Posted by chrystibella on December 20, 2008
I’ve been concerned for my dear boy who has it in his head that he must live in a house with no heat (too expensive), with roommates, transferring to a new college and looking for a job and finishing up his semester and final exams here in Sac all at the same time. Mom isn’t around to help out and with the economy and jobs the way they’re going, I can’t do a lot financially either. Boy do I feel hopeless sometimes.
He’s excited to be living the grown up life. Welcome to the real world, kind of living. Yeah it hits like a ton of bricks. So as a mom. I worry. It’s my job.
I didn’t even know if I would see him for Christmas so I’d already sent his gift down to him. Christmas felt like it would be just be another ordinary day, but a day when I would feel depressed because it was Christmas Day!!!
This afternoon I got an unexpected surprise when he called to tell me he was on his way from Mountain View to stop by, visit and pick up a few of his things. YAAAAAAAY! My little heart went flitter flutter. Yeah, I’m sappy. I’ve said so time and time again.
He walked in the door, gave me a big hug and headed for the kitchen. While I was making him a couple of burritos he was inhaling the pickles, apple juice, anything he could grab on to. The boy was HUNGRY!
It kills me to see him struggling but that is part of growing up and moving out on one’s own. I know I went through it. Very few people have wealthy parents who can afford to finance their kids transition into adulthood. In a perfect world, maybe. But in this time when my husband’s job is cutting back their hours from 40 to 20 hours a week. We’re lucky to have a roof over our head and utilities. That’s about all we can afford and food is something we have to stretch.
My son is doing well otherwise, he’s been applying for jobs and has some good prospects. He’s looking for restaurant work. He’s a full time college student and since he lives with a shitload of roomies, rent is cheap. He’s got his first serious girlfriend and he is excited about that. Girlfriends do cost money. He was going to need to get her something nice for Christmas.
Isn’t this a gorgeous?
Newsboy Hat and Scarflette done with Bernat acrylic in Earth and Cozi(chenille like) acrylic in Marbled Taupe as the trim. The Earth color is a dark brown with bumps in creams and golds, Very beautiful and the marbled taupe is a perfect trim, as you will agree. This is simply breath-taking.
Lucky for us, my mom has a nice store on Etsy and she allows us to shop at a HUGE, discount. Basically, she gives us what we would enjoy having. So, tonight my son and I went shopping for his girlfriends Christmas gift. He chose a really nice copper necklace. Then my mom asked me if I wanted to pick something out for myself and I picked out a beautiful Lacy Agate and Copper necklace and a pair of Copper earrings.
I almost picked this:
I had my eye on it for some time. But when I held the other necklace in my hand and looked at the stone, I was in love with it. I wish I had a photo, but she took it down from her store. <sorry
Thank God for Moms!
Since we have been in such a bind Christmas this year has been lean. I’ve put up very little in decorations other than my candles and I do play Christmas music and we’ve been watching Christmas shows and movies so we are not completely void of holiday spirit. We have it in our hearts this year instead of our wallets.
We have enjoyed holiday get togethers with friends. So, we’ve been celebrating. It’s just the big day that I wasn’t looking forward to. Kind of like a build up to a let down.
Last night I was thinking that perhaps by volunteering somewhere is what people do to lift the mood. I didn’t want to have a boring, Christmas day with little or no activity. It’s one thing to watch TV during the holiday but ON THE HOLIDAY I need something more.
I asked my mom what she would think if we volunteered at the VFW to cook Christmas dinner and serve the veterans who have no place to go. I know they do this at our post every Christmas and Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving they served over 80 dinners. I didn’t know how it would be received but my family WANTS to do this and is looking forward to it. I am JAZZED!!!!! I think I am looking forward to this Christmas more than I have ever in a long time. There will be music, and the smell of baked hams and all the fix-ins. We don’t have to purchase the food, but we get to enjoy cooking it and serving it and visiting with people. It’s going to be fun. I’ve always enjoyed the times that I have cooked dinners or volunteered at other post activities. (I’m a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary) You get lost in the camaraderie and the festivities and the work, it’s not really work at all.
So I called today and volunteered us. It happens that the person who they were depending on is in the hospital and they will need the extra help. My son, who hardly ever goes anywhere with us, is even planning on helping. Hell! I’m excited he was even planning to be home for Christmas! I guess when they move out, our kids actually miss us. =) He’s going to be home for the holidays.
Yes, it’s going to be a very Merry Christmas this year!
I would not have expected that during a time when we are all struggling that I would be anticipating the good times ahead. But I am. More than ever!
Sphere: Related Content
Posted by chrystibella on November 16, 2008
So, after having my bad hair experience and many tears, today was much better.
I shampooed my hair and some of the red faded and it now looks more Auburn and less radical red. I didn’t put any hair products in my hair and just blow dryed it by running my hands through it so that it layed down a bit more. It doesn’t look as bad today.
My mom let me pick out a hat from her Etsy store. I chose this one.
Hunter Green 100% Virgin Wool Cap. Has a gently curving brim — an open roll — and the brim is flaired in the back. Lots of texture… which I tend to love.
The flower is a magenta camelia type with 5 petals in two rows and rayon, nylon pink center. There are two woodsy green leaves and one bud with a small leaf on the stem.
I received compliments when I was wearing the hat this evening. Not just from women, but one of my male friends said he really liked the hat and that it looked good on me. He’s funny. He took off his hat and wore mine for a little while (just joking around) but he said he did really like it.
Of course I was encouraged that my hair didn’t look as bad as I thought it did and that it will grow back. One friend even said that she didn’t notice my hair, she noticed my smile.
Today was a better day thanks to my mom and my friends. It IS nice to be loved.
Sphere: Related Content
Posted by chrystibella on October 13, 2008
Eucalyptus Bath Salts:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup sea salt
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- Zip Lock-seal bags or any container with a lid you can seal (glass or plastic)
- A few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil of you can use Lavender or whatever your choice.
I like Eucalyptus when it’s cold and flu season. It seems to clear my sinuses and makes me feel better. I like Lavender when I just want to relax and unwind.
Light some candles and listen to some soothing music….. ah
My favorite relaxing music is on the Celtic channel on
Rhasopdy.
Posted by chrystibella on April 22, 2008
It is an honor for me to present to you my dear friend, Heike. I’m so proud of her. Not only for the things that we are writing about today, but for her spirit, her boundless creativity and generous nature.
Heike embraces life, motherhood, with pure goddess essence. She probably would not say so of herself, but if you read her writings, view her creations and spend a few minutes with her, you will love her.
I present to you, Heike Boehnke-Sharp
Where are you from?
I was born in Germany, and moved here about 12 years ago. My father was living in Sacramento, and I came to study law. As fate would have it, I married my boyfriend of 7 years, and was pregnant shortly thereafter.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
My first memory is that I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then as a teen, a clothes designer (I made the coolest clothes out of patches in the 80’s era!). Then I floundered a bit, and decided that I wanted to move to New York and go to design school to be an interior designer. In the midst of planning this move, I had a car accident (which I talk about in my book, as it was life-changing.). Later, I decided I wanted to study law, and moved here.
When did you start the Goddess in the Groove website and Blog?
When my oldest, Justina, was born, it threw me into a whole new world! I began writing for an online magazine about Attachment Parenting with a twist, because I was working at the time (seems I was a unique entity in the AP world at that time!). The magazine began censoring some of my work. One evening, in 2000, while I was ranting to my husband about freedom of speech, I decided I wanted to have my own website where I could say what I want. The moment I made that decision, the name “Goddess in the Groove” popped into my head. It was registered that night. I began publishing my work there, and the work of other women with opinions.
I started the blog a few years ago. I wanted to have a place where people could communicate with me, and others; a community of sorts.
What does your family think of your artistic flair?
My kids have inherited the genes :). They love making things with me, going to fairs, and selling. I always say we would be happiest if we could travel the world with a gypsy caravan! My children have seen me work in corporate America also, so they know there are different worlds out there! My husband supports me completely, though he still thinks my art is a bit “strange” and hopes Oprah will discover me. My mother, and grandmother, is very proud of what I do, and they both understand the reason I am doing it. At random, they all say: “Have you ever thought of going back into sales???” 
What books have most influenced your life most?
When I was growing up, I read a lot of Greek Myths. Children’s books in Germany at that time were much “heavier” than what I see here now. I read classic literature early on because there was not much more to choose from! I have always loved mysteries: Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie, and such. Now, when I am reading for leisure and not to study, I read books by Maya Angelou, Anne Rice, and historical novels. I just read Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”. The man was a genius, and his book makes me think about how I can direct my life.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I wanted to tie it in with my website, as many of the stories were published there originally. The book is not a novel, or memoirs of my life; the book is filled with short, thought provoking contemplations: Musings. Things that happen every day, and that happen to women around the world.
Who designed the cover?
A wonderful designer at the publishing company who lets the public use it. I just added some finishing touches and my title!
How does it feel to be a published author attending a book signing?
It is a very exhilarating feeling! I am so proud when someone tells me they relate to my stories, or that I made them think and take action! There is nothing better for an author or artist than to touch a life. The publication of my book is another step in the completion of a circle.
What is your next idea or goal for your book?
Definitely Oprah!!
With this book, I hope to reach women like me, who need to read that there are different approaches to life than what mainstream society leads you to believe is “perfect”. I am sending it to midwives and women centers, because I feel this book is a resource both for new moms and women who are “rebirthing” themselves. The book, the website, and the Goddess Pendants are all pieces of a grand plan to one day open a real live women’s center. A retreat for the mind, the soul, and the entrepreneur. 
When did you create your first Goddess Pendant? 
My first Goddess pendant was created 6 years ago. I had a dream and made her to guide me on my journey as a Goddess. She came to me when I found and immersed myself into the Goddess movement. My daughter was 4, and I had just given birth to my son. I needed divine support!
What gave you the idea?
A dream. I just made one and hung her on a cord around my neck. People began to approach me and ask “Is that a Goddess??” My first Goddess was so different than the ones I make now. She was much smaller, and one solid color. Unfortunately, I lost her. My Goddesses have gotten bigger, more colorful, and bolder over the years, just like me :). They actually come to me as they please, no two are ever the same, and I cannot mass produce. You can be assured that you will never see YOUR Goddess on anyone else.
Where can people go to purchase your book and your Goddess Pendants and other products?
Everything can be found on my website, http://goddessinthegroove.com. You can sign up for my newsletter, and be the first to know about sales, contests, etc. The book can also be purchased at most major online booksellers, such as Amazon.
Sphere: Related Content
