine support and care, as well as Veterinary Specialists of the Valley who also helped us throughout Chachi's health issues and for helping to elevate Chachi to her next transition.  To Dartagnia & Star for holding the healing space for their sister.  It was truly amazing that these beings who normally show self-love, gave unconditional love to Chach and gave her "sniff" kisses.  Star even slept out in the livingroom for the last few days to keep Chachi company at night (normally Star is next to my feet at night).

I know it's a long list of people to thank - just goes to show how truly uplifting it can be when we raise the vibration high, pay it forward and open ourselves to the support of community.  I also wanted to share this knowledge of amazing references who helped us through all of this.  Perhaps it could help someone else with their furry kids like it did with us.

My girl and I connecting

Oh Chach - I already miss you sooo very much.  I miss the nonstop kisses you'd plant on my face (or whenever I'd put lotion on my legs - always wondered what was the point when you'd lick it all off.  LOL).  And I miss the way you would always keep my feet warm when I worked at my desk...I miss your pink, pink belly and those genuinely sweet eyes of yours with the lil brown spot that covered your left eye...I miss that brown spot on your lower back that Daddy would always say was your "off" button but that you never turned off because you were just so full of life and energy.  I miss the way you would tear down the road as fast as lightning and zip on by us like a speeding bullet.  And to think you were still doing this a couple of months ago at the age of 10.  And most of all, I miss your unconditional loving heart.  You truly are the epitome of unconditional love.  Thank you Chachi for being here with us through thick and thin.  For being so, so patient and loving towards us and Andrik.  We'll never forget how you guarded the bedroom door as I gave birth to your little brother.  Thank you for being the protector of our home and the sweet, sweet soul that you are.  We know that you're vessel is gone but your soul still lives on and are here with us right now.  It is with great comfort knowing that our other two  beautiful kids, Jade and Sugar are waiting for you on the Other Side.

Here's her "off" button that I was talking about that didn't actually turn off. LOL

Until we meet again, we love you.



Chachi "giving peace"



The Family Love Village Has a New Home!

Yep it's true!! After many, many months searching and searching, the search has finally come to an end. And the Family Love Village (FLV) can now create new beginnings at our new home! I'm extremely excited to announce that Jennifer Kelly and her husband, Todd have opened their loving arms to us at their breathtaking yoga studio, The Yogi Tree in Toluca Lake. I did my best to try and stay centrally located for most of the families. Unfortunately I couldn't find it central enough to those that live further out but that was a tough one to do.  Perhaps those that live further out might feel that once a month to commune with like-minded families who support and want to learn more ways of conscious parenting might find this worth the trip. OR perhaps those that live further out, might feel compelled to start your own family village in your city (or perhaps you know someone that might want to become a leader). If you or you know of someone that would be interested in becoming a leader of your own village, please send them my way so I can give them support in co-creating it together.

Ok sorry - went on a tangent there...LOL Back to our new home...it is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL space! With a separate room (which is the healing room) where our kids can play. This healing and loving space resonates so well with our village! I am truly grateful to Jennifer and Todd. I also want to thank Crystal for suggesting the studio and for introducing me to Jennifer and Todd.

We also have the opportunity to use permanent childcare services for our monthly gatherings. The cost is $30 for 1 caregiver for 2 hours which is a steal when you think about it. Of course the more families that RSVP with their children, the less the parents have to pay.  And if more than just 1 caregiver is needed then I will do my best to make it as cost effective as possible (yet still allow the caregivers to make a decent income for themselves, as well).  I truly feel though that the opportunity to get a free presenation from professional experts and the opportunity to receive holistic, conscious and eco-friendly knowledge for you and your family truly is a great deal for childcare that normally would cost more anywhere else (not to mention if you were to pay for a workshop on this knowledge).  I'd like to thank Dawn Stevens for all her amazing efforts to get us childcare services for future gatherings! 

AND the best part of the childcare services is that I am committed to making sure that the caregivers that watch over our children are open to learning and following the same core beliefs of gentle guidance to our children as does the Family Love Village!

I also wanted to express my appreciation here and thank each and everyone of you for making the village what it is. Because without you and your willingness to learn a more conscious, holistic and eco-friendly lifestyle, the village wouldn't be what it is today. So thank you for being such an integral part of the village and here's to many wonderful experiences in our new home!

Much love to you all,
Your fellow villager,
Tangee

Benefits of Homeopathy with Renee Stonehocker

On Saturday, January 15th - the Family Love Village (FLV) gathered at the Yogi Tree yoga studio in Toluca Lake.  It was an intimate gathering of 6 families and I was extremely excited because there were so many new families that joined the village, not to mention families with older kids!  It has been a vision of mine to have older kids involved as well because I didn't want the Family Love Village to be restricted to only families with babies and toddlers.  I've wanted FLV to expand from families to single parents to caregivers/nannies to babies, toddlers, to young children to adolescents and teenagers.  Afterall, there is such diversity in villages throughout the world that I wanted that same diversity to bring families and children of all ages together.  And at this gathering, it definitely did!

The evening began with a presentation given by Renee Stonehocker on the topic of Homeopathy.  Renee is a parent of four children and has three grandchildren. She is an advocate of natural health and nutrition, has been using homeopathy for 30 years and consults on homeopathy at Capitol Drugs, a pharmacy for alternative therapies.

She is a La Leche League Leader and a proponent of natural childbirth and attachment parenting. Believing in wellness, not just an absence of disease, Renee advocates the empowering of parents and families to make their own choices in health care and other areas of their family's lives.

Renee has a background as an educator, and has taught workshops on communication skills to parents and La Leche League Leaders. She also home-schooled her children through primary and high school.

Before I go onto to share what Renee had said throughout the evening, I wanted to give a brief history and description of Homeopathy that I derived from a couple of websites.

*Homeopathy has been practiced in the United States for over 170 years.  Homeopathy is the preferred medicine by members of the Royal Family in England and homeopathy is widely prescribed by physicians in Europe and Asia. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) is considered the Father of Homeopathy. A physician, scholar, teacher and scientist in Germany. Hahnemann coined the term "homeopathy" from Greek terms, meaning similar suffering, to denote the basic law of similars.

**Homeopathy is a medical science developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German physician. It is based on the principle that “like cures like”. In simple words, it means that any substance, which can produce symptoms in a healthy person, can cure similar symptoms in a person who is sick. This idea is referred to as the “Law of Similars”, and was understood by Aristotle and Hippocrates and mentioned in ancient Hindu manuscripts. It was Hahnemann, however, who turned it into a science of healing.

Here are examples of this principle:

a. An onion is a substance which makes your eyes water and your nose burn. If you are having an attack of hay fever with watering eyes and a burning nose, a homeopathic remedy made from onion can relieve it.

b. Poison ivy causes redness, intense itching, burning, blistering and sometimes stiff muscles. Homeopathically it has been used for everything from herpes and burns to eczema and arthritis.

c. When you are stung by a bee you feel a burning, stinging pain and the tissues surrounding the area swell up. Some relief is gained from applying cold to the area. If you had swollen tonsils with burning and stinging pain relieved by cold, a homeopathic remedy prepared from the same source could cure.

A second principle of homeopathy is that you should give the least amount of medicine necessary to evoke a healing response. This is called the “Minimum Dose”. We all know that normal medicines can cause side effects, leading to much suffering or even death. In an effort to prevent side effects, Hahnemann began successive dilution with agitation of his medicines, to find the point at which they would be therapeutic, but not toxic.

Another wonderful resource that I found online gave an in-depth description of homeopathy along with descriptions of potency and the difference of potencies.  This same website also gave a wonderful breakdown of the following:

- Classify symptoms to determine dosage

- Evaluate and record symptoms

- Dosage guidelines

- Intervals between doses

- How to modify dose and when to increase or decrease dose

- What is an aggravation and how does it help determine dose?

*Quoted from History of Homeopathy
**Quoted from What Is Homeopathy


Okay now that I gave you a little bit of an idea what Homeopathy is, let's continue onto what Renee shared with us:

Homeopathy is used for both acute and chronic conditions. Renee isn’t a trained homeopathic but she has been using it for over 30 years and has been working at Capitol Drugs for about 8 years now.  Homeopathy treats the whole person – it’s not just about one part of the person that gets treated.  Remedies are also tailored to what the individual is going through.  For instance, what are you eating, your emotional state and other aspects of your life are looked at, as well.  There is a difference between consulting a homeopath for constitutional remedies and what Renee offers. What Renee would use is more of clinical, whereas a classical homeopath would sit down with you for an hour or so and even go into genetics of your family and then come up with a constitutional remedy.    

What Renee loves about homeopathy is that it is diluted and very safe.  It can be used for babies, children, adults, and animals.  Homeopathy uses natural remedies: plants, venoms, even crushed ants for instance. Basically anything in nature has healing properties that homeopathy can use.  It’s an energy medicine which Renee likes to use the analogy that it is like a finger print. There is something left of the original substance, the soul of whatever remedy that is being diluted.

Most homeopathics are designed to dissolve under the tongue. They are small pellets. Hylands is great for children because they dissolve quickly under the tongue. Boiron are like little beebee’s which are harder pellets.  When manufactured, the remedy is shaken/pounded and then the medicine is poured onto the pellets so the medicine is on the outside – which is why they say not to touch it with your fingers because the oils on your fingers could change the properties of it.  So it is best to put the pellets in the cap and then put it under your tongue to dissolve.

There are other forms of homeopathy that come in the form of liquid, as well as topical.  Most topicals are for healing cuts on the skin (i.e. Calendula), muscle soreness and bruising (i.e. Arnica gel).  There are so many remedies, single and combination remedies, as well. 

Because homeopathy is a sensitive medicine or an energy medicine (as mentioned above), certain things anecdote it/cancel the remedy out.  Which is why they say to not drink or eat anything 15-20 minutes BEFORE taking the homeopathic AND 15-20 minutes AFTER.  And then there are also some remedies that actually anecdote each other, such as Belladonna and Aconitum Napellus (also known as Aconite).  Which is why it's best to speak to a specialist or look it up in a homeopathy book or online. 



Dose floating is beneficial for when you have a chronic issue where you give the remedy every 15 minutes and lasts within an hour.  This is suggested for when you want the remedy to work quickly.  As homeopathy is repeated, it is more effected.  It's an imbalance, a dis-ease - the remedy stimulates you to get back into balance.  If you're not sure if a remedy is working, try it for a full day and if symptoms don't change, then you can try a different remedy (again this is where you would seek a professional or your homeopathy book to see what other remedies can assist).

One thing that families always seem to be concerned about is when a child has a fever.  The biggest issue is when the fever spikes but to prevent a convulsion occurring, you can give a remedy, such as Aconite.  In healthy kids, fevers usually don't indicate anything serious. Although it can be frightening when your child's temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing — it's often the body's way of fighting infections.  Often parents try to give Tylenol or medication to bring down the fever when instead they could give homeopathics to assist with it. And not all fevers need to be treated. High fever, however, can make a child uncomfortable and worsen problems such as dehydration.  If the child is so miserable and uncomfortable then there are times when you do need to get the Tylenol out or go see the doctor for antibiotics and there's nothing wrong with that.  But what's nice about homeopathics is that you can start that first to see if that helps and maybe you won't have to get that point of having to take other medications.

If you have to give antiobiotics, there is a particular form of a probiotic that you can give that won't kill the good bacteria in your body.  This is called Saccharomyces boulardii (which is a tropical strain of yeast first isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit).  They make one for kids called Florastor Kids.

One topic that was discussed in great detail was ear infections.  Since there were so many questions in regards to this topic, I felt it was important to list the remedies.

Ear Infections:


One of Renee's favorite remedies is Aconite.  In the early stages of getting sick, such as getting a tickle in your throat, take Aconite every 15 minutes for the first hour.  So first try Aconite to see if perhaps it's the child coming down with a cold.  Renee prefers this over Oscillococcinum because Oscillo is catered more towards mainly the first signs of flu symptoms whereas Aconite is used for the first signs of either a cold or flu.

Aconite is also great for panick attacks, a shock, sudden onset (especially when exposed to wind or cold), good for croup.  There's a saying: "When in fright, give Aconite!"

If after trying Aconite and your child still has an ear infection, then try Belladonna.  Belladonna is used for anything that is red, hot, swollen, throbbing, a high fever that comes on, someone that is incoherent from the fever and night terrors to name a few.

Other remedies for ear infections:

1) Take your child to see a chiropractor to get adjusted.  You want to make sure that it is a chiropractor that specializes in children.

2)  Onion Earmuffs. 
Indications: Use to soothe and promote healing of minor ear aches due to infection.
How It Works: Aromatice oils from the onion decrease pain and are anti-microbial.
Directions:

• Slice a fresh onion in half.
• Place in a microwave for 1 minute or a conventional oven on 400 degrees for about 10 minutes
• Handle onions with oven mitts and place open faced as close to the ears as possible without becoming too hot.  Do not touch the onions to the ear as this may cause a burn.  Onions can be wrapped in cheesecloth or other porous material if necessary.
• Hold the onions in place for 20-30 minutes.  Repeat as often as desired.

 3. Lightly saute garlic in olive oil.  Remove the garlic infused olive oil and put it in the child's ear.  Or for those that prefer a quicker way can purchase Mullein-Garlic ear drops.

A couple of great resources that I found online in regards to ear infections are:


1. Homeopathic Remedies for Ear Infections- this gives a list of symptoms
and which homeopathic can help depending on the symptoms.

2. Childhood Ear Infection: Alternative to Antibiotics and Ear Tubes - another great resource about ear infections, underlying causes and natural treatments. It's lengthy but worth the read.

 Below is a brief list of various homeopathic remedies for common symptoms.  There are of course so many different remedies and symptoms out there.  Two books that Renee highly recommends families to have in their household is called The Family Guide To Homeopathy by Dr. Andrew Lockie and Natural Baby and Childcare by Dr. Lauren Feder.

Homeopathic Remedies

1. Aconite: Sudden onset, exposure to cold, wind, shock, fear, croup, early stages of getting sick.  Rosy and chubby babies.
2. Apis: Bee stings, swellings, red (not lower than 30C during pregnancy)
3. Arnica: Muscle soreness, aches & pains, bruising, surgery, working out, trauma
4. Arsenicum: Food poisoning, stomach flu, restlessness, anxious, diarrhea
5. Belladonna: High fever, hot, red, throbbing (headache).  Ear infections for right side, night terrors, incoherent, jarring pain.  Sturdy, vigorous child.
6. Chamomilla: Colic, teething (wants to be carried, but refuses what's offered), calming
7. Gelsemium: Flu, dull headache, stage fright, trembling, fear of DDS
8. Hypericum: Nerve pain, esp. fingers & toes, pulling, tearing, shooting pains
9. Ipecac: Active vomiting
10. Ledum: Insect, spider bites.  Puncture wounds.
11. Nux Vomica: Nausea, vomiting, sensitive to environment (hangovers), headache (lack of sleep).  Overindulgence (clearing from liver).  This is also good to give a child before and after a situation that disconnects them from their environment.
12. Phytolacca: Breast infections.  Sore throat, swollen glands.
13. Pulsatilla: Emotional, weeping (depressed).  Engorgement.  Easy, changeable, crave affection.  Shy child, sleeps with hands above head.
14. Sulphur: skin conditions that are dry and itchy, rashes, eczema and psorriasis.  A good topical remedy is Fluorosone cream.
15. Thuja: Warts.  After vaccinations.

I also wanted to list something that Renee mentioned that evening which doesn't have anything to do with homeopathics but was a very helpful tip.  It is a remedy for arthritis and it is peanut oil, as suggested by Edgar Cayce.  As stated in the Edgar Cayce readings:  "The primary use of peanut oil in the Cayce readings was as a massage oil ingredient. It was described as a "food for the nerves AND muscular forces" and a specific preventive measure against arthritis."

After the presentation was over, the parents reunited with their children (who were playing in the other room with the caregivers).  We ended the evening with a delicious feast and connected with new villagers.  Not only did we welcome 2011 with new families but by the end of the evening, FLV had a new sanctuary to call our own at the Yogi Tree Studio.  Excitement and gratitude filled my heart that night!  It was a perfect ending to a new beginning for FLV.

Family Love Village Has a New Logo!

I wanted to share some really exciting news with everyone!  First of all, I want to thank one of our veteran villagers, Ariel for his amazing talents with creating our new Family Love Village logo (see above in the headliner).  I am extremely happy with the new look and feel and hope that you like it too!  :o)

If you want to brand your business with extraordinary work, check out Ariel and his partners' website at: VujaDe Studios.  He also created a new logo for my sister blog: Made With EcoLOVE that I'm excited to share, as well!

When The Shift Hits The Fan!

Hi everyone. As the new year begins, I wanted to share my passion and vision for the Family Love Village. For those of you who are new to this blog, the Family Love Village is a group of like-minded families that support and/or are open to learning about various ways to model and nurture a more gently guided approach to communicating with our children, as well as, eco-holistic living.

It all began with a book called "Connection Parenting - Parenting Through Connection Instead of Coercion, Through Love Instead of Fear" - by Pam Leo. This very book began my journey of wanting to share this gentle way of communicating with our children to families open to learning another way to parent than what we were brought up in or what we have learned from mainstream society. This was the foundation that the Family Love Village began grounding its roots in and still is to this day.

If you haven't had the opportunity to read this book, I highly recommend it. It's an easy read and has great exercises at the end of each chapter. I wanted to share this wonderful resource as it has helped to shape what the village is truly about. To find out more information, check out the website at Connection Parenting and Consciously Parenting.

I wanted to share with those that might be interested a FREE teleconference happening this weekend. I get a monthly newsletter from the Consciously Parenting organization and thought this would be a beautiful way for those interesed and for our village to start the new year together, in supporting our conscious parenting journey.

Please read the following information below for further details.

Much love to all of you!
Your fellow villager,

Tangee

When the Shift Hits the Fan

Did you realize that we're in the middle of a huge parenting paradigm shift? If you've been hanging out with us here at The Consciously Parenting Project for any length of time, you've already realized that we don't look at things in the same old way. In fact, we may have said things that seemed like we were speaking a foreign language when it comes to your kids and your parenting. Bruce Lipton, author of The Biology of Belief, in his brilliant lecture at the ICPA conference in Washington, DC in October, discussed the shift in which we now find ourselves. This is a time around the world that what we thought we knew is falling apart. He went on to say that the way our society and our world is running isn't sustainable and everything is shifting because it simply must.

I've been feeling the earth moving under my own feet and have observed it happening with many of the people I know, too. Bruce Lipton declared that it needs to happen and that he welcomes it. Wow- I wasn't that excited about it before. But it means that we are open to many new possibilities that simply didn't exist before. While the unknowns of it all are still somewhat scary, I left feeling very hopeful.

I teamed up with Lisa Reagan, founder of Families for Conscious Living and editor of Pathways Magazine, and we spoke together at the conference about what this shift looks like in families. What does it mean for you and for me? Where do we get stuck? I loved Lisa's take on what we think this shift means (we need to do lots MORE on our already overflowing to do list) and what it actually means (we're changing out our to-do lists for a different way of looking at our parenting and our lives). This great conversation is a nice place to start in understanding what the paradigm shift actually means to you and me in our every day lives. I also shared my Brain Stoplight ™ tool to give you a new way of looking at your own behaviors using our current understanding of the brain in very simple terms.

You can listen to this conversation and many others for FREE next weekend starting at 6pm Eastern (New York time), Friday, January 14 until Sunday, January 16 at 6pm EDT. When the Shift Hits the Fan: Empowered Parenting in the Paradigm Shift with me (Rebecca Thompson) and Lisa Reagan. It is a great way to set the stage for this amazing conference where we'll be Navigating the Current!

This is a great way to start off your year- inspired by some of the most interesting people working with parents today! Be sure to join us by registering here!

Posted by Rebecca Thompson, M.S., MFT of Consciously Parenting

The Family Love Village Makes Headlines at Cafe Gratitude!

Salutations to my beautiful family and friends! As you know, about a month ago, I started doing this awesome online playgroup with others on a book called The Abounding River. And if you didn't know about me attending this playgroup, you can read all about its wonderfulness here.

I was so inspired by what was coming up in my life after joining the group that I emailed Cafe Gratitude to see if I could write about them in both my blogs because everything that they value is exactly what I believe in and the epitome of what the Family Love Village is all about (from conscious and holistic living to creating community to supporting a sustainable presence on planet Earth and much more). So once I got the excited approval to share what this wonderful community is all about from one of their Cafe Gratitude's writers, Karin Winter, I wrote away.

After I was done, I sent an email to Karin and gave her both links to the posts on both my blogs (which both were written slightly different to tailor to each blog). If you'd like to check out what I wrote in the Made With EcoLOVE blog about them, check out GrateFULLness).  I again thanked her for this opportunity to be apart of this creative, collective consciousness.

About a week later, Karin wrote me back and mentioned that she had featured both my blogs on their Friends of Gratitude page. When I read the newsletter, I was excited, humbled and honored with what they wrote.

Just thought I'd share with all of you. Here's to an abundantly fruitful new year for all of us!

Much love, abundance & joy ~

Your fellow eco-scout villager,
Tangee