When I started writing a regular column, fourteen years ago, I wondered if I'd ever run out of things to say. Truth be told, I have looked at a few deadlines and seen complete writer's block. But, usually I recall the words of a fellow writer way back at the beginning: write about what you know. So, I can usually glance around my home and find something worth five hundred words or so.
Everyone in cyberspace is off crafting, or planning, or making things beautiful. I'm not. First, I was babymooning. Now, I'm nebulizing. And coughing. And sneezing. But let me tell you, if there's one thing I know after eighteen winters with children, it's upper respiratory infections. So, here we go!
The ladies at 4real have offered a whole list of flu remedies. Many of our favorites are there. Here are a few more:
1. Lympha-rub from Trilight Herbs. This is liquid gold. Rub it on an aching neck and massage those lymph nodes. Ahhh...
2. Eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil: in the tub with warm water, on a very warm washcloth draped over your face, or in the humdifier. I also like it in a balm like Badger Winter Wonder Balm. (Instructions on making one to follow when I catch up and write my handmade gifts post way after the fair. Maybe before the end of flu season--maybe.)
3. Chicken broth made Sally Fallon- style. Add lots of extra garlic and some cayenne pepper. Make this when you feel fine and freeze it for when you need it.
4. Gypsy Cold Care tea.
5. Sliced ginger steeped with cayenne pepper. Stir in lemon juice and honey and drink it all day long.
6. Scout Out, also from the folks at Trilight. My kids say it tastes like dirt. (I wonder how they know what dirt tastes like?) It doesn't taste good but it's potent stuff.
7. Someone to take care of you. Sometimes, that someone ministers by mail. And that someone sends you a great big care package. And in it are pink peppermint aromatherapy socks. And you feel loved.
Helen has begun a series called, "Winning Your Child" that aims to enlighten adoptive parents. But there is so much wisdom there that is good for all parents. As in the past, I can read about her challenges and recognize how much simpler it is to achieve the same ends with children born to me. But I also recognize how important deliberate parenting for attachment and trust are for all children. I've seen firsthand the wounded children of the orphanages; but I've unfortunately seen the wounded children of our self-centered culture as well. Every baby should be loved as Helen is loving her new arrival.
The fair is up at By Sun and Candlelight. Be inspired!
Nicholas is going through a particularly difficult food-aversion stage. Basically, he'll eat sesame chicken and pineapple smoothies. That's it. Today, we ordered pizza. He cried. He begged. He refused to eat in a most pitiful way. But I didn't budge. I understand food aversions very well. I even understand cravings. But this is getting ridiculous. And expensive.
Nicholas: If I can't eat sesame chicken, I can't eat. I already had three smoothies today.
Me: Well then, you're going to be very hungry because I'm not spending $11 on sesame chicken tonight.
Nicholas: But you just spent $20 on pizza! Eleven isn't more than twenty!
Me: But I fed six people with $20. If everybody's dinner cost $11, I'd have to spend $77 on dinner.
Nicholas: No, everyone can get what they want for $31. See? It's much less than $77!
Something tells me that Mike would have been so impressed with the quick calculation, he might have ordered sesame chicken. But I didn't...
Yet.
I'm Elizabeth. I'm a happy wife and the mother of nine children. I grab grace with both hands and write to encourage myself and others to seize and nurture the joy of every day. I blog here with my daughter, Mary Beth, a wholehearted young lady on the brink of adulthood.
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