MoonMaid Botanicals/Cynthia Johnston

A walk in my garden

2012-01-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Today on my walk about the garden I was absolutely amazed at the signs of Spring. I will begin in earnest this week composting the beds, laying gravel, moving rocks and so forth. It is good to be outside. Sunny days, cool nights. I have experienced a personal shock and mistrust this past week, I find being among my plants, digging in the soil, tidying up, to be a wonderful therapy. I am grateful for the gift of ShadyAcres, my little spot in the Smoky Mountains.

No podcast this week. They will resume March 1 with Vesna Plakanis of A Walk In The Woods. Topic....Women of a Certain Age and The Great Outdoors. Many more wonderful guests with potent information for you as the year goes on. Better to get it all organized, me thinks, then to proceed in a rush.

Specials this week are a free soap with every order!!!

Also announcing that as of tomorrow, you will be able to place an order right on FaceBook. Thanks to another woman business owner for making me aware of this time saving tool!!!

I hope you enjoy the following photos as much as I enjoyed being on a little jaunt and taking them.

Have a Green Week!!! Cynthia @ MoonMaid Botanicals

2012-01-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

This was a wonderful weekend filled with plans and then the actual event, Indie Business Meet-up!!! Many folks around the country gathered with other like-minded business owners for events and get togethers everywhere!!! I had a fantastic time with women who are future guests on my podcast, Women of A Certain Age and....., as well as local business owners who might are potential members of Indie Beauty Network.

Because I am travelling there will not be a podcast this week. Next week we start again with topics such as Women of A Certain Age and Retirement, The Great Outdoors and much more. I will keep you posted.

I will have an article posted tomorrow on WildYam. A very important herb here @ MoonMaid as it is the key ingredient in 3 of our signature formulas; ProMeno Women's Wild Yam Cream and ProAndro Men's Wild Yam Cream as well as VitalVulva Wild Yam Salve. All are alternatives to bio-identical and chemical hormone products.

Get them here http://www.moonmaidbotanicals.com/products.htm

Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures of our get together and launching Wish Laterns off into the sky @ rhia link
http://on.fb.me/A29Eew

Have a wonder day....may it be blessed with an interaction with at least one fabulous Herb!!!

This Week at MoonMaid

2012-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Free shipping all this week on phone orders....place yours @ 877.253.7853

BlogTalkRadio Show is tomorrow @ 2 PM EST with guest Nomi Shannon, raw food expert, educator and author. Check out information about Nomi and how to listen to this informative and educational call @ this link http://bit.ly/zuvTAP Nomi is a wealth of knowledge on the benefits of raw, how to do it and has lots of recipes. Please call in during the show and Nomi can answer your questions directly. The call in number is 818.475.9319 at 2 PM EST, tomorrow, Tuesday January 10, 2012.

Herb of the week is Calendula (Calendula officinalis) I particularly love this bright "happy" plant!!!

I use it in my CalendulaBlossom Cream which is available separately or in my flower kit. Get yours here http://bit.ly/waxIfK

Not only a beautiful flower in the garden, it has many medicinal uses for the home herbalist.This fabulous blossom is not only anti-inflammatorymaking it a possible choice for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, itis also anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Used internally is it excellent for digestive inflammation and may beeffective for ulcers. Not only internalulcers may benefit but external inflammation, cuts and abrasions are allsoothed by this healing plant. Aninfused oil of this blossom is a must have in any herbal first aid kit.

According to Culpeper, an renowed 19 centuryherbalist, calendula would strengthen the heart. It is a plant of the sun and blooms allsummer, beautiful orange, golden or yellow blossoms. Summer allergies that effect the eyes may berelieved by an eyewash of calendula. Minor bruises, cuts, scrapes, and biteswill all be soothed by an infused oil.

Create a washfor eyes or any wound by simply steeping the petals in water…similar to makinga cup of tea. Use muslin or organic cotton soaked in the tea to wash the eyesor skin. To make an oil infusionsubstitute the warm water with warm oil (olive, sunflower or almond are myfavorites), cover the blossoms with oil and let stand, tightly sealed, in a cupboard for 2 weeks. Then strain the oil from the plant and youhave a potent oil for immediate use. Youcan create a salve by adding a mix of melted beeswax and coconut oil, cocoabutter or shea butter to your calendula oil. Blending all or some of thesubstances together will create a “hard” oil or salve. The beeswax is a necessity while the otheringredients are added as desired.

In food, the blossoms were once used to color cheese, oftenused in soups and stews or salads as the petals add a slight peppery taste toany dish. Growing this plant in yourgarden between other vegetables creates natural pest control. The strong aroma of this plant keeps manypests at bay. Try planting it betweenyour greens, spinach and lettuces.

However you use this wonderful plant, I hope it will become a staple in your garden, kitchen and medicine cabinet.

Until next week.....Herbal Blessings!!! Cynthia @ MoonMaid Botanicals

Getting ready for travel next week....

2011-12-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

Getting into the Holiday Spirit by spending time with good friends sharing good food and lot's of laughter. This will continue into this upcoming weekend. This is also my week to shop for the few gifts that I am purchasing. I always adopt a needy family so I'll get that under the tree. Writing a few cards to folks I don't talk to often or see often. It feels like a good time to send a note of thoughts and good wishes. My family has decided not to exchange gifts among us adults.....but we are buying for our grandkids, neices and nephews. This is fun as well. It took away so much of the "I should" pressure and left space for spoiling the kids who really appreciate it!!!!

Because I am so busy I am not doing a BlogShow this week. I think I'll put it off until after the holidays. First show will be January 10th, Tuesday at 2PM ET. I'm planning a great line-up for 2012 including: How to Blend the Perfect Cup of Tea, Insights into Menopause from health expert Sherri Goddard, Herbs for Menopause, The 10 Herbs everyone should have at home, and much much more!!! If you can't listen for the actual broadcast, you can always find a link at my website or click http://bit.ly/Il6dN to see what might be of interest.

Product specials: For phone orders placed between now and the end of the year, no shipping and 20% off any bundle. Call 877.253.7853 to place your order today.

Plant of the week: Comfrey. It is one of my ESSENTIAL plants and I use it often!!!

Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) has many folk names that tell the tale of this plant: knitbone is the most common. There is a "legend" that this plant which can have leaves that are the size of your forearm, was wrapped on the broken bones of soilders during the Civil War to heal the break. It can be abundant in the woods so was likely readily available. It is a demulcent (soothing) as well as an expectorant (expels mucous) plant, both leaf and root. It can be used to sooth an irritated intestine or colon, as well as irritated tummy. When lungs are full of mucous and tired from the act of coughing, there is no superior remedy then a mix of comfrey leaf and root. I use this plant for burns, irritations and bug bites. You find it in many of my products; like VitalVulva Wild Yam Salve, Ouch Ointment and CalendulaBlossom Cream. Click http://bit.ly/arEbAS to see more about these products.

My own personal experience with comfrey is on a very profound burn I experienced some years ago. Hot boiling oil complete with beeswax exploded onto my arm. I had my comfrey plant nearby and immediately crushed leaves and began to apply to this burn. Over time, the only sign of this burn is the lack of pigment on my arm. Otherwise, the skin looks just like the rest of my arm....which is not common for bad burns. Usually the skin appears crinkled. Amazing what the plant kingdom can do for us, for less cost and less trauma to our bodies!!!

I hope you have a wonderful week. I look forward to checking in with you next Monday.

Cynthia Johnston

MoonMaid Botanicals

877.253.7853

Getting on a schedule....

2011-12-05T07:31:00.001-08:00

I am currently working in a coaching program about Branded Content and developing a strategy to create success with this marketing technique, and tool I suppose. My Monday Blog will focus on what is up at MoonMaid this week; our specials, the subject of my weekly BlogTalk Radio show and my Herb of the Week.

Specials...........20% off all "bundles" and free shipping on those orders. Place these orders by phone @ 877.253.7853

Weekly Blog Show: Cynthia will discuss MoonMaid Botanical products that may be effective for "women of a certain age" that are experiencing hormone issues: Listen here:
http://bit.ly/tkPVVR

Herb of the Week: Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) This amazing plant with it's ribbed heart shaped leaves grows abundantly at ShadyAcres Plant Sanctuary, MoonMaid Botanicals' forest garden. I often find it whorled around a rather elusive forest plant Ginseng. Though the above ground leaves of Wild Yam are abundant, the plant has very small finger sized roots. It is easy to see how this plant has become dangerously overharvested as it is the main plant source of diosgenin which is a potent saponin taken from this root and converted into Progesterone for natural products or into "Progestins" for pharmaceutical products. Synthetic progestins that are in prescriptions like PremPro, are often called "progesterone" by physicians but Beware!!!! There is a huge difference in these prescription drugs and natural bio-identical products with true progesterone. Additionally we have truely "herbal" products like the ones described below.

MoonMaid's core products; ProMeno Wild Yam Cream, ProAndro Men's Wild Yam Cream and VitalVulva Wild Yam salve are a slightly different products then those mentioned above in that we do an "herbal infusion" process of the plant into organic olive oil. Akin to making a cup of tea with a herb and water, jar of herb and oil is warmed at a low temperature the theory being that the properties of the herb are taken into the oil. Our products are applied topically and geared to help women and men who are experiencing hormones swings due to menopause, andropause, PMS, and a variety of other symptoms that seem somehow directly related to the toxic estrogens in our environment. Though these products do not contain any actual hormones they seem to help the body address hormone balance in a natural way. Hormone free products are increasingly being sought out by women and men who have any sort of cancer issues.

We definitely think hormone and adrenal balance are critical to a healthy life.........and we Believe that herbs can be a big help. Hear more about this subject on my blog talk show on Tuesday @ 2 where I will discuss the effective way to use MoonMaid products for hormone issues........and why it is so predominant in society today. Listen here:
http://bit.ly/tkPVVR
Until next week.......may you delight in all of the weeds that grow around you!!!
Cynthia @ MoonMaid Botanicals
www.moonmaidbotanicals.com
moonmaidbotanicals@yahoo.com
877.253.7853

2011-11-16T13:50:00.001-08:00

May since I have written. Did make it home at last from Virginia. Have done another road trip since then out West to NewMexico to the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference. The best I have ever attended. Wonderful group of brilliant and eclectic folks!!!! Took my Toyota Truck on that trip and discovered I am no longer a "truck gal" which I was forever. I guess from my truck, I graduated to a wagon that I also loved, then to my fabulous van.......I do tend to get attached to my vehicles. I have now moved on to a Subaru Outback Wagon. Really great!!!! Now....trying to decide to keep the truck or let it go. Do I really need two cars? I live in the country....trucks are handy, alas, it does not happen to be a 4WD. Time will tell.
Now off to tidying up this blog!!! I am planning to begin a Herb of the Week. That should keep me busy for a long long while......so many wonderful plants!!!
Until next time.....

Road trip.....and Beyond....

2011-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

This started out as a wonderful road trip to see Megan, my previous assistant and dear friend.........it has gone very crazy .......I've posted a bit about the craziness but here is a more detailed story.

My engine blew up in Lexington, VA, after I had just left Megan Jones where we had a most outstanding visit. Such a shock as I keep my car in excellent running shape and had it "gone over" before I set out on this road trip. My boyfriend Ronnie was on his way to get me on his one day off, I turned him back, as Barrett was also on his way to Tennessee and would pick me up.....several hours later.....Barrett broke down....too late for Ronnie to set out now. No rental cars in the area that will let you go one way. Have to get to Roanoke airport.There is no such thing as a taxi here, as in YellowCab or something like that. The "cab," an old Ford LeSabre, arrived Sunday morning, and as I mentioned before, sounded like the bearing or something was going out in the front passenger end.....return to hotel.....waiting to hear from Barrett...as he has to get back to Tennessee in the next couple of days......hopefully with me and my darlin' Delilah. Geeeezzzzzz................

Spring has sprung

2011-04-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

A grape hyacinth

Gorgeous mullein....

yellow violet....

Lunaria or Money Plant getting ready for a full moon this Sunday....

A lovely Dogwood blossom layin' on a bed of chickweed...

Crocus' that came on early....

A beautiful and graceful dogwood......

Here we have some Columbine...

Ranting.....

2011-03-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

To all of my new age friends running around in fear of "the apocalypse" created by our government, or Mother Earth or aliens coming down from above....GET OVER IT!!!! Are we not the group that constantly says, and continues to say......"what you think about you beget," "what you focus on you become" "thoughts are things" etc etc etc Either we BELIEVE we create our own reality, or we're talking a lot of BS. Yes there is a lot crap happening......I am aware and I continue to visualize peace and abundance....for Japan, for Libya, for Iraq, for Afghanistan, for Haiti, for the homeless of the USA, for the starving of the world, and yes....even for me!!! And that's my story.......

I HEAR the fear.....

2011-03-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

I HEAR my friends and family, the radio, the television, overheard conversations, classes on doom....I hear it. Ahhh....I can understand the concern and shake my own head. What is happening? What can be done? How can we deal with it? What will I do?? Toxins, radiation, earthquakes, food costs, fuel costs.....my God!!!
I SEE the Japanese people torn and picking themselves as they pick through the ruble of their lives. The workers who continue to enter the nuclear plants, to assist because they are old......or certainly dedicated. The Libyan rebels........pushing ahead despite all odds, the Egyptian citizens who havn't given up, people taking action all over the world.....doing something, anything.
I BELIEVE that "what I focus on I draw into my life."
I CHOOSE to believe that each day I will deal with life's challenges in the most honorable, compassionate, and thoughtful way possible. I will be grateful that I have this day, one more day. And when I blunder
I HOPE that I will pick myself up and go forward......in gratitude, compassion and grace, for one more day, one more chance to do something, one more chance to make a difference for myself, my community and for my sacred and beautiful MotherEarth.

2011-03-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

And now for Spring........

2011-03-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

which is Rain rain and more rain. And my garden is loving it. Daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, comfrey and dandelions are all beginning to show their beauty. Lots of colors and I love that!!! My garden has become a metaphor for life for me. It is bountiful, then grounded and stationary for a bit, then ready to give of it's harvest, then a dying back. All of these cycles require a bit of care, or everything goes to waste.....and the abundant beauty is lost..or is it. If let to go to mayhem.........it will eventually die back, freeze to the ground and lay in a pile and begin the cycle again. I find, however, with just a bit of attention, tending to my garden makes it ever more splendid, ever more bountiful, ever more lovely and abundant.

Having gone through a very extreme, for me, bronchial illness recently.......it has reminded me that I am like my garden. And though I can go on and on without care or consideration for myself........just a tiny bit of attention makes me stronger, healthier and ever more lovely and prosperous!!!

Something I shall not soon forget..........

Snow...

2011-01-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

Snow snow and more snow. The oldtimers are saying this is like the winters of old. Definitely makes one want to snuggle by a fire with a cup of tea and a good book or movie or friend. Currently my partner and I are separated by this beautiful white stuff.....he is snowed in at the cabin, I'm snowed out at the Singlewide. One of us has got to get a four wheel drive ASAP. And learn not to drive down roads that have not been plowed, and to stay away from the edge (ditch). I've been stuck twice and spun out on ice and just basically scared the beejeesus out of myself. I'm from Southern California.......I never touched snow until I was 17. I would see it in the mountains of the BigBear and San Bernadino mountains....when the smog parted....but it was a distant "thing" that I never dealt with. When I went skiing with my boyfriend who loved snow....I hurt my ankle on the bunny slope and that was it for me. I guess I don't really like being on skinny things going fast downhill. I love to water ski.....the landing is so much softer, mostly. And, I've gotten in to a bit of sledding which is fun and the "stopping" is so much easier then on skis, for me. I am learning to go with the flow....but do hope I get to go home tomorrow.

Saturday and Sunday....I will be at the Knoxville EarthFare's talking about women's health and herbal products. Turkey Creek on Saturday and Bearden on Sunday. Should ole man winter allow it......

2011 Paying it Forward

2011-01-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today I was introduced to or rather reminded about a concept of Paying It Forward. Five is one of my favorite numbers so I was excited to hear of this exercise..... I promise to give away 5 things made by me to 5 people who promise to do the same. As you can imagine....the immense potential of this is incredible. So......email me your address.....the first 5 of you I hear from will receive a gift from me...that I have created myself.

moonmaidbotanicals@yahoo.com

I posted this earlier today on Facebook....and have had five respondents. And I have responded one of them so have 5 more to gift. And now, I will have 5 more and potentially more. As you can see.....I am exremely excited about the concept of giving in this way. Isn't it wonderful to spread our wonderful selves out into the world......with only the expectation that our gift will create 5 times 5 times 5 and on and on and on. Perhaps this will go viral......and won't that be delightful!!!

Going home.....

2010-12-29T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have had a very wonderful time with family. Though I have missed my mountain home, and am ever so glad to be headed in that general direction tomorrow, I will miss my "family" when I am in Tennessee. I love my three nephews beyond measure...they have developed into such great human beings, and of course, I will miss my sisters. I miss everyone of course, my Mom, my brother in law, my older neices and nephews and their kids.....but there is something about sisters that is very special. My sisters are twins and I find the interaction between them interesting.....and very special. They are identical twins and though they certainly look different now........they are one person in two bodies a lot of the time. They finish each others sentences, they say the same things, they buy the same stuff....maybe this use to happen more then it does now......but it does happen. And sometimes.......we, all the three of us.....know what the other one is thinking, talk at the same time.....and I note that some folks just shrug. They have no idea what we are all talking and giggling about. Today.....one's husband was on my mind....he walked through the door unexpectedly........and they both screamed. You had to be there.....but it is a memory that will make me laugh for a long while.........just thinking of it now....I get a smile on my face. I write this post on a computer that is not mine....so I do not have access to my photos......in a few days.....I'll post some photos of "my family." It is special. My recent loss, of a good friend who was "like family" makes me want to hold onto, embrace, and squeeze tight those who are closest to me. And, it is my sisters....and the gifts they have given me. I do have four lovely nieces, a fantastic brother and sister in law....but again, sisters.....are just something else!!!!!

Christmas Day

2010-12-25T19:02:00.001-08:00

It was a good day......I talked to a number of people....we laughed and cried and remembered our friend. We got a bit mad too......suicide is so selfish.....really, when you think about it. What could I have done, what could I have said to have made this dear man happier......helped him not to feel so desperate. If only I would have called that morning instead of waiting until this morning. And then of course, one must accept that we all have our own paths and Ken did what he felt he had to do. I will miss him for a very long time. He and I were working on a big project together....still in the planning stages of printing paperwork, and making reports and getting the details together for a fundraiser. I don't know about any of this....Ken knew about all of it and was going to teach me. Not to mention he was a master at raising and managing cash, the flow etc............ahhhhhhhh geez. I will really miss him, I cannot replace him, I will just have to trust the Universe to lead me down the road into the next big mystery...........

The Spirit of Christmas

2010-12-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

What is that.....what does it mean? Those of you who follow this blog, know that I have struggled with the energy of "getting into it." I did, though, get to Florida, have been around family and most specifically a bunch of great kids. My sister's planned a wonderful Christmas Eve gathering. It was all looking good..........

My sister Kim, unfortunatly, had a miserable migraine, one which put her to bed. I have never seen my sister in such pain, and it was a terrible feeling not to be able to "do anything" for her. I am always trying to "fix" everything, and this time I could not.

Still, we carried on, the kids opened the pajamas they know they will get from Grandma/Nana and loved them......smiles on faces. Then we all packed up so the house could be quiet for the miserable migraine. I don't know if you have ever had one, but it is a feeling I cannot quite explain, you cannot move, think, or even sleep. A most terrible pain.....until it passes.

Then, on the way home, I recieved a call that will forever change my life. One of my friends, so despondent, so unable to deal with the "holiday spirit" took his life. I am empty, void of feeling at this moment. Only thoughts, if only I had called this afternoon when he passed through my mind......we had plans and I wanted to remind him of them. I knew he was fragile, and thought I would wait until Christmas day....to make sure he knew he was loved. And now, it is too late.
Do you hear me Ken. ARe you floating around me.....do you know how much you meant to me?
Do you understand that though I am sad I am also angry that you could be so selfish. You mean so much, we had so much to do, you were such a special person......one I will never be able to replace in my life. You gave me more than I had ever expressed to you.....you were one of my best friends, I had grown to love our conversations and looked forward to so much more. I will miss you so very very much........when I pass through this void.....I hope that I will find a way to carry on the good that you had given to our tiny community in the mountains.

I admire, respect and love you Ken Porterfield. I trust in death, you will find peace. Meanwhile, I will shed a tear and miss you for a very long while................

Christmas/Holiday Spirit

2010-12-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

I have had a bit of a difficult time getting into the holiday spirit. Somehow the commercialism of it all, and sometimes the expectations......get to me. I am about to go and visit family, where I know the children will help to get me "into the mood." It is, for the most part (and I've heard many a parent say), for the kids. The expectation of SantaClaus, the smiles and shouts of joy in the morning ARE all events that make me smile when I think of Christmas' past, and the one to come.

All of these "feelings" gave me a moment of pause as I drove to work this morning.....I began to think of what this time of year is really like for me. It is an ending....therefore I reflect. Today and many days, it is GRATITUDE that comes to mind. I'm grateful for lots and lots of things and do try to focus on this most days. It occurred to me, however, that there are many things and people I am grateful to, and for various reasons, I do not have an opportunity to acknowledge to them this fact. Some will read this, some won't, some have passed on, yet I thought it would be a good acknowledgement for them and a good exercise for me if I jotted them down:
I'm grateful to Kell for bringing me to these mountains
I'm grateful to Terri for Chicory coffee, super sweet at 4 inthe afternoon
I'm grateful to Justin for my little Delilah
I'm grateful to my Nana for her accordian and playing "Babes in the Woods" over and over again
I'm grateful to my Aunt Sandy for being the "cool Aunt" I hope I am most times
I'm grateful to Aunt Mary for her "wildness," and for my present day dislike of canned fruit salad
I'm grateful to Fount for teaching me about the "old ways" here
I'm grateful to my Father for "talks" while we drove in the car
and to all the folks who have touched my life at various times and in various way, living or dead, who I have neglected to mention here.....I'm just grateful that you gave me space in your life..........

Winter weather....

2010-12-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

I dearly love the change of seasons...growing up in Southern California, though we did have seasons, they were certainly not as pronounced as what I experience here in East Tennessee. The first few winter's I was here, we had a bit of snow, it was cold, and I took to it like a fish to water. I walk my dog everyday, we don't even care if a bit of snow falls. Then came the winter of 2007.........I was completely caught off guard, ran out of wood, could not split the wood I got, could not keep the stove going. I gave up and put blankets up to close off my living room and bedroom and moved in to the center of my cabin and used electric heat. Thank goodness the power never went out.

Winter 2008........long, lot's of snow. Though I was prepared wood wise, figured out how to keep the outflow of my water draining, so as to prevent the bathtub from overflowing....I forgot to mention that in '08. I thought I was okay. Then, it snowed, and snowed and snowed. And, with snow and the freezy nights come ice. I did not get out for almost 9 days. I did, indeed, go a bit stir crazy......just ask Meggie:)

2009.....things looking good as I have an office closer to town now. I can stay here when weather gets rough, and I did several times. 2009 felt a little "better."

Well now here we are in 2010. I'm at the office....good....and I have been since Sunday. Did I mention I am having a party on Friday night. Barely have an ornament up. Oh, and the pipes froze here at the office, and poor old Delilah and I both slipped off the porch. We were not hurt but must have been a sight!!! It is icy out there yet but I am hopeful and I am sooooo hoping to get home tonight......I really want to put on a dress and have that party...........

This is not profound....

2010-12-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

But....AT LAST.....the lids are here!!! Production will now resume.

holiday stress.....

2010-12-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

Do you suffer from holiday stress? I generally, like to "appear" But, of course, I do. And on top of trying to get to a lovely town where I might do some shopping, ie Asheville I have this, may I be so blunt, damn lid scenario, which is preventing me from getting orders out, mind you I ordered them before Thanksgiving.....they were on the way, oh...sorry, they were never shipped, oh.....they are shipped, oh, sorry they really weren't, oh, now they definatly are, they arrive, they are the wrong cap, meanwhile, another case shipped, it is 4:30 on Monday, they still are not here............another day of production gone to crap!!! I think I have it all planned out to a T.....ya know, and then life happens. Well..........to use a Southern term, with a bit of inflection mind you, Well............I am just trying to "buck up" and move on. I do, however, have an employee who could, and would, love to be working this week. grrrrrrrrrrr.....alas, as she so wisely said, shit happens. Tomorrow.....digging through the muck......:) still smiling........

Stories....

2010-12-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful friend who thinks that I am incredibly funny. She often suggests that one day she will pull together a book of all my stories. I am hoping to make this blog a place where I share my personal, as well as professional insights, which seem always wrapped in some sort of "story."

The craziest thing, often when I sit down to write......I go completely blank. I assume this is writer's block...............dang it!! In the future.....when they hit me, I shall write.

The latest "happy place" in my business world has been Facebook. I have found it to be the most useful tool..........I had thought it would even phase out my blog....but learned, from another wise woman, that one must diversify. So...blogging. My big amazement with Facebook has been my MoonMaid page. I watch with wonder what seems important and attractive to folks, and how they respond to my business activity posts. I have just recently, crossed the 1000 fan mark. Those of you who know me well know that I am giving a big uuuuuuuuuwhooooooooo!!! It felt really good to cross that mark. My posts, the little ads, pictures and sales....really seem to attract customers. This past week I did a cyberMonday sale and had a huge response. Still trying to get those orders out....ran out of lids, distributor order a big giant bunch of stuff and well, it has just taken me longer than I thought.

Instead of stressing out..........I remain smiling and know that I'll get there.........and everyone will love the products and me!!! Good feeling for a drama queen...................

12 Hours

2010-12-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Twelve hours is an, admittedly, long time to be on the road. That is, travelling in a car. Despite all the times I get out and stretch, walk the dog etc, I find myself anxious and sooooo ready to be home once I get there. I find that I simply want to "fall into" my surroundings for a day or two.
And....life does not always offer that luxury. I sort of hear a theme song here.........it's chipper, and one moves along.....then as it goes forth....it drags out a bit.

Needless to say, I came home from this journey to lots of orders, mail to catch up on and the usual things of life, bills, production issues, pet needs, home needs etc etc etc or, as I prefer to say, blah blah blah...........

And this is all, not to say, that I most definitely love my "personal" time in a car with the dog. I drive along. I observe my surroundings. And I must say that EVERY time I travel, I notice something I did not notice the time before. And, did I mention I have travelled this route hundreds of times. anyway....there is a pearl of wisdom in every journey...this journey

love, really love and appreciate where you are at, see your future with a great big smile......and that love will carry you to where you are going. Not profound for sure....but it hit me like a great big brick.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T05:48:00.001-08:00

The "holidays" have always been a time of travel for me. Because I am single with no children...it is easier for me to come to my family then for them to put the kids in the car and come to me. Not to mention that my home is a one bedroom cabin in the woods. It use to require a plane trip for me as my siblings and parents were scattered about California and Florida and Indiana or Illinois. Now, my sisters and families are in Central Florida and my brother and his family are nearer to me in North Carolina. Make things just a little easire.Since my Dad died, I have made a point to be with my Mom at Christmas, always a special time for her. She loves to decorate. So, it is wonderful that my sisters, nephews and nieces and Mom are at least in the same state. This always makes for a good time....complete with all the stuff that comes along when large families get together.

Last evening I watched a show called Parenthood. I don't watch much television as I don't have reception at home. This show really kept me glued to the TV. It was family stuff, with all it's lumps, bumps and compromises. It made me smile, as well as bringing a tear to my eye several times. I will even look for a DVD set so I can get all the background and understand the characters. Good acting...good show, if you should find you have a moment on Tuesday evening.

After Turkey day I will travel home. Though a long drive, I have my my particular rest stops I visit with my travelling companion Delilah, pictured above, a couple of restaurants that appeal to me as well as certain gas stops. It is a long day, but I am grateful MoonMaid allows me to make these journeys when I want to. Plans always seem in flux......yet, there are those moments that make it all worthwhile. I did not get to go hang out with my sister's and nephews in Daytona this trip....things got complicated. Perhaps another time. I will enjoy our Thanksgiving meal and miss those who aren't there.

Something I realized while watching Parenthood, is that I have never really created my own holiday traditions.....aside from travel. Well, and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas and listening to the sound track again and again. This show made me yearn for something, but I am not sure what. Perhaps on the long drive home on Friday...things will percolate to the surface.

Meanwhile, I hope you and yours have a most wonderful Feast!!!

Tax Week....

2010-04-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today begins a new week. The garden could not be more spectacular. Yesterday I found trout lily's as well as the first Morrell mushrooms of the year. I hope to find many more this week. We roasted the few we found on the grill.....delicious. Couldn't help but munch a few dandelion greens, violet flowers and trillium petals as well.
Blog Talk show tonight. High energy between my guest and myself. We are excited about the show. The sun is highlighting my dandelion blossoms now...........have to have a few fried blossoms tonight!!!

BlogTalk Radio

2010-03-29T13:30:00.001-07:00

Tonight...7PM ET with me and Silvia Pancaro, creater of MoonStrology Playbook. Listen http://ning.it/a64BBI

It's Spring in the garden here.....as well as the garden of life. Silvia and I will discuss how the Moon can broaden our appreciation of this special Season.

Correction.....

2010-03-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's ProAndro Men's Wild Yam Cream........and the first batch looks great!!

March specials reminder

2010-03-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

We're having a 10% off special this month....and a free gift in every order. Also have prototypes of our two newest products, Lover's Lube and ProMeno Men's Wild Yam Cream, available at a huge discount. Call 1.877.253.7853 for these specials.

BlogTalkRado

2010-03-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

BlogTalk show with MoonMaid Botanicals, tonight 7:00 PM ET/The Benefits of Receiving and Giving Massage Therapy with Lisa Goodkind
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moonmaidbotanicals

And.....Spring is in the Air!!!!! Can ya feel it?????

New stuff

2010-02-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

Fifteen years in business deserves 500 Fans on our FanPage on Facebook, don't you think. become a Fan here
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MoonMaid-Botanicals/47592982622?ref=ts

MoonMaid Botanicals new class schedule for March and April is up. Check it out here
http://moonmaidbotanicals.com/class_schedule.htm

Join us on Twitter here
http://twitter.com/moonmaid

Test post

2010-02-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

This post is to test that all new postings here, will be mirrored on facebook.

A new week........

2010-01-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Lot's of activity. I am working on a class schedule, a blog schedule and some trips I'll be making this year. One more trip in the ole van.......I'll be 55 this year and it seemed to me that I might not do another "in the van road trip" again....as I enter the late Fall of my life. Needing to trade up the van anyway....but since I invested a bit of money in repairs and tires.....one more trip on the road is in order before I retire the old gal. Family reunion in Iowa requires travel so I will plan the trip around that. I'll be visiting natural food stores, of course, more on the itinerary later....I'd love to visit you in your town.

Also continuing my blogradio show this week with Nomi Shannon, a raw food chef and author. She has some interesting insights on eating a raw food diet. Very educational and inspiring...even if you never go completely "raw."
listen @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moonmaidbotanicals

who's reading out there. I'd love to hear from you!!

BlogRadio Shows

2010-01-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to a new series of BlogTalk Radio shows beginning this week with financial coach Morgana Rae. She is the creator of Financial Alchemy and a gifted coach. Her concept of a "money honey" really spoke to me.....and I continue to use this concept as a tool to better my relationship with money. Tuesday evening 7PM ET http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moonmaidbotanicals
Check it out!!!

Blog Talk Radio

2009-11-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

I'm loving my Blog Talk Radio shows. Though not really radio....it's an internet broadcast, it is fullfilling my long lost desire to be a DJ. That was my goal as a young teen listening to my hand held transistor radio. I can still remember the smell of that radio. I believe I'll have to find one.....for nostalgic reasons.
You can find information about my shows at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moonmaidbotanicals
If the link is not highlighted......copy and paste into your browser window.

Callers into the upcoming shows would surely be appreciated.....and we'd prefer not to "set them up" in advance. Thanks for listening!!!!

a few glitches

2009-10-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moonmaidbotanicals
Here is a correct ink to the BlogRadio Show tonight. Geez....glitches. Copy and paste it to your browser.....as am not sure that you can link directly from here.

And, Megan is coming on a full time assistant. We're looking for an apprentice.....getting it together.

Blog Talk Radio....

2009-10-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

It is not really radio.....it is an internet service, that is free, where one can create a program to inform on literally any subject. And there are literally thousands of subjects. My show is a menopause forum where I invite guests to share a variety of expertise ranging from herbs for hormone health, menopause and organization, menopause and soy (soy is often recommended as beneficial for ladies of "a Certain Age") allergies, menopause and creativity, menopause and coaching, menopause and a new career.
I hope my readers will join me in this thirty minute discussion....to help "Women of a Certain Age" deal with overwhelm, life changes, physical changes etc. Here is a link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moonmaidbotanicals

rain rain rain

2009-10-15T19:23:00.001-07:00

The drought is officially over here in Tennessee....it has rained, it seems like, forever. October is our driest month...it has rained every day of October. I believe I shall grow mushrooms behind my ears soon......

Back from the conference.....

2009-10-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Where we rocked!!!! Can't wait until next year!!!

SouthEast Women's Herbal Conference

2009-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Off to the conference.......off line for a couple of days....full moon....glorious!!!

Getting ready

2009-09-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Getting ready today for a BlogTalkRadio on Women In Menopause....and Organization. An expert organizer will discuss how the task of "organizing" can make life much more manageable when one is experiencing the ebb and flow of hormones associated with menopause.......overwhelm, anxiety, fear, sleeplessness and depression can accompany the "overwhelm." Elizabeth offers helpful hints and ideas!!!

Then....readying to teach at my very first herbal conference!!! Exciting!!! I hope to expand this to include more conferences next year.....as well as increasing the class schedule here at the "SinglewideInTheCity," the big city of Cosby, that is. Where.......we will soon have a FoodCity right next door.....an I excited. Maybe, we'll see what they bring to the neighborhood.

2009-09-25T10:13:00.001-07:00

cannot figure out how to put music here???

out of reach

2009-09-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be out of computer contact for a few days........strange for me.......I'll be back on Sunday evening.......

Passing of an old friend

2009-09-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

My old man, DudeWanda, 21 years old, passed on at 10AM this morning. Very interesting transition......sitting with a dying cat while a seven year old bounced around the house. I was making tea, washing clothes, finding a snack, checking in on the cat, running a bath, answering a million questions about all of the above.......realizing how incredible the power of a 50 something woman is......could I have done this when I was 20................settling into the fall of my life. And today, have given me a wonderful and powerful lesson.

Monday.......last day of August

2009-08-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

My birthday is officially over today......I like to celebrate all month.
Harvesting comfrey and off to the office to write an article on Yarrow....my new favorite herb. So extremely helpful to women who are having fibroid issues. I am one of them. Who would have thought I'd have to deal with this. Nothing like a little first hand experience I always say!!! Now I understand more clearly what many of my customers are going through.

Weekend approaches

2009-08-28T12:11:00.001-07:00

I am hoping that it really will be a week end. Very busy week, lots accomplished. I need, however, a break from my techno world. Let's see if my garden can give it to me.

though I was tired

2009-08-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

the blogTalkRadio went really well. Looking forward to launching into a weekly format. I imagine it will take a few weeks to get the kinks worked out.....but it is coming. Video's next.

Found the mildew smell this AM. Something no one should really have to breath so I will spend the day with "mildew elimination."

as well as harvesting and drying comfrey. Noticing that by next year at this time, we'll have enough calendula to suffice MoonMaid. Most satisfying. I am so glad to have a sunny garden now at the "Singlewide in the City," the big city of Cosby, Tennessee that is

Blog Talk Radio Show....the Beginning

2009-08-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Cynthia-Johnston
Here's the link to my blog talk radio show, this evening at 8PM EDT. It's the first in a group of weekly shows dedicated to bringing valuable information about the hormone health of women. That means menopause to many.....but can be many other things like infertility, early onset puberty, peri-menopause and PMS to name a few. And all those hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings etc.......help is offered.
You can also call in to the show at 646-727-1285

Technical stuff

2009-08-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am determined to get " in alignment" with all this technical stuff. Just scheduled a BlogTalk Radio Show for Tuesday, August 25th at 8PM EDT. The link is

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Cynthia-Johnston/2009/08/26/Menopause-and-Herbs-for-a-Health-Transition
You can copy and paste this into your browser. I'll spend the 30 minutes introducing herbs, my company and announce future shows with special guests.
Hope to hear you there!!

BlogTalkRadio

2009-06-22T19:11:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for my BlogTalkRadio show with Luci Weston of
www.HereWeAreWithLuci.com

excellent show for women on Women's HOrmone Health.
Join us if you can.

Blog Talk Radio

2009-06-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Excited about a BlogTalkRadioShow with LuciWeston of www.herewearewithluci.com
She has a great site of resources for women. I am honored that she has invited me to be her expert on hormones for women's health.

taking the weekend off. Enjoy the longest day, SummerSolstice this Sunday, June 21. It is also the NewMoon.....a solstice with a twist.

catch the radio show by logging on

www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Here-We-Are

Starting a new focus on this blog

2009-06-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Youe are now a business blog. I am thinking of the best categories I might use to inform my public of what I am up to. Thankfully I was just gifted with a who can help me do just that. More tomorrow.....

goals

2009-05-16T04:49:00.001-07:00

It is my intention, and goal, to check in to Twitter, this blog, and the Boundless Living Challenge everyday. I have not been very involved in any of my daily "posts" because of the move to the office. The move has been great.....I love the office. I find, however, that I must keep up with posting to keep me goal focused.

today

2009-05-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

We have sunshine!!!! Wonderful....though I am appreciating the much needed rain. It is making getting the office done" a little challenging. Tomorrow another full day at the office, painting, setting up and such. Monday I hope to do my first production run in the new space. That will be fun!!!

2009-05-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

Today.....another rainy day. Getting ready to venture forth.....post office, delivering orders, getting classes set up. Getting caught up with this paper work.

today

2009-04-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

I realized how lucky I am. Though I am not experiencing the recession directly, I am witnessing it through a couple of friends. One is about to lose her house and the other is looking and looking and not finding work. They are running out of money....I feel for them. And, do not know how to help.

today

2009-04-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Getting set up in my new office. It feels great!!!! Things are slowly coming together. I think sometimes that is better. I was all in a rush, at first. Organically things have just taken time.....it's okay. I'm learning how to put up underpinning, run a weedwhacker for the first time in a long time, feeling incredibly self sufficient. It is a good feeling.

2009-04-11T05:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/04/08/act-now-email-kansas-gov-sebelius-no-growth-hormones-in-milk/

This is incredibly important information about chemicals in our food. It should wake us up.
I'm doing a talk today about women's health related to hormones.....this is a classic example and I hope the gals attending will look up this important information.

Off to Florida

2009-03-23T04:55:00.001-07:00

Getting out the door to Florida after one more walk in the woods with the dog.

getting ready to go to Florida

2009-03-22T06:05:00.001-07:00

Travelling use to be one of my greatest joys in life. I'm getting ready to go to Florida to see family and take care of business......yet find I would just love to hang out and watch my garden bloom. I realized yesterday when working with my plants, that I am going to miss my tulip bloom......someone will have to take pic's for me. HOpefully I'll get back in time to see them fully opened.....not all withered away.

Link to Blog Radio

2009-03-17T07:09:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to a blog radio show I did recently. It was fun. Sometimes I amaze myself at what I know.
http://www.bigblendmagazine.com/MoonMaidBotanicals/index.htm

Everyday is a new day

2009-02-27T11:28:00.001-08:00

I marvel at how, when I just let go, things simply work themselves out!!! Neighborhood problems, which seem so huge, and are really, will work out. And, I did not have to "take charge." That is something I always feel "I have to do for anything to get done." Is that arrogance??

2009-02-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

getting ready for a busy week. A radio show this weekend through Burro Express....a lead I got from the INdie Beauty Network. A great networking site. Off to blog there next.

2009-02-19T08:41:00.001-08:00

keeping up....it is hard sometimes. I have lots going on, getting ready for a trade show, making samples...printing catalogs etc. It is supposed to be cold tonight so of course there is preparing for the cold....getting water, and that sort of thing.

2009-02-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

I am so extremely happy to have this blog back!!! Good to be networking. Fabulous day in Knoxville. I am amazed at how wonderful my customer and my friends are to me!!!

I think I've got it

2009-02-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I have been able to log in to this account.....changes at Google. At last I can. So much has occurred. We got our cream recipes down. Exciting!! The addition of shea butter has been a gift.....and for a tiny bit of time a curse. We have the new recipe down, and thankfully, we can use all of the same ingredients as before....in the same descending parts on the list. It is so expensive to change labels....it was nice to make this discovery. Gearing up to go to Anaheim California for a hugh trade show the beginning of March. Should be a lot of fun. love networking.

2009-01-26T07:01:00.001-08:00

An anonymous blogger.......go to my website www.moonmaidbotanicals.com and email me.

2009-01-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

What's up with gmail. I had to create a whole new blog.....i like my old one.

Today

2009-01-23T19:12:00.001-08:00

I am amazed everyday at the wonderful business I have created here at my desk, in a kitchen, with my computer. The amazing tools technology offers sometimes makes me feel like "a little bit of magic" occurs every time I sit down and look at my emails. Despite all of the "potential gloom" that is around.....I am thriving, MoonMaid is thriving and I am very happy to have found this path.
I hope everyone finds what makes their heart sing.

MenopauseMania with MoonMaid Botanicals RadioBlog show next Friday. January 30th at 10PM EST chat or blog at www.blogtalkradio.com/Cynthia-Johnston

Call in 646-727-1285 if you are on the phone and online....be sure to turn your microphone off.

blogtalk radio

2009-01-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

Just signed up to do my first BlogTalkRadio. On Friday January 30th, I will host a show at 10PM Eastern........want to include all the west coast gals. I'm excited. A discussion about menopause.

Join me!!!

2009-01-13T16:04:00.001-08:00

Getting very excited about doing a video tomorrow for UTube.

Today

2009-01-13T06:48:00.001-08:00

is a gorgeous crisp day. It is supposed to get very very cold......which will change some of my travel plans. Oh well......one has to go with the flow.
I am still seeking ways to reach a broader audience of menopausal women. Perhaps UStream, perhaps blog radio.....perhaps everything.
Suggestions????

Web tools

2009-01-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

I am learning about live radio broadcasts, ustream tv, and so many tools to get one out there. I have a dream of reaching menopausal women across he planet and would love a name for my menopause communtiy. Any suggestions....MenoMania or.......the idea is to attract the gals to whom this will benefit.

Feedback would be greatly appreaciated!!!

New Day

2009-01-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

today has been a great day.......I have gotten through a major anxiety that I have been experiencing for about 6 weeks. I feel great.....and that feels good. I'm planning my trip to Charlotte next week for a HealthFair, setting up a lecture for women before Valentine's Day on Healthy Menopause, and planning to attend a HUGE Natural Food's Expo in California in early March. Tomorrow a mammogram........something I have very mixed feelings about. Any feedback out there???

Rain

2009-01-06T19:37:00.001-08:00

It is wonderful to hear the rain on a tin roof......but....it has been raining for 24 hours. I've listened to a wonderful teleseminar, despite the noise, and realize that I need to educate myself on how to use this wonderful world of the internet more effectively. I want to do a live telecast like the one I listened to tonight. In fact, I would love to do a monthly telecast on women's health. I would love to do a video that I can use for training for all the many stores that sell my products. If anyone out there can teach me........let me know because I love to teach!!!

I have had trouble sleeping

2009-01-03T00:18:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 2AM, it's now 3, I'm starting to feel tired again. I just read my last post, it brought tears to my eyes. I AM A POWERFUL WOMAN.........isn't it nice to realize that. At last I feel as though I can go back to sleep. I have discovered, this nite, this world that is available to me is a great way to chill out, relax and get ready to go back to a sweet slumber........cynthia

2009 - a New Year

2008-12-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to me that this is a new year approaching this nite. It has been a strange one at that. I lost a loved one and a new employee. I gained, I lost, I struggled, I ran around in circles. The thing I have learned, FINALLY, I believe, is that we do indeed create our own reality.
I sometimes feel like I am hardwired to struggle.......no matter how good it gets I will "struggle." This year, if I have learned nothing else.....it is to indeed "let go, be in the moment, pray, ask, and be willing to receive." I have learned that you can ask and get, but if you are not willing and ready to receive......the opportunity will come and it will go. Just like that.
So, to all of you who challenge yourselves on a daily basis.....I encourage you, as I encourage myself, to let go. Be in gratitude. Recognize grace. Be in the moment.........and THRIVE.

A blessed NewYear to all.............Cynthia

2009

2008-12-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to it. New directions, new relationships, new habits. After a near meltdown......I know I will make it. Thanks to all my friends, family and especially my loyal customers.

Happy New Year

No matter where I go......

2008-12-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

There are women talking about hormone issues. A party, the neighbor stopping over, the gas station......I mean everywhere. My goal is, obviously, finding out how to get to all of you. Any suggestions..........let me know.

The Holidays

2008-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here we are nearly at Christmas Day. All of my friends are cutting back, not sending cards.........we seem to continue to feel this sense of "change" or a shift. Perhaps we are all just rethinking the way we live our lives. I know for me, the doom and gloom that is everywhere can be pervasive.....so I don't listen to it. A bit of news to get the weather is just enough for me.

I may be away from this space for a bit as I travel down to Florida. I'll be working on a house I have inherited and dreaming up new ways to get MoonMaid out to the many women who would benefit from using it. I plan to read up on investing, saving and general money management. I am going to set up a new financial program on my computer. It is clearly time to improve my relationship with money.......which can only improve my ability to operate in the world......hence improving all of my relationships.

I hope you all have a blessed holiday season!!!!!

Hormone Replacement Therapy.......

2008-12-16T19:48:00.001-08:00

It's in the news again.......the article is pasted in below. This is scary stuff. I hope I am able to reach out to more and more women and keep them off these nasty pills. Horse pee may be great for horses, though I doubt it, but it sure is not good for us gals. RESIST.....there is hope in the herbal kingdom.

AP) Taking menopause hormones for five years doubles the risk for breast cancer, according to a new analysis of a big federal study that reveals the most dramatic evidence yet of the dangers of these still-popular pills. Even women who took estrogen and progestin pills for as little as a couple of years had a greater chance of getting cancer. And when they stopped taking them, their odds quickly improved, returning to a normal risk level roughly two years after quitting. Collectively, these new findings are likely to end any doubt that the risks outweigh the benefits for most women. It is clear that breast cancer rates plunged in recent years mainly because millions of women quit hormone therapy and fewer newly menopausal women started on it, said the study's leader, Dr. Rowan Chlebowski of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. "It's an excellent message for women: You can still diminish risk (by quitting), even if you've been on hormones for a long time," said Dr. Claudine Isaacs of Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. "It's not like smoking where you have to wait 10 or 15 years for the risk to come down." Study results were given Saturday at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. They are from the Women's Health Initiative, which tested estrogen and progestin pills that doctors long believed would prevent heart disease, bone loss and many other problems in women after menopause. The main part of the study was stopped in 2002 when researchers saw surprisingly higher risks of heart problems and breast cancer in hormone users. Since then, experts have debated whether these risks apply to women who start on hormones when they enter menopause, usually in their 50s, and take them for shorter periods of time. Most of the women in the federal study were in their 60s and well past menopause. So the advice has been to use hormones only if symptoms like hot flashes are severe, and at the lowest dose and shortest time possible. The new study sharpens that message, Chlebowski said. "It does change the balance" on whether to start on treatment at all, he said. Even so, most women will not get breast cancer by taking the pills short-term. The increased cancer risk from a couple of years of hormone use translates to a few extra cases of breast cancer a year for every 1,000 women on hormones. This risk accumulates with each year of use, though.

The Holidays

2008-12-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

My sister's are at Disney with my three nephews......reminding me of a weekend a few years back when we had a most memorable time. My favorite was the BuzzLightYear ride. It's like being inside a pinball machine. Aunt Kim was great at knocking all the guys out. I wonder if they ride it this time.
I'm preparing for a parte' tomorrow. Just a small holiday get together. Then it is getting into full swing for my trip down south. I am grateful I am bringing my little dog along......I wasn't feeling good about travelling without her. Things changed....she has to come.....Mom and I will work it out.
Just watched Raising Arizona.......strange movie....Nicholas CAge so young.

Off to a sweet winter's sleep.

Today

2008-12-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

The tight economy. It has been something I have been able to avoid mostly. My company is doing well, my home, seems, at last, be in good repair. Oh, there are always things that need to be done....but mostly I'm comfortable and cozy. I have a new kitten...a teenager really, Grace. She is the princess around here these days....her big sister Lily is not at all happy about it. Actually, the crew seems to have accepted her.......she, Grace, has not accepted them. I trust she will.....currently she simply hisses at all but Delilah. We'll get there!!

winter....

2008-12-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

blowing in like crazy now. I am so glad I got the beds composted with the last of the compost. A few more to go.....it will have to wait until a milder day. Off to the post office, gratefully, with a stack of orders. They just keep flowing in. I am so amazed at this cyber world that supports me in having a world of nature all around me.

Today

2008-11-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Heading into the holiday season. I have made a conscious decision to make or create, in some way, all of the gifts I give to my circle of girlfriends. I have so many things that sit in a drawer, that I know someone else could make use of. Unused frames, beautiful drawings in my old calenders, tiny bags and boxes......lots of items that I know will be loved. It feels exciting to do this. For the children.......gift cards for books.......got to keep them intelligent!!!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for all of my friends, my family and the wonderful food we will consume today. I give thanks for all that I have done, learned and seen this year. Though my life has turned in a direction I would not have imagined a year ago....I am grateful to be alive. It is a beautiful sunny day....I shall go for a walk in the woods, breath in the fresh mountain air, raise my arms to the sun and say THANK YOU!!!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T05:04:00.000-08:00

Here it is almost the big eating day!!! I've been a vegetarian for 30 or so years....in that time I have never missed the turkey. Friends often make a tofurkey for me, though that would not be necesary......there is always so much more to eat!!! I most love, about this day, the feelings of family gathering, even if we aren't all gathering in the same place, and I love he sense of gratitude this day seems to bring up for all of my friends. I am grateful for all of you who contribute to my life...to my business......to the wonderful world we have here in the mountains.

Friday....the end of the week/beginning of the weekend

2008-11-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

It snowed last night bringing down the last of the leaves. This weekend will entail sanding the garden, to continue to loosen up the soil, and compost all the beds!!! A joy!!! Whatever last herbs are still showing their faces will be harvested and dried. It is amazing what weather comfrey and lemon balm will grow in. A nice cup of tea.

And, we are loving our new addition to the farm/garden....Ms. GracieGray......a wise little silver kittie. She just couldn't be better.

Winter is on the way

2008-11-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

The leaves have all fallen from the trees. Like the leaves.....letting go.....I have been letting go of HUGE amounts of things, people, and situations in my life. Another death.......a fellow who I had just hired to work as a rep for MoonMaid. Very sudden. Shocking. And.....so what was the meaning of this very special and deep connection.....someone even more enthusiastic about MoonMaid then I was. Wonderful and incredible. When he was jerked out of my life so fast......I had to ask.....what is the message?

Today.....I figured it out. I am supposed to be out selling MoonMaid while Megan and Andrea are holding down the kitchen and garden. So exhilarating to "get it!!!"

Labor Day

2008-08-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

The last full weekend of Summer, officially. It seems much more like early Fall here in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. I am enjoying the shift in the air.

I've had company for the last several weeks, a friend from Australia. It is an interesting experience to share space with someone from another country. It amazes me what they think of us, what we think of them, and I am keenly interested in how other countries "operate." That for means; how do they take care of their citizens, are the trends in real estate the same, is gas as expensive, what is rent like. I was amazed to find out that in Australia, every working person gets 4 weeks paid vacation a year. If you have a stressful job, like social work, you get an extra mental health week. Health care is provided. If you choose alternatives or specialists, that is your choice and you pay. They do pay for chiropractic.....which is seen as alternative here in the US. Taxes are not much higher, litter is not such a huge issue.......somehow it seems like life could be a bit easier there. Not that I would move.......it only makes me ponder what sort of society I would like to live in...........how could we be more community hence creating a less stressful environment for all citizens of this great land.

On my way home....

2008-08-14T05:17:00.001-07:00

I know I will be travelling a lot this year.....taking care of business in Florida. At this moment I am about to begin the journey back to Tennessee and looking forward to it.

Wait a Minute......this is not Georgia!!!

2008-08-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Just as I was entering the freeway on my way South, I got a call from the Lakeland Police Department that my GodFather had died. I tell you.......it is a twilight zone experience. Now I find myself in Florida taking care of details that I never imagined I would be doing so soon. Tomorrow is the day before my birthday.....I'll be meeting with an attorney and "figuring things out." It is an interesting experience going through the things of the loved one who has passed on. I find myself asking questions out loud, noticing things and wondering "how did I not sense that things had gotten so bad." And realizing that these things do happen and going with the flow.
I have a long ago friend arriving from Australia tomorrow. I find it interesting, that after 17 years, she will be meeting my Home, pets and friends before we see each other. Isn't that a trip.
I look forward to getting home. I needed to get away to let go of another situation, the breakup of my relationship......which I really thought was "the one."Sometimes I feel like I cannot breath, at other moments I find myself laughing, smiling remembering, tears flowing with a knowing.

Life and it's many twists and turns........heed the vibe, ride the wave and enjoy every moment.

Monday, a new week, a new life

2008-08-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Starting off this week with a bang. I do a training for the staff of my newest chain of stores, PeachTree in the Atlanta, GA area. I am looking forward to the adventure. I love to be on the road......I think I got that gypsy blood from my Dad. He always loved to take a "ride up the road." That could be an all day affair.
For now......I'm off for a walk in the woods.

Thursday, July 31

2008-07-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

This day use to be the beginning of "Birthday Season" as it was my Father's birthday, Saturday my Mom's, next week mine, then in September my brother and then sister's ( they are twins).
I miss my Dad terribly.......it has been 17 years since his passing......and still feels like it was just a bit ago........and at other times it seems like forever. Having a garden and living on the land has given me a better sense of the ebb and flow of life......it begins, then one day it ends. It is hard, as young people, to "get" that life is precious, should be LIVED every moment, but not only lived, appreciated as well. It is the appreciation that I am beginning to get a better understanding of as I grow older.
As the years have gone by, the family has grown, there are many more birthdays. I can hardly keep up. I may not get Chritmas gifts to all, but I do try to remember birthdays. The one day when we can show a person that they are special.....with a small token of affection. My favorite gifts are ones I can make, grow, or happen to find in a funny little shop. Chocolate, flowers, coffee, or an afternoon together are my favorite gifts.
I offer these thoughts as we go towards the time of Harvest. This is Llamas for the Celts, a time to celebrate the bountiful harvest that awaits us in our Gardens, honor the life these veggies give of themselves to give to us.
Make this a blessed day.........only you can.

Wednesday in the Garden.....

2008-07-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

It's quite early. I'm off for a morning walk with Delilah as I have a coaching call this morning. Business coaching is something I discovered, through my sister Kim. She guided me towards the Success Principles by Jack Canfield. Very powerful stuff. I joined a year long program. Part of it has been a call from a coach once a week.......I have grown a lot. This month alone I have acquired 3 new chains. You will soon find MoonMaid Botanicals products at Mother's in Southern California, EarthFare in the SouthEast, and PeachTree in the greater Atlanta area.
We're growing and thrilled about it.

Make it a great day!!!!

Tuesday....

2008-07-29T03:59:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day after a nights rain. The garden is popping out tomato's faster then we can eat them. Isn't that always the way!!! The kitchen is piled up with, not only produce, but all the herbs I got yesterday. Tried wild lettuce for a relaxant and pain reliever. Best night sleep I have had in days!!! Darn hip......maybe this will help!!!

Off for an early morning walk with the dog!

Make it a great day!!!

Spiffing up my blog

2008-07-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Been having a lot of fun working on this blog. I will post more pictures of the garden later.....right now, off to the PostOffice.

2008-07-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

And now.......one on MySpace
http://groups.myspace.com/menopausemania
I am happily "techno" now!!!!

2008-07-28T04:59:00.001-07:00

OOOPS!!! The group is on FaceBook.

MoonMaid Botanicals

2008-07-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

Day one of blogging......now if I can figure out how to connect it to my website. See MoonMaid Botanicals @ www.moonmaidbotanicals.com

Email Cynthia, the creator....me @ moonmaidbotanicals@yahoo.com

We have a menopause group on MySpace as well......www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19147837535.

If anyone has questions...........1-877-253-7853

Make it a great day.

Cynthia

MoonMaid Botanicals